Church of St Oswald

St Oswald’s Church stands in Small Heath, Birmingham, as a Grade II* listed former parish church. William Bidlake designed the building and work began in 1892, finishing the following year. It opened for worship in September 1893 after being consecrated. The church started as a mission from St Andrew’s Church in Bordesley. Between 1899 and 1900 it was enlarged to meet growing needs. The interior holds notable artworks and fittings. Sidney Meteyard painted the altarpiece in 1916, while George Latham carved the statue of St Oswald. William Hill’s two-manual pipe organ, built in 1846, was moved here from St Peter’s Church in Handsworth. Bidlake also designed the nearby vicarage in Dora Road in the Arts and Crafts style. In 1924 part of the parish became the new parish for St Gregory the Great’s Church. After closure the building became a preparatory school before merging into All Saints. Visitors find a stone church with tall windows and Arts and Crafts touches. The organ’s pipes stand behind the altar, their dark wood case contrasting with white walls. The carved statue of St Oswald stands near the entrance, dressed in early medieval robes. The altarpiece shows Christ in Majesty surrounded by saints and angels. Outside, the quiet street and modest brick houses frame the church’s presence. The Arts and Crafts vicarage remains a short walk away on Dora Road.