St Oswald's Church, Small Heath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Oswald’s Church, Small Heath |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
St Oswald’s Church, Small Heath (2011)
|
|
| 52°28′6.33″N 1°51′8.85″W / 52.4684250°N 1.8524583°W | |
| Location | Small Heath, Birmingham |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | Oswald of Worcester |
| Consecrated | 27 September 1893 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | William Bidlake |
| Groundbreaking | 1892 |
| Completed | 1893 |
St Oswald's Church, Small Heath is an old church building in Birmingham, England. It used to be a parish church for the Church of England. Today, it is considered a very important historical building, known as a Grade II* listed building.
The Story of St Oswald's Church
The church was designed by an architect named William Bidlake. It was built between 1892 and 1893. The church was officially opened on September 27, 1893.
Early Days and Growth
St Oswald's started as a smaller "mission" church from St Andrew's Church, Bordesley. This means it was a new church set up to serve a growing community. It was made bigger between 1899 and 1900.
Inside the church, you could find special artworks:
- The altarpiece (a piece of art behind the altar) was made by Sidney Meteyard in 1916.
- A statue of St Oswald was carved by George Latham.
William Bidlake, the architect, also designed a house for the vicar (the church leader). This house was built in Dora Road in a style called Arts and Crafts.
Changes Over Time
In 1924, part of St Oswald's church area was used to create a new church called St Gregory the Great's Church, Small Heath.
Later, St Oswald's Church closed down. The building was then changed into a preparatory school. The church's original area joined with St. Aidan's Church, Small Heath. This new combined church area was renamed All Saints.
The Church Organ
The church had a special musical instrument: a large pipe organ. This organ was built by William Hill in 1846. It was moved to St Oswald's from another church, St Peter's Church, Handsworth. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.
