About Us

St Mary's is a very warm and welcoming Church with a very diverse (and growing) congregation.  We are privileged to be able to worship in a magnificent building.  We are vry positive about sharing our Christian faith with those around us and we are confident about our role as the Parish Church at the heart of a fascinating community.

St Mary's is part of the Handsworth Group.

It is the ancient parish church of Handsworth. The first stone church was built in about 1160; it was small, occupying about half of the present south aisle with a tower at its east end (the lower stages of the tower stand today). The church was enlarged in the 14th century, in 1820 and 1876.
There are significant memorials to Matthew Boulton, James Watt and William Murdock (who are all buried here). A fine "chapel", built by Thomas Rickman, houses a splendid statue of James Watt. Canon Tompkins (rector from 1955-92) has written a brief history and guide; copies available from the rector (see contact details).

The church is opened to visitor by arrangement.

The worship aims to be dignified but inclusive and is of a moderate catholic flavour. We use the Book of Common Prayer (1662) for the Holy Communion at 8.00am and Common Worship (2000) at the Parish Eucharist at 11.00am.  Incense is used at the Principal Feasts of the Christian Year.