St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate, Birmingham, September 2025

St Alban the Martyr Church is situated in Highgate, Birmingham. To get there, I took the No. 35 bus and then walked up the hill towards the church. Birmingham Heritage Week is a highlight of September, offering Birmingham residents the chance to visit places that are normally closed to the public or venues that many may not have considered visiting. The Church of St Alban the Martyr falls into the latter category. Anyone travelling into Birmingham will likely have seen its bell tower, which commands an impressive presence on the approach to the city.

St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate, Birmingham, September 2025
Looking upwards at the amazing ceiling details.
St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate, Birmingham, September 2025
The front row of chairs in the sunlight.

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This church had been on my list to visit as part of Birmingham Heritage Week. The doors opened for the event, and I visited on a sunny Friday afternoon. On entering, one cannot fail to be struck by the interior architecture. The high stone-vaulted ceiling was designed by J. L. Pearson, a leading 19th-century Gothic architect who also designed Truro Cathedral. Tall stone pillars rise to support the vault, creating a repeating symmetrical pattern. The ceiling is just one of the many highlights of a church rich in treasures. Even the arrangement of chairs echoes the symmetry above, reinforcing the beauty of the space. I was the only visitor at the time, free to savour the majesty of this Gothic design and to take uninterrupted photographs. The play of light through the windows and the soaring ceiling were especially captivating. Adding to the atmosphere, the church was filled with uplifting music. The organist, David Briggs, was once the organist at the church, and now, lives in New York, where he is Artist in Residence at the Cathedral of St John the Divine. He had just dropped in to practise on the church organ, on his way to Germany to give a recital. I was so fortunate to hear him play whilst I was taking photographs of the church.

St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate, Birmingham, September 2025
A view of the organ being played by David Briggs.

One of the highlights is St Patrick’s Chapel. The altar is striking, and the surrounding artwork is outstanding. Sisters Kate and Myra Bunce, associated with the Arts and Crafts movement at the turn of the 20th century, created the Bunce Altarpiece (or Reredos) that dominates the chapel. The artwork, painted by Kate Bunce, takes the form of a triptych depicting Christ, angels, and the Virgin Mary. The beaten copper frame was designed and made by Myra Bunce. I found myself drawn to this historic piece, which is now a treasured part of St Alban the Martyr Church.

St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate, Birmingham, September 2025
The Bunce Art and Craft displayed on the alter in St Patrick’s chapel.

The church community was warm and welcoming. Teas and coffees were served, questions were readily answered, and photography was encouraged. St Alban’s contribution to Birmingham Heritage Week is both valuable and memorable: rich with community history and enhanced by its remarkable architecture and artwork. This should be high on everyone’s list to visit during the Heritage week.

St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate, Birmingham, September 2025
The Church and Bell Tower.

Details

The following are a selection of details that I photographed from around the church. I hope, like me, you find them interesting.

St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate, Birmingham, September 2025
Church banners
St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate, Birmingham, September 2025
Madona and Child.
St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate, Birmingham, September 2025
Painting and candle holder.
St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate, Birmingham, September 2025
A cherub.
St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate, Birmingham, September 2025
The beautiful lectern in the form of an eagle.
St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate, Birmingham, September 2025
Postcards for sale.
St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate, Birmingham, September 2025
Looking upwards to the stained glass windows.

This is one of several churches that I have visited during the Birmingham Heritage Open Week. I include my visit to the Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazer for your interest. I also include a link to Birmingham Heritage Week 2025.

The Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, Birmingham Heritage Week, Bournville, Birmingham

Birmingham Heritage Week always reveals intriguing places to explore. Each year, the programme goes live at the end of summer, and tickets for the most popular destinations are quickly snapped up. For this year’s Birmingham Heritage week, I set my sights on two churches I had not previously visited, along with a guided walk in Birmingham.

The Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, Birmingham Heritage Week, Bournville, Birmingham
The front entrance.

The first of these visits took me to the Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, a striking Orthodox church situated in Bournville. Renowned for its ornate ceilings and rich decoration, the church stands proudly on a hill overlooking the area. Arriving from Bristol Road, via the number 61 bus, I made the short walk uphill to the gates, where I was warmly welcomed by a member of the congregation.

The Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, Birmingham Heritage Week, Bournville, Birmingham
The image of the Virgin Mary behind the alter.
The Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, Birmingham Heritage Week, Bournville, Birmingham
Close up details from the side alters.

Stepping inside, the splendour of the Byzantine design is immediately apparent. The ceiling is dominated by a powerful image of Christ, while the dome above the altar features a serene depiction of Mary. Stone pillars draw the eye across the space, emphasising the church’s harmonious proportions.

The Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, Birmingham Heritage Week, Bournville, Birmingham
Icons of the Madonna and Child.
The Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, Birmingham Heritage Week, Bournville, Birmingham
The balcony with details at the back of the Church.

Unlike many Western churches, the Serbian Church has few seats. This open design is characteristic of Orthodox worship and allows visitors to move freely around.  I spent much time admiring the icons and intricate details on  the walls. The murals are painted in fresco, a technique where pigment is applied directly onto wet plaster, creating luminous images that glow in the light. I found myself mesmerised, pausing often to steady my concentration so that my photographs might capture even a fraction of the beauty that was before me.

The Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, Birmingham Heritage Week, Bournville, Birmingham
Candles light up the Church.

The exterior holds equal charm. In the gardens, a golden crucifix stands proudly, while the church’s architectural form blends gracefully with its leafy surroundings. Time was against me, and with the church busy that day, I was unable to explore or photograph the adjacent hall—an omission I intend to rectify on a future visit.

The Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, Birmingham Heritage Week, Bournville, Birmingham
The side entrance to the Church.
The Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, Birmingham Heritage Week, Bournville, Birmingham
The imposing domes of the church against the sky.
The Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, Birmingham Heritage Week, Bournville, Birmingham
The crucifix in the gardens of the church.

The Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar is a landmark building and a must see place on the Birmingham Heritage week schedule. The church rewards not only the photographer but also anyone with an interest in history, faith, or art. For those wishing to learn more, the church maintains a comprehensive website offering detailed background on its story and traditions. My own visit left a lasting impression long after I put down my camera. Enjoy the pictures.

The Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, Birmingham Heritage Week, Bournville, Birmingham
Selective colour of the red carpet in the Church.

If you enjoyed this blog then please visit my other Birmingham Heritage visits that I have done over the years

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024

This cathedral is a Birmingham hidden gem.  I have walked past the building several times and always wondered what the place was like inside.  Located on Summer Hill Terrace, the cathedral sits on the edge of the Jewellery quarter.  Summer Hill is an elevated part of Birmingham and when you stand by the cathedral you are overlooking a  busy dual carriageway that leads into Birmingham.  From here you look over the National Indoor Arena with a good view of the new shiny skyscrapers that are being built in the city centre.  The streets around the Cathedral are very narrow with a one-way system.  The church has access to parking and leaving my car I made my way to the entrance.  On this Saturday night, the service of Vespers was taking place.  Vespers is a liturgy of evening prayer.  Sunset is when the liturgical day starts.  The hymns that are sung introduce the day’s themes.   This opportunity of visiting the Cathedral to partake in the Vesper’s service was made possible through the Birmingham Heritage Week and invitation of the Church Committee of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew.    

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
The beautiful symmetry of the Cathedral.

The rain was coming down and walking through the entrance, there was a warm light flowing outwards welcoming you to the Church.  The elders of the cathedral had taken over the church in 1957 and the original stonework with repeating arches is impressive.  Overlaying this architecture was an abundance of riches with extensive chandeliers and religious icons both on the walls and at various entrances. The alter was the focus of a large collection of paintings and icons.   The Greek Orthodox congregation were very friendly and the singing was beautiful.

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
An upward view of the large Chandelier
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
The beautiful arches and stonework.

Before I knew it the beautiful rendition of the Vespers service was over. One of the Church committee then explained the history of the cathedral and pointed out particular features of interest. Then we were invited to look around the cathedral and then to join everyone for refreshments in the Cathedral hall. The cathedral was full and it was difficult to get good pictures with people moving around. I went for refreshments and then made my way out. To my delight the church happened to be quiet and peaceful and I was able to move around and take pictures with my iPhone.  The symmetry of the church caught my imagination and the iPhone is good at working in low light. I particularly enjoyed viewing the icons and the many pictures around the Cathedral. The evening was very memorable and this blog is my attempt to convey the evening through text and pictures.

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
A stunning icon of the Madonna and child.

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Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
Details of the alter.
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
The dome of the Cathedral

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Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
The outside of the cathedral from Summer Hill Road

This is the link to the Birmingham Heritage week.

I have included a blog on another notable Birmingham Church for you to read.