St. Paul's Church, Birmingham

Saint Paul's Church, located in the picturesque Saint Paul's Square within Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, stands as a distinguished example of Georgian architecture and a testament to the city's rich industrial history. This Church of England, designed by Roger Eykyn from Wolverhampton, was initiated in 1777 and consecrated by 1779. The land for the church was generously donated by Charles Colmore, taken from his Newhall estate, marking the church's beginnings as a spiritual hub for Birmingham's burgeoning class of manufacturers and merchants.

The structure of Saint Paul's Church is rectangular, and it underwent significant architectural enhancements with the addition of the upper part of its tower and spire between 1822 and 1823, a project spearheaded by Francis Goodwin and executed by Standbridge and Company. In 1841, the church was designated its parish, carved out from the extensive parish of Saint Martin in the Bull Ring, further solidifying its community role.

The church's history is also marked by resilience; it suffered damage during the Second World War but was meticulously restored from 1949 to 1951, during which much of the roof was replaced. Further restorative efforts took place between 1985 and 1994, and in 2005, the church welcomed a peal of 10 bells, enhancing its auditory presence in the community.

Saint Paul's is also renowned for its stained-glass windows, particularly the east window created by Francis Eginton in 1791. This window, which depicts the Conversion of Paul, is based on an altarpiece by Benjamin West. Other notable windows include works by Ward and Hughes dating around 1880, Pearce's contributions from 1900 to 1907, and a modern piece by Rachel Thomas from 2000, located in the north aisle.

Today, Saint Paul's Church not only serves as a place of worship but also as a historic landmark, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry and the enduring spirit of Birmingham.