St John's Church, Sparkhill

St John's Church in Sparkhill is a Victorian church building made of red brick with terracotta details, rising among residential structures with Early English Gothic elements and stone ornaments. The structure was designed by architects Martin and Chamberlain in 1888, replacing an earlier iron church that had stood in the location.

The church was built in 1888 to serve the growing community of the industrial area, replacing a temporary metal structure that had served the neighborhood before. The building holds Grade II listed status, marking it as an important part of Sparkhill's architectural development during the Victorian era.

The church today serves as a meeting place for people from different backgrounds, with Armenian and Persian congregations holding services within its walls. This diverse use reflects how the building has adapted to the changing character of the neighborhood and remains central to community life.

As a Grade II listed building, the church is open to the public and can be visited during regular opening hours. Visitors should be prepared for uneven floor surfaces and expect limited parking options in the immediate area of the neighborhood.

Narthex Sparkhill, a charitable organization that operates from the church, received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2016. This recognition honored the organization's work providing extensive support and assistance to the local community.