St. Mary's has a fine collection of nineteenth century stained glass, described by Pevsner as of unusual extent and completeness . The main window in the south transept of 1804 is dedicated to Thomas Smith who died in 1699, the founder of Smith's Bank on South Parade. Traditionally, Nottingham has been a place of strong dissention and the clergy of St. Mary's have had a long history of struggle with it. Today, St. Mary's has a wide ministry to many different groups. It is the Civic Church of the city and also the University Church for the University of Nottingham.
Many organisations hold their special services and celebrate major events in the church.
The church has a strong musical tradition with choirs for boys, girls and adults, and the church is regularly used for concerts. The fine peal of twelve bells is rung for services by a fine team of ringers. The Friends of St. Mary's , a charitable association, exists to keep people in touch with events in and around the church. The photograph shows the former Lecturer, Revd Elizabeth Carrington and the Vicar, Canon Eddie Neale outside the south porch.