I have posted this here as, from what I believe, it has no Birmingham connection. But, as that famous Yorkshireman, Truly of The Yard, might say, "he could be lying".
The photograph is of All Saints Church, North Street, York and taken in 1890. The church is medieval and has interesting windows and history.
However, the article in the York Press specifically mentions the gentleman on the right and suggests that today he would be looking at a mobile phone. As the photo is 1890 invitations, in a humorous vein, about what he might be looking at are invited.
My suggestion is that he is a rent collector, looking at his collection book.
The young woman looks rather like she has a phone as well, but she is not part of the enquiries. But maybe she looks at coins, to see what food she can buy in nearby shops.