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Hidden Gold Coins Revive Historic Church
19 Aug
Summary
- Nine gold coins were discovered under the altar of St. Wilfrid's Church.
- The anonymous donation provided nearly £30,000 for urgent repairs.
- The church faced closure due to an estimated £750,000 repair bill.
St. Wilfrid's Church in Melling, Lancashire, faced an uncertain future by 2026 due to a £750,000 repair bill. Its tiny congregation of five struggled to fund the extensive work needed for the 14th-century building.
During preparations for Easter services on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, Reverend Jane Lee discovered a box containing nine gold Britannia coins hidden under the altar. The coins, donated anonymously by someone calling himself 'James, servant of the living God' on July 16, 2022, were sold for nearly £30,000.
While this sum is far from the total repair cost, the donation provides a vital financial boost and a catalyst for further fundraising and grant applications. The discovery has also galvanized the local community, forming a heritage group to support the church's preservation.
The identity of the donor and the reasons for the donation remain a mystery, with similar anonymous gifts reported at other local institutions. The significant find has drawn attention to St. Wilfrid's, a historic landmark known for features like a clock associated with Edward Dent, giving the church renewed hope for survival.
