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Church Fire Reveals Buried Time Capsule Treasure
9 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A time capsule was discovered in the rubble of a deliberately burned 1960s church.
- The capsule contained newspapers, coins, and design papers from 1964.
- Police are investigating the arson of the B-listed St Mungo's Church.
A remarkable discovery has emerged from the tragic destruction of St Mungo's Church in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire. The iconic 1960s modernist building, known for its unique pyramid roof, was deliberately set ablaze in August. Following the fire, which razed the B-listed structure, a parishioner uncovered a buried time capsule. This historic canister had been placed in the foundations when the church's foundation stone was laid in November 1964.
The contents of the metal canister, found amidst the rubble by demolition teams, offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. They include copies of the Cumbernauld News from October and November 1964, a collection of pre-decimal coins, and draft ideas for the church's layout. Papers from the Linlithgow and Falkirk Presbytery regarding the project were also found.
Despite the loss of the building under distressing circumstances, the congregation is looking towards the future, with discussions underway for a new church on the site. Police Scotland has confirmed the fire was deliberate and is appealing for any information or footage from individuals who may have been in the area at the time of the incident.
