Gold Coin 'Miracle' Donation Discovered at Church
A 14th Century church has been saved from closure following the discovery of a "miracle" hoard of gold coins valued at nearly £30,000, found hidden beneath the altar.
St Wilfrid's Church in Melling, near Lancaster, was facing closure as its congregation was unable to raise the £750,000 required for urgent repairs to the building.
Reverend Jane Lee explained that she and a lay minister were preparing for morning prayers when they found a plastic bag containing a box which, "to our amazement," held nine gold Britannia coins.
"We just burst into tears when we saw it.
We couldn't believe it. It was like a miracle because it's so desperately needed for the church."
She described the moment as emotional because the funds were "so desperately needed" for the 700-year-old church, which was "in a bit of a pickle" due to the extensive repairs required, including a new roof.
The gold coins are valued at approximately £30,000.
"We just burst into tears when we saw it.
We couldn't believe it. It was like a miracle because it's so desperately needed for the church."
Rev Lee stated that the church was in the process of closing when the hoard was discovered.
"We were struggling to keep our doors open."
She described the discovery as "the answer to their prayers," noting that the £30,000 could serve "as a seed" to help apply for grants and support other fundraising efforts to complete the necessary repairs.
Rev Lee believes the gold coins may have been hidden there four years ago by an anonymous benefactor.
She mentioned that other churches in the area received similar mysterious gifts in 2022, but St Wilfrid's Church had not found theirs until Good Friday, 3 April.
"For me, it's significant because we've got more community backing now to the church, whereas four years ago we would have probably just spent it on the day-to-day running of it.
Well now it's there for a seed to get all the repairs done that need to be done."
She added,
"It's wonderful news."
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