A last-ditch effort by Lancashire's St Wilfrid's Church to stay open after 700 years has been bolstered by an unexpected windfall. Nine gold Britannia coins, valued at nearly £30,000, were discovered beneath the altar during Good Friday preparations.
The haul of precious metal was unearthed by Reverend Jane Lee and a parishioner as they prepared for morning prayers. The coins, minted in 1999 with a face value of £100 each, were found inside a plastic bag alongside a note on Salvation Army paper signed 'James, servant of the living God'.
The mysterious benefactor's identity remains unknown, despite efforts by church and diocesan officials. However, Reverend Lee suspects that James may have made similar anonymous donations to two other Lancashire churches in 2022.
The £30,000 will serve as a vital 'seed money' for the church to apply for grants and launch further fundraising campaigns. The donation has sparked a new heritage group, which aims to support the repair efforts and demonstrate the community's commitment to preserving the historic building.
St Wilfrid's Church faces an uphill battle due to its 14th-century structure's extensive repairs needs. Its small congregation of five had been bracing for permanent closure, but Reverend Lee described the discovery as 'like a miracle' and 'the answer to their prayers'. The Right Rev Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn, hailed the gift as a 'sign of hope', reinforcing the determination to restore the cherished building for the community's benefit.
Source: The Times