MELLING, LANCASHIRE — Nine gold Britannia coins, valued at nearly £30,000, were discovered under the altar at St Wilfrid's church in Melling, Lancashire, on Good Friday. The coins were left anonymously with a note designating the donation to the church.

The Rev Jane Lee and a parishioner located the plastic bag containing the coins while preparing the church for morning prayers. Each of the nine gold Britannia coins, produced by the Royal Mint in 1999, had a face value of £100. The coins were subsequently sold for almost £30,000.

The discovery included a note dated July 16, 2022, at 11 a.m., written on Salvation Army paper. The note stated, "Hi there, I'd like to donate these nine gold Britannias to Melling church." The note was signed "James, servant of the living God." Lee stated the gold coins would serve as a "seed" to apply for future grants and fundraising campaigns for necessary repairs.

St Wilfrid's church, whose current building dates back to the 14th century, requires £750,000 for repairs to its roof, stained glass windows, and other parts. A church has likely existed on its site since before 1066. Lee commented that the find was unexpected: "We just burst into tears when we saw it." She added, "We couldn't believe it."

Lee described the discovery as important for the church, which currently has a congregation of five. She said, "It was like a miracle because it's so desperately needed for the church." Lee added, "We were both absolutely flabbergasted." She characterized the gold coins as "the answer to their prayers," noting the church had been "struggling to keep our doors open."

The Right Rev Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn, commented on the donation. North called the gift a "sign of hope," adding, "It shows how loved the building is." He emphasized the importance of the church to the community, stating, "It would be an absolute tragedy for this church to close." North added, "This gift has doubled our determination to restore it for the benefit of the whole community."