Seven historic coins and a silverware Communion set have been gifted to the city council by church leaders.
The historic silver currency, dating back to 1852, was unearthed during construction works in the 1950s on the site of the former Unitarian church on New Bridge Street, which made way for the old City Library.
The coins were owned by Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarian Church for many years until the congregation no longer had anywhere to display them, so they decided to give them to the council, along with a silver communion set of two chalices, two salvers, and a wine jug.
Historic links between the Unitarians and the council go back to the 1660s, with members of the congregation having held the positions of Honorary Recorder of Newcastle, Mayor, and Deputy Lady Mayor over the years.
The Lord Mayor of Newcastle hosted a reception at the Mansion House to thank the church leaders for the precious gifts.
Lord Mayor, Cllr Rob Higgins, said: “It’s a great honour to receive these on behalf of the council. They are part of our city’s heritage, and we hope to put them on display for the public to enjoy.
“They underscore the association between the Unitarian church and city council going back hundreds of years.”
Newcastle Unitarians’ Chairperson, Louise Reeve, said: “We wanted to celebrate the long association between our congregation, the city of Newcastle, and the Council, and are very happy that our historic items have been given a home on display at the Mansion House.”
Although Christian in origin, the Unitarian church believes that no one religion has all the answers and encourages people to develop a personal faith.