Thefts at Gunwalloe Church Cove spark new fundraiser

St Winwaloe Church, Gunwalloe, aptly known as the “Church of the Storms” for its spot in a rugged cove at Church Cove on the Lizard Peninsula, has experienced a string of thefts over the summer.

Members of the congregation found the vestry had been broken into, with a new electric organ stolen from a locked cupboard.

In addition to this, the altar cross had been snapped off and taken along with smaller items.

Rev Susie Templeton, rural pioneer minister for Kerrier Deanery, said this may have been in an attempt to remove the small cross – which was actually firmly attached to a large block of granite.

The vestry was broken into, with an altar cross and electric organ among items stolen.

She said: “I don't think it was damage for damages sake, and we are covered by insurance for the main items that have been taken, but it did leave us feeling a bit shaken – it's such a sacred space and people are always so respectful and loving when they engage with it.

“It felt very jarring to see the opposite.”

Earlier in the year, the donation box had also been broken into with money removed, with the church hoping that whoever took it “really needed it”.

This has now been replaced by a secure wall safe, with the church working on setting up a contactless donation point.

They are also looking at setting up CCTV as a deterrent and security measure.

A fundraiser has been started by a regular visitor who hopes to raise funds for the repair and replacement of stolen items as well as contributing to the CCTV system.

Tony Philips, who set up the page, said: “I am sure there are many tourists who have visited over the years and hope they would like to help in making a donation if at all possible.”

The Gofundme page, which at the time of writing has raised £130, was set up independently from the church.

“We see it as a gesture of love and support, and are always grateful for the donations we receive in support of our special church,” said Rev Templeton.

The fundraiser can be found at: https://gofund.me/47ff7a201

This comes after the church – one of Cornwall’s oldest and even mentioned in the Domesday Book – reported the theft of an ancient wooden panel that went missing in November 2025.

The historic panels at St Winwaloe Church, Gunwalloe, before one of them went missing in November 2025.

However, it later transpired that this was a “misunderstanding”, as the painted screen had actually been taken by a local person who attempted to repair it.

Extra security measures were fitted in the church, which was kept locked when not in use for services over the Christmas period.

The panels have now been removed as part of conservation work to repair them, and are set to be reinstalled in the next few weeks.

Despite these incidents, over the summer the church community has welcomed a large number of visitors, as well as several wedding celebrations, making St Winwaloe “a very happy place”.