Builders working on the restoration of Saughall Methodist Church discovered a copy of the Chester Chronicle from 1864.
The historic newspaper was found inside a glass bottle that had been hidden underground as Phil Douglas and workers from his company Prime Maintenance Development Ltd were reconstructing the building.
The church was demolished last year and the new one, complete with a community hall, was built in its place.
Few stories on the front of the paper, which is dated September 3, 1864, and priced at 3d, are still visible but advertisements for paraffin matches and the Cheshire Agricultural Show can be made out.
Phil said: “During excavation we came across the bottle with a sealed cork in it and the Chronicle inside.
“You can still recognise some of the front page even though it is disintegrating.
“For us it was amazing to find this because you don’t get many churches being built these days - normally the plot would have been totally demolished to build houses on.
“It was really quite something.”
Since its reopening in May, Saughall Methodist Church has been undertaking a number of fundraising events.
This Saturday the church will be open from 9.30am-2pm for a Big Welcome where visitors can enjoy free refreshments, reflection and children can take part in activities.
The next day at 10.45am, the Rev Paul Braisdell will lead a Welcome Cafe service which is also open to everyone.
And many other events will be taking place at the church over the next month, including a harvest service and a craft fair.
All proceeds will go into the church restoration fund, which is still ongoing.
