“We return unclaimed property checks to folks across the state, on a regular basis, year after year,” said Treasurer Perdue, who presented the check at the church. “But this one is special to me, because this money will benefit ministers in training for years to come. It’s neat that this money will have such a residual effect.”

Trustees of the St. Mark’s Educational Trust Fund, established in the 1960s, provided assistance for prospective Methodist seminarians. Church secretary Lynn Henson said investments made over the decades apparently fell through the cracks as committee officers changed.

She lauded Treasurer’s Office field representative Roger Hughes for his diligence in making sure the church acquired the money. Office staff member Jane Shipman also earned accolades.

“Dealing with Roger was such a nice experience on many levels,” Henson said. “I don’t think we would have ever known it was there. Roger found us. This will give someone an opportunity to go to school and get an education -- that maybe they could not have done on their own -- and give back to God.”

Brown himself was a recipient of the church’s generosity, when the program was up and running at full speed. The check award occurred as NBC’s “Dateline” program plans two specials this spring on unclaimed property, both to be titled “You Might Be Rich.” The program highlights unclaimed property recipients across the country.

NBC last year highlighted West Virginia’s Mary Chester, then 100, as one of the oldest unclaimed property recipients in the country. The station also highlighted the effect Ms. Chester’s life had on others. Ms. Chester died last year.

“We’re pleased that NBC is again drawing attention to the fact that billions of dollars in unclaimed property are waiting to be claimed across the nation,” Treasurer Perdue said. “You never know when something has fallen through the cracks. Anyone could have money waiting on them.”