A 14-year-old boy gave his entire £600 savings to help fund the new Chelmsford Community Church building.
The teenager, who asked not to be named, pledged his allowance money after Peter Balls appealed to the congregation in March.
The teen, more akin to spending his £14-a-week pocket money on computer games, said: "I felt it was the right thing to do. I wanted to make a contribution and that's how I made it."
His father said he did not dissuade his son from sticking to his pledge.
"He did that of his own initiative," said his dad.
"It's just I think his love for God. He made a commitment to God about five or six years ago and he has always stuck by that."
Peter said: "I said to his parents 'you are going to be so proud of your son, but are you sure this is OK?'
"I find that incredible, for a young lad to give that sort of amount is quite phenomenal."
