Work is set to begin on replacing the damaged spire on the Uniting Church in Goldsmith Street.

Reverend Julie Lawton-Gallard said it was exciting to see the work underway.

“The congregation has not been able to meet in the church for the past three years because of the risk posed by the aged steeple,” Reverend Lawton-Gallard said.

She said the work would occur in two phases.

“The first step is the removal of the damaged steeple and the construction of a temporary roof,” Rev Lawton-Gallard said. 

“While the new steeple is being constructed offsite, the second phase will be the installation of this new steel structure in place of the temporary roof.”

She said the Uniting Church appreciated the patience of the public and parishioners.

“We also acknowledge the kindness of John Crooks of R.J. Sidney Craig in allowing the congregation to use Craig’s Hill chapel over the time we have been unable to enter the church,” she said.

“It is also a blessing the work is being underwritten by our insurer.”

Rev Lawton-Gallard said there had been delays “almost every step of the way”.

One part of the initial delay related to not being able to find the original spire plans and, as such, the heritage architects had to start from scratch.

The steeple, built in 1871, is believed to be the oldest in the city.

It was damaged considerably during a storm in December 2014.