The steeple (built in 1871 and believed to be the oldest in the City of Goulburn) copped considerable damage during a December storm – leading to a twist in the structure and danger of falling shingles.

Just last month parish representatives estimated repair costs at some $30,000.

Closer inspection by Mr Potter, builder Rob Lodewijks and former tradesmen Reverend John Braakman on Friday revealed the true cost to be in excess of $1 million.

Mr Potter explained that if the steeple was to be rebuilt, it was going to need some serious financial support from outside the church. What’s more, limited archival records of the structure make it difficult to move forward.

In his professional opinion, “demolition is the only conclusion”.

“Upon inspection we found the damage to the spire was worse than we had expected,” Mr Potter said.

“I was going to write a letter to Mr Braakman and to council saying that it is unsafe and has to be demolished as soon as possible.

It is quite dangerous, especially on a very windy day. I know whilst I was up there I was terrified because of the wind. The timber framing is in a very poor state… “We need to have some sort of (structural) information at hand so that we can proceed with either the demolition or complete reconstruction… “Ultimately it is up to the church as to what action they will take. But from our conclusions this morning, demolition is the only conclusion.”

Revd Dr Braakman on Friday told the Post he would hold a meeting with Council town planners and heritage advisers to discuss the future of the historic monument.

“We now have an informed opinion that the steeple cannot be repaired, so I will be having a meeting at council this afternoon with their town planners and heritage advisers on how we proceed,” he said.

“Once we get the official documentation in place, we can then get builders in to demolish the steeple. The replacement in its current form could cost upwards of $1 million. It just simply cannot be repaired.”

The Post contacted Goulburn Uniting Church minister Reverend Julie Furner who will provide further comment later this week.