A FALLING stone a few months ago was the first inkling that all was not well with the spire of Mitcheldean's ancient church of St Michael and All Angels.
And now the rector and congregation have learned the grim news that almost a third of the top of the spire will have to be dismantled stone by stone before being rebuilt.
As yet no price has been estimated for the work but it is likely to be substantial and a special fund is being set up.
"It was a drastic blow," said Father Robert Sturman, who has been rector of the church for the past eight years.
"We just had no idea things were so bad. Only three years ago we spent quite a lot on work on the drains and clearing up the rising damp and it was quite a struggle raising the funds for that."
He said steeplejacks who have been looking at the spire for the past few weeks had discovered that iron braces inserted when the spire was last restored in the 18th century had rusted away.
Although it was not dangerous to actually be in the church it had been necessary to rope off a section of the churchyard.
"We have only just learned all this and we have not started looking for assistance yet but we hope we can get some landfill money and perhaps some help from English Heritage."
And church helper Pat Nixon added she hoped the whole community would become involved in raising the money.
"We are just not geared up for this. Together the congregation is only able to keep costs covered to maintain things as they are."
Anyone able to help can contact Fr Sturman on 01594 542434 or Mrs Nixon on 10594 542277.