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CURTIS -- Decades of fund-raising have finally paid off.  The parishioners of Saint Timothy Catholic Church in Curtis will have a new place to worship within the year, and they've been working toward this goal since the '60s.

Over 50 residents and parishioners gathered for Monday's groundbreaking for the new Saint Timothy Catholic Church.  The new facility will seat close to 150 people, and due to a major contribution and the generosity of the locals, it's already paid for, all $540,000 of it.

"We've had numerous bake sales, fish fries, all kinds of ways, raffles, trying to generate money, and it's been a long, long time coming, and everyone is very happy and pleased this is happening," explained building committee member, Gary Graham.

Bishop Alexander Sample, who spoke at Monday's groundbreaking, says this is the first church groundbreaking he's attended since he's been bishop in the Diocese, and it'll be the first one he'll dedicate.

"This is always a joyful occasion because it's a sign of new life and it's a sign of growth in the church," said Sample.  "It's just exciting not only for the people here in this community, but it's also very exciting for me."

Officials say the original church, which is over 65 years old, is slowly deteriorating from the roof to the crawlspace underneath the pews.  That's why they've been looking build.  Both old and young parishioners are excited to finally have a new place of worship.

"I think it's going to be great; besides it's going to be fun," explained seven-year-old, Anthony Mayer. 

"This has been such a long process, up and down up and down, and just the fact we're going to do it is wonderful," said organist, Gloria Vosburg.

Although the official groundbreaking has taken place, the major construction won't begin until next spring.  Officials say if the weather holds out, they should be able to host their first mass in the new church by next fall.