The entire project costs about $540,000
CURTIS -- After nearly seven decades in their old church, the parishioners of Saint Timothy Church in Curtis will soon have a new place to worship.
Construction is well underway for the new, 5,300 square foot church, which was made possible by the generosity of the community. The new church will seat about 150 people. Crews began construction back in May, and the warm, dry spring put them ahead of schedule.
"We got started early, which was great," said contractor, Tom Clock. "We probably gained about three weeks this spring on it, but just the last two weeks, we've gotten a lot of rain, so we lost a few days. But with the early start, I think we'll be in pretty good shape."
The entire project costs about $540,000, but it's all paid for through years of fund-raising by both parishioners and the community.
"We put on fish fries, two a month. We've had a few raffles, and we passed the basket around," said parishioner, Ronald Wiegand. "My goal 14 years ago when I moved up here was getting a new church for Curtis, and it's finally happening."
And if you think the community is done raising money for this new addition, think again. Although a new recreation hall is being built along with the church, the community is working to raise money to help furnish the hall when it's complete.
In addition to the donations and fund-raisers, they're currently applying for grants to also help fund the project.
All in all, everyone's excited for a new place to worship.
"It's fantastic. It's really been a dream come true," said Building Committee Member and parishioner, Gary Graham. "In my opinion, it's kind of a legacy of faith for the community, parishioners, the future parishioners, and visitors and future visitors for years to come."
The church is expected to host its first mass by this fall.
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