Catholics in Effingham, Kan., have had more than a year to contemplate their vision for a new church after fire destroyed a longtime house of faith.

A project to build a new St. Ann's Catholic Church in the small Atchison County town is moving closer to reality, said Gene Hegarty, chairman of the parish finance council. The bid process could start in perhaps two weeks after specifications and other plans are complete.

Depending on progress, Mr. Hegarty said the church could be finished as soon as the end of the year. Counting for the cost of demolishing the ruins and other expenses, he said the construction is currently budgeted from $1.8 million to $1.9 million.

Fire destroyed the 111-year-old St. Ann's church on April 21, 2008. An investigation has never determined a cause, although arson has been suspected. Masses have since been held in an adjacent community center. A glazed link will be built between the center and church.

HTK Architects of Overland Park, Kan., has been working on a design of the new structure for about nine months, Mr. Hegarty said. Plans call for a church similar in size and appearance to the second building, based on architects' meetings with parishioners.

"You won't see much difference from the new church to the old church on the outside," he said. "The basic design will be the same."

Red brick and a bell tower will be two elements that reflect history. The bell from the previous church and a cornerstone will help provide links to the parish's past. There will be basic seating for 240 people, but Mr. Hegarty said the church will be expandable.

"I think they've done an excellent job," he said of the architectural plans.

The church hired liturgical consultant Lyle Novinski - who has family roots at St. Ann's - to help the architect develop themes through art, furnishings and other elements of worship.

Officials with the Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kan. - including archbishop the Most Rev. Joseph Naumann - have approved the project as it proceeds step by step.

Mr. Hegarty praised the building committee and all of St. Ann's parish for undertaking the endeavor.

"I think we've worked well together," he said. "It's a part of the community."

Ray Scherer can be reached at rscherer@npgco.com.