The imposing construction is likely to be yet another architectural novelty in the city's landscape after the Swaminarayan temple on Kalawad Road, which was inaugurated recently. The temple shaped church will speak aloud for the communal harmony, for which this city is known.

Says the Bishop of Diocese of Rajkot, Rev Dr Gregory Karotemprel, ``The decision to construct a church in Hindu temple architecture was taken with the hope that it wouldenhance religious harmony between different communities.''

``We are basically a peace loving community and we are committed to do everything possible to ensure that the spirit of brotherhood is not only preached, but also practiced,'' he said.

City's well-known architect Ashwin Sanghvi was assigned the job and he has been giving concrete shape to the idea of the bishop and his colleagues. The church, which is being constructed at the cost of Rs 80 lakh, will be ready by the beginning of the next century.

Sanghvi, who had earlier designed a church here on a Western model, says that it will have five domes and a shikhar. The 70x70 ft hall, which will accommodate over 700 people, will be the chief attraction.

Jagdhishbhai Vadodariya of Mahendra Construction informs that the hall on the 7,000 ft basement is being built without any supporting columns. The pinnacle will be 70 ft high, which is common in several temples.

Sanghvi says that a marble altar would be laid in the hall. The round shaped corridorwindows will be framed with glasses on a stone wall. An artist from Bangalore will paint the life episodes of Christ. ``This will be totally an Indian architecture against the Spanish modelled church that I had designed for I P Mission,'' he said.

Sanghvi says that 7000 sq ft basement is intended to be used by his client for running training classes in different faculties. He had earlier designed other buildings in the Bishop House Complex, which is also considered a tourist attraction.