DUNMORE -- A building that's more than a century old in Dunmore has a new tenant and it's a type of business that some might think has also past it's heyday.
But the owner thinks that her religious gifts store will be filling a need.
The building on Drinker Street was a dress shop for decades and a few other things since then. The new owner says starting in December it will be a religious gifts and book store called Building the Kingdom of God.
The building needs a few more coats of paint and the shelves need organizing, but in a few weeks Dunmore corners will be home to a new type of business.
For new owner Kim Marchese, it was a leap of faith.
"You really wouldn't want to open a business like this if you thought you were going to make money selling religious articles. It really is a ministry for me and a calling. And if you approach things like that, God always makes it work," Marchese said.
Her store, Building the Kingdom of God, is one of a dying breed. The Diocese of Scranton closed the Guild in downtown Scranton more than a year ago. Most of the business involving religious merchandise has moved online.
But Marchese says it's a business best done face to face.
The building was built in 1869 and was in need of some renovations. The owner says just the fresh coat of paint is already bringing people inside.
"Beautiful, beautiful, it refreshes the whole Dunmore corners."
Kathy Karen has owned her children's clothing shop across the street for 45 years and she believes the new store will work here.
"Kim is a personal friend of mine. I love her dearly and I really, really hope she does well. Plus, we can all use a little more religion in our lives," Karen said.
That's what Dominick Fontana thought, too, when he saw the sign going up on Drinker Street: that a sign that says "God" can only be a good sign.
"It's just good to have faith. Who cares how we have to define it? It's great to see something come back. We lost the Guild downtown. It's nice to see this come back. I like it. It's going to be cool."
Marchese says her store is aimed toward people of all Christian faiths, not just Catholics.
As well as selling religious items, she says she hopes to give out some religious guidance to customers, too.
She hopes to open by Christmas.