PARISH – Visitors can browse through a large selection of furniture, kitchenware and pottery, prints, and vintage outdoor items, and even the building will see a new use when the Parish Antiques and Country Market opens to the public on May 18.
Owner Cherie Stooks has spent the past several months filling the former St. Anne’s Catholic Church at 2978 W. Main St. (state Route 69) with a large selection of antiques ranging from the Victorian period to the 1960s and 1970s.
Cherie and her husband, Eric Stooks, purchased the building about a year ago and spent several months stabilizing and repairing the structure, refinishing floors, and creating a warm and cheery atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
“I have always had an appreciation for history, and my passion for antiques goes hand-in-hand with my dream for opening this shop,” said Cherie. “Not only do I see it as an opportunity to share the knowledge I have gained through years of collecting, but also to offer a place for the community to gather over a game of checkers or chess, work on a puzzle, or visit with a neighbor.”
Over the years the building has served as the Oddfellows Hall, a movie theatre, and community gathering place.
It was the home of St. Anne’s Catholic Church from 1952 until around 2007, when the church was closed by the Catholic Diocese of Syracuse.
“My family attended the church when it was St. Anne’s,” said Stooks. “We have many fond memories of this building. It has really been a privilege and blessing to give the building a new purpose.”
Stooks said the shop will offer something for everyone, from hundreds of pieces of pottery and glassware, to vintage outdoor equipment, old books, children’s toys, and a variety of furniture.
The market will also feature handcrafted items by local artisans including rustic woodware by Russell Leach, Adirondack candles, cheeses, classic old-time candies, and more.
Parish Town Historian Bridget Swartz will present a history of the building at noon on opening day, May 18.
Camden area acoustic band String Bee will perform original and traditional music from 4 to 7 p.m. and West Family Harmony will perform Celtic and French Canadian fiddle music and old-time favorites from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Parish Antiques and Country Market will be open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays by chance and appointment.
For more information, call 315-436-1608, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.facebook.com/ParishAntiques
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