Sugarcreek's Gospel Shop Marks Third Generation of Family Ownership

The Gospel Shop at 112 East Main Street in Sugarcreek is marking a milestone that few family businesses reach: a third-generation ownership transition, as Linford and Kelly take on a Christian bookstore their grandparents started nearly six decades ago in a private home on Main Street.

Rhoda Mullet's parents, David and Erma Stutzman, opened Stutzman Gospel Records out of their Sugarcreek home in 1966 and formally launched The Gospel Shop a year later in 1967. "My dad had this vision that he could sell records, books and cards right out of our house," Rhoda Mullet said. "We'd write out receipts like one record, $1. It started as something so simple."

Freeman and Rhoda Mullet took ownership in 1987, the same year the shop settled into its current East Main Street storefront, where it has operated without interruption since. The store is now marking the transition to Linford and Kelly with an anniversary sale, though specific dates and discount details have not been announced.

What the Mullets built over nearly four decades is measurable in repeat customers across generations. Rhoda has watched second-generation families return to shop, customers who can recall coming in as children and taking in shelves of Christian books, toys, and more.

The store carries Christian books and Bibles for all ages, devotionals, Bible covers, inspirational gifts, candles, home décor, greeting cards, and boxed card sets. A dedicated children's section stocks kids' Bibles, games, coloring supplies, plush toys, and faith-based gifts. The store's email address, thegospelshop67@gmail.com, preserves the original founding year in its name.

The Gospel Shop is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Sundays. The store can be reached by phone at (330) 852-4223.