Denny Martin and his wife Sherry, owners of the former Martin Hardware, were invited to Neighbors for a walk through of the building before we opened to the general public. After having walked beside us through the renovation, and giving insight and advice whenever we needed his help, They especially enjoyed seeing the photo wall honoring their former business, their family, and memories from years gone by. 

Pictured here, are Dennis Martin (right) former owner of Martin Hardware. He owned the store after his father, Raymond Martin, retired. The new owner of Neighbors Mercantile, Marcus Miller, is pictured on left. 

The quote on the wall is one of our favorites:

We build on foundations we did not lay

We warm ourselves by fires we did not light

We sit in the shade of trees we did not plant

We drink from wells we did not dig

We profit from persons we did not know

This is as it should be.

Together we are more than any one person could be.

Together we can build across the generations.

Together we can renew our hope and faith in the life that is yet to unfold.

Together we can heed the call to a ministry of care and justice.

We are ever bound in community.

May it always be so.

Rev. Peter Raible