Serving Our Community for 60 Years!
Friendship Bookstore began as a quaint country store in the Belleville area called “Das Musikhous” in the early 1960’s. Established by Ray and Wilma French, the store relocated to Lewistown, PA in 1961 when the French’s purchased “Cavanaugh Book and Bible Shop” on Chestnut Street. Renamed “Friendship Book Store,” it relocated to Market Street, then later W. 4th Street, Lewistown.
Friendship Bookstore’s services expanded, offering Christian books, church supplies, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School curriculum, greeting cards and gifts. In 1971, “Friendship Book Store and Country Gift Shoppe” moved to 19 S. Brown Street.
Theil Kauffman began working part time in 1971, eventually expanding to full time and store management in 1978. Theil and his wife, Andrea, (Ray’s niece) purchased “Friendship Bookstore” in 1987, while it was still at its S. Brown Street location, and hired additional staff.
Friendship Bookstore relocated to the Mifflin County Commons in Burnham in 2004 and was there for 20 years. In April, 2024, the store moved to Main Street in Reedsville, PA.
Brad and Holly Hill purchased Friendship Bookstore in December of 2024. Sensing God’s invitation toward a new business venture, the Hills had been praying for direction and timing. Operating a Christian Bookstore has been of interest to them in the past, so when the opportunity to purchase an established Christian Bookstore arose, they readily pursued the opportunity.
Charity Kauffman, daughter of the late Theil and Andrea Kauffman who owned and operated Friendship Bookstore for nearly 40 years says, “My brother, Larry, and I are so happy that Holly and Brad reached out to us with interest in purchasing Friendship Bookstore. It’s clear their hearts are committed to serving this community through faith-based resources. We know our dad and mom would be honored that so many in the community expressed interest and love for the store over the past several months. We believe Brad and Holly are a wonderful fit to carry on the ministry of Friendship Bookstore.”
Friendship Bookstore is located at 24 South Main Street in Reedsville, PA. Beginning December 14, Friendship Bookstore will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 12pm to 8pm, Wednesday 9am to 5pm, and Saturday 9am to 3pm. In addition to offering a wide selection of products in-store, items will also be available for special order, including books, Bibles, church resources, and gifts.