The Carpenter's House

There are many ways local Ace Hardware stores can connect with the communities they serve. For the owners of Martin Ace Hardware of Middlebury, Indiana, building an on-site prayer chapel was a gesture straight from the heart.

Since 1989, Martin Ace Hardware has been a family-run business. Owner Larry Martin started the business after a suggestion from his son Kyle. Larry, his wife Gloria, and their children use their family beliefs as guiding principles.

Following many years of steady growth, the family expanded the store. While every Ace Hardware store is unique, the Martin family went a step further by constructing a prayer chapel adjacent to their Ace store. It is called "The Carpenter’s House."

"The whole idea was just to slow down and say ‘Hey, there’s something bigger than us,’" said Shannon.

The prayer chapel has become very popular with the local community, hosting store visitors, prayer groups and travelers from out of town.

"People come through here from all over the country," said customer Amy Helmuth. "They’ll hear about it, and they’ll stop in. And they’ll write their prayers on a piece of paper and put it on a board."

"It’s fun to give," said Larry. "You can do everything and be smart business-wise, but if you don’t have that relationship with that person that walks in the door, you’re not going to make it. So, smile and be friendly!"