Jesus Book and Gift Store Returns to Roselle in Grand Opening

An archway of gold, white, and navy balloons greeted residents, faith leaders, and Roselle council members on September 26 as the Jesus Book and Gift Store celebrated its grand opening. The bookstore had a history in Roselle—founded nearly fifty years ago—and on this day, it was coming home.

"I'm just grateful to be here," said bookstore manager Mario Fernandez Jr. "It has been a really tough journey getting here with the move and everything, but thank God we're here, and we're here to stay."

The ceremony drew Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw, Business Administrator Denise Wilkerson, Bishop Reginald W. Atkins, and Board of Education member and borough council candidate Dr. Cynthia Atkins. The moment carried symbolic weight for Dr. Atkins, who had hosted a book signing at the store eight years earlier. She reflected on the full-circle feeling at the ribbon cutting.

"Jesus Gift and Book Store is a true bounce-back story," Bishop Atkins said. "Roselle is where they started, and now they have come back home. We are proud to welcome them back, proud of their investment in our town, and we look forward to seeing them succeed for many years to come."

The opening ceremony included music from members of Agape House of Worship. Business Administrator Wilkerson addressed the crowd about what the bookstore means to Roselle. Mayor Shaw presented a proclamation recognizing the Jesus Book and Gift Store not simply as a business, but as a resource to encourage believers, support local churches and ministries, promote spiritual growth, and provide material that inspire faith, worship, fellowship, and service.

Fernandez Jr. noted that the bookstore has partnered with the International House of Prayer Eastern Gate in Cranford to support their missionaries. The response from the community, he said, demonstrated why the bookstore is more than a commercial venture.

For Union County Life readers, the Jesus Book and Gift Store represents what can happen when a business with community roots finds its way back. The store is now open and welcoming customers.

FAQ

Q: What is the Jesus Book and Gift Store?

A: The Jesus Book and Gift Store is a faith-based bookstore and gift shop that sells materials related to faith, worship, spirituality, and religious practice. The store serves as a resource for believers and supports local churches and ministries.

Q: When did the Jesus Book and Gift Store open in Roselle?

A: The store had its grand opening on September 26, 2026. It was originally founded in Roselle nearly fifty years ago and has now returned to the community after relocating.

Q: Who is running the bookstore?

A: Mario Fernandez Jr. is the manager of the Jesus Book and Gift Store.

Q: Who attended the grand opening?

A: The grand opening was attended by Mayor Donald Shaw, Business Administrator Denise Wilkerson, Bishop Reginald W. Atkins, and Board of Education member and borough council candidate Dr. Cynthia Atkins, among other community members and faith leaders.

Q: What was significant about Dr. Cynthia Atkins' presence at the opening?

A: Dr. Atkins had hosted a book signing at the bookstore eight years earlier. Her presence at the ribbon cutting represented a full-circle moment, as she witnessed the store's return to Roselle.

Q: How is the bookstore connected to other community organizations?

A: The bookstore has partnered with the International House of Prayer Eastern Gate in Cranford to support their missionaries.

Q: Is the bookstore now open to customers?

A: Yes, the bookstore opened on September 26 and is now open to the community.