Christian Supply Stores - Boston

Christian chain stores such as Family Christian or Mardel aren't to be found in the Boston area. However, the area has smaller, independently-owned stores where religious items can be purchased. These stores represent the varied Christian groups found in Massachusetts, particularly Anglican/Episcopal, Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox.

Cathedral Crossing Books and Resources 28 Temple Pl Boston, MA 02111 (617) 423-4719

Cathedral Crossing is conveniently located near the Episcopal Cathedral and diocesan offices. Their collection of theology books is quite diverse, featuring Anglican and non-Anglican authors. This can be a good book source for mainline Christians in general, whose beliefs often aren't represented by larger Christian booksellers. You can find Bibles, devotionals, and books on some of the toughest issues in the Church today. They also carry hymnals and US as well as international Books of Common Prayer.

This store's gift offerings are beautiful and nicely priced. Jewelry ideal for a confirmation gift is found in abundance here. They have also stocked beautifully-designed clergy stoles in the past. Another treat to be found at this store are CD's of choral music from various choirs. It's often difficult to find traditional Christian music in some places. Cathedral Crossing makes many items available that would be hard to find otherwise.

Sheehan's of Boston 44 Lochdale Road, Boston MA, 02131 (866) 674-2500

Sheehan's is said to be the oldest religious goods supplier in the country, established in 1907. Their offerings include liturgical items for churches and gift items. Book offerings include classic Catholic works, missals, catechisms, and collections of prayers. Popular Catholic translations of the Bible, such as the Jerusalem Bible, are sold. They also offer other popular translations such as the New International Version, King James, and New King James.

The communion sets include the traditional chalices and patens used by liturgical churches, as well as serving trays and individual cups used by many Protestant churches. Full sets of bishops' vestments and clericals are sold here, as well as rings and pectoral crosses. In addition to the full range of church goods, other items include crematory urns and cemetery lights, helpful as most church goods suppliers only carry palls. This is just a small selection of the many goods this company carries.

St. Joseph the Worker Shrine 37 Lee St. Lowell, MA 01852

Located within a 45-minute drive of Boston is the gift shop at the shrine of St. Joseph the Worker. The shrine's website states that this is the largest Catholic store north of Boston. This shop is non-profit, benefiting the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. It's good to know that your purchases help support people in their vocation and ministry.

The gift shop features jewelry, religious goods for all sorts of special occasions, Bibles, books, and Christian education items. Their website mentions the availability of special order items. This shop should be considered for your needs, especially if you're in the area and would like to save a trip into Boston.

Holy Cross Bookstore 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, MA 02445 (800) 245-0599

Holy Cross Bookstore carries items representing the uniqueness of Greek Orthodox Christianity. Orthodoxy is an undiscovered treasure of sorts for many Christians, and many are interested in Orthodox theology and iconography. Holy Cross provides a great variety of items sure to appeal to Orthodox and seeker alike.

Books carried focus on theology, with many titles on the saints that make up a large part of Orthodox tradition. Traditional icons featuring Christ, the Blessed Virgin, and the saints are a featured item. Unique items such as wedding crowns and Greek collectors' dolls are carried here as well. This store would be an ideal location for someone seeking unique gift items that not every other Christian store has.

I hope that, if you're in the area, you'll want to check out the items offered at these retailers.