His 5 & 10 Funds Food for the Soul

Paul Anderson wants to make a difference in the lives of others. Hence his Great American 5 & 10 on Kent Street.

But let's go back a few years.

Anderson, who grew up in Barrington, obtained a political science degree from the University of Rhode Island. He followed that up with a law degree from the University of Tennessee, determined to make some positive changes in society.

“I was single-minded in my focus, because I believed I should try to improve our society through law and politics,” said Anderson.

After law school, Anderson worked on a couple of political campaigns that he said “fell short.” So, while visiting his parents, who'd moved to North Carolina, he decided to attend a seminary in town to “brush up on ethics.”

It was during this time that Anderson said he realized people in a congregation are a lot like those in a constituency.

“There's a lot of needs to be met,” he said.

Anderson said he realized he didn't need the accolades associated with political office, but he wondered how sure he could be about becoming a minister.

After much thought and reflection, he said, he talked with a friend, who told him “Go down the road as far as you can, until you are stopped.”

The decision made, Anderson devoted himself to studying the word of God, and seven years ago he was ordained and installed as pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Fall River, Mass.

Not content with tending to just his own flock, he decided to start a radio program during the time when people would be driving to church on Sunday mornings.

From 9 to 9:30 am each Sunday on AM1590, Anderson offers his listeners thoughts on scripture and the Lord on his program titled "Providence."

“I try to get people's minds focused on who he is and what he did,” said Anderson.

Of course, you can't produce a radio program for free. The lawyer turned minister needed to find a way to pay for it.

Which led to a little store at 33 Kent Street in the plaza on the corner of Sowams Avenue.

Anderson originally opened the Great American 5 & 10 on County Road in 2004. He moved to Kent Street when his lease was up.

Modeling his store after that of well-known entrepreneur and retail giant, F. W. Woolworth, who focused on items for 5 and 10 cents, Anderson makes sure to stock a large selection of gently used men's shirts and ties, which sell for $10, and vintage tees and coffee mugs, which sell for $5.

In addition, Anderson has a selection of rocking chairs, books, rugs, and prints that he hand-selected for the store.

“I try to pick things to be flexible, tasteful, classic, and occasionally off-beat,” he said.

Anderson said he likes that people are able to get a quality item in his store without having to pay a lot of money, and describes many of his items as “first-quality secondhand goods, with an eternal purpose.”

The Great American 5 & 10 is generally open Monday through Friday from 3 to 5pm, and Saturdays from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, or via appointment by contacting Anderson at secondpaul@hotmail.com.