PHILLIPS — The former Methodist Church is home to owners and tenants who bring a passion for history and nature to the community.

Todd “Tophat” and Becky Olson bought the old church in 2010 and have renovated the building. On Saturday, they hosted an open house for visitors to view the new interior, which houses Tophat’s Sutlery, several small antique booths, and a crafts shop. When he was very young, Todd’s family moved from Lewiston to Florida, but he returned every year to visit with relatives. He and Becky, he said, have been involved with re-enactments of American Civil War era history since 1994.

“I guess you could say that we are re-enacting veterans,” Becky said.

Sutlers, according to the American Heritage Dictionary, traveled in times of war with soldiers, selling provisions, including tobacco, clothing, and other commodities not provided with their government-issued rations. The Olsons have expanded their roles as sutler re-enactors to become sutlers for re-enactors. Re-enactors need to buy replicas of original items, and the couple has developed their hobby into a profitable niche market.

“We sell military items like canteens, insignia, and lanterns online, and this church will be our brick-and-mortar store,” Becky said.

Todd, his father and his brother Gunnar have all decided to return to Maine after so many years in Florida. Phillips was the place that caught their eye, Becky said. Gunnar is an electrician, and he thought his brother and sister-in-law might be interested in a church that was for sale. Their 83 Main St. location also sells vintage household goods, linens, tools and ephemera.

The Olsons also rent space to vendors who have a few quality items for sale. Shoppers pay Todd and Becky for their purchases, and they send the booth tenants a check each month. The Olsons will continue to attend as many re-enactments as possible, from Florida to Maine. The next big event will be the Fort Knox Civil War Weekend, in Prospect, from July 27 to July 29.

Pam Matthews, chair of the Phillips Revitalization Committee, is one of the Olsons’ tenants, and she sells handcrafted jewelry, artwork and other Maine-made items on consignment.

“It’s hard to make a living in this part of Maine, and why I named this shop Mountain Hardstock,” she said. “Our artists and craftspeople capture the creative spirit in this part of Maine.”

The Little White Church Antiques and More, Tophat’s Sutlery, and Mountain Hardstock will be open on Wednesdays through Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the end of October. Visit www.lwcantiques.com, www.tophatssutlery.com and www.mountainhardstock.com for more information.