UNLIKE ANY OTHER — Kimberly Hahn stood before one of three paintings created especially for the St. Paul Center of Biblical Theology. Each piece shows various scenes in the life of St. Paul, unlike any other work ever done. -- Julie Stenger

STEUBENVILLE — The St. Paul Center. A newly-constructed 25,000-square-foot place of faith on University Boulevard. Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for video and audio recording and broadcasting.

Among its amenities are a gift shop, cafe, library and meeting spaces where Bible studies, large retreats and conferences can be held.

Founder and President Scott Hahn and his wife, Kimberly, a trustee, are pleased with work that went in to making the building the way they envisioned it.

“I am so proud of the people who did the work,” Kimberly stated, noting the architects and contractors are among the best.

Guests are welcome to browse the bookstore, sit and take in the atmosphere, visit the library and even ask for a tour, Kimberly stated.

A spacious room used for conferences and larger retreats can be divided and includes the latest technology, holds approximately 100 chairs or can transform into a single space with one large table for meetings.

Some of the programs offered include hosting national priest conferences, inspirational talks and discussions, fellowship and a spiritual renewal to more than 600 priests each year. The center recently held its first deacons retreat and will conduct the center’s first grandparents retreat next week. Everyone can share in Mass and meals, she said.

“Hopefully, there will be many more to come,” she said, adding the retreats are great for the local economy, as there are hotels and restaurants nearby. Programs include the development of solid resources for seminarians, free or low-cost resources for scripture reflections, or producing scripture studies, Emmaus Academy courses and digital content on sacred scripture and the truths of the faith, officials said.

Hahn noted there are 41 full-time employees and 15 part-time employees. Emmaus Road Publishing and Emmaus Academic are housed at the center, Kimberly noted, adding they are renting two-thirds of a large nearby warehouse for the books being sold. She and her husband have each authored several works.

Hahn expressed her excitement for the release of the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible Old and New Testament. The book has taken 26 years to complete. A library of study resources in one volume, she said, “It brings about a greater literacy of the scripture for lay Catholics to become familiar with the scriptures.”

Hahn will help provide a tour to the Woman’s Club of Steubenville, of which she is a member, when it holds its monthly meeting at the center Monday.