Niagara Falls, N.Y. (WBEN) - The iconic and newly restored Second Coming House in Niagara Falls is officially open to the public.
The house, which was owned by the self-proclaimed Prophet Isaiah, had begun deteriorating after his death, and the community wanted to find a way to preserve it. Gloria, who was married to Isaiah, said she was relieved to find out the preservation group, Kohler Foundation, wanted to take on the project.
"I see people come by no matter what the weather, rain, heat, hail, snow, no matter even during darkness. You will see them stop outside the house, and even those would bow and pray," Gloria stated in an interview with WBEN. "I noticed even the animals were at peace when they come around here. I was just so grateful when a dear friend came and told me that they would like to do this project, and I said, 'Well, God answers prayers. I know he does.'"
Rohan, who lived in the house for a period of time, said that Isaiah was like a father to him ever since he moved here from Jamaica. Everyday, he'd stop by the house and see Isaiah added something new. Although Rohan couldn't completely see Isaiah's vision, he believes there is something divine about his creations.
"A lot of people thought he was crazy, because they're seeing a pretty pretty house. That's when they say, 'Oh, you see that pretty, pretty house?' But it was just more than a pretty, pretty house to him," Rohan stated. "You know, he had that third eye. He could see what we didn't see, and now everybody is seeing what it meant."
Niagara County Legislator Jeffrey Elder lives in the area, and he explained that this house has been a staple in the community for years now, and he's happy to see the results that came out of the restoration project.
"I watch people go by and notice the house. I see bikers, big groups of bikers that ride by. They're on a mission," stated Elder. "The bikers stop, turn around, come back and take photos in front of this house. This house is known around the world, and it's something really wonderful. I'm so glad that the preservations have been done, and it really helped our neighborhood."
Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino knew Isaiah personally and shared that he is honored to have this one-of-a-kind house in his city.
"Isaiah was a client of mine in my law practice. I always knew him to be a guy who had a gift, the ability to see the good and then to simply try and act on it. This is really a function of all of that."
The Second Coming House will be open to the public on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m.-to-4 p.m. ET. There will also be be a reception in the backyard from 5-9 p.m. ET.