(269) 795-6861
Who We Are
The "little white church by the beach."
About Us
Nestled by the shore, Wildermere Beach Congregational Church is more than a landmark—it’s a sanctuary, a hub of hope, and a gathering place where faith and community converge. Known as the “little white church by the beach,” we’re a small yet vibrant congregation united by a purpose bigger than ourselves. Here, every face is known, every voice is heard, and every heart is uplifted in fellowship as we walk the path of faith together. We believe that just as “iron sharpens iron,” each one of us strengthens the other, growing in God’s love with every step.
Our outreach reflects our commitment to community, family, and joy. We celebrate the spirit of togetherness with events like our annual Bazaar and Cookie Stroll, bring smiles to young faces at Trunk or Treat, and offer simple pleasures at our tag sales. Each gathering reflects our belief that church isn’t confined to four walls but extends to every corner of our neighborhood.
At Wildermere Beach Congregational Church, we embrace everyone who walks through our doors, sharing the peace and hope found in Christ. Through fellowship, the Word, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we strive to be a light in our community—a place where grace abounds, friendships flourish, and those seeking purpose and love find a warm welcome. We invite you to join us, grow with us, and experience the joy of faith by the beach.
Our Legacy
Founded in 1895, the Walnut Beach Union Chapel began as a modest “meeting house,” providing a vital space for the community to gather for both religious worship and essential town meetings. This humble structure quickly became a cornerstone of local life, embodying the spirit and unity of the Walnut Beach area. By 1923, the church took on a more formal identity, incorporating as the Walnut Beach Union Chapel Society. The following year saw the addition of a kitchen, reflecting the congregation’s growing role in supporting communal gatherings and fellowship. The church continued to evolve and, in 1943, aligned itself with the Connecticut Conference of Congregational Churches, marking a new chapter of regional connection and spiritual solidarity.
As the congregation expanded, so did its physical space: in 1950, a fellowship hall was built, and by 1968, a small chapel and nursery were added, completing the structure we see today. However, in the face of changing times, attendance dwindled, and by 2012, the congregation had diminished to just a few dedicated members. Recognizing the need for renewal, the church invited Pastor L. Kenneth Fellenbaum to lead them into a new era. Under his stewardship, the chapel has undergone significant renovations, breathing fresh life into its walls. Today, the Walnut Beach Union Chapel stands not only restored but revitalized, with a growing membership and renewed dedication to community engagement and spiritual growth.
MISSION
Our mission is to welcome and nurture all who join us in the Christian faith. Together, we strive to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and believe that through fellowship, we grow closer to God and one another.
VISION
Our vision is to be a vibrant Christian fellowship, intergenerational and multicultural, truly reflecting the diversity of our community. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we seek to reach out to the lost and broken, bringing them to a saving knowledge of Jesus.
VALUES
We deeply value our relationships with one another, growing together in fellowship as we draw closer to God. We cherish the Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and we are committed to extending grace to all who are lost or broken. Our hope is to lead those in need to the hope found in Jesus Christ.
MISSION
Our mission is to welcome and nurture all who join us in the Christian faith. Together, we strive to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and believe that through fellowship, we grow closer to God and one another.
VISION
Our vision is to be a vibrant Christian fellowship, intergenerational and multicultural, truly reflecting the diversity of our community. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we seek to reach out to the lost and broken, bringing them to a saving knowledge of Jesus.
VALUES
We deeply value our relationships with one another, growing together in fellowship as we draw closer to God. We cherish the Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and we are committed to extending grace to all who are lost or broken. Our hope is to lead those in need to the hope found in Jesus Christ.
Our Team
Pastor Ken Fellenbaum
Rev. L. Kenneth Fellenbaum brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his ministry. Originally from Lancaster County, PA, Pastor Ken studied history at Eastern Mennonite College and theology at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, VA, laying a strong foundation for his calling to serve.
With 31 years of ordained ministry across three congregations, Pastor Ken has guided countless individuals on their spiritual journeys. His leadership extends beyond the church walls; he has led transformative tours to Israel and served as a non-profit executive for nine years, including his role as a state leader with the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA). In addition, he has devoted four years to the State Ethics Commission, where he served as Vice Chair, and 16 years on the City Police Commission, serving as Chairman, demonstrating his commitment to ethics, justice, and community well-being.
Before his ministry, Pastor Ken built a diverse background in business management and sales across industries such as agribusiness, manufacturing, and retail. Since 1978, he and his wife, Debra, have called Milford home, raising their two children, Karl and Kendra. Today, they are proud grandparents to two grandchildren, cherishing their roles as both family and community leaders.
Pastor Ken Fellenbaum
Rev. L. Kenneth Fellenbaum brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his ministry. Originally from Lancaster County, PA, Pastor Ken studied history at Eastern Mennonite College and theology at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, VA, laying a strong foundation for his calling to serve.
With 31 years of ordained ministry across three congregations, Pastor Ken has guided countless individuals on their spiritual journeys. His leadership extends beyond the church walls; he has led transformative tours to Israel and served as a non-profit executive for nine years, including his role as a state leader with the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA). In addition, he has devoted four years to the State Ethics Commission, where he served as Vice Chair, and 16 years on the City Police Commission, serving as Chairman, demonstrating his commitment to ethics, justice, and community well-being.
Before his ministry, Pastor Ken built a diverse background in business management and sales across industries such as agribusiness, manufacturing, and retail. Since 1978, he and his wife, Debra, have called Milford home, raising their two children, Karl and Kendra. Today, they are proud grandparents to two grandchildren, cherishing their roles as both family and community leaders.