A once-vibrant church along state Highway 29 near Tilleda will soon be the home of a new retail store.
The former Bethany Baptist Church was purchased by Benishek Properties with the new owners planning to open The Vintage Church Mouse, a vintage and antiques store.
Karen Benishek appeared before the Shawano County Planning, Development and Zoning Committee on Feb. 4 to request a conditional use permit for the store. The committee unanimously agreed to the request, following similar action by the Seneca Town Board on Dec. 11, 2025.
The site includes the church, trees and open space across two parcels of about 1.65 acres. The store is scheduled to be open from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
“There is currently ample parking for approximately 15-20 vehicles as this building has been used for a church for over 100 years,” according to the permit application.
Westbound vehicles will turn right into the driveway and turn right when exiting.
“You’re going west on 29, and you turn right into the driveway, and when you come out, you have to turn (right) and it’s probably half a mile to turn around,” Benishek said. “That’s how you would get back going east.”
Eastbound vehicles will turn left at County Road G and then keep right on Highway 29 to turn into the driveway.
“On the west side of the building, directly adjacent, approximately 300 square feet could display farm/garden/kitchen items such as antique seeder, plow, iron stove or railing or other architectural salvage that are too large to fit through the entry door,” according to the application. “This would be limited to 15 items at a time.”
Benishek said outdoor flea markets may occasionally be held on the property.
Signage will be added to the bell tower.
Members of Bethany Baptist Church are currently meeting at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at the Tigerton Town Hall, 213 Cedar St., Tigerton.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
