Bethany Baptist Church, a historic building located in rural Shawano County, has been repurposed with a new title and mission, thanks to owner Karen Benishek.
The Vintage Church Mouse is a vintage and antique store located at W12902 State Highway 29 in Tilleda. The historic church dates back to 1912 and is graced with original stained-glass windows and charming woodwork throughout the building. The ambience was maintained during the remodeling efforts.
Offered for sale is a variety of antique and vintage items curated by vendors who rent their space.
Previously owning coffee shops, the Benisheks sold them and, deciding to take a break from that pursuit, checked out places to sell antique and vintage items.
Benishek’s husband, Jim, is handy with carpentry and remodeling. The couple discovered Bethany was for sale. Having an appreciation for old buildings, one thing led to another and they purchased the building as is, with nothing guaranteed.
“Deciding to purchase the property, there were risks involved,” said Benishek. “We knew that, but we took the chance, leaving it in God’s hands that whatever worked out would be for our good.”
The couple noted the building was structurally sound.
“We purchased the building in November 2025 and opened June 1, 2026,” said Benishek. “In the meantime, my husband had retired from his job as a maintenance director in nursing homes, so he had more time to work on the building. He constructed the booths and sanded the stairs and choir loft floors. The rest remain as we bought it. He hired help to build a wheelchair accessible ramp. I have the vision, he has the skills. I help, but he can do it so much better.”
With a heartfelt vision, Benishek had in mind finding a space where vendors with unique skills can express their creativity, presenting their style and display their unique finds to the public. Most of her vendors are from Shawano and Waupaca counties.
Some of the contributing vendors have more a boho (bohemian-style) hippy, funky kind of vibe. Various booths offer a unique mix of things such as furniture refinishing, painting furniture, and upcycling. Other booths offer kitchen-cottage core, granny core, with vintage clothing upstairs in the choir loft.
“Also featured are various dark, moody décor, dark furniture, more of a library-type, man-academia booths. I also have a mixed, early-Americana, pioneer-woman type booth,” said Benishek.
Everything offered for sale is required to be vintage, which in the shop’s definition, is 20 years old at least.
There is a books booth called Flutterby Nook, which offer vintage and used books utilizing a credit/exchange interaction.
“You can bring books in and get credit to buy other books, which encourages fresh stock coming in,” said Benishek.
Even when Benishek was younger, she resonated with the traditional way of life, admiring the old ways.
“As a teenager I’d always loved antiques and even wore vintage clothing. My mom was into antiques. I love the nostalgic feel of that era,” said Benishek.
Wanting the name vintage in the title – not antique, because not everything is antique – Benishek settled on The Vintage Church Mouse.
“I wanted the word ‘church’ in my title, and thought I should have a mascot so I thought of ‘poor as a church mouse’ or ‘quiet as a church mouse,’ well-known sayings,” said Benishek. “We decided ‘The Vintage Church Mouse’ would be appropriate.”
At this time Benishek runs the shop by herself.
“I have no helpers. A vendor I’m in the process of training is learning, but as of now there is no one but me,” said Benishek.
Celebrating the opening of The Vintage Church Mouse, Benishek plans on holding a ribbon cutting ceremony June 30 at noon, with the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce promoting the event. The public is welcome to attend.
“I’m hiding a dozen mice throughout the store for the ribbon cutting event. For every mouse you find, your name will be placed in a drawing for a free gift basket,” said Benishek.
Karen and Jim Benishek have been married for 41 years and have seven adult children and four grandchildren, with one on the way.
“I have customers that stop in and tell me they looked up to admire the church and seeing that it’s a store, decide to stop in,” said Benishek. “I want my place to be welcoming and comfortable, where people are encouraged to bring friends, bring kids, or come alone — to find something that they enjoy and what they’d like in their home, or just to browse. I feel God closed other doors for me and then opened a window and especially these stained-glass windows. I trust God and know His good hand is on me always.”
For hours of operation and other information, like them on Facebook at The Vintage Church Mouse.
From the choir loft of the repurposed historical church building, the view showcases many various booths with vintage and antique items on display. The original stained-glass windows remain intact. (Kay Reminger)
