EAST LONGMEADOW – Parishioners at First Congregational Church have a new minister – Rev. Dr. William Wildman, who also goes by the name of “Pastor Bill.”

Wildman was chosen among 40 candidates after a year and a half long national search.

He arrived at the church on July 1.

Wildman, 41, told Reminder Publications he is originally from Waterbury, CT. He was a stage lighting technician at Foxwoods Resort Casino for six years before realizing his calling to become a pastor. He served as the minister of a church in Spencer for eight years prior to coming to the town.  

He added he interviewed with at least a dozen congregations beginning in March, but believes there’s “something really special” about East Longmeadow.

“The people here at the church – even at the first interview – they welcomed me with open arms,” Wildman said. “They were very friendly and concerned that I got to the church okay. They actually gave me some money to cover my gas and mileage to go back and forth and they were a lot of fun to talk to … They were really interested in what I thought and what my ideas were.”

Wildman said his first impression was of a community really seeking to serve Jesus.

He added he, his wife Christine, and two young daughters were given a guided tour of East Longmeadow during the second round of interviews, which included the parsonage, into which they have now moved.

Peter Benton, a deacon at the church and a member of the search committee, said Wildman also has a background in puppetry, which he includes in his sermons.

“It has been amazing to watch how engaged an entire congregation can become with Bill’s friends, who, I might add, are always used to reinforce a pastoral theme or message,” he added.

“He has a real talent in connecting with any group. One on one it doesn’t take long to feel comfortable with Pastor Bill and feel as if you have known him forever,” he continued.

Wildman described his style of delivering sermons, noting that he starts with scripture lessons connecting Bible passages with personal and practical examples from everyday life.

“I do not do a very good job preaching with notes,” he explained, adding that he’s been described as preaching from the heart.

“If it doesn’t touch your heart, then we’re doing something wrong,” he added.

Wildman said one of his top goals in his first year is connecting and getting to know his congregation  

“You get to know your community,” he added. “Long-term, I’d like to see us continuing to focus on outreach to the community, both going out and doing things and also having our facility open for groups to use. It’s to provide a place for spiritual support welcome for everybody. It’s to continue serving Jesus as we feel we’re being called to do.”