Last modified: Saturday, October 25, 2008 1:53 AM EDT MARK STOCKWELLThe Rev. Kenneth Landin, is happy to be the new pastor at the historic Original Congregational Church in Wrentham. The church was started in 1692, and has been a “sacred place in the heart of the community,” according to Landin. The church is a United Church of Christ denomination and Landin appreciates the church’s inclusive nature and diversity. He points out that there are church members who have spent their entire lives there, as well as many newcomers. Wrentham church welcomes new pastor BY JOSEPH P. SIEGEL FOR THE SUN CHRONICLE WRENTHAM - The Rev. Kenneth Landin will be installed as the new pastor at Original Congregational Church this Sunday, and he couldn't be more pleased about his new leadership role of the historic church. The church was started in 1692, and has been a "sacred place in the heart of the community," according to Landin. The church is a United Church of Christ denomination and Landin appreciates the church's inclusive nature and diversity. He points out that there are church members who have spent their entire lives there, as well as many newcomers. The church is "a spiritual home," Landin said. "Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, you're welcome here." Landin, 42, grew up in Burlington and attended Hofstra University in New York, where he earned a degree in American studies and political science. After his graduation from Hofstra, Landin was inspired to join the ministry by members of the church he attended in his hometown. "They gave me a great start," Landin said, noting it was a "wonderfully caring community." Landin attended Harvard Divinity School, which Landin calls "a tremendously challenging, very engaging place." Landin served churches in Concord and Lexington, before being hired as pastor at Congregational Church of Hooksett, N.H., where he remained for four years. Landin spent seven years as minister at Waqoit Congregational Church in East Falmouth. It was there he met his wife Jeanne. He has two step-daughters. The people at Original Congregational Church have been "very kind and welcoming," Landin said. "It's a wonderful place to be." Landin has focused on providing pastoral care to members of the community who are ill or in need of spiritual guidance. What gives Landin the inspiration to help others is his belief in helping others live up to what God expects of them. "The greatest joy in my life is seeing people feel the faith inside them," Landin said. The service of installation will be held at 4 p.m., with a reception following the service in Fellowship Hall. The Rev. Dale Hempen, associate conference Minister of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ, will preach the sermon, "Do/Be" on faithfully being the church in today's world. All are welcome to attend this service, and for more information contact the church office at 508-384-3110 or go to the church Web site at occhurch.net. The Original Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) is located at the corner of routes 1A and 140 in the center of Wrentham. Joseph S. Siegel is a freelance writer for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at joesiegel@cox.net.