A History of Sterling First United Methodist Church . . .

In 1838, when Europeans were first beginning to settle in the area along the Rock River a small group of them gathered in each other’s cabins and later in the public building. They were residents of Harrisburg Town, which later became part of Sterling.

    Under the leadership of Reverend Barton R. Cartwright, a Methodist circuit rider, Hezakiah Brink and Luther Bush were instrumental in founding this church. With six members it was the first church in the Whiteside county area and has been referred to as the mother church of all the churches in Whiteside County.

Records indicate the founding members were Hezekiah and Martha Brink, Mr. & Mrs. Luther Bush, Mrs. Pratt and Mrs. Geer (Hezakiah’s mother).

Reverend S. F. Denning was the first resident pastor assigned in 1855 by the Conference. Under his leadership, the forty member congregation erected the first church building in 1856, costing $9,000.00. This was such a burdensome debt that in 1862 the building was sold to Henry Murray for $2,000.00.

At that time a rally was organized and the persuasive Dr. T. M. Eddy conducted services at a grand jubilee of the congregation. Enough subscriptions were received to satisfy Mr. Murray and the church was deeded back to the congregation.

With the debt problem barely resolved, new troubles arose. In 1867, some disagreement about renting the church pews developed that resulted in about thirty members leaving First Methodist to start the Second Methodist Church, which later became Fourth Street Methodist Episcopal Church and is now known as Wesley Methodist Church. Rock Falls Methodist Church, on the other side of the river, grew from these congregations.

During the second pastorate of Reverend S. F. Denning in 1868, the church was debt free for the first time. Nine years later, under Reverend W. B. Doble, the Women’s Foreign Missionary Society was organized. Also during that year, the first parsonage was built to the south and west of the current church building.

In 1902 the spire was destroyed by lightning, leaving only the cupola. During the remodeling of the church in 1914, additions were added to the east and west sides of the church  and the south entrance was closed. The east, or Broadway side became the new entrance. The cupola was remodeled with the original bell still ringing today. The bell was manufactured by Meneely’s of West Troy, N.Y. in 1856.

With the remodel the many beautiful stained glass windows were install, manufactured by Schuler-Mueller Company, Chicago, costing around $400.00 each.          

 

(Anchor window) – Hebrews 6.19 [We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.]

            (Leaves windows) – Revelations 22.2 [Down the middle of the great street of the city on each side of the river stood the tree of life bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month and the leaves of the tree are for healing of the nations]

            The burning bush mosaic glass in Coleman hall was installed at a cost of $1,500.00, manufactured by the Mosaic Art Glass company.

            Bishop McDowell came for the dedication after the remodeling and stayed at the Galt House, the bill at the time was $2.00. During 1920 and 1921 under Reverend Wright, the first parsonage was sold and a new one built. The new parsonage was built just north of the church, facing Broadway Ave. In 1996 a new, and the current, parsonage was constructed northwest of the sanctuary building, along Sixth Street.

            In 1938, a one hundredth anniversary program was held with Reverend A. Melvin Tinker serving as minister.

            During Reverend McKelvey’s pastorate in 1948, our church celebrated its 110^th anniversary. A highlight of that celebration was the construction of four classrooms on the west side of the church. Another highlight was the burning of the mortgage. Our church was again debt free.

            In 1963 construction began on the new education building, now known as Coleman Hall. This effort was started in 1957 during Reverend Chamberlin’s pastorate, continued through Reverend Kelsey’s term and was completed in 1975 under Reverend Coleman. In the 1970s we had accomplished two goals: the burning of the educational building’s mortgage and the acquiring of the entire block of properties between Fifth and Sixth Streets and Broadway and Ninth Avenue.

            The 1970s and 1980s were very rough times economically. Oil and related energy expenses rose sharply and heavy industry went into a severe recession, resulting in large layoffs  by the area’s leading employers. In the following decade the steel mill finally closed completely. Our area’s economy still has not fully recovered.

            Starting in 1983 under Reverend Clark Moushon’s pastorate our church recognized a need to help people who were unemployed. Rev. Moushon started a food bank to get foot that was being destroyed by producers for various technical reasons to people in this area who were in desperate need. This is an example of the congregation’s interest in serving people locally, nationally and internationally. The church continues to house the FISH Food Pantry in Coleman Hall today.

            In 1985, four ranks were added to our organ. Floyd and Brad Hunsberger designed and built the grillwork with the pipes behind. A new organ console was given in memory of Henry Hoffman. The organ was moved to its present position. It was formerly where the choir loft is today. The eternal flame is in memory of Charlotte Longanecker.

            A decorator, Jackie Rylander, was hired to assist us in re-decorating the church. The leaves were copied from the windows and stenciled, as well as the blue above the stenciled leaves.

            In September, 1986, our church celebrated the arrival of the first circuit riding minister, Reverend Cartwright. The congregation held Sunday service on the church lawn with many of our members dressed as the settlers did back in 1836. Hezekiah and Martha Brink (portrayed by Floyd and Effie Hunsberger) introduced Reverend Cartright (portrayed by Reverend Moushon) to the congregation. After the service a potluck dinner complete with open-kettle soups, prepared by Reverend Moushon as they did 150 years ago, was served.

            Pastor Karen Schilling was our minister for ten years. She came from Elizabeth, IL and itenerated to Freeport, IL. While she was here, we began paying our full apportionments. The elevator and new parsonage were added during her pastorate.

            Pastor Christine Gilbert, followed Reverend Schilling. She showed much compassion to those who were unable to attend church and our church continued to grow.

            Pastor Paul Judd followed Reverend Gilbert. Reverend Judd reintroduced a vigor and vitality that had waned over the years. Under his pastorate new technologies were introduced and used, including our church webpage and providing a wireless network for the church, linking the many computers.

            In order for us to have accomplished these endeavors we have had to rely on many successive generations of family members. Our membership reflects families members for as many as six generations.

            In closing, let us reflect on an previous historical sketch which W. W. Davis, Sterlings earliest historian, prepared for the 70^th anniversary. He closed with these words, “Old Broadway, ESTO PERPETUA! May the foundations of the First Church never be moved, and may its blessed usefulness continue to all generations.”