Sterling IL, Whiteside County
The Evangelical church and society is made up of German families, and was organized in 1865, the members of the church being five in number. At present there are forty-five. The church edifice was erected in 1871 at a Cost of twenty-five hundred dollars. Rev. Mr. Burckhardt is the
pastor. The Sunday School has fifty scholars, with John Meister as Superintendent, assisted by six teachers.
Source: Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County 1877
The Evangelical Lutheran church of Sterling was organized in 1854, with Rev. Wm. Uhl as pastor and became connected with teh Synod of Northern IL in 1856. Through aid from the Church Extension Society it wsa enabled to finish its fine house of worship in 1857. The church was served for a time in 1858 by Rev. J.L. Guard, of Dixon, after which and probably later also by licentiate Rev. N.W. Lilly. In 1860 Rev. W.A. Lipe began his 13 years labors here. During his ministry in 1866 the church was refitted and enlarged at a cost of $1,800 and dedicated August 19, 1866. November 23, 1873, Rev. E. Brown took charge and soon remitted his labors for about a year, during which period Rev. A.K. Felton served the place some five months. But Rev. E. Brown being recalled again took the field July 9, 1876 and has continued since then having in April 1893 completed, with his mostly Pennsylvania people, the building of a beautiful and convenient church.
One of the most promising features of the church is the large and flourishing SUnday School, with a membership that occasionally reaches the high water mark of 250; the larges in the city. The collections are generous, the older members take an active part in its administration, the young ladies and gentlemen continue loyal to their classes and their regular morning sessions before service, are scenes of commendable enthusiasm. The pastor, Rev. E. Brown sets an admirable example in his unfailing appearance before his class of young men. In accordance with the traditions of the church, the great festivals, Christmas and Easter, as well as other anniversaries of recent date, Luther Day and Children's Day are always celebrated with becoming observance. The contributions for missions and charitable objects are invariably worthy of all praise.
To the steady purpose, the quiet consecration of Rev. E. Brown, pastor for the last 20 years, a great part of the prosperity of this church is justly due. When he assumed charge the congregation was small and obscure; now the membership, under his fostering care, has grown to be one of the most responsible pastorates in the city, perhaps the largest in the Synod of Illinois. He has taken Elder Mason's old distinction as the Nestor of the Sterling clergy. The church itself is a model of neatness and comfort, and when on a bright Sunday morning the mellow sunlight streams through the stained glass on Sunday School or worshiping congregation, the effect is full of gracious inspiration.
The Sterling Standard Dec. 11, 1896
