The First Baptist Church of Sterling was organized June 1, 1856, with eleven members. Services were first held in the school room in the First Presbyterian church, for two months, Rev. H. H. Hoff, a missionary, being the supply during that time. Rev. J. T. Mason became the first regular pastor, taking charge November 1, 1856, and continuing since that time. The Society held services after November 1, 1856, in Crandall’s Hall, and after that in Boynton’s Hall, until a church edifice was built. The membership grew rapidly, and in 1865 the building was enlarged. It was soon, however, apparent that it was too small even with the enlargement, and in 1873 the present edifice was erected at a cost of twenty thousand dollars. This building is now the largest church building in Sterling, being eighty-two feet long, and forty-five feet wide. The Sunday School attached to the church numbers over two hundred scholars, with A. S. Todd, Superintendent, assisted by twenty teachers. The church roll shows two hundred and eighty-two members. Mr. Mason has been pastor of the church for twenty-one years, and is not only highly regarded as a faithful and successful minister, but as one of Sterling’s oldest and most valued citizens
Source: Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County 1877
About the middle of April 1856 a call was made through "The Sterling Times" to the Baptist people of Sterling to meet in the basement of the Presbyterian church, Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Fifteen persons responded and after prayerful deliberation it ws decided to organize a church as soon as a pastor could be secured.
On Monday May 11, 1856 Rev. H.H. Haff came to Sterling, not knowing that there was a Baptist in the place. Arranements were made iwth him to preach the following Sunday. A business session was held at the close of this service at which time a covenant meeting was arranged for, to be held Saturday, May 31, for the purpose of affecting an organization. This was accordingly done with eleven constituent members. The organization was recognized June 4, by a council convened for that purpose. Rev. H.H. Haff was duly elected pastor at a salary of $600 per year. His stay was brief, lasting only three months. Rev. J.T. Mason was next called to take charge of the work and began his labors in November 1856. To show in what high esteem he wsa held by the church and community it is only necessary to state his pastorate closed Nov. 1, 1880, after 24 years of faithful and fruitful service. The church twice extended him a call to resume the pastorate, both times receiving a kind refusal. The following ministers served: Rev. A.H. Stote, Jan. 1881 to Oct. 1884; Rev. A. J. Brown, Feb. 1885 - June 1886; Rev. Gilman Parker Sep. 1886 - Dec 1888; Rev. F.A. Gregory Dec 1888-Mar 1890; Rev. L. M. gates May 1890-Oct 1894; The present pastor Rev. W.B. Morris began his work Dec. 15, 1894.
From the Presbyterian church the meetings were transferred to Crandalls Hall, then to Boyntons Hall, which was engaged at an annual rental of $150 per year, light, fuel and janitor included. A part of the hall was afterward partitioned off to be used as a city council chamber. An effort wsa made to secure a site and erect a house of worship. This was successful and the organization entered their first church home Tuesday, Feb. 8, 1859. The present structure wsa dedicated Oct. 2, 1880.
From the Sterling Standard Dec. 11, 1896
