The first contact of a Seventh-day Adventist minister ever made by this little group was with Pastor Covert, who came to Rock Falls for one day, Nov. 26, 1905. He called a business meeting and helped organize the first young people's society. The first rally was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Wright, Dec. 3, 1905.
The first financial report was read at the first regular business meeting, Oct. 5, 1905. This group had a balance of $269 in the treasury and it was voted to send this amount ot the most needy mission field via the IL Conference of Seventh-day Adventist. At the close of the quarter of 1906 this group had $17.05 on hand and $10.00 of that amount was sent to the Conference.
On Jan. 15, 1908, the first "Liberty" Magazines ( a journal dedicated to religious liberty through the separation of church & state) were received for circulation among the businessmen of Sterling and Rock Falls. on Feb. 7 of this year Y.M. Burdick and W.Y. young were chosen as delegates to represent this Rock Falls group of Commandment-keeping Christians at conference meetings.
It was Jan. 12, 1912, after two years of waiting, that Pastor F.J. harris came to conduct the first communion service, which wsa preceded by the New Testament ordinance of foot-washing. AMong the first to carry on the church work at this time were; John H. Hicks, leader; Charles Puels, treasurer; Eva Hicks, clerk and missionary secretary. On March 17, 1917 Pastor J. H. Schilling, president of the IL Conference held an all day m eeting in a hall in downtown Rock Falls. Officers were elected and for the first time all offices of the church were filled, so that the church could now be more effective both to its mission and to the community in letting its Christian light shine.
It was on May 18, 1935 that this non-smoking and non-drinking group wsa formally organized into a church. During afternoon services Pastor C. Ray Kinney welcomed members and visitors ot the church. The sermon was presented by Pastor Hallister, president of the conference, who also directed in the organizaiton of the church. Officers of this new church were; Claude E. Lee, leader; Mrs. Koobs, clerk; Glen Ketcham, deacon; Mrs. Clapper, deaconess; Mrs. Elzie Lee, treasurer. On Wednesday Aug. 14, 1935, Pastors C. Ray Kinney and Wellman opened a series of meetings under a large, screened tent at the corner of Fifth avenue and Tenth street in Sterling. The meetings ended Sunday night, Sept. 29, 1935. As a result from God's blessing, on Oct. 12 five new commandment-keeping Christians were added to the church through baptism.
As the church grew, it became clear that there were too many members for meetings to be held in private homes. The Sterling Odd Fellows hall was rented and here services and Bible study meetings were held in the comfort of three rooms for seven years. All the time, however, these Christians were looking forward to worship in a church of their own. With the help of friends in the Sterling-Rock Falls community, as well as the l iberality of hte IL Conference, along with hard work and sacrifices by members, it was possible to hold first services in their new church on March 20, 1943. This church as built as the money came in, in order that the construction could proceed without debt of any kind.
On the Sabbath-Saturday, Sept. 15, 1951 the little church on the corner of 2nd Ave. and 5th St. was dedicated to the glory and honor of God; for the redemption of humanity; for the integrity of the christian home,; for religious freedom through the separation of church and state; for worldwide evangelism; all fo the purpose oof preparing a people to meet their God. Today the church under God's care is growing. And with Christian lay- members and God-fearing ministers, youth and adults are being trained and fitted for Christian citizenship not only for the Rock Falls area but for the earth made new by God.
