Sterling IL, Whiteside County
The first sermon of the Zion Evangelical church of Sterling wsa preached in the English Lutheran church in 1855, by Rev. A. Gogueby. Services were thereafter held in the old court house until the time of organization in 1867, when the Missionary Society of the IL Conference bought the property corner of Fifth avenue and Fifth street, on which the church and parsonage was built. A division of the Society took place in 1890 and the greater part of the membership seceded from the church. (Zion church of the Evangelical Association). Consequently the church was reorganized in 1893 - Rev. Blissar preaching the first sermon to six hearers. Soon after Rev. Walter took charge. Rev. J.J. lintner became pastor in 1894. The church then had a membership of 36, which has increased to the present membership of 60. It has a Sunday School of 58, a Young People's Society and Young People's Alliance wiht a membership of 30. Services are held regularly on Sunday Morning in German and evening in English. Mr. James Hey, 83 years ld, was one of the earliest members and notwithstanding his age, now one of the most active members.
Photo and Article from "The Sterling Standard" Dec. 11, 1896
