Our History!

The Methodist Churches in the Sterling-Rock Falls area had their beginning when Christian settlers worshipped in Hezekiah Brink’s cabin in 1838. From this humble beginning, the Methodist congregation rapidly grew, with the first church built in 1855. The 4^th Street Methodist Episcopal Church was an outgrowth of that first church and was established on October 11, 1867. For 108 years, this congregation was located on the westside of downtown Sterling.

On March 28, 1973, the congregation voted to purchase 10.314 acres of land and to move to its present location. Ground was broken on March 31, 1974, for a new facility, which would be completely handicapped-accessible. The following Easter, March 30, 1975, the congregation worshipped in the new sanctuary. A new name was chosen by the congregation to reflect its new location and facility: the Wesley United Methodist Church.

Because of continued growth, the church added 5 Sunday School rooms, a community activity room, and offices. This $400,000 addition was dedicated in March 1, 1992. A lovely memorial garden area was dedicated on June 7, 1992.

We are grateful to God for allowing us more than 157 years of ministry in the Sauk Valley area. We celebrate the commitment and faithfulness of those who have gone before us, and humbly accept the challenges of ministry in these changing times, trusting that God will continue to guide and use us for the spreading of the Gospel and the building of Christ’s Kin(g)dom here on earth.