ENGLISH INTRODUCED

Pastor F. Uplegger arrived in Sterling in June, 1893. That same month the congregation resolved to hold monthly voters meetings and also introduced the envelope system, in order "to reduce the work of collecting." The following month the women came to the congregation's assistance, as good Ladies' Aids always have. "Our commendable Ladies and Young Ladies Aid volunteered the sum of $50.00 to be used for painting the interior or exterior of the church. This offer naturally was accepted with thanks," the Secretary reported. Then in December "Pastor Uplegger inquired whether the congregation would permit him to conduct services in English in this church occasionally." Apparently he took their interest in English more seriously than they had intended because it was "resolved that we permit it now and then, with the stipulation that there shall be no interference with our German services." This is the first definite reference to the use of English in the public services.

In 1893 the janitor was still receiving $5.00 a year for "firing the stove when necessary to have a fire," and the treasurer was "authorized to collect 10¢: from each member, man or woman, to cover the coal expense."

One month after the Pastor was granted permission to introduce English services he accepted a call from a congregation in Gillette, Wisconsin. This was a real disappointment to the members. "The congregation was perplexed and at a loss for action, especially since Rev. Uplegger had endeared himself in the hearts of all members so completely during his short stay here." With his departure apparently went the future English work of this parish too, because the permission to conduct English services was apparently not exercised for the next 23 years. The Sterling parish at the end of 1893 numbered 131 communicants and 234 souls. There were 37 children in the" parochial school."

REV. UPLEGGER IN 1951

Pastor Uplegger was a colorful man, a linguist and missionary of first rank, a scholar and a Christian gentleman. The ill health of his daughter terminated his service as Principal of the Lutheran High School in Milwaukee and projected him into a new field of sunshine among the Apache Indians of Arizona, whom he served from 1919 until 1961, when ill health forced retirement at 94. He died June 13, 1964 at the age of 97. Messiah Lutheran was delighted to have him occupy the pulpit on Second Avenue in 1951 and also in the new church in 1953.

In January, 1894, the congregation extended a call to the Rev. E. Reinke, resolving at the same time to apply for another Seminary Student to teach the school if the call should be declined. Student William Meyer, of Springfield, served the parish from February through May when the call was declined. In 1902 a Pastor Wm. H. Meyer died in St. Louis at the age of 32. This seems to have been the same man who served the Sterling congregation during the 1894 vacancy.