IV. INTERIM YEARS [1901-1912]
The Rev. Robert Bryant became the second minister. Although it is said that Mr. Bryant did not hold the attention of his flock as did Dr. Kerr, the Sunday School did flourish during his 6 year ministry, with major church income provided by the Women's Benevolent Society and the Unity Club.

The Rev. Thornton Anthony Mills, son of a famous liberal theologian, came to Rockford in 1907 to succeed Bryant. His invitations to Rockford College students and his civic participation resulted in increasing interest in the church, with 500 families being served and Sunday attendance averaging over 450. Before his resignation in 1913, he married Ruth Ticknor, a member of the choir.