"It was the middle of the 'fifties,' that outwardly lethargic, inwardly fermenting decade, in which great social and political questions were working timidly on to a great and awful solution. But their time had not yet come; the land rested in profound peace. Columbus was a rather sleepy, pretty town of some eighteen thousand people, with little beyond its political importance to aid its growth. The Presbyterian camp was as yet divided. Old School and New School, differing in non-essentials, were still agreeing to dwell apart. The First Church felt itself almost alone in the field; the field was slowly but surely widening, and the call for a new station in the harvest field rang imperatively in the ears of the mother church. Its two pastors at the time were the venerable Dr. James Hoge and his younger colleague, Rev. Josiah D. Smith. Thirty communicants composed the young colony; an additional delegation, twenty-five strong, was soon after added, and young church started on its way with a membership of about sixty. On the 15th of June the new organization elected the Rev. Josiah D. Smith to be its pastor, and the question of his removal from the First Church was refereed to the Presbytery, convened in July. It was decided that he should go; on the 5th of August he was formally installed as first pastor; and the separation was now complete.'

the

"The retrospective attitude of mind is inevitably a saddening one, for individuals and for churches; and, mixed with the spirit of thanksgiving for what God hath wrought, comes the melancholy remembrance of those who should be with us to-night but are not, who have fallen by the wayside, who have made the church a sort of spiritual caravanserai, where they might rest for a night and pass on, who have allowed themselves to succumb to the torpor of inactivity, and have insensibly become strangers and aliens in the house of God.

"But we are called upon to look forward as well as back, to thank God and take courage, and to resolve, mother and daughters, that the mother's hundredth birthday, when it comes, shall find a happy family, united and enthusiastic in every good word and work.

WILLIAM S. SACKETT,

a grandson of Dr. Hoge, responded for Hoge Church: Mr. Chairman and Friends: It is with pleasure that Hoge Church sends a representative to lay a garland, twined with gratitude and good wishes, at the feet of the mother church on this, her anniversary. Although the passing years have taken from us all the members of the little band sent out by the First Church to establish a memorial organization in what was then one of the missionary districts of the city,

we still cherish tender recollections of them and of their faithful labor. We hold the First Church in grateful remembrance for the helping hand oftentimes extended to us in our day of need, and as we offer our congratulations on this occasion, we ask the great head of the church to prosper you in every good work, and to make our maternal church in the future, as it has been in the past, a beacon light in this community, guiding many storm-tossed and ship-wrecked souls into the harbor of eternal safety.

MR. C. A. DENTON

responded in fitting terms in behalf of the Collegiate Church, and expressed great hopes for its future. His remarks elicited enthusiastic applause.

THE ELDERSHIP OF TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO-ELDER JAMES S. ABBOTT, ORDAINED IN 1849.

In referring to the honored men who constituted the session of this the First Presbyterian Church of twenty-five or thirty years ago, it is not expected that they be individually considered. Each one, however, would present an honorable record. Of their character and works, collectively, I very briefly allude. They were men of deep piety, of devotion and earnestness, and men of prayer; faithful in the discharge of their duties, realizing their responsiblities and

sought wisdom, grace and direction from Him who had called them to this service. In their councils they were united and harmonious, always looking and acting for the peace and prosperity of the church.

That some, especially the younger members of the congregation, may know the fruit of whose labors they now enjoy, I will read their names: James Cherry, Isaac N. Dalton, Thomas Moodie, James S. Abbott, William M. Awl, and Alfred Thomas. These are the names of the men whose watchful care has largely contributed to our present prosperity and enjoyment. These men have come and gone, all gone, excepting two, brother Thomas, who is still a faithful member as you all this day bear witness, and one other. They have gone and their works do follow them-yes, their good works will follow through time into eternity. Being dead they yet speak; speak to us to be faithful in the discharge of christian duties, that they who come after us may also call us blessed.

The past is passed and gone, and as we look back is it not a past to thank God for and take courage, for are we not now gathering the rich fruit and sweet and fragrant flowers from these early seed, watched over and cultivated by a faithful pastor and a wise and prudent Sessions.