under the pastorate of the late Dr. James Hoge. In the spring of 1835, Mr. Dalton was elected an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church, and continued in that office to the time of his death, a period of fortyfive years. He held various places of public trust, but it was in work of practical benevolence that he took the greatest interest. During the prevalence of cholera in the years 1849 and 1850, he was appointed by the City Council a member of the special Board of Health. Many of our older citizens can testify to the efficiency and devotion with which he administered the duties of this office. Under his direction, and by his hand, the sick were tenderly nursed, and the destitute kindly and amply provided for. In 1862 he was appointed, by Governor Tod, Superintendent of the Home established near the railroad station for the use of soldiers temporarily in the city. Here he was engaged until the close of the war. There are many active business men in this community who remember with what untiring zeal he prosecuted, day and night, the arduous duties of this post, and there are thousands of men, the land over, who recall with gratitude the fatherly care bestowed upon them when sick and distressed by this man, who, while ministering to their bodily comforts, failed not in the higher and nobler work of strengthening their spiritual understanding. The latter years of Mr. Dal ton's life were spent in pleasant travel and in study. He was buried on the 19th inst. from the church in which for so many years he had been an officer. Possessed of a retentive memory and a taste for reading, Mr. Dalton accumulated a large library, composed chiefly of books on religious subjects, the careful study of which gave discipline and completeness to a mind at all times balanced by plain good sense, and finish to a character of perfect rectitude— a rectitude that seemed to spring not merely from a heart well guarded by conscience, but from an even poise of intellect, which could not incline to temptation or stoop to wrong. The impressions left on this community by his daily walk and conversation will be deep and lasting; but the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church, before whom he passed in and out for more than a generation, suffer a peculiar loss in his death-the loss of his shining example, of his valuable counsel, of his clear and practical exhortations, of his fervent, specific prayers. Such men, whatever their denominational associations, elevate the public morals. Their influence is good, not only in the traces they may leave as teachers, but in the higher respect of the people for Christian character challenged by their conspicuous integrity. P. W. H. COLUMBUS, February 20, 1880. LETTERS FROM ABSENT MEMBERS and FRIENDS COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 5, 1886. Rev. F. E. Marsten: DEAR SIR: We regret very much that it is impossible for us to attend any of the evening services, as neither of us have help, and our youngest girl is too small to take out in the evening. Yours truly, MR. AND MRS. C. C. WALCUTT. 2 WOODLAND TERRACE, Rev. F. E. Marsten: } DEAR FRIEND: I hope you and your family are well. I write to say that sister Sarah (I mean my husband's sister, Sarah J. Gill), sends kind remembrances to yourself and family, and wishes me to say that she united with the First Church the summer of 1832. She was an active member of its different societies, and a teacher in the Sabbath school for many years. I reached Columbus the second day of November, 1833, and handed in my letter the first. communion after. Very truly, your friend, MARY S. GILL FROM ONE WHO HAS BEEN CONNECTED WITH THE CHURCH FOR OVER 50 YEARS. 816 BROAD ST., February 8, 1886. My regrets that indisposition prevents me from be ing present at the anniversary services of the First Presbyterian Church. Nothing outside the home could possibly interest me more, as I have been identified with the church for more than half a century, being baptized in infancy by its revered founder, Dr. Hoge, a Sabbath school scholar and teacher for many years. The associations and memories become more and more tender, when I recall the innumerable company that has passed to the other side. Hoping that others have taken their places, and the vacancies permanently revivified, we anticipate for the dear alma mater and "her daughters" a future of progress and usefulness. Regretting lost opportunities, and that it cannot be said, "She hath done what she could," I remain, EMILY MCELVAINE. Devotedly, COLUMBUS, O., February 5, 1886. Rev. Francis E. Marsten, Pastor First Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Ohio: DEAR BROTHER IN CHRIST: I am this day in receipt of the invitation and anniversary program, but am sorry that my health is in such miserable condition that it will not admit of my going out at all. Would like ever so much to attend on Sabbath, but can not possibly do so. May God add his blessings to the services, and may much good be done in His name. Hoping that I may soon be able to meet with you again, I remain yours in Christ, RUTH RIGHTLY, 304 West Second ave., City. 2 WOODLAND TERRACE, PHILADELPHIA. Rev. Dr. Marsten: DEAR PASTOR AND FRIEND: Wishing you and your family all the joys and blessings of the new year, I desire to thank you for notice of the coming 80th anniversary of our church organization, and for the beautiful lines which accompany and form part of the program. It was a happy thought to celebrate this anniversary. At the age of fifteen, on profession of faith, I united with the First Presbyterian Church, Pittsburg. Rev. Dr. Herron was then pastor of that church. In the autumn of 1833, I had not seen my twentieth year when I handed my letter from Rev. Dr. Herron to the session of the First Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Dr. Hoge, pastor. Well do I remember his Wednesday evening lectures, that autumn, on the letters to the seven churches, which were in Asia. Later lectures and sermons I remember one, on "Signs of the Times;" one to show that the science of geology did not conflict with Divine Revelation. I remember the semi-centennial of this organization, when our revered and beloved pastor, |