USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > After eighty years of the organization of the First Presbyterian Church > Part 5
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" Old First Church" in Columbns.
content with a very ordinary melodeon, and second- hand at that.
We may well date the improvement of both the music and choice of singing-books to the entrance that year of Mr. R. D. Dunbar into the school. The little blue-covered books, about four inches long and one inch thick, without notes, were then exchanged for the sweet, soul-inspiring hymns of the "Oriole," a collection of gems in our use for years, and never surpassed by any of its successors. With Mr. Dun- bar's patience, and perseverance, and kindly manners, he soon practically answered the question, "Who shall sing if not the children-did not Jesus die for them ?" Since his departure to join the choir above, the school has never lacked kind friends, who have patiently taught the children to sing, and have added much to their enjoyment and profit in the duty of praise.
From time to time, various methods have been adopted to increase the interest and attendance of the school. In 1830, a committee of ladies not con- nected with the school gave themselves to the work of gathering in and looking after the wants of new scholars. In 1859, Rev. Edgar Woods, the pastor of the church, proposed a similar effort, which resulted in great good and large increase of numbers. At an- other time, Mr. Woods offered prizes to be given to
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the scholars who should bring in the largest number in a prescribed time. These were a very handsome copy of the Bible, costing $25, and an elegant copy of the "Pilgrim's Progress," costing $10. This unpre- cedented offer stimulated the school to great exer- tion, and our pastor was rewarded for his generosity in seeing large additions to the school as a result.
This school has always been very liberal in its contributions. For many years it assumed the entire support of children in heathen lands, some of whom bore the honored names of James Hoge, Horace Huntington, Alfred Thomas, and Catharine Robin- son.
Each pastor, from the time of Dr. Hoge to the present time, has set apart a special service for the children. Dr. Hoge would sometimes call them together to examine them in regard to their knowl- edge of the shorter catechism, and it was the custom of Rev. J. D. Smith, in 1850, to visit the Sunday school once a month, and converse with each class upon the subject of personal religion. Mr. Woods, Mr. Roberts, and Mr. Marshall, held a monthly con- cert, while Mr. Laidlaw and Mr. Heberton pursued a similar plan quarterly.
Among those who were connected with the school in its early days, but very few remain. Some are still at work in other fields, whilst others, too infirm
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"Old First Church" in Columbus.
to be actively engaged, are helping with their prayers, and a still greater number rest from their labors, and "their works do follow them." Around each endeared name clusters a sweet savor of Christian remembrance, and "they being dead, yet speak."
While we may not despise the day of small things, we are justly proud of our convenient and comfort- able chapel, built in 1873, at a cost of $15,000. To no one is more credit due for our present pleasant surroundings than to the late Mrs. Peter Campbell, whose unceasing efforts did more to secure us our present Sabbath home than those of any other mem- ber of the church.
In this retrospect, no thought furnishes such true satisfaction as the fact that this school, from its very foundation, has been richly blessed in spiritual things, and the church of Christ, both here and elsewhere, has received into her membership some of her most consistent workers from this humble nursery, and in the Sanctuary above, many a redeemed one is sing- ing the praises of Him whose name they first learned to lisp in this school.
Looking upon the past, we are led to exclaim, "What hath God wrought !" Looking at the present, let us raise a grateful Ebenezer. Looking at the future, let us place as a motto over our dear school to-night, "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it."
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EXERCISES ON TUESDAY.
The social event of the occasion occurred in accord- ance with the following invitation :
TUESDAY, February 9.
Reunion of Members, Past and Present, at 6:30 p. m. in the Chapel.
Collation.
Singing Favorite Old Hymns.
A Character Sketch.
Reading Letters from Absent Members.
Responses in Behalf of the Daughters of the Church.
Words from Former Pastors-Rev. Drs. Woods, Roberts, Laidlaw and Lord.
Bits of History.
Calling the Roll, and Responses.
The Present and Future Outlook.
Singing-"The Sweet Bye and Bye."
If not able to be present, please respond by letter or telegram. It is hoped that a large representation of the church will be in attendance to enjoy the fellowship. of the occasion.
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"Old First Church" in Columbus.
Though owing to the great desire of many to be present, the attendance had to be restricted to the members of the congregation and a few invited guests, the spacious parlors of the chapel were thronged with a numerous company. Nearly four hundred sat down to the bountiful tables at one time. The pictures of the church edifices first built in the wilderness, and the six successive changes in the place in which the church had worshiped, elicited intense interest on the part of the younger genera- tion.
Owing to the taste and skill of the ladies in charge, the most ample and delightful accommodations were afforded to all participants.
When the large company was seated at the tables, Mr. P. W. Huntington, who presided at the ban- quet, arose and said :
"The pastor has assigned to me the pleasant duty of presiding here to-night. The occasion is one full of interest to us all, and if some of the memories of the hour are tinged with sadness, they are more ten - der and lasting on that account. It was customary among the founders of this church to invoke the Di- vine blessing on the bounties of the board. . We will follow their example in that regard."
(Invocation by Rev. N. S. Smith.)
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COLLATION.
" It was also customary among the founders of this church to return thanks, after each meal, for the pro- vision made for their wants. In this, too, we will follow their example."
(Thanks returned by the pastor.)
Then the presiding officer proceeded with the in- tellectual feast of the evening in the order as arranged on the programme.
SKETCH OF AN OLD AND WORTHY CITIZEN. To the Editor of the Ohio State Journal :
It seems eminently proper that the death of such a man as Isaac Dalton, which occurred at Shreve, O., on the 18th inst., should be noted in the press of the community where for half a century his daily walk in life has been such as to inspire the highest trust and the profoundest respect in the minds of two genera- tions of men.
Mr. Dalton was born in the villlage of Warner, New Hampshire, in the spring of the year 1801, and was, therefore, at the time of his death, seventy-nine years of age. He received, in his native village, the ordinary New England common school education, and emigrated to this city in 1831, where he at once became connected with the First Presbyterian Church,
ELDER ISAAC DALTON.
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"Old First Church" in Columbus.
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 forty- five 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 adminis- tered 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, Superin- tendent 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 commu- nity who remember with what untiring zeal he pros- ecuted, 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-
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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 complete- ness 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 tempta- tion 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 exhorta- tions, 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.
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"Old First Church" in Columbus.
LETTERS FROM ABSENT MEMBERS and FRIENDS
COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 5, 1886. Rev. F. E. Marsten :
DEAR SIR: We regret very much that it is impossi- ble 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, - PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 19, 1886.
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 remem- brances 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-
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ing present at the anniversary services of the First Presbyterian Church. Nothing outside the home could possibly interest me more, as I have been iden- tified 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, Devotedly, EMILY McELVAINE.
COLUMBUS, O., February 5, 1886. Rev. Francis E. Marsten, Pastor First Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Ohio:
DEAR BROTHER IN CHRIST : I am this day in re- ceipt of the invitation and anniversary program, but am sorry that my health is in such miserable con- dition 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
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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 an- niversary 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 remem- ber 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,
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Dr. Hoge, was present, and many, many others of our church connection, who have passed over to the other side, and are now rejoicing in their blessed mansions which our dear Savior had prepared for them. Dr. Hoge baptized all our children except two, whose advents were later. He performed the marriage ceremony for our eldest daughter Annie and Dr. Wormley, at six o'clock one bright June morning, when the church was crowded. Though absent these many years, Dr. Hoge still lives and will continue to live in the memory and hearts of many.
Rev. Dr. Smith and Rev. Dr. Marshall left their impressions for deep piety and strong moral force. We revere and cherish their memory. Rev. Dr. Woods, who I trust will be present on the coming occasion, Rev. Dr. Roberts, Rev. Dr. Laidlaw, Rev. Dr. Lord and Rev. Dr. Bailey, each and all hold warm places in our memory and affections. Do give them hearty greetings for me. I regret much that I must be absent on the anticipated eventful occasion. Tell Dr. Laidlaw I remember well the Spirit's influence on many of his sermons, and of his performing the mar- riage ceremonies for two of our daughters. Tell our beloved Dr. Lord that I remember many of his beau- tiful sermons, and especially those lectures on Daniel, copies of the manuscripts of which are packed away somewhere among my stored belongings.
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" Old First Church" in Columbus.
Sister Sarah, our son John, and his wife, unite in sending greetings, and kind remembrances to your- self, your family, and to our mutual friends. Last autumn I had been fifty-two years a member of the First Church, and my good husband is just six days younger than the organization of the church. I trust he will be with you on the occasion of the re-union, and that you may all have a most enjoyable time. Give my love to Mrs. Marsten and Joseph, and again accept thanks for your remembrance from your friend, MARY S. GILL.
OAK STREET, WALNUT HILLS, February 5, 1886. Rev. Mr. Marsten :
I regret exceedingly not being able to be in Colum- bus at this very interesting time. Please remember me kindly to my old friends, Mr. Woods, Dr. Roberts and Mr. Laidlaw. The last-named gentleman per- formed the ceremony at my wedding. I would love to see them all and their wives if they are there.
Sincerely yours. AGNES G. JORDAN.
COLUMBUS, February 9, 1886.
My Dear Mr. Marsten :
It may be of interest to you to know the origin of the ladies' festivals or fairs in our church, which have been the means of raising money for various
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church purposes, and to which you have so pleasantly alluded during this anniversary occasion. It was in 1833 when my mother, Mary S. Gill, came a bride from Braddock's Field Seminary, and thought they ought to have a better accompaniment for the church singing than the violin, base viol and flute. Amid much opposition from various members of the church, but with encouragement from Dr. Hoge, she induced some of the ladies to assist her in getting up a festival to raise money for the purchase of the organ now in use in the church. She painted exquisitely in water colors, and with her brush decorated very many ar- ticles which were sold at the first fair. Columbus, at that time, was not a very musical city. There were, at that time, only two pianos here, one belonging to Mrs. Wilcox, mother of Gen. James Wilcox, and the other to mother, and there was not an organ in the place (neither church nor private organ), and one of the elders and others opposed the getting of so un- godly an institution, for such they considered it. Thus you see the origin of the ladies' fairs in our church and of a musical era in our city.
Very sincerely yours. WILSON L. GILL.
816 BROAD ST.
Mrs. De Witt regrets that she cannot be present at the anniversary this evening. Mr. De Witt is out of the city.
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"Old First Church" in Columbns.
FROM A PILLAR.
SPRINGFIELD, MASS., Feb. 7, 1886. Dear Mr. Marsten :
Having been a pillar (perhaps you may think a shaky one) of the "Old First" for upward of forty years, and not being able to be present at the celebra- tion of her eightieth anniversary, will simply say, in the language of Rip Van Winkle, "may she live long, and her family prosper." Are having winter down here after the good old Yankee fashion. Regards to your family and self.
Yours truly, WILLIAM A. GILL.
WEST PHILADELPHIA, PA., Feb. 8, 1886. Rev. Francis E. Marsten :
Greetings and best wishes to pastor, former pastors and church.
T. G. WORMLEY and Family.
COLUMBIA, O., Feb. 8, 1886.
P. W. Huntington :
Impossible for me to be in Columbus to-morrow night. Thanks.
ORLAND SMITH.
CIRCLEVILLE, O., Feb. 8, 1886.
Dear Brother Marsten :'
Very, VERY, VERY sorry that I cannot come.
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Harry has been quite sick for a week and though convalescing I do not like to get away from him, as he makes such large uses of me. I did think I might run up Tuesday p. m. and be with you at the ban- quet, but an engagement for that evening here which cannot be broken interferes. I have many things to write, but will defer until to-morrow when I will write more fully.
Cordially yours, JAMES P. STRATTON.
CINCINNATI, O., Feb. 15, 1886.
Rev. Francis E. Marsten, Columbus, O .:
MY DEAR SIR-I doubt not you were surprised, possibly offended, at my apparent neglect of your kind invitation to be present and participate in your anniversary exercises, on the 9th inst. When you are informed that your inclosures did not come to my notice until Thursday morning, 11th inst., I trust you will consider me fairly excusable. On Tuesday even- ing, 2nd inst., the date of your letter, I left for Chi- cago, and was gone all the week. Monday (8th) I spent on the railroad, and Tuesday and Wednesday (9th and 10th) I devoted to the Loyal Legion anni- versary. So you see how it was. I did not receive Mr. Peabody's telegram, but did receive Mr. Hunt- ington's while out on the railroad, and responded very
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"Old First Church" in Columbus.
briefly by wire, supposing it to be the original invita- tion, although the language seemed to imply that some communication had preceded it. It would have been impracticable for me to be present with you; nevertheless I should not have been quite so laconic in my reply had I fully understood the situa- tion. Regretting the contretemps, and congratulating you on your success, I am,
Very truly yours,
ORLAND SMITH.
RESPONSES IN BEHALF OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE CHURCH.
The presiding officer called upon Rev. Francis E. Marsten to respond to the sentiment, " The Ladies."
THE PASTOR'S REMARKS.
Have I not already written all that, as pastor, I possibly ought to say on this theme? I pause before the greatness of the subject and my inability to do it justice. It must be a difficult task, for our noblest men have shrunk back abashed from its essay. I pause. I seem to stand to-night on .holy ground. The white wings of the sainted dead seem to move noiseless through these halls, shedding benedictions as they pass, for I am to speak of the departed as well as the sisterhood of the living. Elder Thomas has paid a pretty tribute to the memory of that devout woman, Mrs. Mary E. Campbell. Too much cannot
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be said of the influence of the women of this church in promoting its prosperity, spiritual and temporal. When the semi-centennial of this church was cele- brated, which appeared in the report of the exercises in the public journal of the following morning, I find the name of Mrs. Kelsey as prominent among those who helped to make that occasion a great success. And it is auspicious of the future institution that the mantle of the mother has fallen on the daughter, and she, with the daughters of other heroic and saintly women, have contributed so much to make this fes- tival one that our memories shall not willingly let die.
It speaks well for these wives and mothers of the past that their religion, taught by both precept and example, has become the well-spring of activity on the part of their children.
It is a good omen also, and a witness to the value of the gospel they preached, both by precept and ex- ample, that the children, grand children and great grand children of the venerated founder of this church and his wife of blessed memory, are found following the same Saviour they loved so well and obeyed so faithfully, and are here with us to-night partaking in the general joy, verifying the truth of Holy Writ that the covenant of God is to the children's children, even unto the third and fourth generation of them that love and serve Him.
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" Old First Church" in Columbus.
The ladies of this church have been in the past, and are now in the living present, its strong support on the human side in doing the Master's work in the develop- ment of piety, and in those practical deeds of benev- olence which demonstrate that the kingdom of God has come down to this weary world. Where would the missionary work of this church be if it were not for the women ? Where would this chapel be if not for the women ? Where would our Sunday school work be? What would become of the prayer meet- ing, the spiritual thermometer of the church.
The ladies! God bless them. May benedictions of love and hope and peace rain upon them now and forever.
I dare not stop to mention names to-night, on my own account, for if I should start in the perilous cat- alogue I know no good reason why every woman who has ever been connected with the " Old First " should not receive appropriate recognition, and I tremble in my inmost soul at the appalling task. They were all good women !
I want to thank the ladies whose deft fingers, ex- quite taste and tireless diligence have done so much to evoke the perfect harmony of this hour. Their united beauty shining in a starry galaxy in the firma- ment of memory shall serve to enlighten many a dark
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experience on the changing sea of life. Again, I say, God bless the ladies of the "Old First."
HON. CHAUNCEY N. OLDS
brought the greetings of the Second Presbyterian Church, and said :
" It gives me pleasure, Mr. Chairman, to partici- pate by your kind invitation in these anniversary ser- vices, and to speak briefly in the name and on behalf of the Second Presbyterian Church, the eldest daugh- ter of this mother of churches in this city. It is a pleasure to me personally, as well as the representa- tive of the Second Church.
" The Second Presbyterian Church was organized on the first Sabbath in March, 1839, with thirty-one members, of whom twenty-seven were granted letters of dismission from this church for that purpose.
" It is true, I suppose, as a matter of history, that the organization of that church resulted in part at least from the then recent division of the Presbyter- ian Church into what was known as the Old and New school, which separation took place in 1837. And it is probably true, also, as a part of the history of these two churches, that the mother church gave a rather reluctant consent to the eldest daughter going out from the old homestead and setting up house- keeping on her own account. But if there ever were
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" Old First Church" in Columbus.
any heart-burnings resulting therefrom, it is a pleas- ure to be able to say they have long since passed away.
"I became connected with the Second Church in the spring of 1856 ; nearly thirty years ago ; and I can bear cheerful testimony to the mutual kindness, har- mony, Christian courtesy and Christian fellowship, which have characterized the intercourse between these two households of faith, from that day to the present auspicious hour.
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