Morning journal and courier., 1880-01-05
Personal,


 The fifteenth anniversary of the marriage of MT. and Mrs l.. Fl. Anthony was celebrated at their residence recently. Many friends en- joyed the happy occasion, and nothing was lacking to complete the pleasure of the affair.
 Morris Ketchum, Esq, of Westport, died in New York. Thursday, in his eighty fourth year. MT. Ketchum was formerly a banker in New York, but had been retired for many years, living on his place, Hackanum, in Westport, one of the finest farms in Fairfield county.
 Police Officer Edgar Phelps Is of duty on account of rheumatism, and is threatened with siege with that unwelcome visitor. He has the coincidence of his brethren and the public. Officer Tobin Is quite run down and appears to be i'll with consumption. Half pay for six months has been allowed the unfortu- nate officer. Death of a Well Known Clergyman.
 A large circle of friends in this city will be pained to hear of the death of the Rev. Will liam McAlister, whose voice has been heard by many in this city in Methodist pulpits here and whose last charge prior to last spring was over the Methodist church in Birmipg- ham, a church large and prosperous, and where he stayed for three years. He was sta toned over the Sixty sixth street church, in New York, and on his way home from services on Sunday, Dec. 28th, felt i'll and hurried to his residence, stopping on the way at 8 drug store, where he obtained temporary relief. He became soon alarmingly ill, the disease being inflammation of the bowels, and died on Sat urdsy night He was ordained in 1S45. He was stationed in 1s46-7at Berlin, in this State. During the latter part of his ministry his charges were frequently in New York and Brooklyn. He was the father of the Rev. MT. McAlister, the pastor of the George street M. E. church in this city. He was man of fine presence, commanding, genial and urbane, and an able preacher. EHis loss will be much deplored. ...-.-.. Republican Caucus.
 On Saturday evening the Republican mem- bers of the Court of Common Council met in caucus in the chamber of the Board of Alder men. Alderman Charles L. Baldwin was ap- pointed chairman and Councilman E. B, Earns. worth secretary. as
 The ballot for Corporation Counsel resulted as follows .-t Whole number of votes cast. ast...................2l 2l Necessary to choice. III
 
 Henry E. Pardee.. 5 Louis H. Bristol. ..................1
 John W.AlIing's nomination was made unan- imous.
 Charles Fl. R. Mott was unanimously nom mated for Assistant City Clerk. E
 The joint convention then adjourned, and the Aldermen met in convention to nominate officers for that Board. George M. Harmon was nominated for president of the Board, Charles l.. Baldwin for member of the Board of Finance and Horace Sanford for page
 The Oouncilmanic convention nominated William K. Townsend for president, Theron A. Todd for member of the Board of Finance and Charles s. Coburn for clerk of the Board. No candidate for page was named
 The first meeting of the new Board of Al dermen will be held this evening, but it is not presumed that much business will be done aside from the organization of the Board. Praise services.
 At the Dwight Place church last evening 8 very interesting praise service was held. Rev. MT. Northrop conducted the exercises, offer ing prayer and remarks between Ehe singing of hymns and anthems by the choir and con- gregation. The church was filled to overflow ing. On the pulpit and table were stands, in which were beautiful bouquets. and in front of the pulpit was cross of very choice white flowers. The anthems and solos were most harmoniously rendered, as would be expected from so fine choir, and the hymns of praise to familiar tunes were sung with great power, the entire audience, judging from the volume of sound, joining, and with spirit. MT. Northrop said music should be studied and taught in every family and in all our schools Then should we have congregational singing that would be an element of still greater power in the service He spoke highly of the influence of music. and spoke with veneration of some of the old hymns which had cheered and blessed multitudes of believers, such as 'tJesus, Lover of my soul" Also the Sankey songs and Gospel hymns, he said, had been power for good. The whole sermon was of the most attractive character, and prayer meetings were announced for Tuesday, We'd nesday and Thursday evenings, this week, at the lecture room.
 The Christmas music at Trinity was re- peated yesterday morning. There was large congregation. The singing was inspiring and was greatly enjoyed. So fine musical treat Is not often afforded.