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The First Presbyterian Church of Dayton was organized March 2, 1851, with about thirty members.  Their first building was on Third street, east of Main, and was erected mainly throught the efforts and liberality lf P. B. Bayliff and family.  It was dedicated February 2, 1852, Rev. Dr. Lyman Beecher, of Lane Seminary, preaching the sermon.  The pulpit was supplied for some years by students from Lane Seminary.  The present pastor, Rev. J. N. Ervin, was called in 1880, having just gradiated at Lane.  The young pastor and his people at once set to work on the present church building on Terrace avenue, and it was built the same year.  The beautiful lot was the gift of Dr. Taylor, who was deeplt interested in this church, although a member of a Cincinnati church. 

Rev. J. N. Ervin is a native of Greenfield, O.  He attended an academy at South Salem for some years, and then entered the University of Wooster, graduating in 1875.  A year later he went to Lane Seminary and took the entire course, graduating in 1879.  He took charge of the Dayton church the same year.  The membership has grown from thirty to one hundred and eight-five, and property worth $700 has given place to other property worth $7,000.  Mr. Ervin has been moderator of his Presbytery three times, and once moderator of the Synod of Kentucky.  In 1881 he married Miss Lizzie P. Mollyneaux, a teacher in the Dayton schools.  She has been active in church work and in outside benevolence. And is now president of the ladies auxiliary of the Speers Hospital.