Thomas De Witt Talmage, an American clergyman, born in Boundbrook, N. J., Jan. 7, 1832. He graduated at the New York university in 1853, and at the New Brunswick (N. J.) theological seminary in 1856, and was ordained pastor of the Reformed Dutch church in Belleville, N. J. He was pastor of the Reformed Dutch church in Syracuse, N. Y., from 1859 to 1862, when he was called to the second Reformed church in Philadelphia; and in 1869 he became pastor of the Central Presbyterian church in Brooklyn, N. Y., in which office he still continues (1876). In 1870 his congregation erected a new church, semicircular, of wood and iron, and capable of seating 3,400 persons. This building, known as the "Brooklyn Tabernacle," was enlarged in 1871 so as to seat 500 more, but was destroyed by fire Dec. 22, 1872. On Feb. 22, 1874, a new " Tabernacle" was dedicated, built in Gothic style, of brick, but retaining the semicircular arrangement, and seating 5,000 persons. It is the largest Protestant church in America. Since the erection of the former tabernacle the church, at Mr. Talmage's instance, has been free, being maintained wholly by voluntary offerings, with no pew rents. In 1872 he organized in the building formerly occupied by the church a lay college for religious training.

It is open to persons of all denominations, and gives instruction in philosophy, logic, and general literature, and in natural and systematic theology, sacred history, the evidences of Christianity, the interpretation of Scripture, and sacred rhetoric. Mr. Talmage is a very popular lecturer, but has latterly seldom appeared in that capacity. His sermons are delivered extempore, but are reported, and published in several religious journals in the United States and Great Britain. He has edited a religious newspaper, "The Christian at Work," since 1874, and has published four volumes of " Sermons " (New York, 1872-'5); "The Almond Tree in Blossom" (Philadelphia, 1870); "Crumbs Swept Up" (1870); "Abominations of Modern Society" (New York, 1872); "Around the Tea Table" (Philadelphia, 1874); "Old Wells Dug Out" (New York, 1874); "Sports that Kill" (1875); and "Every-Day Religion" (1875).