John A. Dalles, a native of Pittsburgh and lifelong Presbyterian, served as pastor of 1000-member Wekiva Presbyterian Church in Longwood, Florida. John served at the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh and the First Presbyterian Church in South Bend, Indiana. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Pennsylvania State University; a Master of Divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary; and a Doctor of Ministry from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He is married to Judith Taylor Dalles and is the father of John Taylor and Anne Elizabeth.

Rev. Dalles' hymn texts are published in hymnals in the United States, Canada, and Australia, including The Presbyterian Hymnal, The New Century Hymnal, The Moravian Book of Worship, Worship Together, The Covenant Hymnal, The Book of Praise(Presbyterian Church in Canada), and the Australian Book of Praise II.

John has written a Christmas cantata called “One Cold, Clear Night in Bethlehem” with sacred composer Dorothy J. Frisch. Published sacred anthems with texts by John Dalles include: “God of Wonder” (Donna J. Butler, MorningStar), “You Know the Way” (Glenn L. Rudolph, Oxford University Press); “O God Behold Your Family Here!” and “Make Music for Your Lord to Hear!” (Bob Moore, GIA), "By Star and Candlelight” (Kathy Powell, GIA), and “Easter Proclamation!” (John Ferguson, GIA).

His “Celebrate the Gift of Music” was chosen as the thirtieth-anniversary hymn for the Presbyterian Association of Musicians. His "Celebrate Hope" was selected as the Self Development of People PC(USA) hymn. He is a life member of the Hymn Society.