Description

Most Americans find beyond credible the idea that some New England states maintained taxpayer supported churches for decades after the Revolution. While almost every American understands that New England was founded by Puritans, few understand the linkage between the Puritans of history and modern Congregational churches. These shortcomings in the common understanding of the history of religion in America and New England suggested the need for a succinct work to fill the gaps.

This book explains the role of Congregationalism in the political structure and culture of New England from initial settlement into the early Republic through tax-supported churches in what was called the Standing Order. It fills the gap in the historiography to show how Congregationalism lasted beyond the initial Puritan impulse as a central organizing institution in New England communities, and why that semi-official standing of Congregational churches in Massachusetts towns and parishes ended in 1833.