1992.1130
Although this lovely structure no longer stands, its site is in the heart of Phillips Academy. This is the Andover Theological Seminary, the first graduate institution in the nation. It was founded in 1808.
In Boston, a conflict was rising between Congregationalism and the new beliefs and Unitarianism. Eliphalet Pearson, the first principal at Phillips Academy, got funding from Phillips to build the Seminary to counter Unitarianism. The Seminary trained hundreds of ministers and thousands of missionaries in four major subjects: the Bible, doctrinal theology, church history, and practical arts. Students first obtained an undergraduate degree, then studied under a minister. This structured religious immersion counteracted Unitarianism around the world.
Andover missionaries traveled around the world to spread Congregationalism and publicize Andover. Thanks to the work of these missionaries, the Bible was translated into 13 new languages, and Andover students had the oppurtunity to learn 10 languagues.
In the 1880′s, enrollment dwindled as conservitism swept the country. In 1908, the school moved to Cambridge, but eventually merged with The Newton Theological Institution to become The Andover Newton Theological School. Although today Andover is known for Phillips Academy, The Andover Theological Seminary really put Andover on the map.
See the school here: http://www.ants.edu/
Tags: Andover Theological Seminary, Phillips Academy, Photo of the Week