Springfield 1636-1886, History of Town and City, by Mason A. Green ...

SPRINGFIELD, 1636-1886.
by natural bent. How wisel}', and with what inoffensive firmness,
he conducted the controversy witli tlie First Church may be seen in
the tracts issued at the time over the " old " and " new " theology.
The Old Town House, State Street.
His personal virtues and gifts are more tlian a tradition. Men still
talk of Parson Howard, and honor his memory.
Jonathan Dwight, who was one of the men electing to die in old-
fashioned small-clothes, but a newer religious faith, was the wheel-
horse of the new organization. Dwight offered to build a house of
worship for the new society, which was incorporated February 15,
1819, provided the rest of the congregation would establish a fund
for the permanent support of the minister, to which there was a ready