Andover Defence title page

image of the title page for The Andover Defence, a book containing statements from the defendants in the Andover Controversy case, their legal council, and character witnesses

The Andover Controversy arose in the late 19th century when a group of professors at Andover Theological Seminary rejected the conservative Andover Creed in favor of the so-called "New Theology" which allowed for the conversion / redemption of the non-converted after death. When the professors objected to signing the Creed every five years, they were sued by the trustees of the school. The board ousted the president, Egbert C. Smyth, who they saw as the leader of the dissension, but that decision was overturned by the Massachusetts Supreme Court in 1893.

In the Matter of the Complaint against Egbert C. Smyth adn others, Professors of the Theological Institution in Phillips Academy, Andover.

The Andover Defence

Defence of Professor Smyth; arguments of Professor Theodore W. Dwight, Professor Simeon E. Baldwin, Hon. Charles Theodore Russell, and ex-Governor Gaston;

Evidence introduced by the respondents;
Dec. 28, 29, 20, 1886;

together with
the statements of Professors Tucker, Harris, Hincks, and Churchill;
Jan. 3, 1887.

Boston:
Cupples, Upham, and Company,
The Old Corner Bookstore,
283 Washington Street.
1887.