[f. as prec. + -IST.] An adherent of the Congregational church polity; a member or adherent of a Congregational church; an Independent.
1692. C. Mather (title), Blessed Unions … between those … in England which have changed the names of Presbyterians and Congregationalists for that of United Brethren.
1708. Kersey, Congregationalists, a Sect of Independents, who had particular Congregations in a middle way, between Presbytery and Brownism [So 1721 in Bailey: not in J.].
1712. I. Mather, in Pref. to R. Mather’s Answer, 6. The renowned Dr. Owen was as famous a Congregationalist.
1837. Penny Cycl., VII. 451/2, s.v., In the six New England States … which were colonized by the English Puritans, the Congregationalists are very numerous.
1839. B. Hanbury (title), Historical Memorials relating to the Independents or Congregationalists.
1876. Bancroft, Hist. U.S., I. x. 363.
attrib. 1864. Bowen, Logic, xiii. 448. The Episcopal, Presbyterian, or Congregationalist church.
1876. Bancroft, Hist. U. S., VI. xlvi. 307. William Gordon, the Congregationalist minister of Roxbury.
