Congregationalists, although some had Presbyterian tendencies.

In writing to Lord Dartmouth, March 12, 1770, after referring to the
"enclosed copy of incorporation," which was dated December 13, 1769,
President Wheelock says: "Governor Wentworth thought best to reject
that clause in my draught of the Charter which gave the Honorable
Trust in England equal power with the Trustees here to nominate and
appoint the president, from time to time, apprehending it would make
the body too unwieldy, but he cheerfully consented that I should
express my gratitude and duty to your Lordship, by christening after
your name; and as there seemed to be danger of many embarrassments, in
many ways, in the present ruffled and distempered state of the
kingdom, I thought prudent to embrace the first opportunity to
accomplish it." The letter indicates that Dr. Wheelock determined what
should be the name of the institution without conferring with his
distinguished benefactor on that point.

That the English Trustees were somewhat dissatisfied, temporarily,
with the measure of responsibility assumed by Dr. Wheelock, there is
no doubt. But nearly perfect harmony was restored, by the prudence of
that excellent diplomatist. In writing to these gentlemen, June 20,
1771; he says: "I am confident that, had you been upon the spot, you
would have approved every step I have taken, unless it was my attempt
to effect so great an affair as settling in this wilderness in so
short a time, which the event has fully justified, although my trials
have been very great." He also expresses the opinion, that, if they
will compare his plan proposed in his former letters with his
procedure since, they will find that he has "invariably kept the same
object in view." Later records indicate that President Wheelock still
numbered Lord Dartmouth and others of the English Board among his
faithful friends. Although not officially connected with the college,
they evidently cherished an abiding interest in its welfare.

The Charter, so remarkable in its history, is a valuable and an
enduring monument to the genius, skill, and learning of its
distinguished framers.[24] Like the Charters of Harvard and Yale, it
indicates that the clergy were regarded, generally, as the best
depositaries of educational trusts. In the former case, the "teaching
elders" of the "six next adjoining towns" were ex-officio,
"Overseers;" in the latter, the original Trustees were all clergymen.
It