&fist; In this sense (which is its usual signification) Congregationalism is the system of faith and practice common to a large body of evangelical Trinitarian churches, which recognize the local brotherhood of each church as independent of all dictation in ecclesiastical matters, but are united in fellowship and joint action, as in councils for mutual advice, and in consociations, conferences, missionary organizations, etc., and to whose membership the designation "Congregationalists" is generally restricted; but Unitarian and other churches are Congregational in their polity.
Con`gre*ga"tion*al*ist, n. One who belongs to a Congregational church or society; one who holds to Congregationalism.
Con"gress (?), n.; pl. Congresses (#). [L. congressus, fr. congredi, p. p. -gressus, to go or come together; con- + grati to go or step, gradus step: cf. F. congr&?;s. See Grade.] 1. A meeting of individuals, whether friendly or hostile; an encounter. [Obs.]
Here Pallas urges on, and Lausus there;
Their congress in the field great Jove withstands.
Dryden.