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The first Unitarian church in the United States, King's Chapel, of Boston, became such by secession from the Episcopal body under Rev. James Freeman. In 1801 the original church of Plymouth, the oldest Congregational church in America, joined the new movement. From 1815 to 1825 the controversy between the two parties among the Congregationalists was carried on with great bitterness, and resulted in the division of many churches. Harvard College about this time came under the influence of the Unitarians. Rev. W. E. Channing, of Newport, R. I., greatly aided the new movement by his tongue and pen. The body has been especially characterized by literary culture, refinement and social virtue, but remains small and confined mainly to New England.