Trustees of Pittsfield Academy v. Attorney General

The earliest of the above conveyances was of real estate, dated March 27, 1839, from James Joy to Caleb Merrill, John Berry, and Nathaniel Batchelder, their heirs and assigns forever, “for the promotion of virtue and knowledge and especially for the promotion of the higher branches of arts and sciences.” The conveyance also provided that the property thereby conveyed was “to be used for the diffusion of useful knowledge and the promotion of arts and sciences.” The conveyance also provided that the aca demy building and appurtenances “be and remain under the guidance of said Merrill, Berry and…