Thomas Nairn was a controversial Scottish Presbyterian minister. Although he served in several Presbyterian denominations perhaps his most important contribution to church history was his role in setting up the organisation which eventually became the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Although his stay with that religious community was relatively short he was acknowledged, by right of his valid ordination, to have the authority, along with John M'Millan, to form a legitimate presbytery and in so doing to be able to ordain others to the offices of the church. Before Nairn's arrival M'Millan had for more than 36 years been the only minister in what was essentially a small denomination known as the United Societies. Nairn had previously been a minister in the Associate Presbytery of the First Seceders, although he started and ended his days in the Church of Scotland. Biographical data Thomas Nairn (sometime spelled Nairne) was born about 1680. He was the son of Samuel Nairn, minister of Errol. Thomas was educated at St Andrews University, graduating with an M.A. on 19 July 1702. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Cupar on 27 September 1708 and called 26 June, and ordained to Abbotshall, Kirkcaldy on 7 September 1710. Nairn left the Church of Scotland and joined the Associate Presbytery of the First Seceders on 12 October 1737. He was deposed by the Church of Scotland General Assembly on 15 May 1740. Differing from his Associate brethren about "an Act for renewing our Covenants," he seceded from the Seceders on 3 February 1743, and with John M'Millan, formerly of Balmaghie, founded the Reformed Presbytery on 1 August 1743. He petitioned the Church of Scotland General Assembly to be again received into the Established Church, acknowledging his error, and was first, after discipline, admitted as a member, and afterwards restored to the ministry on 5 June 1758. Thomas Nairn died in February 1764. Time with the Seceders In 1737 the Rev. Thomas Nairn of Abbotshall, the parish which adjoins that of Kirkcaldy, and part of which is within the town, along with a number of his parishioners, seceded from the Established Church, and joined the Associate Presbytery. After their accession it was deemed inexpedient to continue supply of sermon to the Seceders in Kirkcaldy as a separate congregation from that of Abbotshall. They were not, however, willing at first to be identified with it. They adhered to Mr Nairn's ministry, but