On this day in 1847, Thomas Chalmers, the Presbyterian cleric, theologian and social reformer, died.
Chalmers was a popular figure within the Kirk and held a keen interest in improving social welfare. As well as serving as Professor of Divinity at Edinburgh University, he also became Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1832. However, he was vehemently opposed to the system of patronage and led the dissenting ministers during the Disruption of 1843, with Chalmers becoming the first Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland.
