The foundation arose from a further dispute, at Kilconquhar in Fifeshire, over a presentation made by the James Lindsay, 5th Earl of Balcarres, when the minister James Clidsdale died in 1759, and Balcarres nominated John Chalmers as successor. Witherspoon criticised the imposition of Chalmers over local feelings, when in 1760 the General Assembly backed him. Shortly there was a secession from the congregation of Kilconquhar, meeting at Colinsburgh. Gillespie became involved, first suggesting Thomas Scott of Hexham as minister for the seceders, who was in poor health and declined. In 1761, Gillespie visited Colinsburgh, and paved the way for Colier, a native of Fife, who became minister there. His induction by Boston and Gillespie marked the beginning of the "Presbytery of Relief".