He was the minister of Duddingston Kirk from 1805 to 1840. This is an unusual medal in that it is dated 1838 but a footnote in BHM states that it was first issued in 1855. The edge carries a date of 1830 in roman numerals and John Thomson died in 1840, suggesting this is a retrospective member's medal, possibly given to a relative or similar, some years after the death of Thomson. I cannot be held responsible for items lost in transit that have been sent uninsured.