Leading founders were Thomas Leishman and William Milligan, and the first secretary was James Cooper.
[citation needed] It grew out of the Church Service Society (founded 1865), but has not confined itself to interest in liturgies or form.
A notable congregation for its historic connections with the Society and with Scoto-Catholicism is Govan Old Parish Church, Glasgow.
[citation needed] Twelve former Presidents of the Society have served as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
The current Secretary is the Reverend Gerald Jones (minister of Kirkmichael linked with Straiton St Cuthbert's, in Ayrshire).