Each year on the fourth Sunday
of October, First Presbyterian Church celebrates our Scottish heritage with
a Kirkin O' The Tartans service. Events over this weekend include a
golf tournament, concert by The Father of Waters Pipe and Drum Band, a guest
speaker (often from Scotland) and the blessing of the tartans in the morning
worship service.
After worship a luncheon is held which includes music by The Reel McCoy's
Celtic Band from Memphis and a Knobbiest Knees contest. We also elect
a gentleman who will be the receive a kilt to be worn for the first time at
next year's Kirkin' service.
"Kirk" is the Scottish word for "church." Tartans, with their
distinctive plaid, represent specific Scottish clans, regions, or regiments.
The "Kirkin' O' The Tartans" is the presentation of a Scottish family's
symbol, its tartan, at church for blessing.
After
Bonnie Prince Charlie's Scottish forces were defeated by the English in
1746, in the Battle of Culloden, the wearing of tartans and the playing of
bagpipes
were forbidden in Scotland for many years. Wearing or displaying of
tartans was punishable by death. During those years, some Scots wore
concealed pieces of their tartan when they attended church. At a
particular point in the worship service, they would secretly touch their
hidden tartan cloth, and the minister would offer a blessing.
The first formal "Kirkin" in America was conducted at New York Avenue
Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., in 1941. Their minister at
the time was Dr. Peter Marshall, born in Scotland, who was also Chaplain of
the United States Senate.
Beyond the particular heritage of Scotland and its people, First
Presbyterian Church's Kirkin' is intended to encourage all participants to
reflect with thanksgiving, on their own family and ethnic heritage, and to
celebrate God's grace poured out for all generations.