Kirkin' o' the Tartans

It's a "Scottish thing"
Yet it's really an "American thing"
It's a way for Presbyterians to observe and celebrate their adopted Scottish Heritage and have a good time doing it.

This non-theological celebration originated in the U.S. after World War II but is based on stories surrounding the Scots' Revolt of the early 18th century. It is said that the English king prohibited the Scots from wearing their tartans, especially to church. But the Scots found a way, by inserting swatches of tartan in their Bibles and carrying them to church for blessing.

Trinity Presbyterian Church celebrates the Kirkin' o' the Tartan in October. The service is much like our usual Presbyterian service but with some opening ceremonies. The Bagpiper leads the procession into the Sanctuary, followed by 22 colorful Tartan banners, which were followed by the "Beadle" carrying the Bible, followed by our Pastor and our Associate Pastor.

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Glossary

Kirk is Scottish for church, and the Tartan, with its distinctive cross-lined patterns, represents Scottish clans, families, regions, and regiments. The Kirkin' o' the Tartans was introduced in the United States by Reverend Dr. Peter Marshall on April 27, 1941 at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C. The ceremony was intended as a service of rededication to Scottish heritage and to historical devotion to God and country.

Tartans: Perhaps no symbol is more associated with Scotland and Scottish history than the colorful traditions of Highland dress. The tradition of the tartan is ancient, and there are many references to it in early Scottish literature. Ancient tartans were described as "chequered" or "striped" or "sundrie coloured". The basic pattern of the tartan is the sett, and a sett is repeated until the desired length of material is achieved. For centuries, tartans were part of the everyday attire of the Highland people, and it was there that its use continued and developed to become recognized as a symbol of clan kinship. Tartans are still being developed and registered with the Scottish Tartan Society. A specific tartan exists for those in the ministry and a red, white, and blue tartan was created for the Bicentennial of the United Statees in 1976.

Beadle: During the Middle Ages and throughout the Reformation, ownership of a Bible was rare among the common people. Thus, the Bible of a Kirk was a treasured possession. The reverence toward sacred Scripture and the scarcity of Bibles led to the establishment of a special lay office within the Kirk, known as the Beadle. The Beadle, whose primary duty was to guard and protect the Bible, was usually elected by the Session of the Kirk. The beginning of Worship was marked by the reverent carrying of the Bible into the Kirk and its opening for the morning readings. As the Bible was carried by the Beadle into the Kirk the People stood in respect for the Holy Book. At the conclusion of Worship, the Beadle removed the Bible for safekeeping.

Celtic Cross: The Celtic Cross has long been established with Celtic Christians who trace their origins to the earliest centuries of the Church. Notable examples of this form of the cross are found in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. The design focuses attention on the head of the cross (which is the junction between the shaft and the cross piece), which is enclosed within a circle. It is this circle, which is the most distinctive and differentiating feature of the Celtic version. Although the significance is not known with certainty, it likely derives from a Constantinian symbol in which the Chi Rho monogram was surrounded by a golden crown. The circle as a representation of infinity is an emblem of eternal life in Christ's victory over sin and death.

23rd Psalm - Shepherd's version

Wha is my Shepherd, weel I ken,
the Lord Himsef' is he;
He leads me whaur the girse is green,
An' burnies quaet that be.

Aft times I fain astray wad gang,
An; wann'r far awa';
He fin's me oct, He pits me richht,
An' brings me hame and 'a'.

Tho' I pass through the gruesome cleugh,
Fin' I ken He is near'
His muckle crock will me defen',
Sae I hae nocht to fear.

Ilk comfort whilk a sheep could need,
His thoetful' care provides'
The wolves an' dogs may pwort aboot,
In safety me He hides.

His guidness an' His mercy baith,
Nae doct will bide wi' me;
While faulded on the fields o' time,
Or o' eternity.