BPC Kirkin' o' the Tartans

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Batesville Presbyterian Church invites everyone to join us for our annual Kirkin' o' the Tartans service this Sunday, March 4, 2007. The schedule of events includes a bagpipe concert in the sanctuary at 10:15 A.M. by the Wolfe River Bagpipe Band from Memphis and worship in the sanctuary at 11:00 A.M. led by Rev. Calum MacLeod of Glasgow, Scotland, and Rev. Dana Ferguson from Batesville, both of whom now serve as pastors at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago.

"Kirkin' o' the Tartans" is an interesting phrase that aptly describes this loud and exuberant worship service. The Presbyterian Church originated in Scotland. "Kirk" is the Scottish word for "church." Tartans, with their distinctive plaids, 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 a blessing. During the service at the Presbyterian Church this Sunday a representative from each family walks in the processional into the sanctuary at the beginning of the service. This person may bring a family tartan to place on the communion table or use one of the tartan cloths that will be provided by the church.

The Kirkin' o' the Tartans is an American adaptation of Scottish Presbyterian historical events. After Bonnie Prince Charlie's Scottish forces were defeated by the English in 1746, 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, Batesville 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.