“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.
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.
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