On Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 8:45 a.m.and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary, we will have our annual Kirkin' o' the Tartan Service.  As a remembrance of early Scottish Presbyterianism, Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan worship services have spread across America. The tradition probably began over 68 years ago on Sunday evening, April 27, 1941, in Washington, D.C., at a special service led by Peter Marshall, famed pastor (1935 - 1949) of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church.	Watch the 2009 Slideshow!
Designed to raise funds, this Kirkin’ service sought to aid Scottish churches during the early days of World War II, as well as the British war effort, by providing a mobile kitchen, according to the church bulletin. This initial, simple Kirkin’ service later evolved into what is today the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan held in many locations across America.  Since 1954, an annual Kirkin’ o' the Tartan has been held at the National Cathedral in the nation’s capital.

So then why do we celebrate clans and tartans? It is because the clansmen demonstrated true brotherhood and the clan was the family. The tartan is a symbol of this love and togetherness, NO MATTER WHAT OUR HERITAGE. In our Kirkin’ service, we remember ancient times, as well as past and present kith and kin, while asking God’s help and blessings in the future.

In early history, clans were simply a gathering of peoples for their protection and for economic, political and social support. They were not necessarily related by blood. Scotland in the mid-18th century saw the English parliament and monarchy (The Disarming Act, 1746 - 1782) banning weapons, as well as the wearing of tartan or kilts by Highland clansmen (effective August 1747). A latter-day legend has it that clansmen would carry small pieces of the banned tartan cloth to the Church (Kirk) and the clergymen would slip a blessing into the service. Specific tartans developed simply because each area liked to weave a certain design using local herb dyes.

Page updated August 12, 2011