Kirkin 'O" The Tartans

Contact:       Paul Kirbas

                                                                                    pkirbas@firstpreswheaton.org

                                                                                    630-668-5147

For Immediate Release:   Worship, Meaningful Entertainment and Education for all ages Kirkin’O’ the Tartans

Wheaton, Illinois, - First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, 715 N. Carlton, Wheaton. 

The weekend of February 11-12 will mark the 5^th annual observance, by First Presbyterian Wheaton, of a significant period in the history of the Presbyterian Church.

The Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans is a celebration of Presbyterian roots, going back to the Scottish Reformation of the 16^th century. At that time the Scottish people expressed their family heritage by the wearing of a specific plaid cloth known as a clan tartan. Unfortunately, as time went on, the freedoms of this Reformation were eroded by the Act of Proscription of 1746. This law forbade Scottish worshippers from wearing their tartan plaids because the British Authorities believed it promoted too much of a sense of identity for the Scottish people and the Scottish Church. In defiance of this order, Presbyterians cut small patches of their tartans and concealed them as they went to the church (in Scotland, the church was called ^“the Kirk^”) Thus the emergence of the phrase “The Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans”, which means bringing tartans into the church to represent the identity of the Scottish Reformation, the heritage of the Faith.

In this country, the Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan service dates back to 1941, when a famous Scottish immigrant pastor by the name of Peter Marshall  wanted to remind Presbyterians of their heritage with a celebratory worship event at his church- New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. Marshall created a service complete with Bagpipes, drums, and a parade of Tartan flags... Since then, this service has been conducted by countless Presbyterian Churches throughout the country.

The worship services (at 8:30 and 10:45) will include bagpipes, drums, Beadles (lay officials who assist in religious functions), Covenanter Guards, and Scottish Liturgy. In addition, church members who can trace their lineage back to this historical time will be carrying tartan flags symbolizing the special clans that are their own heritage.

Two other events will highlight the weekend celebration at First Presbyterian Wheaton:

• A special Scottish dinner Saturday February 11 at the Church, featuring bagpipes and dance, plus a historical presentation entitled “Robert Burns’ Influence on Abraham Lincoln”.
• A performance by the Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers of Chicagoland on February 12 between services (9:45-10:30)

Classes are offered for children during the Education Hour from 9:45 – 10:30.  Child care is provided for children four years old and younger during the 8:30 and 10:45 services.

About First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton:

 First Presbyterian is one of the landmark churches in a community with a rich religious heritage. Our Vision is:  Together….We Celebrate, Journey & Serve

• We celebrate God’s abundant grace and love.
• We seek to be a dynamic faith community guided by the Holy Spirit, committed to spiritual growth while following Christ’s example and God’s word
• Respecting our past and recognizing today’s challenges, we move forward with diverse worship, education, mission, and compassionate care for all.

First Presbyterian Wheaton is a member of the Presbyterian Church USA.  The church is located at the Northwest corner of Jefferson and Ellis in Wheaton, Illinois. For more information, call (630) 668-5147 or visit www.firstpreswheaton.org or http://www.facebook.com/firstpreswheaton

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Submitted by: Jon Wylie

jon-spartan@comcast.net 

630-520-0582