Kirkin' o' the Tartan - Piper's chime in!

[Cawdorian]

The church I attend (Presbyterian) holds an annual Kirk'in service in November. As Bill notes this service is very inspirational. We all wear a piece of clothing in our tartan, most wear a scarf, tie or some other piece of tartan clothing. Those of us who have kilts and highland dress wear them. There are numerous male members of our church who wear their kilts to this service.

Six weeks or so before the service we provide an staffed information table in the Narthex and help our members determine the tartans associated with their surnames or heritage. We also provide a list of a few reputable vendors who can supply any items of tartan clothing they may want to order. (Matt if you can send me some brochures or a small catolg, I would be happy to place them on the table.) If the members's tartan cannot be located we encourage them to wear the Black Watch tartan.

Our service includes the parade of the Tartans and other traditional Scottish pagentry during the processional. After the service we have a dinner complete with haggis. This service ranks number three in attendance following Easter and Christmas. Many of the Highland Games have a Kirk'in service on Sunday morning as one of the game events. The service is held at the Stone Mountain Highland Games.

If you will google "St Andrew's Society of Washington DC", you will find the information on the Service at the National Cathedral on their website.

John, I will see if I can get a copy of the bulletin and leaflets from last year's service and mail it to you. I'll will ask tomorrow ans see if I can get a copy for you.

I am very happy to see the interest in this particular service, it helps keep the interest in our heritage alive and well.

Jim