Church Tartans

[Ozman1944]

The Clark Tartan was 'taken' from the Clergy Tartan (also called "Priest") ;
'Clark' 'Clerk' comes from "Cleric" (Clergy).
The Clark clan 'comandeered' the Tartan which was brightly colored, the Protestant Calvinist/ Presbyterians felt the Clergy should have less frivolity so they began to mute the colors for Clergy, while the Clarks kept the brighter tartan.
"Clergy" is used by mpst Denominations, but some Catholics sometimes tend to maintain the original (older) brighter version - and are often confused with the Clark family, or the Clerks get mistaken for Clergy in Catholic Circles.
The Highlanders remained Catholic, while the Lowladers embraced John Knox's Presbyterianism, but both clergy used the same tartan nevertheless.

[macwilkin]

The Clark Tartan was 'taken' from the Clergy Tartan (also called "Priest") ;
'Clark' 'Clerk' comes from "Cleric" (Clergy).
The Clark clan 'comandeered' the Tartan which was brightly colored, the Protestant Calvinist/ Presbyterians felt the Clergy should have less frivolity so they began to mute the colors for Clergy, while the Clarks kept the brighter tartan.
"Clergy" is used by mpst Denominations, but some Catholics sometimes tend to maintain the original (older) brighter version - and are often confused with the Clark family, or the Clerks get mistaken for Clergy in Catholic Circles.
The Highlanders remained Catholic, while the Lowladers embraced John Knox's Presbyterianism, but both clergy used the same tartan nevertheless.

Well...not exactly. There are a lot of myths associated with this tartan.

Lowland Presbyterians generally didn't embrace anything associated with the Highlanders, who were largely Roman Catholic or Episcopalian.

If you read Matt's article above, you'll find that the clergy tartan dates to the 1830's at the earliest. It's worth the read.

Regards,

Todd

[cwr89]

Wow! thanks a bunch!

Great info!

~Casey

[Kilted-Marine]

13 oz tartan in "Artificial Wool" 9.75 a yard. we just ordered 25 yards of Clergy/Clark

[Riverkilt]

Another slant would be if your local church is named after someone/thing with a tartan.

Like the local Episcopal church here is named St. David's. But I've been unsuccessful so far in getting the padre to adopt the St. David's tartan - even for a necktie or scarf...maybe one day.

Ron

[cwr89]

Another slant would be if your local church is named after someone/thing with a tartan.

Like the local Episcopal church here is named St. David's. But I've been unsuccessful so far in getting the padre to adopt the St. David's tartan - even for a necktie or scarf...maybe one day.

Ron

unfortunately, its name is Crestview Presbyterian Church. (www.crestpres.org)

I will talk with my youth pastor and see what I can work out.
~Casey

[Riverkilt]

Boy, that is a tough one.

Have you considered the Ohio state tartan which has the same red, white, and blue that your church uses? Would give it a double meaning.

Ron

[Ozman1944]

'Blackwatch Presbyterian" is a great idea, plus "Royal Stewart Fellowship Hall" . You'd never have a problem finding Tartans.

[Cawdorian]

This Presbyterian is not aware of any specfic Presbyterian tartans. The Clergy tartan is worn by the clergy of all denominations.

[macwilkin]

Other appropriate tartans for a Presbyterian Church:

St. Columba
Holyrood
St. Andrew's

Douglas -- in honour of the Cameronian Regiment, originally raised from Covenanting Presbyterians
Hamilton -- in honour of Scottish Protestant martyr Patrick Hamilton
Ulster -- in honour of the Ulster-Scots, many of whom were Presbyterians

Yours aye,

Todd*

*who was born & raised Presbyterian, from a long line of Presbyterians, but who is now an Episcopalian.