Presbyterians will celebrate their Scottish heritage on Nov. 1, 2020. “Kirking” is from the Scots word “Kirk,” which means church. Tartans are the traditional plaid designs worn by the Scottish clans.
On July 25, 1745, the young Prince Charles Edward Stewart, “Bonnie Prince Charlie” returned from exile in France and landed at Lochnanaugh in Scotland, where he began to enlist the Highland Clans for an unsuccessful attempt to dethrone George II of England and restore the Scottish throne to the Royal House of Stewart. Following his defeat by the English, Parliament passed the Act of Proscription, to subdue the vanquished Highlanders, banning them from wearing any sign of the tartan, outlawing Scottish music and the playing of the pipes. From this ban came the tradition of Scottish Highlanders touching a hidden piece of tartan cloth concealed under their clothing when the Minister gave the benediction, or kirkin’, thus rededicating themselves to God and their Scottish heritage.
First Presbyterian Church of Pampa will celebrate the Scottish heritage of the Presbyterian Church with a “Kirkin’ of the Tartans” service next Sunday. The service features Scottish tartans decorating the sanctuary. Jordan Langhenning, known as the “Piper of the Plains”, will be joining in the celebration again this year, playing his bagpipes and giving an explanation of their use and origins. The service will feature the piping of Amazing Grace and other Scottish tunes.
First Presbyterian Church of Pampa welcomes members of the public to attend this meaningful celebration Sunday, Nov. 1, at 10:45 a.m. Masks will be required for attendees and social distancing must be observed. The service will be live- streamed on the First Presbyterian Church, Pampa, Texas FaceBook page, and available for subsequent viewing on the First Presbyterian Church, Pampa YouTube channel.
