Reformation Sunday

Join us for a special worship service and Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans on Reformation Sunday, October 27th. A bagpipe processional, Calling of the Clans, and Gaelic prayer will start the worship service at 10am. Come in your clan colors and join the processional at 9:45!

History: in 1745 the British government defeated the Jacobite forces at the battle of Culloden. The Jacobite Risings forced the government of Great Britain to take harsh action against the Clan system of Scotland and in 1747 Parliament passed the Act of Proscription. The act prohibited the Gaelic language as well as highland clothing such as the kilt or any tartan used to make a coat or trousers. It also disarmed the highlanders of all weapons – an action which would be remembered when the 2nd Amendment of the Bill of Rights to the US Constitution was in March of 1789, as there were many of Scottish heritage at the convention. Possession of a scrap fabric was punishable by a minimum of 6 months in jail or death or being sent to Australia, or the Americas. The law was reversed in 1782. Legend has it though not confirmed, at certain church services they would hide a small piece of tartan fabric on their person and when it came time for the blessing, they touch the bit of cloth.

The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan was originated as a fundraiser for the British war effort relief in 1941 by the Reverend Peter Marshall who is credited with organizing and popularizing the event during his time as the pastor of the New York Ave., Presbyterian Church. It is now celebrated all over Canada and the US by many Christian churches .