What is a Kirkin’ of the Tartans?
The History – The ceremony of Kirkin’ of the Tartans (“kirk” is Scottish for church) is of American origin, though based on Scottish history and legend. In 1746, Scotland came under British rule after losing the Battle of Culloden, and during this rule the Scots were forbidden to carry arms or wear kilts or tartans representing their Scottish heritage.
As the Legend Goes – This act prompted the stubborn Scots to secretly carry a piece of their tartan as they went to the kirk (the church). The minister then slipped a blessing (a kirkin’) into the service for the tartans. This tartan prohibition lasted for nearly fifty years. At the repeal of the act, the Church of Scotland celebrated with a Service of Family Covenant, at which time the tartan of each family was offered for the Lord’s blessing and as a sign of their covenants with God.
The First American Kirkin’ – The Saint Andrew’s Society of Washington, DC, held the first kirkin’ during the early years of World War II. The late Dr. Peter Marshall, an eloquent Scot and then Chaplain of the U.S. Senate and Pastor of New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, led the service in 1943, choosing “Kirkin’ of the Tartan” for the title of his sermon.
Why Kilts and Bagpipes?
The kilt is a knee-length garment, usually made of woolen cloth in a tartan pattern, which is the traditional dress of men and boys in the Scottish Highlands since the sixteenth century. Since the nineteenth century it has been associated with Scottish culture in general. The bagpipe is of ancient and uncertain origin, having been invented as early as 1000 B.C. in the Middle East, and mentioned in the Old Testament book of Daniel (3:5, 7, 10, 15 ESV). Evidence of bagpipes in Ireland can be found in sixteenth-century artwork. As Western music developed, including more sophisticated instruments, the use of bagpipes declined in many regions. They have remained, however, a symbol of Scottish pride and heritage.
What is a Beadle?
Beadle is an English word used primarily in the churches in England and Scotland. It traditionally referred to a lay official of the church who assisted the minister in various duties. It originated with the ancient office of “doorkeeper” in the early synagogues of Galilee and Judea and the early Christian church. By the Reformation, the position became known by the Latin, “Bedellus” (meaning “herald”). The term Bedellus, over time, slid down to Beadle. The Beadle had many duties, and among those was to carry the Bible to the pulpit every Sunday.
Our Scottish Heritage
The Scottish Reformation began in the 1520s and continued until the 1560s. The issues were the truth of the gospel and control of the church. The queen wanted the right to make decisions about the church, such as appointing pastors. She also wanted to decide issues of faith and doctrine. The reformers said that only the church could decide these issues. The crown had no authority. The victory of the Scottish church would ensure its freedom and give every church the right to elect its own pastors and officers. This principle is a hallmark of Presbyterianism today.