The History

The ceremony of Kirkin' o' the Tartans is of American origin, though based on Scottish history and legend. After Bonnie Prince Charlie's Scottish forces were defeated by the English at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, Scotland once again came under British rule. To control the Scots, a special Act was passed that forbade the carrying of arms and the wearing of kilts, plain, or any tartan which represented Scottish heritage. Orders were given for British troops to kill upon sight any person dressed Highland garb or displaying the tartan.

As the Legend Goes

This act prompted the stubborn Scots to secretly carry with them a piece of their tartan as they went to the Kirk. The minister then slipped a blessing (a Kirkin') into the service for the tartans. The prohibition against tartan lasted for nearly 50 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 as a covenant expression for the Lord's blessing.

The First Kirkin'

The Saint Andrew 's Society of Washington, D.C. held the first Kirkin' during World War II. The late Dr. Peter Marshall, an eloquent Scot, then pastor of New York Avenue Presbyterian Church and later chaplain of the U. S. Senate, led the service in 1943, choosing "Kirkin' o' the Tartan" for the title of his sermon. He had preached many sermons in support of the British War Relief and the Scottish Clans Evacuation Plan. His sermons were so popular that a request was made for their publication, with the proceeds from the sales designated for war relief programs. As the war continued, the D. C. Saint Andrew's Society continued to hold services of unified prayer for the subjects of the British Isles. These became know as Kirkin's. In 1947 he was elected Chaplain of the U. S. Senate.

The Service

The worship service is for traditional content, using much of the Church of Scotland form. Central to its theme is the presentation of various tartans–through flags and the wearing of the tartans–for a blessing. Clans were simply a fathering of peoples for their protection and for economic, political, and social support. Clansmen demonstrated a true brotherhood of man, and the tartan is a symbol of this love and togetherness. The Kirkin' is intended to encourage all participants to reflect with thanksgiving on their own family and ethnic heritage, and to celebrate God's grace poured out for all generations.