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Christ Cathedral announces the return of its unique annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans worship service and Feast of St. Andrew. It is set for Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral, 138 S. Eighth Street, downtown Salina.
The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans spotlights the Scottish tradition of having family and clan tartans blessed at a special time of year. The Saturday-evening service and following potluck meal are open to the public. Because three of Salina’s four founding families are Scottish, many feel that a Kirkin’ service is well-suited for the Salina area.
“All are welcome to ‘put on their Scottish’ for the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans,” says Mo. Shay Craig, dean of Christ Cathedral. The holiday-season Kirkin’ service and potluck offer the community a unique taste of Scottish music, traditions, and food in a beautiful historic setting.
At 6 p.m. that Saturday, attendees will be piped into the Cathedral by McPherson-area bagpipers for a service including Holy Eucharist (communion), festive music, and ancient prayers. The tartan sash, kilt, or fabric swatch of any families in attendance that night can be blessed as their clan (family) names are “called” out loud.
Immediately following the worship service is a potluck Ceilidh (“KAY-lee”) supper and a Scotch Whisky tasting in the parish hall library. The evening ends as those in attendance select the Parish Chieftain who will receive a special sash to be worn at next year’s Kirkin’.
Today’s modern-day Kirkin’ traditions link back to mid-16th-century Scottish history. After the English defeated Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish forces in the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the wearing of tartans and playing of bagpipes were forbidden. The wearing or displaying of tartans was punishable by death. According to legend, Scots continued to wear a hidden piece of tartan to church, and their minister would slip in a blessing, or kirking, of the tartans into the worship service.
Celebration of Scottish roots is especially appropriate for Episcopalians, who owe a debt of gratitude to the Scottish Episcopal Church. The Church of England would not consecrate Samuel Seabury, the first American bishop elected post-Revolution, unless he swore allegiance to the Crown. When he would not, bishops in Scotland consecrated Seabury in Aberdeen on Nov. 14, 1784, asking that in return he incorporate the Scottish Rite for the Eucharist into the American prayer book. Features of the Rite are still in use today.
The first recognized Kirkin’ service in America was conducted in Washington, D.C. in 1941. The tradition has grown in popularity since then. Beyond spotlighting Episcopalian heritage and Scottish culture, Christ Cathedral’s Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans and Feast of St. Andrew potluck on Saturday, November 30 encourages participants to reflect on their own family and ethnic heritage.
Those wishing to stay for the potluck Ceilidh (“KAY-lee”) or to reserve a “Whisky in the Library” ticket (ages 21 and over only), should RSVP by Wednesday, November 20 to the Cathedral at 785-827-4440 or to [email protected]. Those joining in the potluck meal are invited to bring a Scottish or a favorite side dish. Recipe ideas are available at:
https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/collections/scottish-recipes/ or https://www.foodtimeline.org/.
Christ Cathedral considers itself “the church at the heart of the city, with a heart for the city.” For more information on the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans or other holiday happenings, visit ChristCathedralSalina.org or https://www.facebook.com/christcathedralsalina.
Christ Cathedral considers itself central to Salina’s community fabric, as “the church at the heart of the city, with a heart for the city.”
For more information on the Kirkin’ of the Tartans event or other Cathedral happenings, contact Cathedral staff at 785-827-4440 or visit ChristCathedralSalina.org or https://www.facebook.com/christcathedralsalina