You are cordially invited to the 6th Annual Kirkin O' the Tartans

Sunday, April 6, 2008
Worship Services at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Holy Communion
Church of Scotland Service
The Kirkin O' the Tartans

Entertainment and gathering between and after services.

Special Planning session for the Kirkin', February 11 at 7pm in Pastor's office.
The focus this year will be on John Witherspoon and his important roll in the history of our church and our country.
Anyone interested in helping plan the remaining details is invited!

The Presbyterian Church was founded when it split from the oppressive Catholic rule in Scotland in the 1500's. "Kirk" is the Scottish word for church and the tartan is woolen material that has been woven with a distinct pattern of unevenly spaced stripes crossing at right angles. The traditional tartan patterns are used to distinguish the various Scottish Clans. The Kirkin O' the Tartans is the traditional blessing of the tartans.

Following the failure of the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, the English imposed the Disarming Act of 1746 which included, among other provisions, a prohibition of the wearing of the traditional Scottish tartans. Although forbidden by law from wearing their tartans, legend has it that the Scots would hide swatches of tartan material in their clothing when they attended church and they would secretly touch the material at a predetermined time during the worship ceremony.


The Kirkin O' the Tartans is an opportunity for Scots and Presbyterians to celebrate their heritage and history. 2008 will mark Mission del Sol's sixth observance of the celebration. In addition to the Kirkin O' the Tartans, we will have a Church of Scotland worship ceremony with holy communion. Between and following the 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services, there will be entertainment and exhibits featuring Scottish history and heritage.