Special to IFN
First Presbyterian Church in Statesville, located at 125 N. Meeting Street, will hold a special service on Sunday, February 15. The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan service will center around the history of the community, focusing on the Scots-Irish ancestry of the early settlers.
The term Kirkin’ is an old Scottish word equated to the word churching or blessing. The clans, or families, would come to church and bring their Tartan banner to have it and their family members
blessed by the minister.
Everyone is invited to the service to see, hear and experience the beautiful music and to witness the blessings. Melanye Brennan and Tim Conlan will provide authentic music with bagpipes and snare drum.
“The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans is more than a Scot-American tradition; it is about seeking God’s blessing upon all families and people,” the Rev. Jeremy Cannada explained. “Though what we will do is share in a moment of ancient Presbyterian heritage, the faith of love extends to all people, wherever they are and whoever they are. As we believe each person is a child of God, the blessing we will proclaim is for the community and all members who make us the place where it all—the past, present, and future—comes together.”
For an added experience there will be a full Scottish Breakfast served in the Fourth Creek Meeting Hall beneath the sanctuary. The meal is sponsored by The Historic Sharpe House and sponsored in part by The Scottish Gourmet in Greensboro.
The original plan was to host the breakfast and Kirkin’ service as part of the Robert Burns Weekend, but both events have been rescheduled due to inclement weather.
Keith Rhyne, site manager for the Sharpe House, would like to see a weekend festival honoring our Scottish descendants and our city. The Robert Burns Supper has been set for a Saturday evening in March.
TICKETS
Tickets for the breakfast at 9 a.m. on February 15 are available through EventBrite.com under the listing for Sharpe House Burns Weekend. Proceeds from the breakfast will go toward next
year’s events.