The annual Kirkin’ of the Tartan service will be held at Historic Christ Church, 420 Christ Church Road in Weems, on Sunday, April 14, beginning at 1:30 p.m.
The Rev. Kimberly B. Glenn, Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, will officiate. The Kilmarnock & District Pipe Band will assist in the program and St. Andrew’s Society of Williamsburg will provide the color guard.
“The community is invited to attend this unique service. Christ Church, Lancaster, 1735, provides an ideal venue in which to experience the “Kirkin,’” stated Executive Director Robert Teagle. The word “kirking” comes from the Scottish Gaelic word “kirk,” meaning church, or, in this case, “blessing.” Tartans are the traditional plaid emblems of Scottish clans. Attendees are encouraged to wear tartan fabrics.
Although the legend of the Kirkin’ goes back to 1745 and “Bonnie Prince Charlie,” it wasn’t until the 20th century that the custom came to America. The Rev. Peter Marshall, one-time minister of the New York Avenue P...