Paying tribute to Scottish heritage, past

By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
BOARDMAN -- "Understanding the past helps us know who we are today. We go to the past to look forward," said the Rev. David Joachim, reflecting on the meaning of a Kirkin' of the Tartan service planned at Westminster Presbyterian Church. "If you don't know where you've been, you won't know who you are or where you're going. The past helps us fully understand who we are."
The service, to be featured during the regular worship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the church at 119 Stadium Drive, will be marked by people outfitted in boldly colored kilts and sashes, the soulful and joyous sound of bagpipes and traditional dancing. Guests are welcome.
Kirk is Scottish for church, so the phrase kirkin' of the tartan translates to "church of the tartan." When the English Parliament disallowed the display of tartans in the 1700s, Scotsmen hid small pieces of the family tartan on their persons. In secret, they would get a blessing of the tartan for their families. A tartan is a traditional pattern of unevenly spaced stripes crossing at right angles and woven into a woolen fabric.
After the ban was lifted, tartans were allowed out in the open. A display of tartans often is included in the Westminster service.
Other elements of the service recall religious reformation and the freedom to worship.
The beadle, an official of the parish, carries an open Bible. "This idea is a huge part of the reformation ... everyday people could read God's word," the Rev. Mr. Joachim said. "Before, the people relied on interpretation by clergy. This was a break from the Catholic church." The word beadle has its roots in Scotland.
Another stirring part of the service is when the "beadle calls out the names of the clans," Mr. Joachim said. Because the church has had the service previously, there is a list of names that includes Baird, Fraser, McQuarrie, Buchanan, Montgomery, McDougall, MacDuff, MacFarland, MacGregor, MacKenzie, Fife and Craig.
"As the names are called, members of that clan will stand," Mr. Joachim said. But if a family's name isn't called, they are invited to call it out. "We want the service not to be exclusive but inclusive."
A broader view
It's a tribute to Scottish heritage and remembering the English outlawed such acknowledgment. Though the service is based in the Scottish lore, Mr. Joachim said he takes a broader view "to include all of God's clan ... so that no one is left out."
Mr. Joachim also said he appreciated the specialness of the service because it captures the attention of the senses. "We want the whole person to be involved and the service should reflect that."
Thistle, the national flower of Scotland, will be used in decorations. The Celtic Flame Pipes and Drums will provide music and the McConnell Scottish Dancers will perform. After the service, there will be a social with teas and Scottish shortbread.
Becky Bodden, choir director, said over the years that various hymns from the Scottish psalter (book of hymns) have been included. Among selections have been "Skye Boat Song," "Scotland the Brave" and "Amazing Grace."
"The bagpipers will begin playing in the hallway ... it reverberates ... and gets louder as they get closer and walk down the aisles," she said. "It makes a spectacular entrance and exit."
Though the Scottish flavor reigns, Mr. Joachim said he also thinks of it as Presbyterian heritage day. "I like to put that slant on it."
He said the observance is an occasion to reflect on history and heritage. Mr. Joachim takes the opportunity to discuss a brief history of Presbyterianism and mentions John Knox, a Scottish religious reformer regarded as the father of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland and of the Church of Scotland.
Mr. Joachim said he sometimes shares other tidbits related to Presbyterianism.
"Fourteen signers of the Declaration of Independence were Presbyterian including the Rev. John Witherspoon, the only clergy to sign," he said. "Some aspects of American government including the general assembly of Virginia are patterned after how Presbyterians organize their governing bodies."
Started in 1992
The special service has been part of Westminster since 1992. Henry Pearce, a member of Westminster and lay pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Niles, was one of the organizers. "It grew out of a Scottish festival we held," he said. "Presbyterianism traces its roots to Scotland so it's a way to celebrate the heritage.
"It's more than a 'feel-good' event ... it connects to church history and is a traditional approach to re-connect with the community of faith," he said.
When Mr. Joachim became pastor in 1994, he supported the event. "I'm part of the Cameron clan. Our tartan is a deep red plaid," he said.
The minister said he had The Vindicator to thank for acquiring his tartan. When his children delivered the newspaper, he became acquainted with a customer on the route. "She gave me a tartan. I came by it in a neat way," he said, and he'll be wearing the outfit this weekend.
The service ends with an old Scots blessing (it follows in part). "You really can't get through it without crying. And your soul goes up and up," Bodden said.
"And may the blessing of the earth be on you -- the great round earth. May you ever have a kindly greeting for those you pass as you are going along the roads. May the earth be soft under you when you rest out upon it, tired at the end of the day; and may it rest easy over you when at the last, you lie out under it. May it rest so lightly over you that your soul may be off from under it quickly, and up, and off, and on its way to God."