Greenwood Faces Tropical Storm While Celebrating Scottish Heritage with Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan Service

Greenwood Braces for Tropical Storm and Celebrates Scottish Heritage

This morning, Greenwood residents woke up to tropical storm conditions that brought windy weather and periods of rain. Weather reports indicated that the storm could bring winds at speeds of 25 to 35 mph with a 100% chance of rain, dropping up to half an inch of rainfall. However, the gloomy start of the day had some hope for sunshine in the afternoon, with temperatures climbing to about 78°F. By nightfall, the skies are expected to clear up as temperatures dip to a low of 62°F, with gentler winds blowing at 5 to 10 mph.

Annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan Service

Despite the uncertainty of weather, spirits remain high in Greenwood as the community eagerly looks forward to celebrating their Scottish heritage through the annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan service at the First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood. This well-attended event holds a special place in the hearts of locals, including Andrew Goforth, a Greenwood native who was inspired by the celebration to study abroad in Scotland.

Goforth, now a senior at Lander University studying history, secondary education, and English, has fond memories of the Kirkin’ service from as far back as first grade. He vividly recalls standing on a pew and peering over a balcony to watch people processing into the sanctuary with their tartans. “I remember the first Kirkin’ service at First Pres in 2009 very vividly,” Goforth recalled. “My dad had to video the service. That was the first time I heard bagpipes. We only had one piper that year, but it was really cool.”

Growing Tradition

Reflecting on the growth of the event over the years, Goforth noted, “Each year since, FPC Greenwood’s Kirkin’ service has grown. Now, there are more pipers, more drummers, and I don’t even know how many tartans we have. It’s amazing. It’s one of the biggest services our church has. The central part of the Kirkin’ is the blessing of the tartan.”

This year’s event will take place at 11 a.m. on Oct. 13 at 108 E. Cambridge Ave., featuring a parade of tartans, blessings for families, and special music, often accompanied by bagpipes. The community is invited to join in this celebration.

Inspiration from Abroad

Inspired by the local Kirkin’ service, Goforth decided to spend a month studying abroad at the University of Stirling in Scotland, where he had the opportunity to immerse himself in the rich history and culture. “The Kirkin’ was what kind of pushed the ball over the cliff for me to decide to go to Scotland,” he shared. “It’s right on this series of hills marking the beginning of the Highlands.” While in Scotland, Goforth indulged in exploring historical landmarks such as the Battle of Culloden site and a monument to William Wallace.

Engaging with the local community, Goforth joined a nearby kirk—Scot for church—within walking distance from his dorm. He observed the cultural nuances and historical legacies that continue to shape the region. “It’s fascinating to see the lasting impacts of history,” Goforth commented, referring to the 1746 Act of Proscription which banned the wearing of Highland Dress and gathering in large groups, following the defeat of the Jacobite uprising.

North American Tradition

The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan service has its origins in 1943 when the Rev. Dr. Peter Marshall introduced the ceremony to American Presbyterians. Initially held at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., it has since evolved into an annual tradition in many churches across North America. Though it gained popularity in the United States, the ceremony draws on Scotland’s rich heritage, serving as a testament to the resilient spirit of the Scottish people.

The service is more than just a celebration; it’s a commemoration of history, family, and faith. As Greenwood prepares to honor its Scottish heritage once again, residents remain hopeful that the afternoon sunshine will shine down on what promises to be another memorable event.