SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY †PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison) SCOTTISH HERITAGE SUNDAY O God, we confess to Thee the wrong ideals and sinful living which have cut us off from you. We have been greedy. We have sought to hide behind barricades of selfishness. We have tried to isolate SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019 8:45 AM & 11:15 AM SERVICES ourselves from the wounds of the world. In our self-sufficiency, we have not sought your help. We THE VISION OF GOD have wasted time while the world bled. We have sought to solve our differences only through PRELUDE Praeludium in D Major (BuxWV 130) Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) self-interest. Lord God of Hosts, forgive us, we pray. O God, by Thy guidance and Thy power, may (May the beginning of the prelude serve as a call to silent meditation and prayer.) we be keenly sensitive to all the unresolved injustice and wrong still in our midst. Hear this our prayer, and grant that we may confidently expect to see it answered in our time; through Jesus WELCOME AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISCIPLESHIP The Rev. Dr. L. Holton Siegling Jr. Christ, our Lord. Amen.2 (Please sign and pass Friendship Registry)
MINUTE FOR MISSION Music Daniel Sansone †ASSURANCE OF PARDON
†PASSING OF THE PEACE †GLORIA PATRI “Glory be to the Father” Hymn No. 579 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
INTROIT “I Will Worship The Lord” John Rutter As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen. Kirk Choir †CALL TO WORSHIP Mrs. Suzy S. Edwards +†CHILDREN’S HYMN “How Firm a Foundation” (verse 1) Hymn No. 361 Leader: O Lord, strengthen our faith; How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, People: kindle it in eagerness and love toward you, and our neighbors, for your sake. Is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word! Leader: Suffer us not to receive your word in vain any longer; What more can be said than to you God hath said, People: but grant us always the assistance of your grace and Holy Spirit, that in heart, word, and To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled? deed, we may sanctify and worship your name. (All children are invited to come forward for a time of worship during the singing of this hymn.) Leader: Help us to amplify and increase your kingdom; People: that whatever may come our way, we may be content with your good pleasure and will. THE TIME FOR CHILDREN Leader: Let us not lack the thing without which we cannot serve you; THE TIME FOR TEENS People: but so bless all the works of our hands that we may have what we need to be helpful and not hurtful unto others.1 THE WORD OF GOD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (8:45 a.m.) Mr. John Paisley †PROCESSION OF THE TARTANS “Highland Cathedral” Organ & Bagpipe (11:15 a.m.) The Much Hon. D. W. Paisley of Westerlea †BLESSING OF THE TARTANS THE WORD READ Old Testament: Psalm 23 (KJV) (pew Bible, page 435) Leader: Raise the Tartans! New Testament: Matthew 3 (pew Bible, page 784) (Banner Bearers lift high their tartans.) On behalf of all clans represented here. Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: We raise these tartans before Almighty God in gratitude for our heritage and pray God’s People: Thanks be to God. blessing on His servant people in all lands. THE WORD PROCLAIMED “HEADS, HANDS AND HEARTS” The Rev. Peter Sutton Leader: Eternal God, Our Father, bless these symbols of heritage, and grant that those who wear them, and the families they represent, may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you; through THE RESPONSE TO THE WORD the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. †THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (unison) The Rev. Dr. L. Holton Siegling Jr. People: We proclaim that we are all united in the covenant of Jesus Christ for there is but one We confess and acknowledge one God alone, to Whom alone we must cleave, Whom alone we must Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all. serve, Whom only we must worship, and in Whom alone we put our trust. Who is eternal, infinite, (The Banners are posted.) immeasurable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, invisible; one in substance and yet distinct in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. By Whom we confess and believe all things in
+†MORNING HYMN “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty” Hymn No. 482 heaven and earth, visible and invisible, to have been created, to be retained in their being, and to be 3 †PRAYER OF ADORATION ruled and guided by His providence, and to the manifestation of His own glory. THE CONFESSION OF SIN †HYMN OF REFLECTION “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound” Hymn No. 280 †CALL TO CONFESSION (A pause for silent confession follows.) 2 From a prayer by Peter Marshall (b. Scotland 1902), originator of the service of the Kirkin’ o’ Tartan in the United States 1 From a prayer by John Knox (d. 1572), founder of the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) 3 From The Scots Confession of 1560 †Those who are able, please stand. + Those arriving for worship are invited to take their seats at this time. †Those who are able, please stand.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on FIRST (SCOTS) PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our 53 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401 debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS SCOTTISH HERITAGE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2019 OFFERTORY ANTHEM “A Scottish Blessing” David Blackwell (A Scottish Blessing lyrics can be found on the back page of today’s announcements insert.)
†DOXOLOGY “Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow” Hymn No. 592 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. †PRAYER OF DEDICATION †HYMN OF COMMITMENT “Lead On, O King Eternal” Hymn No. 447 †CHARGE AND BENEDICTION †BENEDICTION RESPONSE “A Gaelic Blessing” John Rutter †RECESSION OF THE TARTANS †GREETING OF FELLOW WORSHIPERS †POSTLUDE Carillon (from 24 pieces in free style) Louis Vierne (1870-1937)
+ + + TODAY WE WELCOME GUEST MUSICIAN, Jessica Hull-Dambaugh (Flutist). + + + THE FLOWERS IN THE SANCTUARY are given to the Glory of God and in in memory of Russell H. Stout, Jr. by Linda Stout. + + + ALL MEMBERS AND GUESTS are invited to our Scottish Heritage Reception in Molly Wier Hall following each service. Our Deacon serving as greeter today is Matt Spath. + + + OUR SERVICE OF WORSHIP EXTENDS BEYOND THE WALLS OF THE SANCTUARY in the form of video recording and livestreaming. Your presence with us today signifies consent to the possibility that your image may be included as part of our media broadcast. + + +
FIRST (SCOTS) PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STAFF The Reverend Dr. L. Holton Siegling Jr., Senior Pastor The Reverend Dr. James T. Rogers, Associate Pastor THE REV. DR. L. HOLTON SIEGLING JR. THE REV. DR. JAMES T. ROGERS The Reverend Arthur S. Gatewood, Parish Associate for Pastoral Care SENIOR PASTOR ASSOCIATE PASTOR The Reverend Dr. J. Phillips Noble, Pastor Emeritus Daniel Sansone, Director of Music & Organist Meg High, Children’s Choirs Ricard Bordas, Director of Choral Music Christina Wilhoit, Handbell Choir Suzy S. Edwards, Director of Christian Education Marilyn Stark, Financial Assistant THE REV. ARTHUR S. GATEWOOD THE REV. DR. J. PHILLIPS NOBLE Deanna Barteet, Church Administrator Megan Boucher, Middle School Youth Director PARISH ASSOCIATE FOR PASTORAL CARE PASTOR EMERITUS Susan Cocallas, Administrative Assistant Saye Simpson, Youth Ministry Assistant Terri Reno, Pastors’ Administrator Martha Harken, Kindergarten Director Cierra Christian, Publications Nancy Hunsicker, Food Services Director Peggy Inabinet, Administrative Assistant Monica Mitchell, Sexton Stephen Ministry Shelby Olinger, Church Accountant Serving God in Charleston and the world. HOW TO CONTACT US: Phone: 843-722-8882, Fax: 843-805-6621, Email: [email protected], Web: www.first-scots.org Organized 1731
WELCOME TO FIRST (SCOTS) PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019 SCOTTISH HERITAGE SUNDAY MISSION & OUTREACH HOSPITALITY Scottish Heritage Receptions God’s Gift Shop Needs Volunteers WE WELCOME YOU TO WORSHIP TODAY! Members and THIS WEEK AT FIRST (SCOTS) Today is the day! It’s the 47th annual Kirkin’ O’ the God's Gift Shop is looking for a few helpers. Can you frequent guests are asked to sign the Friendship Registry during UNDAY OVEMBER the welcome and announcements. First-time guests or those Tartan. Today we welcome the Rev. Peter Sutton, of the S , N 3 help one Sunday (or Wednesday night supper) this Scottish Heritage Sunday interested in joining are asked to record their mailing address, Parish Church of St. Cuthbert in Scotland (read his brief December? If so, please let Brenda Dukes, our 8:45 a.m. Worship email address, and telephone number. biography in the special Scottish heritage insert in your Volunteer Coordinator, know. Contact her to sign up for 9:30 a.m. Reception NURSERIES ARE AVAILABLE DURING bulletin). Following both services, please plan to stop by a specific day and time. 10:00 a.m. Confirmation Class (KH) 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. Sunday School THE WORSHIP SERVICE Molly Wier Hall to enjoy some Scottish snacks and 11:15 a.m. Worship Infants & Crawlers: Room #109 (Sanctuary Building) displays! There will be Molly Wier’s shortbread, oatmeal Habitat for Humanity Faith Build 12:15 p.m. Reception 2-3 year olds: Room #115 (Massie Building) cookies, Scotch eggs, and many other Scottish goodies. 5:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. Youth Event 4K-5K: Room #112 (Massie Building) Habitat is recruiting volunteers to help with our Faith Build. Signing up is easy. Simply visit https:// M ONDAY , N OVEMBER 4 SAFETY IS A PRIORITY OF OUR CHURCH; THEREFORE, WE ASK (Lyrics from today’s anthem: “A Scottish Blessing”) 12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m. Prayers of Concern (#229) charlestonhabitat.charityproud.org/ PARENTS TO ACCOMPANY THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN SHOULD 1:00 p.m—3:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry (#205) THEY LEAVE THE SANCTUARY, EXCEPT WHEN THEIR CHILDREN A Scottish Blessing VolunteerRegistration/Calendar and click 1:30 p.m.—3:30 p.m. Bridge (#203) ARE ESCORTED TO THE NURSERY BY USHERS. PARENTS MUST BE “Faith Build” on the day and shift you 5:15 p.m.—6:30 p.m. Handbells (#209) ON CHURCH GROUNDS IF THEY LEAVE THEIR CHILDREN IN THE Be a light before to lead me, CHURCH NURSERY WHICH IS FOR CHILDREN AGED INFANTS - K-5. Be a guiding star above. wish to volunteer (we are the only Faith T UESDAY , N OVEMBER 5 Jesu, may I always know thee, may I always know thy love. Build in progress). 7:00 a.m.—8:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study (MWH) DISCIPLESHIP In addition, we have reserved the second 9:30 a.m.—10:30 a.m. PW Board Meeting (#203) There is no bird that soars the mountain; 9:45 a.m. Program Staff Meeting (#224) Saturday of each month exclusively for 10:30 a.m. All Staff Meeting (#224) There is no deer upon the hill; SERVING US First (Scots) volunteers. November 9 is this month’s 12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m. Table Talk Bible Study USHERS (8:45 a.m.) David McCormack, Margaret McCormack, (#224) There is no creature of the forest, date—and that’s next weekend! We need volunteers for Brandon Blount, Edward Rawl, Harry Robbins, Cyndi Robbins 2:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m. Recorder Practice (Parlor) But shall sing they praises still. two time slots: 8:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m., and 12:30 p.m.— 5:30 p.m.—6:30 p.m. Ladies’ Bible Study (#202) USHERS (11:15 a.m.) Jon Bolt, Kathryn Rhodes, Charles Jordan, 4:30 p.m. To sign up for November 9, please see the Mills Jordan, Buck Watkins, Harold Davis, Jamie Bruce Be a kindly Shepherd for me, specific links located in the Kirk News e-newsletter. WEDNESDAY , NOVEMBER 6 DEACONS (8:45 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.) Keep me safe through all my days; 10:00 a.m.—11:30 a.m. Ladies’ Bible Study (#202) Brent Sausser, Shannon Ravenel, Bill Moore, Matt Spath Jesu, may I always know thee, 3:30 p.m.—5:45 p.m. Kirk Club (#309) GREETERS 3:45 p.m.—4:15 p.m. Kirk Choristers (#301) (8:45 a.m.) Linda Stout (11:15 a.m.) Bob George, Leslie Fellabom May I always sing the praise. Stewardship Season Update 4:30 p.m.—5:00 p.m. Cherub Choir (#302) We had a good crowd and an excellent response on 4:45 p.m.—5:45 p.m. Mom’s Connect (#229) BEADLE LAY READER BELL RINGER There is no life that swims the oceans; (8:45 a.m.) Alexander Paisley John Paisley Ian Ford Commitment Sunday! If you were unable to make it to 5:30 p.m.—6:00 p.m. Chapel There is no creature of the sea; 5:45 p.m.—6:15 p.m. Alleluia Choir (#302) (11:15 a.m.) Clan Paisley Rep. Much Hon. D.W. Paisley Matt Johnson worship or if you haven’t yet had a chance to indicate 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Supper (MWH) PASTOR ON-CALL: NOVEMBER 3—10 There is no fish within the river, your financial commitment for the work of Christ’s 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Program (MWH) Nov. 3: Rev. Art Gatewood (843-323-1829) But proclaims its praise for thee. 7:00 p.m.—8:30 p.m. Kirk Choir Rehearsal (#309) Nov. 4-10: Dr. Holton Siegling (843-456-2235 Church for the year to come, please prayerfully consider ELDER & DEACON ON-CALL: NOVEMBER 3—10 As the day falls into evening doing so by using the commitment card located in the THURSDAY , NOVEMER 7 pew rack in front of you or by visiting our website: 9:00 a.m.—10:30 a.m. Mom’s Bible Study (#229) Elder: John McNeill (843-261-4241) As the night is lit with stars, Deacon: Susan Witty (321-663-5352) www.first-scots.org. Thank you! At the ending of life’s journey, FRIDAY , NOVEMER 8 WE ARE A STEPHEN MINISTRY CHURCH. For confidential 4:00 p.m. M.S. Youth Bethelwoods Retreat referral, or if you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister May thy heavenly peace be ours. please contact The Rev. Art Gatewood (843-722-8882) or Ministry Free Parking Code S UNDAY , N OVEMBER 10 Leaders: John & Pat Dietz, Betts Gatewood and Steve Harth. Let every creature in God’s kingdom, 8:45 a.m. Worship Let every life upon the shore Three hours of free parking is available in both Henderson Baptism the City of Charleston Queen Street Garage (93 10:00 a.m. Confirmation Class (KH) Sing praise to God, the world’s creator, SPECIAL WORSHIP AIDS AVAILABLE: Please ask the Ushers for assistance. Queen Street) and Charleston County’s Queen 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. Sunday School Sing praises now and ever more. 11:15 a.m. Worship Street Garage (85 Queen Street). 5:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. H.S. Youth Event Audio Enhancer Giant Print Bible Large Print Hymnal Wheelchair Assistance PUBLICATION ANNOUNCEMENT INFORMATION SUNDAY BULLETIN DEADLINE IS BY 5:00 PM ON MONDAY. KIRK NEWS (e-newsletter) DEADLINE IS BY 5:00 PM ON MONDAY. Bulletin, Kirk News & Web Site information should be submitted in writing to Publications ([email protected]). CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY UPDATES FELLOWSHIP PW November Updates PW Retreat A TTENTION Y OUTH ! Save the Date: All women are invited to join us for our SEEKING Board Meeting: SABBATH Retreat on Saturday, January 11 from The Presbyterian Women board meeting will be Youth in grades 6-12 meet Sundays from 5:00 p.m. to The Annual Meeting of the 9:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m. at the Charleston Marriott. held November 5 at 9:30 a.m. in room #203. 7:00 p.m. at the Kirk House (62 King Street) unless Congregation and Corporation Co-facilitators are author, seminary librarian and noted below. Dinner is provided. will be held on Sunday, Circle Meetings: celebrated workshop leader, Griselda Lartey, as well as High School November 17 at 11:00 a.m.. • Betty Noble Circle will meet on Tuesday, November November 3: Youth Sunday Planning our own Suzy Edwards. Cost is $50 and includes a 12 at the home of Margaret Ann Pearson. delicious lunch. You don't want to miss this special day! November 10: Cutting Through the Chaos of College Refreshments will be served at 9:30 a.m. and the Register on the church’s website or stop by the Admissions with Bert Hudnall Reserve 2020 Sanctuary Flowers program featuring speaker, Rinne Sade, will begin at November 15-16: Lock-Out/In (8:00 p.m.—10:00 a.m.) Presbyterian Women’s table in MWH to pick up a 10:00 a.m.. For questions, contact Dottie George at We are now taking reservations for Sunday sanctuary registration form. Please linger at the table and learn 843-343-7202. Middle School flower arrangements for 2020. This is a wonderful way more about our founding mothers, and the quest to • Women at the Well will meet on Thursday, November 3: Youth Sunday Planning to honor or remember loved ones, celebrate an learn more about the women who came before November 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Anne November 8-10: Bethelwoods Retreat (4:00 p.m.— anniversary or child's baptism, or even commemorate us. Retreat questions? Contact Julie Smith at 203-273- LeClercq. 4:00 p.m.) a special Sunday. The cost to sponsor the sanctuary 5414 or [email protected] or Pam Green at • Unbroken Circle will meet on Tuesday, November November 17: Man Hunt and Capture the Flag flowers is $135. If interested, please contact Susan in [email protected]. 12, at 10:00 a.m. at the home of Linda Stout. Want more details regarding youth ministry the church office at 843-722-8882. • Seekers Circle will meet on Monday, November 11, events? Visit www.tinyurl.com/FirstScotsYouth at the home of Janie Farr. Would You Like Your Blood Pressure It’s Beginning To Look A lot Like Christmas! Kirk Club Update Checked? Please save the date: Thursday Tuesday Table Talk Join us for Kirk Club this Wednesday, Our First (Scots) Church family is committed to December 12, for our annual Please join us for our Tuesday Table November 6. We will be creating art in promoting wellness of spirit, body and mind to Christmas Progressive Dinner. You Talk Bible Study as we study the book of Worship with Suzy Edwards during individuals, families and the Body of Christ. The won’t want to miss this festive Daniel with a few topical studies mixed worship skills. Our dinner theme is Diaconate’s Congregational Care Committee is evening! More details to follow. in. This group is open to both men and Patriotic Night with cheeseburgers, chips, veggies and ice sponsoring a free blood pressure check event. women. We meet on Tuesdays in the cream sandwiches on the menu. Drop off starts at Please join church member, Mae K Schutte RN/FCN, Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast conference room (#224) from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. and the fun starts at 3:45 p.m.! It’s never too in the Prayer Room adjacent to Lilly Chapel on Please join us for Men’s Bible study as we And, remember to bring a bag lunch! late to register your child(ren) athttp://www.first- Sunday, November 10, 20 minutes before or after the continue studying the book of Daniel. We scots.org/kirk-club-registration/. Email kirkclub@first- 11:15 service of worship in order to have your blood meet on Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m. in Molly Wier Hall. Breakfast is $10. scots.org for more information. pressure checked. Important Future Events He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of This is one way your Congregational Care Committee • November 17: Annual Meeting of the fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20 promotes health and wellness at First (Scots). Ladies’ Tuesday Evening Bible Study Congregation and Corporation Gather together in thanksgiving to prepare for the • November 28-29: Office Closed for WEDNESDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP coming season of Advent. Thanksgiving Wednesday, November 6 6:30 p.m. Program: Jesus in 2020 WHAT: Pastor Andy Stanley “Who Needs Christmas?” • December 8: Sermon in Song 5:30 p.m. Communion Service in Lilly Chapel Come enjoy an evening with Martha Derrick as she WHEN: Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. • December 12: Progressive Dinner leads us in our Wednesday dinner program with the 6:00 p.m. Dinner in Molly Wier Hall WHERE: Room #202 • December 18: Longest Night Service question, “What will our relationship with Jesus be like This week’s Menu: in 2020?” COST: Study Guidebook $9 • December 18: Christmas Family Night Salad Bar Four sessions: Chicken Parmesan PLEASE MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS for Pot Roast Wednesday Night Supper on the friendship pad today, • November 5—The Story Behind Christmas or by phone or email (843-722-8882, reception@first- Vegetables • November 12—The Author of Life Facebook Invitation: Dessert scots.org) no later than NOON tomorrow (Monday, Did you know that First (Scots) is on November 4). • November 19—The Message of Christmas Facebook? Like us at • December 3—Ready or Not … He is Coming! www.facebook.com/firstscotspresbyterian. THE 47TH KIRKIN' O' THE TARTAN SCOTTISH HERITAGE SUNDAY November 3, 2019 This year, the Honored Clan of the Scottish games is Clan Murray. The Chief of Clan Murray is the 12th Duke of Atholl, who also commands the only legal private army in Europe. The Atholl Highlanders is a Scottish ceremonial infantry regiment, which is not part of the British Army, but solely under command of the Duke of Atholl. It is based in Blair Atholl, the location of Blair Castle. In 1842, the Duke’s private regiment escorted Queen Victoria & Prince Albert during their tour of Perthshire, Scotland. After a stay at Blair Castle, the Queen recognized the Atholl Highlanders “with colours” giving the regiment its first official status.
We are also very fortunate to welcome Clan Paisley as the Distinguished Clan of the Games. Clan Paisley is holding their annual international clan gathering in Charleston in conjunction with the Games Weekend and First (Scots) Kirkin’. Along with other clan members will be the Honorable Duncan W. Paisley of Westerlea, Chief of the Name and Arms of Paisley of Westerlea and Chieftain of the Paisley Family Worldwide. The Clan Chieftain and another ranking Clansman will be participating in our services this morning as the Lay Reader and Beadle.
A part of our Christian inheritance lies in the ancient tradition of the Celts. This morning, as I kindle the fire upon my hearth, I pray that Observation of their poetry, prayers the flame of God’s love may burn in my heart, and the and art — which finally became hearts of all I meet today. available through the early Christian teachers — tells us of the Celts’ I pray that no envy and malice, no hatred or fear, may smother tradition of “spirituality and the flame. continuity.” All of life, art, and the I pray that indifference and apathy, contempt and pride, may senses communicated an integration of not pour like cold water on the fire. the spiritual and the material realms. This integration follows through in Instead may the spark of God’s love light the love in my heart, their prayers. that it may burn brightly through the day. And may I warm those that are lonely, whose hearts are cold and lifeless, so that all may know the comfort of God’s love.
FIRST (SCOTS) PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 53 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401 HOW TO CONTACT US: Phone: 843-722-8882, Fax: 843-805-6621, Email: [email protected], Web: www.first-scots.org CELTIC VS GAELIC — WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? From its founding in 1731, First (Scots) Short answer is that all Gaels are Celts, but not all Celts are Gaels. “Celt” is the broader term that includes Presbyterian Church has been a faithful participant in the Gaels, but also other groups found, today, in Wales, France, and Spain. Celts were divided into different groups who life and growth of Charleston. Throughout the years, the originally lived all over Europe and the Middle East (e.g., the Galatians of the Bible). One group, called Gaelic, went earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, and wars have all served to to Ireland. The Gaels of Ireland later conquered Scotland, and in today’s typical usage, only the Irish and the Scots are underline and strengthen the church’s conviction that not considered Gaelic. The Celts who went to Britain were called Brythonic. The Brythonic lived in Britain, but were only its religious efforts, but its responsibilities to the driven out of all except Wales and Cornwall by Gaelic and Anglo-Saxon invasions. community are important. ROYAL TENNIS Of its many activities, one of the most meaningful Played by Mary Queen of Scots and dating back to the 1500s, “royal” tennis, differs from the game played and enjoyable comes from its close ties with the today. Among many differences, the kings who played had their servants hit the first ball to begin a game. Hence, the Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering — a origins of the tennis “serve.” role it has played since the second gathering in 1974. As A KEY TO THE FATE OF THE TITANIC host of the Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan, First (Scots) has become Second Officer David Blair of Dundee, Scotland was transferred off the Titanic just days before its maiden the traditional final event of the weekend. journey. In haste to move on to his next assignment, he forgot to give his replacement the key to the binoculars case, Although certainly not every and as a result, lookouts on the journey had to rely solely on their eyes and ears alone. Lookout Fred Fleet survived First (Scots) member traces his or her and later told an official inquiry that if they’d had binoculars, they would have seen the fatal iceberg sooner. personal, family or spiritual roots to Questioned on how much time they might have gained, he said simply “Enough time to get out of the way.” The key Scotland or the Church of Scotland, sold at auction for $180,000. the church’s founding families, many SCOTLAND — THE BIRTHPLACE OF PONTIUS PILATE?! of its ministers over the years, and its Tradition has it that Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Judaea 26-36AD, was born in Scotland. His father is said to Christian doctrines do. And so, once each year, we celebrate our Scottish heritage and welcome have been a Roman Centurion officer posted there who married a local Celtic woman. Pontius was born locally all to join with us. before the family moved back to the continent. Of course, most known for presiding over the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Pontius was later tried in Rome for oppression and cruelty and may have been ordered to commit suicide by the emperor. TIDBITS THE HISTORY . . . • Do you recall that in Charles Dickens “Oliver Twist,” Mr. Bumble, who named Oliver at birth was a Church The ceremony of Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan is of American origin, though based on Scottish history and legend. Beadle? After Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish forces were defeated by the English at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, • Scotland is the only country in Europe that the Romans could not conquer. Scotland once again came under British rule. To control the Scots, an Act was passed that forbade the carrying of • There is an inscription on the walls of one of the Catacombs in ancient Rome: quid Scoti hic fuerunt — “the arms and the wearing of kilts or tartan which represented Scottish heritage. Orders were given for British troops to Scots were here.” kill any person dressed in or displaying the tartan. • The infamous pirate, who operated out of Long Island, NY, Captain Kidd, was a Presbyterian PK (preacher’s kid)! AS THE LEGEND GOES . . . Born and raised in Scotland, his father was a Presbyterian minister in the town of Greenock. This Act prompted the stubborn Scots to secretly carry with them a piece of their tartan as they went to the • Despite the fact that few Scots are Episcopalians, the archbishops of Canterbury — the spiritual head of the Kirk. The minister then slipped a blessing (a Kirkin’) into the service for the tartans. The prohibition against tartan Church of England — have been Scottish most of the time for over a century. lasted for nearly 50 years. When at last repealed, the Church of Scotland celebrated with a Service of Family • There have been more major inventions from the Scots, per capita, than any other country in the world. Covenant, at which time the tartan of each family was offered as a covenant expression for the Lord’s blessing. • More than 100 governors of pre-Revolutionary colonies and post Revolutionary States were of Scottish birth or THE FIRST KIRKIN’ . . . descent. The Saint Andrew’s Society of Washington, DC held the first Kirkin’ during the early years of World War • Flora MacDonald, the Scottish lass who helped the Young Pretender, Bonnie Prince Charlie, escape the Redcoats II. The late Dr. Peter Marshall, an eloquent Scot, then Chaplain of the US Senate as well as a pastor, led the service after losing the Battle of Culloden, left to settle in the Carolinas. She returned to Scotland before her death. in 1943, choosing “Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan” for the title of his sermon. He had preached many sermons in support of the British War Relief and the Scottish Clans Evacuation Plan. His sermons were so popular that a request was made for their publication, with the proceeds designated for war relief programs. As the war continued, the DC St. Andrew’s Society continued to hold prayer services for the British subjects. These became known as Kirkin’s. A clan badge is an emblem — usually a sprig of a specific plant — used to identify a member of a particular Scottish clan. They are usually worn on a man’s Scottish bonnet behind the crest badge, THE SERVICE . . . or attached at the shoulder of a lady’s tartan sash. Popular lore says clan badges were used as a The worship service is of traditional content, using much of the Church of Scotland form. Central to its theme is the presentation of various tartans — through flags and the wearing of tartans — for a blessing. The means of identification in battle. An early known example of plants as an emblem were sprigs of kirkin’ is intended to encourage all participants to reflect with thanksgiving on their own family and oats used by troops during the sack of Aberdeen in 1644. The clan badge of our Honored Clan ethnic heritage, and to celebrate God’s grace poured out for all generations. Murray today is the butchers broom or juniper. There is a list of other clan badges available on Wikipedia. No doubt . . . The most identifiable garment worn by the Scots is the kilt. We welcome to Charleston and First (Scots), The Rev. Peter Sutton, Senior Minister of the Parish Church St. About the late 1500s, the Feileadh Mhor, or the Great Kilt Cuthbert. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, St. Cuthbert’s dates back to the 12th century. It lies in the shadow of the — as we saw on William Wallace in Braveheart — was made to Edinburgh Castle with its kirkyard bordering on the Princes Street Gardens. Rev. Sutton grew up in Fife and, after cover most of the body, from the knees to the neck, and Fettes College in Edinburgh, was commissioned into The Black Watch as an Infantry Officer. While in the British sometimes even the head. It was made using twice the width of Army, he studied Theology and Divinity at Kings College, University of cloth as a modern kilt. One placed the yardage of the very wide London and St. Andrew University. He served as a Platoon Commander cloth on the ground and proceeded to pleat the center of the fabric, leaving in Berlin and Northern Ireland and then as an Operations Officer in the two flat sections on either side. It would look much the same as the modern kilt when spread out, but with two flat side sections. Hong Kong. During the latter, he was ordained an elder in the Regimental Kirk Session. The Great Kilt was voluminous, and while it had many advantages and uses in the Highlands, it was not great for factory work. Around 1725, a After serving ten years in the Army, for the next two decades factory owner named Rawinson, who employed many Highlanders, noticed Rev. Sutton worked in education at schools in Scotland and Cambridge, that these Highlanders might be able to work faster if they were not England holding positions as Chaplain, Head of Religious Studies, and encumbered by those voluminous amounts of cloth. So, he cut the Great The Rev. Peter Sutton Headmaster. During that time he earned his Master of Theology in Kilt in half and sewed in the center pleats to eliminate the need for a belt or Ministry at New College, University of Edinburgh. While in Cambridge, upper portion. The upper portion could still be worn similarly as before, like he was elected to the Fellowship of Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge. a cloak or shawl, but removed for factory work. With the pleats sewn in, the During his training for the Church of Scotland, he took placements at two Edinburgh churches followed by his kilt laid flatter against the wearer and was, therefore, less bulky or likely to catch on equipment. Once presented to the employees, the concept caught probationary period at the city’s Canongate Kirk. He became Senior Minister at St. Cuthbert’s two years ago. Rev. on and the rest is history. Sutton has also represented the Church of Scotland in South Africa and undertaken a study tour in the Holy Land.
In 1731, twelve Scottish families — about 42 people — withdrew peaceably from Charles Towne’s Independent Meeting House (today the Circular Congregational Church) to form their own congregation. They preferred to govern While many assume this term refers to those who are ethnically Irish or partly so, the reference is, in fact, to themselves according to the forms and disciplines of the Church of Scotland rather than the congregational system. the Presbyterian Ulster Scots, who were forced to move from Scotland to Northern Ireland in the 17th century. The English government had sought to control the Irish by planting Scottish and English communities in Northern Today, we are First (Scots) Presbyterian Church with a congregation that is among the most active in service to the Ireland. community. During the 18th and early 19th centuries, they sojourned from there to settle in America, and with them came First (Scots) property was first purchased in 1733 with a deed restriction stipulating the property is for the use of the Presbyterian Church. During their stay in Ireland, these Scots rarely intermarried with the Irish because of “a Presbyterian Church according to the forms and discipline of the Church of Scotland, having ministers ordained in religious and other differences. First arriving in North America in 1717, by 1776 over 250,000 Scots-Irish the Presbyterian Form, believing in the Westminster Confession of Faith, and to be converted to no other purpose Presbyterians had emigrated throughout Appalachia, Virginia, and the Carolinas. FOREVER.” Its original wooden frame sanctuary was first used in Thousands of these immigrants and their descendants figured dominantly in shaping the two Carolinas and 1734, standing on the southeast corner of the present graveyard near the young country — politically, in our battle for our freedom from the English, and by leaving a strong legacy of the Nathaniel Russell House. It was enlarged in 1763 and twice again spiritual freedom and Presbyterianism. Several Scots-Irish Presbyterian pastors brought the ministry into what was between 1783 and 1808. Tartan flag markers note its location. then the wilderness of the Carolinas. It was the work ethic and adventurous bravery, with its roots in their Scottish The present church sanctuary was completed in 1814 — the heritage, that led the Scots-Irish to voyage across the Atlantic in hopes that fifth oldest church building in Charleston. It was probably designed the lives they could build in America would be better than the old ones in and constructed by the Scottish master builders John and James Ireland. Their fortitude enabled them to farm the land, fight Indians, help Gordon, who were members of the congregation. Since then, it has their adopted country win its freedom, and then nurture it. According to been restored and survived all the natural disasters and wars that have Billy Kennedy, who has written three books referred to as the “Scots-Irish plagued Charleston — the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the Chronicles,” “they were hardy, stubborn, scrappy, conservative, religious earthquake of 1886, the tornado of 1938, a fire in 1945, and hurricanes people — just what it takes to build a country from scratch.” in 1885, 1893, 1911, Hugo in 1989. The Carolina Tartan was created in 1981 in honor of the Reflecting the church’s Scottish heritage is a representation of Scots-Irish who settled in the two Carolinas. It is a variation of a tartan the Church of Scotland seal, found in a stained glass window in the associated with King Charles II who made the land grant in 1663. As South central rear of the balcony. In the seal, the burning bush is encircled and North Carolina’s official tartan, it was the first one to represent any by the Latin inscription “Nec tamen consumebature,” meaning, states in the US. “Nevertheless, it was not consumed” (Exodus 3:2).
Christian missions, as well as the Gaelic "Scots" arrived in Scotland in the late 5th century. And, by the middle of the 6th century came St. Columba from Ireland and the founding of the great monastery of Iona, an island off Scotland’s west coast. Prior to the middle of the 11th century the church in Scotland was Celtic in character, and later, Catholic. But, the Presbyterian Church traces its origins back to the transplantation of reformed theology into Scotland — first in the 1500s when Lutheran doctrine was introduced through Patrick Hamilton (1503-1528), and 18 years later George Wishart, both who were burned at the stake by the Archbishop of St. Andrews. Finally, Calvinist doctrine was successfully promulgated through the outspoken John Knox who is credited as the Father of Presbyterianism.
When church attendance was compulsory, every absentee was hunted down by the Beadle to appear before the Each Sunday at First (Scots), a kilted Beadle leads the worship procession carrying the Bible to the front of the Session. The Beadle was indispensable, and a difficult position to fill, requiring moral, mental, and physical strength, in sanctuary and the pulpit. Reminiscent of an old custom of the Church of Scotland, this tradition highlights the Bible addition to knowledge of the townsfolk, church liturgy, and the Bible. Personally serving the Sessions’ citations, the as the Word of our Lord and the center of our faith. Beadle went about the parish with his life in his hands, his sole protection being his status as the messenger of the all-powerful Session. But, what is a Beadle? In addition to his service as messenger, his Sunday mornings were full. Once the church doors were opened — and by now the doorkeeper reported to the Beadle—the Beadle began by ringing the bell. He then fetched the Bible The ancient office of “doorkeeper” — with origins dating back to the early synagogues of Galilee and Judea, from the Session-house, took it to the pulpit, and escorted the Minister to the same. During the service, he monitored and the early Christian church — was, no doubt, the seed from which the Beadle grew. In the Roman Catholic the sanctuary continually for dozers and disturbances. As decades passed, the Beadle became less the messenger of Church of pre-Reformation times, the doorkeeper was ordained to this office. Post-Reformation, he lost his discipline and more the “Minister’s Man” — not dissimilar to the gentlemen’s gentlemen or the military officer’s ecclesiastical standing, but gained more social status. In the earliest days, his charge was to open church doors at the batman, but with more time spent on administrative work and substituting for his superior’s visitation duties. correct times; close them always to the unfaithful, heretics, and beggars; drive out the dogs; and waken sleepers during By the mid-to-late 1800s, the position died out to various paid church staff . . . to be revived during the 1900s, the service — to generally maintain order during public worship. For many decades, Beadles were referred to as “dog throughout much of Scotland and many Presbyterian churches in the US, in the role of a modern Beadle. It is -men,” as it was common for most farmers and sheepherders to bring their best dog with them to services. unfortunate, but due to the loss of all First (Scots) records during the Civil War, to this day we do not know if we had a As discipline became less of an issue, the function developed into a messenger role for the Minister and “genuine” Beadle during the position’s heyday. Session. By the Reformation, the position became known by the Latin, “Bedellus”— a word referring to a messenger or summoner of parties to court . . . in this case the Session. The term Bedellus was too cumbersome for the Scots, and, overtime it slid down to Beadle.