Kirkin’ of the Tartans Returns

By Mary Casey-Sturk

For over thirty years, St. Andrews Episcopal Church Fort Thomas has celebrated Highland heritage with an afternoon of Scottish tradition.

The history of the St. Andrew’s began before 1900, when a local group of Episcopalians expressed interest in starting a church in Fort Thomas. Initially meeting at a school and later in the Chapel of the Army Post, before construction of the building we know today. The first service in St. Andrews was held on September 18, 1910.

Scottish roots run deep in our area, and you don’t need to travel far to find a Scots-inspired name in Fort Thomas!

The Kirkin’

What’s a Kirkin’? In Scotland, a church is called a kirk and kirkin’ means “churchin’”.

The annual Kirkin’ of the Tartans tradition was started some thirty years ago by the Very Rev’d. Dr. Ron Summers who ministered to the people of St. Andrews from 1984 until his retirement in 2009 (he passed in 2020). 

I met with Fr. Jeff Queen who began his ministry to the parish in January of 2012 to discuss the history of the Kirkin’ and more.

Queen discussed the early Scots in our area, “Fort Thomas was settled by both German and Scottish immigrants/descendants, the Scots wanted to name the area The Highlands (but ultimately it became Fort Thomas). In an attempt to rally support to name the village The Highlands, the Scots had a tartan parade in the town. The influence of those early  Scottish immigrants also led to the naming of St. Andrews (Church).”

Locals with ties to Scotland, including members of the Caledonian Society, wanted to start the tradition of an annual Kirkin’ and along with the Very Rev’d Dr. Summers (who had Scottish roots), the Kirkin’ returned to Fort Thomas. 

“The procession is led by our acolytes, and the tartans are on banners and carried into the church (accompanied by bagpipes), we have a service of evening prayer and the tartans are blessed. After this, there is a festive reception in our space with Scottish food of all sorts and demonstrations of Highland Dancing” shared Queen. All are welcome to attend.

Queen continues, “the Kirkin’ celebrates church history and allows us to engage our community in a different way. We’re inviting the community in and sharing a little bit of who we are.”

Queen, of Scottish descent himself, added, “it’s a lot of fun, I enjoy it every year and it’s an excuse to wear my kilt.”  

Save the Date

This year’s event will be held on Sunday, November 8^th. Following a procession of tartans starting at the Masonic Lodge, a prayer service takes place at 4 p.m. followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. Pipes, Scottish food and Highland Dancing are highlights of the event and all are welcome to attend. 3 Chalfonte Place, Fort Thomas.

Guests are encouraged to wear their tartan and celebrate all things Scottish!