Posted by Communications Liaison Ellie Simpson, thanks to Archivist Jon Coss.
Why did the Huguenot Church start celebrating St. Andrew’s Day in 1983? The St. Andrew’s Society was preparing for its 200th anniversary to take place in 1984. Huguenot member (and a prominent research engineer) David G. Black served as President of the New York chapter and organized the celebration at the Huguenot Church.
What was the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans? According to legend, the Kirkin’ of the Tartans (or blessing of the families) began in Scotland after the British outlawed Scots from wearing Highland dress. Scots would hide bits of tartan on their person while at church. When it came time for the blessing, they would secretly touch the cloth.
A Huguenot Sunday bulletin in 1983 announced “the first annual observance of St. Andrew’s Day in all its Scottish pageantry of banners and bagpipes,” accompanied by Scottish dancing, ballads, and refreshments in the gymnasium. On November 27, a bagpiper led a procession of kilted men, bearing flags, into the sanctuary. After hearing “The Story of Saint Andrew,” the children and teachers processed to Sunday School. The title of the sermon was “A Voice Out of the Past,” a retelling of the life and beliefs of Scottish reformer John Knox.
David G. Black (left). Sunday bulletin cover from 1983. The Piper and Color Guard pose before entering the Sanctuary. Scotty Murdock holds the Union Jack.
The Saint Andrew’s Society was founded in New York City to help Scottish widows and orphans after the Revolutionary War. Past presidents of the Society included Rev. John Witherspoon (Declaration of Independence signer and Princeton College president) and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. Founding father Alexander Hamilton was a member of the Society.
Sources:
HMC Archives. RG 20. Sunday Bulletin Collection. Nov 20 and 27, 1983.
Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirkin%27_o%27_the_Tartan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Andrew%27s_Society_of_the_State_of_New_York
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