Once a year, in February, The Presbyterian Church (USA) celebrates its historic roots in the Church of Scotland.  St. Giles kicks off the celebration of that heritage with Scottish Heritage Sunday leading to the NE Florida Highland Games, which finishes up the celebration the following week-end.

The service itself kicks off with the First Coast Highlanders marching into the church with bagpipes and drums.  The church’s walls are covered in colorful clan tartans; and everyone attending is “Scottish for one day”, wearing their brightly colored tartans; many dressed in full Scottish attire, with kilts, actually known as “the whole kit and caboodle”.  The service concludes with the “Kirkin’ of the Tartan”, a service where everyone is invited to bring their family tartans to be blessed.  “Kirk” is the Scottish word for church.  The Kirkin’ of the Tartans is therefore, a presentation of a Scottish family’s symbol, it’s tartan, at church for blessing.

After the service, everyone is invited to the fellowship hall to share special Scottish dishes which include scones, fresh biscuits and homemade jams and jellies, shortbread and Scottish meat pies, among other sweet and savory delights.  Please join us!