The Scottish St. Andrew's Society of Springfield, Missouri will host its annual Kirkin' of the Tartans Service on Saturday, November 14, 2009, from 7 to 9 pm at
St. John's Episcopal Church, Springfield.

The service will honor The Right Rev. Samuel Seabury, who was consecrated as America's first bishop on November 14, 1784, by three bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church in St. Andrew's Cathederal in Aberdeen, Scotland. The service will also honor St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.

The first Kirkin' service began during the Second World War at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington DC by the Rev. Peter Marshall as a way to raise funds for British war relief programs. The service has since been adopted by Scottish societies in the United States, Canada and Australia. A special offering will be collected for an appropriate charity, in keeping with the spirit of the original kirkin'.

Pipers Jay and Lucinda Goetz will play traditional airs to accompany the service. Following the service, there will be a reception in the parish hall.

All are welcome at the Kirkin', regardless of heritage. PM cajunscot for more information.