Our busy programme of events at First Church Martinborough last year – remember Dickens, Choir and Jazz concerts – concluded on the first Sunday in December – the closest Sunday to St Andrews Day with a rousing Kirking of the Tartan service.
All Scots and anyone with a link to Scotland in any way were invited to attend and wear or bring tartan – kilt, skirt, waistcoat, tie or scarf to take part in this historic celebration.Over 80 “Scots” gathered in the hall, and followed in a procession to the church led by Pipe Major John Martin of the City of Whanganui Highland Pipe Band who composed the air “Dr James Veitch of Martinborough” for the occasion.
Many had brought their clan tartan as scarves or ties, and they were carried into the church to be blessed during the service.Reference was made to a time in Scottish history when the wearing of tartan was banned and was secretly taken to be blessed during a church service.
Local historian Mate Higginson spoke of Scottish influence and the early pioneer families in the South Wairarapa, among them those who founded First Church 140 years ago.
Returning to the hall to the rousing “Scotland the Brave”, everyone enjoyed morning tea with the chance to taste haggis, and a time to of exchange stories of their Scottish connection, while looking at a display of maps, books and Scottish memorabilia.
We truly celebrated the Scottish heritage and influence of the early settlers to our district with their traditions of worship, the importance of learning, vocabulary, music and song.
Now as we pick up after Christmas and Summer holidays, we are planning for this year. We will have our usual stall at the Country Fairs, with home made First Church Goodies. Look out for details of another Book Fair in June, and some musical events later in the year, as we continue to enjoy opening up our attractive wee Kirk to the community…
