The sound of bagpipes and drums returned to the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro last Sunday during its annual Scottish Heritage Service.
The church recognized and celebrated two important events: the official start of the Presbyterian Church in America on May 21, 1789, and the second of its annual Scottish Heritage service. Additionally, May 19 is also Pentecost, representing the birthdate of the early Christian church.
Despite heavy rain throughout the morning, parishioners, special guests, and visitors filled the church, where the service commenced with a processional down the aisles to the beautiful sounds of the Highland bagpipes and drums.
A special banner signifying “family” was hung during the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans, a prayer or blessing for family tartans given by the pastor, and it remained on view with several congregation members also dressed in full Scottish regalia.
Guest musicians on the pipes and drums included David Gregory, Rob Rogers, Ashley Frosh, and Tyler Embler, who came to Greensboro from Athens and Atlanta for the service.
Following the service, fried chicken, shortbread, and other delicious options were available in the foyer, while inside the church, Gregory played a few more Scottish songs on the bagpipes.
Following the pipes, special guest folk singer/guitarist Joan Stevens sang a collection of beautiful Scottish folk songs, including the very beautiful and haunting song “The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.”
This marked the fourth annual celebration of Scottish Heritage Sunday at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro.