September 21, 2025 - We welcomed the men and women of the St. Andrew’s Society of the Eastern Shore along with the Chesapeake Caledonian Pipes and Drums for our annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan. Christ Church – St. Michael’s Parish has hosted the annual Kirkin’ for decades, along with many other Episcopal and Presbyterian churches throughout the United States and Canada.

The tradition began in 1941 by the Scottish born Reverend Peter Marshall minister of Washington's New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, and later Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. He created a service for the St. Andrews Society of Washington, D.C. to give solace and spiritual uplifting during the war.

The verb “Kirkin’” has long meant a “presence in the church” for a blessing of the church; and tartan is a most significant symbol of Scottish people. Tartans represents people in: clan or family; district; organizational; regimental. Putting Kirkin’ and Tartan together can give us “a blessing of the people”.