29th annual Kirkin' o' the Tartans celebrated in Clarksburg, West Virginia

In the procession were the Pipes and Drums of St. Andrew based in Parkersburg. Other participants included banner bearers for the West Virginia Tartan, the Nicene Creed, the Apostle’s Creed, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Second Helvetic Confession, the Theological Declaration of Barmen, the Confession of 1967, the Scots Confession, the Presbyterian Church and the First Presbyterian Church.

The procession was led by Hannah Burnett, carrying a cross, followed by Maria Morrison, bearing a Bible, and the Rev. James Harris, the church’s pastor.

Procession participants continued to perform songs outside the church before entering for the worship service.

Rev. Peter Vial was the guest speaker and helped lead the liturgy.

Vial, who retired last June, served as pastor of Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church in Elkins for 14 years. Before that, he served on the staff of the West Virginia Presbytery as associate for congregational development. Among his vocations is leading groups of Presbyterians to Scotland to explore church history and get to know the land that many Presbyterians call home.

After the service, members of the church and visitors who drove to Clarksburg to share in the celebration of their Scottish heritage shared a meal in the parish hall.

Nearly 200 people were in attendance, sharing stories, making new friends and getting reacquainted with one another. The aroma of food in the hall wafted out the front door. It was a beacon welcoming all to share in great food and fellowship.

The Pipes and Drums of St. Andrew’s regaled everyone outside the church with several tunes, both traditional and newer, mixed with a rousing medley of American military anthems.

Some motorists pulled off Main Street to park and watch the drums and bagpipes performing as the sounds of the musicians echoed off the buildings in downtown Clarksburg.