FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
First Presbyterian Church Hosts Annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans Service to Celebrate Scottish Heritage
10-14-2024

FARGO, ND, November 3, 2024 – First Presbyterian Church of Fargo invites the community to its cherished annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans service on Sunday, November 3rd, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary, located at 650 2nd Ave. N., Fargo. This vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage will feature stirring music, traditional rituals, and a “blessing of the tartans,” honoring the deep cultural roots shared by many.

Both services will be led by the Reverends Sarah M. Bigwood and Mary Jo E. Holtey, with this year’s sermon titled “Our Heritage,” reflecting on the values and traditions passed down through generations. The service promises to be a memorable experience, featuring the renowned Heather and Thistle Pipes and Drums Band, traditional hymns accompanied by our Schantz pipe organ, orchestra, brass ensemble, and an exciting performance by Celtic dancers. Attendees are encouraged to wear Scottish attire and bring an example of their clan’s tartan to be blessed during the service. Tartans will also be displayed throughout the sanctuary, symbolizing the families and clans of Scotland.

Following the 9:00 a.m. service, the Celtic Dancers will give a special demonstration, offering a deeper glimpse into the movement and artistry of Scottish tradition.

First Presbyterian Church has proudly hosted the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans for 39 years, celebrating a tradition that blends Scottish patriotism, faithfulness, and the spirit of independence. This primarily American-Scottish observance dates back to the mid-20th century and commemorates a time when the English banned Highland Dress after the Jacobite uprising of 1745. Today, the service embraces the resilience and unity of Scottish heritage, with a procession of the clans to the sound of the bagpipes.

Quotes:

• "It is a reminder of our church's Scottish heritage and a celebration of family. It's Awesome." - Brian McClure
• "There’s a sacred weight to the music that moves us beyond words, weaving together our heritage, our faith, and our identity. It’s a reminder that we walk alongside generations of believers, honoring their legacy as we carry it forward." - Rev. Sarah M. Bigwood
• "My wife and I attended a Scottish celebration in Scotland, This service was far superior of an example of Scottish lore than that was- by far!" - Dick Laraway
• "The Kirkin' o' the Tartans takes me back to memories of the only great-grandparent I ever knew. Immigrating to New York City at the age of 20, she was a descendant of the MacKinnon clan. She died when I was 13 and she was just a few weeks short of 100." - Bruce Maylath
• Kirkin' in three words...emotional, profound, soul-enriching." - Carrie Lawrence

This event is open to all; there is no admission cost, but donations are appreciated. Join us for a morning of music, reverence, and celebration as we honor the richness of Scottish heritage.

For more information, please contact Rev. Sarah M. Bigwood at [email protected] or (701) 293-6311. Website: firstpresfargo.org.

This event is co-hosted by the St. Andrew's Society of Fargo-Moorhead which holds their annual event the evening before. https://www.facebook.com/StAndFM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
First Presbyterian Church of Fargo Receives $175,000 National Sacred Places Grant

Fargo, ND – [10-21-2024] – First Presbyterian Church of Fargo is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $175,000 matching grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places, a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with National Trust for Historic Preservation. The church is one of only 24 recipients nationwide to receive this grant in 2024, which will be used to support critical preservation and restoration projects on the historic downtown Fargo building.

First Presbyterian Church, founded in 1877, has been a cornerstone of Fargo's spiritual and cultural heritage for nearly 150 years. As one of the first churches established in the region, it holds a significant place in the history of the community and the broader Midwest. The grant will help the church address urgent structural and safety needs, ensuring its continued role as a gathering place for worship, outreach, and community activities.

The restoration projects include replacing the church's deteriorating limestone front steps, repairing water damage around the entrance, and installing exterior lighting for safety and aesthetic purposes. Additionally, the grant will support the replacement of the outdated chiller system with a more efficient model, allowing the church to better serve its congregation and the Fargo-Moorhead community.

“We are honored to receive this generous grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places,” said Rev. Sarah Bigwood, Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church. “This funding will enable us to preserve the beauty and safety of our historic building while continuing to expand our outreach and mission in the community. First Presbyterian has always been a place where people find sanctuary and support, and these improvements will help ensure that our doors remain open to all for generations to come.”

The National Fund for Sacred Places supports the preservation of historic places of worship across the country, helping congregations like First Presbyterian maintain their buildings as vital centers for community service and spiritual growth.

First Presbyterian Church has a long history of community involvement, including partnerships with local organizations addressing food insecurity, homelessness, and veterans' services. One of its most significant collaborations is with Heart N Soul Community Café, which operates out of the church's kitchen and serves healthy, locally sourced meals on a pay-what-you-can basis. Programs like this, along with the church's role in founding Churches United for the Homeless, demonstrate its deep commitment to serving Fargo's most vulnerable residents.

Quotes:

• "We are thrilled to receive this matching grant which will help preserve the building for the inspiration of future generations."  -John and Sherri 
• "Having served on the Building and Grounds committee at First Presbyterian Fargo for many years, I am keenly aware of how special this sacred place is, and how challenging it is to provide the constant care it requires. I’m thrilled and relieved that the National Sacred Places grant will allow us to tackle some projects that we could otherwise not afford, so that our community can continue to serve downtown Fargo and beyond." -Russell Ford-Dunker

The preservation work will begin in 2024, with the goal of completing the projects by fall 2025. First Presbyterian Church invites the community to join in supporting these efforts to preserve a treasured piece of Fargo’s history. To learn more about this program and this year's grant recipients, visit fundforsacredplaces.org.

For more information, please contact:
Rev. Sarah M. Bigwood
Pastor, Head of Staff
First Presbyterian Church of Fargo
(701) 293-6311
[email protected]
firstpresfargo.org

About First Presbyterian Church of Fargo:
Founded in 1877, First Presbyterian Church of Fargo has been a welcoming place of worship and community service for nearly 150 years. The church is committed to being a welcoming place of sanctuary and healing, a place where our brokenness connects us to God's redeeming love. We believe that every person is a beloved child of God, worthy of belonging. We serve the Fargo-Moorhead area through spiritual guidance, outreach programs, and collaborative initiatives.

About the National Fund for Sacred Places:
The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program dedicated to helping congregations preserve their historic places of worship. It supports the restoration and rehabilitation of religious buildings that serve as centers of community life, promoting their ongoing use for worship, outreach, and cultural engagement.