GREENE COUNTY
Scottish Heritage Day at Greensboro’s First Presbyterian Church (GFPC) was well attended on Sunday by parishioners and special guests, including Greene County Sheriff Donnie Harrison.
Following the ringing of the bell, Scottish Heritage Committee Chair Spencer Hinds walked up the aisle carrying the church flag, followed by the processional with Steve Stewart holding the American flag. On both sides of the aisle, the choir and special guests followed the Athens Pipe Band and organist/pianist Donna Valvo.
GFPC Rev. Meg Jackson Clark then welcomed everyone and led the call to worship, sharing the history of the Presbyterian faith. The choir later sang “The Church’s One Foundation,” accompanied by Valvo. Following the service, shortbread and iced tea were served on the lawn while Valvo, Rusty Faulk, and Jocelyn Clark provided music. The Athens Pipe Band also performed.
Presbyterian Heritage Sunday is celebrated each year on the Sunday closest to May 21, the opening date of the first General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States in 1789. As part of the celebration, the church’s Scottish roots are explored.
In Scotland in the 1540s, John Knox became associated with fellow Protestant reformers. He later studied under John Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland, before returning to Scotland, where he was instrumental in establishing the Presbyterian Church.
When Scots began emigrating to America, they brought the Presbyterian faith with them. Presbyterians first came to Georgia in 1735, arriving in Darien with General James Oglethorpe and 200 Highlanders.
Presbyterians also arrived in Georgia from South Carolina and several northern colonies, building churches in Greene and surrounding counties by the late 1700s. The first mention of a local Presbyterian gathering dates to 1786, though the earliest official records in Greensboro date to 1820.
The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans ceremony included worship traditions initiated by Scottish-born Rev. Peter Marshall (1902-49), representing the blessing of tartans and the clans and heritage they symbolize.
Special thanks were extended to Hinds, Steve and Pam Stewart, Laura and Doug Strickler, Jan Brazier, and Susan Spearman for helping organize GFPC’s Scottish Heritage Day.
Residents are invited to join Rev. Jackson Clark for a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. on May 25 during the Greensboro city ceremony. The East Georgia Chorale Concert will also perform on May 28 at 7 p.m. at the church, with donations benefiting Our Father’s Kitchen, which provides meals to those in need in Greensboro.
For more information about Greensboro’s First Presbyterian Church, visit fpog.org.