SUMMERVILLE TIMES________________FEBRUARY. 2014
Summerville Church now has an official tartan. Scottish family names
have been prominent in this congregation since its founding in 1811. Most
of the pastors in the early years were also of Scottish descent. The tartan
was dedicated on Sunday morning, December 29, by Becky Currin Putnam,
who along with Betty McRae Pauley, had advanced this idea in the Lois
Ross Circle. A framed section of this tartan is on display in the room to the
left of the vestibule. A runner has also been placed on the communion table
and two other tables adjacent to the vestibule. Red is the dominant color of
the tartan, with muted threads of blue. We are very proud that Summerville
Church now has an official tartan, and we thank all those whose generosity
made this happen.
Tartans were not prominent in the dress of the early Scottish settlers in
this country. After the failed attempt to rid themselves of English rule in
1745, the tartans were banned along with other nationalistic symbols. Life
in the wilderness was difficult for these settlers, and many traditions
associated with their homeland fell into disuse. In the late 1800s a revival
of tartans and Scottish dress occurred in the United Kingdom and spread to
America. By this time chemical dyes were being used, which resulted in
more vivid colors for the tartan. Many of us enjoy wearing tartans, whether
they are authentic or not. My favorite family tartans are the Mac Duff
(Spence), MacLean, Cameron, and Stewart.
Gospel readings in this season following Epiphany are all from the
Gospel of Matthew.. These readings bring us to the first Sunday of Lent on
March 9. Chapters five through seven comprise the Sermon on the Mount,
which begins with the Beatitudes. These readings were directed to the
disciples and provide a summary of the essential teachings of life in the
Kingdom of God. Our sermons this month will provide guidance on
practical concerns that Christians face in our world today.
January was an extremely cold month for us, even without snow. In past
years I have enjoyed an unscheduled vacation when snow came on the
weekend. Since retirement, however, I would rather not miss this cherished
time with my congregations. Summerville is warm and cozy even on the
coldest days, so we hope you will join us for worship.
Warm winter wishes,
Pastor Tom
Summerville Church now has an official tartan. Scottish family names
have been prominent in this congregation since its founding in 1811. Most
of the pastors in the early years were also of Scottish descent. The tartan
was dedicated on Sunday morning, December 29, by Becky Currin Putnam,
who along with Betty McRae Pauley, had advanced this idea in the Lois
Ross Circle. A framed section of this tartan is on display in the room to the
left of the vestibule. A runner has also been placed on the communion table
and two other tables adjacent to the vestibule. Red is the dominant color of
the tartan, with muted threads of blue. We are very proud that Summerville
Church now has an official tartan, and we thank all those whose generosity
made this happen.
Tartans were not prominent in the dress of the early Scottish settlers in
this country. After the failed attempt to rid themselves of English rule in
1745, the tartans were banned along with other nationalistic symbols. Life
in the wilderness was difficult for these settlers, and many traditions
associated with their homeland fell into disuse. In the late 1800s a revival
of tartans and Scottish dress occurred in the United Kingdom and spread to
America. By this time chemical dyes were being used, which resulted in
more vivid colors for the tartan. Many of us enjoy wearing tartans, whether
they are authentic or not. My favorite family tartans are the Mac Duff
(Spence), MacLean, Cameron, and Stewart.
Gospel readings in this season following Epiphany are all from the
Gospel of Matthew.. These readings bring us to the first Sunday of Lent on
March 9. Chapters five through seven comprise the Sermon on the Mount,
which begins with the Beatitudes. These readings were directed to the
disciples and provide a summary of the essential teachings of life in the
Kingdom of God. Our sermons this month will provide guidance on
practical concerns that Christians face in our world today.
January was an extremely cold month for us, even without snow. In past
years I have enjoyed an unscheduled vacation when snow came on the
weekend. Since retirement, however, I would rather not miss this cherished
time with my congregations. Summerville is warm and cozy even on the
coldest days, so we hope you will join us for worship.
Warm winter wishes,
Pastor Tom
