The First Presbyterian Church of Bradford at 54 East Corydon St. will celebrate a legendary Scottish tradition known as the “Kirkin ‘o’ the Tartans“ at the 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday. In tradition, a bagpiper and drummer will participate in the service, playing music of Scotland. In addition, Regina Gabriel, director of music at the church, will provide organ music of the traditional style.

The roots of this unique worship reach back to the 18th century. A kirk is a Scottish word for church and a tartan is the traditional pattern of unevenly spaced stripes crossing at right angles woven into a woolen fabric that distinguishes the various Scottish clans. Each clan had its own design and was worn with pride, often as a kilt, to identify the wearer’s heritage.

The Scottish ceremony is a gathering of the tartans for the blessing of the church. This celebration is recognition of national heritage and offers an opportunity for anyone who claims a Scottish heritage to bring a swatch or wear the “tartan of your clan.”

Reformation is also celebrated in Protestant Churches on this Sunday, the Sunday nearest Oct. 31. The day is devoted to restatement and reaffirmation of Protestant doctrines and to the thanksgiving for the heroic people of Christian history.

All are welcome to attend this service, which has been tradition at the First Presbyterian Church for many years.

For more information, contact the church or visit the church’s Facebook page or website at www.presbybradford.org.