12 Oct 2016

Grab your chance to tour a local church with a rich past and a Scottish flavour.

For people with Scottish roots and those who wish they had, a Kirkin 'o' the Tartan service will be held at St Andrew's Rangi Ruru church during Beca Heritage Week.

St Andrew's Rangi Ruru

St Andrew's Rangi Ruru

The open service this Sunday October 16 at the Presbyterian church follows a tradition that began following the Act of Proscription which banned the wearing of tartan and Highland dress. In rebellion, Scottish Highlanders hid pieces of tartan under their clothing and brought them to church for a secret blessing, or "kirkin". The service will begin with a parade of Clan Banners at 1.50pm and will be followed by afternoon tea.

The historic Presbyterian church on Merivale Lane, which held its first services in 1856 and has a Category 1 Historic Places Trust listing, will also hold an open day on Saturday October 15 from 10am until 4pm, giving visitors the chance to explore this fine example of the Carpenter Gothic architectural style. Heritage talks will be held at 11am and 2pm.

The 19th century wooden church was relocated from Hospital Corner on the Antigua-Tuam Street intersection in 1986. It survived the Canterbury earthquakes in 2011 virtually unscathed probably due to its timber construction. Its pipe organ was damaged but has been completely restored.

St Andrew's Parish Clerk Elma Todd said the recent recently added organ pipes had significantly enhanced the bass notes of what was already a remarkable instrument.