Monroeville church celebrates Scottish heritage

Monroeville’s Hillcrest United Presbyterian Church recently celebrated Scottish Heritage Sunday — a day filled with a special service, music and food.

The all-ages, community-wide celebration on May 4 remembered the historic sacrifice of Scottish Presbyterians, whose faith had wide-ranging effects that went beyond Scotland.

The worship service reflected on the 1560 origins of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland.

“The most important aspect is remembering the unique contribution of Scots and Scots-Irish Presbyterians to America’s founding, and the sacrifices they made to obtain religious freedom,” said the Rev. John “Jack” Lolla. “The first week of May is when the Scottish Reformation began with the return of John Knox from France, where he had been in exile for supporting the Reformation.”

The purpose of the service was to interpret the historic contribution of Scottish Presbyterianism to American life. The church recounted the story of its foundation, the confession of faith that initiated the Presbyterian Church and the contribution of the church to American education and democracy.

“Presbyterianism began as a persecuted faith, seeking to be independent from government control of religious faith,” Lolla said. “This principle of religious freedom is enshrined in our Constitution’s First Amendment, which was the by-product of Presbyterian efforts to obtain religious freedom in America’s colonies after leaving Great Britain.

“Our effort at Hillcrest is to remember why we are who we are as Presbyterians.”

Bagpipers, drummers, singers and other performers were on hand and shortbread, scones and tea were served after service. The Scottish duo Steel Clover also performed a traditional assortment of songs.