Scottish heritage celebrated at Monroeville church

Hillcrest United Presbyterian Church in Monroeville celebrated Scottish Heritage Sunday on May 7.

Bagpiper Matt Peterson, Scottish dancer Katie Janeiro and vocalist Bridget Steele were a part of the celebration.

The day’s morning worship service remembered the 1560 origins of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland. The service included a retelling of the history of the church’s founding and a moving rendition of “Amazing Grace” sung by Steele, Tammy Helman and Savannah Palazzo.

Following was a reception featuring traditional Scottish shortbread and scones, plus tea. Peterson performed a medley of Scottish selections and provided musical accompaniment for Janeiro’s three dances.

Janeiro has been Scottish dancing competitively for most of her life. She has across the United States and Canada.

Steele concluded the day’s entertainment with her performance of “Caledonia” at the reception. She is a classically trained soprano and former member of the Pittsburgh Opera.

The purpose of Scottish Heritage Sunday is to recognize the historic contribution of Scottish Presbyterianism to American life.

This year is the third celebrating Scottish Heritage Sunday at Hillcrest Church. Joyce McIntosh (née Macfarland) helped to get the tradition started at the church. Her late husband, Jim, helped to start the first bagpiping professorship in the world at Carnegie Mellon University.

As for what he’s taken away from celebrating Scottish Heritage Sunday this year, Hillcrest’s minister, the Rev. John Lolla, said:

“It’s so important now more than ever for religious leaders to lead with integrity and to be that example for their congregation.”