It prompted some personal reflection: I grew up in the United Church and married into the Presbyterian Church. In each congregation I have been part of, moving around with my minister husband, I have gotten to know Scots who were recent immigrants to Canada. Over and over they would be some of my favourite people. Over time I found myself regretting my lack of Scottishness. A visit to friends in Scotland, who had lived here and returned, further prompted my fondness for all things Scottish. I was surprised when visiting Britain to feel a foreigner in England, as my grandparents had emigrated from London. But as soon as we arrived by train in Edinburgh I felt like I was home.
I finally discovered my great grandmother had lived in Edinburgh. I am so pleased to find my few drops of Scottish blood.
The thing that I found most challenging about the Presbyterian Church was much more old attitudes and ideas from earlier times which I simply could not relate to. I knew nothing of the complicated history of Scottish Presbyterianism, and just wondered why it still mattered. For example, an elder who was still bitter about Church Union shocked me. Good grief, I thought, that was way before I was born.
Thanks for your article. I was surprised to discover that it prompted me to feel so grateful for all the wonderful Scots I have known …
