Celtic Cross, a Grade 5 pipe band based in Eureka, IL.
The band was founded in 1963 by Pipe Major Thomas WD Livingstone, Sr. (pictured on the left) with one piper and three students under the name The Peoria Pipe Band. Tommy, who had come from Dunblane, Scotland in his early twenties, started piping at age eight and continued playing until his death at age 87. Mr. Livingstone has been referred to as “the father of piping in Central Illinois.”
The band was for several years based in Morton, Illinois during which time it was known as The Morton Highlanders and wore the Royal Stewart tartan (shown on left). Continued growth of the band and a need for more room prompted a move in 1994 to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Peoria.
Soon after the move, the band changed its name to Celtic Cross Pipes and Drums and changed its tartan to Flower of Scotland (shown on right). We now have members from all around Central Illinois and rehearse in Eureka, Il more centrally located to everyone. We currently rehearse at the Eureka Christian Church from 6:30-8:30 on Thursday evenings. Visitors and prospective students are always welcome!
- Illinois