The Detroit Curling Club Royal Order of Sinners

Our Mission Statement: The Detroit Curling Club Royal Order of Sinners men’s club promotes fellowship and camaraderie on and off the ice while creating benefits and lasting experiences.

About the Sinners

In 1951 the men of the Detroit Curling Club organized the Royal Order of Sinners in order to take advantage of the open ice—not to mention the peace and quiet—of Sunday mornings at the curling club. To this day, the Sinners hold several Sunday morning meetings throughout the curling season. The Sinners enjoy finger foods and eye-opening libations while the kitchen crew diligently prepares the morning’s meal. For a nominal fee, participants indulge in a hearty breakfast, passing stories, jokes, truths, and lies along with their eggs and bacon. Following breakfast, the Sinners’ Hymn, “Softly and Tenderly,” fills the air and lifts the spirits. A bountiful raffle consisting of donations provided by the attendees follows breakfast. On occasion, a special item comes into the possession of the Sinners and a lively auction ensues. Proceeds from the meetings, raffles, and auctions go back to the Curling Club. One of the Sinners’ events, The Sweetheart Sinners, is open to both men and women. Entry into the Sinners occurs after a man attends three meetings and brings an item for the raffle table to his third meeting. The longstanding tradition of wearing a red shirt to the event is of particular importance. Those who are remiss in wearing their red shirt often face a fine; Sinners who bring or invite new members and fail to explain the dress code to new recruits are held responsible for the transgression.

Kitchener-Waterloo Granite/Detroit Curling Exchange

A Curling Tradition Since 1917

In 1917, an annual exchange began between the Detroit Curling Club and the Kitchener-Waterloo Curling Club. The Plattsville Curling Club’s participation began later and they now assist the KW Granite Club in hosting the March event, when Detroit curlers travel to Canada. In the early years of The Exchange, travel entailed horses, trains and boats—it was at least a week-long adventure. Fortunately, this is now a weekend event.

A more-detailed description of The Exchange as well as photos of exchanges through the decades can be viewed at: https://exchange.kwgranite.com.

Schedule of Events

Morning meetings for the Detroit Curling Club Royal Order of Sinners occur during the curling season as follows:

K-W Exchange – Part I: Early November. During this event, our brothers from across the border travel to the US for the first half of our annual exchange, typically arriving Friday evening for a night of hospitality and rekindling of friendship. Curling and a day of camaraderie take place on Saturday followed by an evening banquet. The Sinners meeting, held on the Sunday of the Exchange weekend, is open to all male DCC members, whether they are exchange participants or not.

Sinners Men’s Meeting: Mid-December. Curling often follows the morning program.

Toast to the Club: January 1. Sponsored in part by the DCC Sinners. Open to all Club members. The gathering begins at 11:00 AM and light finger fare is served. The Toast to The Club is made at 12:00 PM followed by the longstanding tradition of singing Auld Lang Syne.

Robert Burns’ Birthday Sinners Celebration: Late January. Traditional Scottish breakfast pastries enhance this morning meal. The haggis and reciting of Robert Burns’ Toast to the Haggis are sure to leave a lasting memory.

Sweetheart Sinners: Mid-February. This event is open to all club members. Curling may follow. Come out and make new friends!

K-W Exchange – Part II: Mid-March. International fellowship resumes on Friday in Heidelberg, Ontario. The K-W Granite Club in Kitchener hosts curling on Saturday. The event concludes following Sunday breakfast in Plattsville, Ontario.

Last Chance Sinners: April. This is the last Sinners meeting of the year and your last chance to enjoy the fellowship and camaraderie until the fall.

Keep an eye out for dates and times published in the Scots-Wa-Hae, on the Sinners section of the posting board in The Club warm room, and The Club calendar on the DCC website. Sign-up sheets for Sinners events are posted at least two weeks prior to events. Sign-up and see what The Sinners have to offer!

For questions or further information, email The Sinners at: [email protected]