The present Riccarton Church was built between 1823 and 1825 on the “Hill of Judgement” or “Moot Hill”, “The Judgement Seat” was the spot where for centuries the community gathered to see justice administered. The Auld kirk rebuilt several times after the thirteenth century, stood in the churchyard across the way.
On the Hill of Judgement
Past and future converge
My feet now, where the bard
Once stood, once congregated,
courted love and death
on these grounds consecrated.
The gates are locked,
Encased in fear,
What would he think?
If he was here.
Would he “jump, yell, and howl,
Alarm every soul?”
Asking “Are ye herding the penny,
Unconscious what evil await?”
To the foul thief that shut the gates.
“Wi’ tidings o’ damnation.”
To what degree, would he walk the line,
what angle would he divine?
As I ponder the question
his words to Miss Eliza dear
echo in my ear….
“HOW, Liberty! girl, can it be by thee nam’d?
Equality too! hussey, art not asham’d?
Free and Equal indeed, while mankind thou enchainest,
And over their hearts a proud Despot so reignest.”
The Rev. Alexander Moodie was minister of Riccarton Church from 1761 to 1799, which at the time was situated within the churchyard. He was well known by Burns and is mentioned by Burns in ‘The Twa Herds’, ‘The Kirk’s Alarm’ and ‘The Holy Fair.’
Rev. Moodie is buried in the churchyard. He was succeeded by his son John, who became the first minister of the present church opened in 1825.
Riccarton Church, Kilmarnock 2020
