Contrasts

The main shows rather a florid Victorian gravestone in Kirkton burial ground. The stone would have been rich with meaning when it was erected. The clasped hands signify continued devotion even beyond the grave, the flowers and foliage at the top represent renewal, the rose purity and love and the curtain is the barrier between life on earth and in heaven.

This ostentatious sentimentality contrasts with the simple dignity of the inscription on the mural monument dating from 1766 and pictured in the extra. The stone commemorates Rev Mr. William Walker who died in 1776. He is described a pastor whose probity of heart, purity of doctrine and simplicity of manners in conscientiously discharging the duties as a Presbyter of the Church of Scotland adorn'd his character, endeared his person and recommended his labours'.

Qualities which are sadly unfashionable in certain quarters today.