All Saints’ Church, Killington

All Saints’ Church at Killington in Cumbria was once owned by Killington Hall, below, the interesting old house which sits on the other side of the lane. In 1585 it was elevated from private, family chapel to public, parish church. This might have meant that the Pickering family whose manor it was had fallen down the social rankings or it might simply have been a better arrangement to meet the district’s spiritual needs. The clergyman, even if the squire had been his patron, would have a greater degree of independence and therefore, potentially, greater opportunity to preach the gospel of Christ. The church tower is not terribly attractive though it dates to the seventeenth century when little ecclesiastical construction was carried out, so I am the more inclined to forgive.

The tower's height (my own pictures of it failed to survive) seems to attempt to raise the church to a level which can compete with the imposing hall. Squire and parson, state and church, earth and heaven; there has always been tension between these rival sources of power and influence. In the end, however, it is Christ who wins. 

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Psalm 2:10-12

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