Chatsworth Chapel

The Chapel at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire is just as grand as one might expect in that great mansion. Decorated in the style of late seventeenth-century baroque between 1688 and 1693, it sadly did not have the air of a place of worship when I called this summer, as it was being used as some kind of art gallery.

It was constructed over the older, Elizabethan chapel in which Bess of Hardwick would have worshipped. She would have been rather proud when her descendant, the fourth Earl, was created the first Duke of Devonshire, a promotion up the aristocratic ranks.

When we enter the presence of God, however, as worshippers in spirit and in truth, we find ourselves being demoted. Dukes becomes marquises, marquises become earls, earls become viscounts, viscounts become barons, barons become baronets, baronets become gentleman, and gentlemen are rendered common men. We must decrease that He might increase; the larger Christ becomes in our life, the smaller becomes our pride and sense of self-worth. The more of the Spirit’s sanctifying work we receive in our hearts, the more like humble bondsmen of Christ we are. And this is the highest rank that any human can attain.