SECTION VI.

THE GRAND CHAPLAIN .
This is an office of very modern date. No al- lusion to such an officer is to be found in any of the old Constitutions, and Preston informs us that it was instituted on the 1st of May, 1775, on the oc- casion of the laying of the corner stone of the Free- masons' Hall in London.* A sense of propriety has, however, notwithstanding its want of antiquity, since caused this office to be universally recognized by the Grand Lodges of this country, some of whom have increased the number of Grand Chaplains from one to several.
The duties of the Grand Chaplain are confined to offering up prayer at the communications of the Grand Lodge, and conducting its devotional exer- cises on public occasions.
He is, by virtue of his office, a member of the Grand Lodge, and entitled to a seat and a vote. The only qualifications generally required appear to
more important officer than he is in Europe. Thus, by the modern Constitu. tions of England the Grand Registrar superintends the records, and is the custodian of the seal. * Preston, p. 237, Oliver's edit.
480 GRAND LECTURER.
be that lie should be a Master Mason, in good stand- ing in his Lodge, and a recognized clergyman of some religious denomination.