Chaplin

In traditional American ritual, a separate office of Chaplain is not recognized, though it is often conferred by courtesy, and the Master of the lodge generally performs the duties belonging to the role 1. For Grand Lodges, the Grand Chaplain's duties are confined to offering prayer at communications and conducting devotional exercises on public occasions 1.

By contrast, in the Constitutions of the United Grand Lodge of England, the Chaplain is listed as an additional officer whom the Master may appoint annually in a private lodge. An article on the Grand Lodge of India's website notes that under both the Grand Lodge of India and the United Grand Lodge of England, the Chaplain is an active officer who wears the regalia of that specific office.

In terms of lodge organization under the United Grand Lodge of England, the Immediate Past Master takes precedence immediately in front of the Chaplain—or in front of the Treasurer if no Chaplain has been appointed. Furthermore, when a qualified Brother temporarily presides over a lodge, the Chaplain sits on the immediate left of the Immediate Past Master.