Chaplain, originally an ecclesiastical who accompanied an army, and carried the relics of the patron saint (see CHAPEL). It now signifies a clergyman employed to officiate at court, in the household of a nobleman or bishop, in prisons, with troops, and on board ship. Such officials appear first in the palaces of the Byzantine emperors. For the royal chaplains in Britain, see CHAPEL ROYAL. For prison and workhouse chaplains, see PRISON, POOR.
An ARMY CHAPLAIN, in Britain, is a clergyman not having charge of a parish, especially commissioned to do duty with troops. The office, which has existed for many years, was at one time regarded as a saleable perquisite; but the system was reorganised and improved in 1796. The Chaplains' Department, a branch of the Military Department of the War Office, consists of a Chaplain-general, ranking as major-general; 16 Chaplains to the Forces of the first class, ranking as colonels; 10 of the second class, ranking as lieutenant-colonels; 18 of the third class, ranking as majors; and 35 of the fourth class, ranking as captains. Of these, 13 are Roman Catholic and 6 Presbyterian. Their pay, which in the fourth class is 10s. a day, rises to 22s. 6d. in the highest rank, the chaplain-general receiving £1000 a year. Chaplains are sent on active service with the troops, and in peace are allotted to the various military stations. Their duties are to conduct divine service in camp or barracks, officiate at burials, baptisms, and churchings, visit the hospital and barrack-rooms, give religious instruction in the schools, and generally treat the soldiers and their families as though they were their parishioners. Where the number of troops is small, the parish clergyman is appointed acting chaplain, performs these duties, and receives head-money. Soldiers who do not belong to the Church of England are marched to the nearest place of worship belonging to their denomination, and head-money is granted to the minister in charge. In the United States army, regimental chaplains and post-chaplains may be of any of the regular denominations. They mostly have the rank of captain.
NAVY CHAPLAIN. Every large ship in commission has a chaplain. The Navy Estimates provide for above 100 commissioned chaplains, at stipends varying from £219 to £401 per annum. The Chaplain of the Fleet has an income (with allowances) of £759 a year. The chaplains perform divine service at stated times on shipboard, visit the sick sailors, and assist in maintaining moral discipline among the crew. The estimates also include a sum of about £3500 as 'allowances to ministers of religion,' besides the salaries of chaplains. In the United States navy, chaplains on the active list are of various relative ranks, from that of lieutenant to that of captain.