In primitive times and among the patriarchs of Israel, the father was the priest of his family, and offered prayer and sacrifice for his household. It was only when religion took on ecclesiastical forms that a separate caste known as "priests" became necessary. Thus religions of various kinds had their sacerdotal class, just as did the Hebrews. But Masonry has reserved in its religious ceremonies, as in many of its other usages, the patriarchal spirit and practice; and in this particular follows the New Testament pattern of regarding Jesus Christ as High Priest. In the Blue Lodges, the Worshipful Master, like the father in primitive families, offers up prayer and serves at the altar; or when expediency requires it he appoints a brother of the Lodge to act as Chaplain.
~~ooOoo~~
This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
