The position of University Chaplain dates from the end of the Second World War. University officials, concerned about the special needs and difficulties of veterans returning to classes, hired a special "Advisor to Ex-Service Personnel," the Rev Jack Leng, to provide support and counsel for students.
The position was given a broader mandate and retitled "University Chaplain" in 1947, when Leng was replaced by the Rev Dr. A. Marshall Laverty. At that time, the position was unique among Canadian universities; today it is becoming rare again as other universities dispense with the office.
The Rev Brian Yealland was chaplain from 1983 to 2013. He reshaped and modernized the role. Chaplains now have several main duties: they officiate at ceremonial university occasions such as convocation; assist students and staff on behalf of the university when there is a death or other serious occurrence in the family or on campus; and provide a source of counselling or support on a drop-in basis for all members of the Queen's community.
The position of Chaplain is officially a non-sectarian one.
Learn more about Faith and Spiritual Life at Queen's