Detailed in the O.’s Constitution, Whare Ra had a well defined hierarchy of leadership.
In 1960, newly installed Order Chief G.H. Frater Achernar (Archie Shaw) describes this chain of command succinctly in his Autumnal Equinox Address to members:-
“At this time of transition, it may be of some benefit to us if I refer briefly to the way in which the Order functions and to touch on a few of the simple basic principles which I feel must always be kept in mind.
“The Three Chiefs are responsible for the conduct of the whole Order, under the guidance of the Divine Powers Who direct the Order.
“Each Chief brings to his office his own particular talents. Together they form an equilateral triangle – a balanced and harmonious whole, and should be regarded as equal in all respects.
“The Chiefs should act in harmony and speak as one on all matters pertaining to the rule of the Order. They have the responsibility of ensuring that the true traditions of the Order are preserved, no matter what changes may come about in the future. They will consult as necessity arises, with the Council of the Order, composed of senior members, and may possibly delegate certain duties to senior members from time to time.
“The three Wardens also form a triangle, and are responsible as deputies of the three Chiefs, for the running of the Outer Order. In practice they should be regarded as equal with one another in their office as Warden, notwithstanding that they may be of different Grades.
“The Chiefs will meet with the Wardens at regular intervals, and generally maintain such contact as is necessary for the smooth functioning of the whole.”
Sitting on the Temple Dias with him were fellow Chiefs G.H. Fra. A.B.S. (John von Dadelszen) and G.H. Sor. M.P. (Ethelwyn Felkin), and their deputies the Wardens V.H. Fra F.L. (Frank Salt) as Demonstrator, Imperatrix V.H. Sor C.D. (Nancy Hobson), and Cancellarius V.H. Fra. A.A.A. (David Osbourne).
The “Council” referred to by G.H. Fra. A. was comprised of the Cancellarius and active members of the 6=5 and higher. Its membership and function are detailed in the Order’s Constitution where a quorum is defined as “Any four of the Chiefs and Wardens and five other members of the Council personally present”, the “Chairman of the meeting shall be one of the Chiefs or another member at their discretion”, and “a resolution of the Council requires the support of four-fifths of those present”. The Council held meetings “at least once in a year, on a date agreed upon by the Chiefs and Wardens, as soon as practicable after the Ceremony of C.C.” with the purpose of acting as an advisory body to the Chiefs.
In practice, the main function of the Council was to make recommendations on the appointment of the Wardens.
Kasmillos
