ruffashlar
Member
Lodge Milncroft No. 1515 (GLoS), Govanhill Royal Arch Chapter 523 (S.G.R.A.C.S.)
Posts: 2,184
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Post by ruffashlar on Apr 17, 2009 15:38:16 GMT
I mean this entirely within the context of Le Droit Humain. I was reading a link lauderdale posted on another thread to the LDH UK website, and it linked to something called Phoenix Triangle. I'm assuming it's a kind of lodge or chapter, but I can't find anything more about it.
Anyone help me? Or am I just stupid? ;D
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Post by corab on Apr 17, 2009 21:45:03 GMT
Hi Ruff, When I saw your question I thought for a moment "The eighth part of a circle .." I am, along with Steve and another Bro:., one of the co-founders of the Phoenix Triangle. A Triangle is the embrionic form of a lodge. It requires 3 MMs to petition for a certificate to work in this form. It can study and practise the ritual, and with the assistance of Brn:. from other lodges it can initiate, pass and raise candidates. Once it has 7 MMs, it can petition for a Charter to become a Lodge. It is also possible for an existing lodge (or Chapter etc.) to elect to become a Triangle if it finds its membership dwindling. This is, of course, a temporary solution. Once it has the required number of members of the requisite degree, it can re-apply for its Charter. Phoenix had its inaugural meeting on 15 December 2007. It was the first time in living memory that a Craft Triangle was established in our Federation, which meant that we have had to practically write the book on it. Actually, I *am* writing the "How to establish a new lodge" guide for internal use, but that is an ongoing work, detailing each step, each unexpected corner turned, each pitfall encountered so that it will be easier for others to follow suit if they should wish to do so. We were lucky to have the requisite administrative and procedural knowledge "in-house" to jump through the hoops and re-write the rules. One thing I've learnt is that without that, a new Triangle / Lodge doesn't stand a change -- no matter how ceremonially expert the founders may be. It's darn hard work, but worth every drop of blood, sweat and tears poured over it, eh Steve? ;D
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Post by leonardo on Apr 19, 2009 19:03:56 GMT
Thanks Cora.
I always assumed that every Masonic body worked Triangles as and when necessary, that the practice isn't uniquely Co-Masonic, but I am learning something new all the time.
Do other Masonic Bodies then need at least 7 MMs before they can do any work?
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Post by maat on Apr 19, 2009 23:52:42 GMT
We have just reverted to being a Triangle in several of our 'higher' degrees. Although we had 7 or more members some were unreliable attendees because of age and/or really poor health. As a Triangle we can still proceed with a meeting without the usual requirement for 7. When numbers build up again we can revert to our former status.
Maat
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Post by joyrock on Apr 20, 2009 0:37:02 GMT
The triangle is a common working amongst the Franco Masonic world. In fact most Franco rituals include what is called a "triangle working" for just such an occasion.
We where lucky. We thought we would have to start as a Triangle but as it turns out we had enough out of the gate to become a full lodge.
Triangles aren't always tree MM's by the way. They can be three EA's. just able to Enter not Pass or Raise. For those functions they would call on the nearest full lodge.
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Post by corab on Apr 22, 2009 22:25:29 GMT
That is correct, Architekt.
A Triangle requires the three that rule a lodge -- but I should emphasise that it is not a Lodge.
No candidate can be legally initiated into a Triangle unless it operates with the assistance of Brn:. from other lodges to fill the offices. In order to do so, it requires a whole range of dispensations.
It's a logistical and organisational challenge before you even get to the ceremonial and inner aspects of it, but it is a most wonderful experience to be part of something so tender, so promising and see it come to fruition bit by bit. ;D
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Post by corab on Apr 22, 2009 22:34:46 GMT
I always assumed that every Masonic body worked Triangles as and when necessary, that the practice isn't uniquely Co-Masonic, but I am learning something new all the time. I believe that in the UGLE + amity world the phenomenon is known as a "lodge under dispensation", which suggests to me that such a structure holds a warrant -- maybe some of the Brn:. can comment on that ...? The Triangle, however, is emphatically not a lodge. It holds no Charter, but operates under a limited Certificate issued by the MPGC. As such, it works under his authority. The challenge is to interpret the General Regulations in the context of such a structure. Written primarily for the Craft, the Regulations operate on the assumption of a lodge, not a Triangle -- so things like ballot in open lodge have to be adjusted, since there's no such thing as "open lodge" in the context of a Triangle. What you have seen of us to date *is* in the context of open lodge only by virtue of the assistance of Brn:. from other lodges and the appropriate dispensations. You should come and visit one of our non-ceremonial meetings once -- it's a whole different world! ;D In order to petition the Supreme Council for a Charter, there must be at least 7 petitioners, each of whom must be MMs. The Higher and Allied Degrees have different requirements. h.g.w., Cora
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Post by leonardo on Apr 23, 2009 7:26:22 GMT
Thanks Bro. Cora for that additional clarification; I am finally beginning to realise the level of dedication and commitment you and others from Phoenix demonstrated in order for your own Triangle to come to fruition.
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Post by billmcelligott on Apr 23, 2009 8:12:33 GMT
The problem is, and may always be, financial.
Each Lodge member [under UGLE] must pay fees to Province and to Grand Lodge. The explanation as above about 7 is correct. But of course you must get permission to hold a lodge in a suitable venue. That means a masonic hall.
The Hall costs money, I think we pay £120 per night, plus a head count of the Lodge so lets round it up to £150 total. then incidental expenses lets call it £200 all together. With 7 members that is £29 per head plus a meal say £25 so each meeting will cost £54.
Of course there may be ways of reducing costs but having been a Treasurer and Sec several times I can say that any Lodge under 15 members is in danger of collapse.
So while a nice idea 3 - 5 - 7, it is in real terms not practicable. Well I mean under the UGLE system.
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Post by joyrock on May 15, 2009 17:17:12 GMT
It does depend on the Order and the Ritual used. For an example; the Grande Loge of Memphis Misraim Mixed seeing how they use the MM ritual they do have Triangle ritual avalible. That means that they can IPR candidates. That is assuming of course that all three members are Master Masons.
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