Occult, Psychic and Spiritual Realms - The Emma Hardinge Britten ...

HARTMANN'S WHO'S WHO
SOCIETAS ROSICRUCIANA IN AMERICA
(Society of Rosicrucians·, Inc.)
Ordo Sanctissimus Rubeae Rosae et Aureae Crucis
House of the s:.s:.
See of New York City.
(Contributed)
The Societas Rosicruciana in America is the fourth institution of the Rosicrucian
Fraternity in the United States.
The first Rosicrucian foundation was that of Fr. Johann Kelpius, in 1694. The
monastery was situate on the banks of the Wissahickon, near Germantown, Philadelphia,
Pa. This foundation has long since been extinct and no connection remains
to the present day.
The second foundation was attempted by Pascal Beverly Randolph, who founded
the "Brotherhood of Rosicrucians" in New E.ngland, in the early 60's. He afterwards
founded the Temple of the Rosy Cross, South and West. He was succeeded by
Freeman B. Dowd, and the last Grand Master in direct succession was E'dward H.
Brown, of Salem, Mass. Since the passing ·of Frater Brown, we have not been
apprised of any successor and have no information that the organiozation is still
active.
The third foundation was on Masonic lines, in 1878, deriving from the Societas
Rosicruciana in Anglia and Scotia, and in 1889 Fr. Charles E. Meyer became Supreme
Magus of the "Societatis Rosicrucianae in the United States." Restricted in its
nature, this organization has never been active in propagandism and appears to
have been more in the nature of a social body with quarterly meetings. Many of the
older Colleges are now inoperative and few traces of it appear.
The Societas Rosicruciana in America, deriving from the English Fraternity, was
incorporated in 1912 and is, therefore, the .active American Branch of the Rosicrucian
Fraternity. It has no connection with any other bodies claiming to be Rosicrucian
in name or nature in this country. It follows the strict Rosicrucian procedure and
maintains Work in Alchemy, Astrology, Hermeticism, Rosicrucianism, Natural Philosophy
and Theology. .
The Societas Rosicruciana in America is incorporated through its High Council
in three distinct phases: (1) As a Fraternity, in which the Eckhartshausen Rituals
are worked from Zelator to Prince Chief Adept; nine degrees. (2) As a Church,
The First Rosicrucian Church of America (Ecclesiae Rosicrucianae Cathol icae),
ministering the major and minor sacraments and holding Apostolic Orders and the
Historic Episcopate. This provides the Path for those who choose the purely spiritual
way of development. (3) As a College of Research, for scientific demonstration of
natural laws and phenomena, specializing in psychological research.
Its auxiliary bodies for propagandism and teaching are:
The American College of Astroscience, presenting a complete course in Astrology
in fifty-seven lessons, covering every phrase of the ,Art, .and granting diplomas to
those who successfully complete the course;
The Seminary of Biblical Research, presenting courses in Christian Mysticism
and Biblical Exegesis, Hermeneutics and History.
The Society maintains three grades of membership: Associate, for those who
desire practical ins-truc•tion in Psychological, Psychoanalytic and Psychotherapeutic
methods; the Congregation of the Outer, for those who desire the Philosophical
instructions, and Collegiate, for those who desire to undertake the Degrees of the
Grades with their Historical and Philosophical instruction.
The Secret Work in Spiritual Alchemy is available to those who successfully
pass required degrees or designated work in the lessons.
The Societas Rosicruciana in America works in complete harmony and close
.association with the Masonic Fraternity, and Constitutionally, its major officers are
Masons of all Rites and Degrees. But its membership is, however, open to both sexes.
It has no connection either near or remote with any bodies claiming to be Rosicrucian
in the United States, or with the Seventeenth or Eighteenth Degrees in the Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite.
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