Initiated into the Red Cross of Constantine

Well, today was an amazing day, a rainy day, but still a great day. I had the pleasure of being initiated into the St. Michael Conclave of the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine.

I received the first degree of the Order that of Knight of the Red Cross of Constantine. I joined along with another Companion and Sir Knight from the Boise York Rite bodies. The initiatory ceremony was presided over by Dale Winch, Past Sovereign, and a Past Grand High Priest. The Knight Companions put on a nice initiation.

After the initiation and meeting, we headed over to the Shriner's building to have an excellent dinner. The meal and drinks were great as was the company. Jim Herndon, a Past Grand Sovereign of the United Grand Imperial Council even stopped in on his way through Boise back to his home in SE Idaho.

I was told at the dinner that if I attend the Northwest Regional Assembly I will receive the appendant orders; the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and the Order of St. John the Evangelist. That is not until next Spring though where I have to travel up to Kennewick, Washington to receive them.

I'd like to thank my fellow Knight Companions for inviting me to this prestigious order.

Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis

In recent months I have become more and more interested in researching alchemy and Rosicrucian societies and in Masonry, the most prominent Rosicrucian order is the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis.

The Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (United States), SRICF, is a Rosicrucian Society based in the United States of America. It was officially founded on September 21, 1880, by three Colleges chartered by the Societas Rosicruciana In Scotia (Scotland), SRIS.

Masons in the United States interested in bringing this organization to the United States traveled to England where they initiated into Grade I° - Zelator, but due to getting no response from the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (England), SRIA, they turned back to the SRIS to get a charter.

On April 21, 1880, Fratres met at a newly formed second college in New York and formed a High Council which at the time was known as Societas Rosicrucianae Republica Confoedera America or SRRCA.  Later it was changed to Society of Rosicrucians in the USA by Most Worthy Frater Shryock during his time as Supreme Magus.  In 1934 the name was properly Latinized during the governance of Most Worthy Frater Hamilton at the suggestion of Dr. William Moseley Brown to what it is now.

The governing body of the Society is known since 1911 as The High Council which is composed of Fratres of the Third Order (IX° and VIII°), plus any College Celebrant not a member of the Third Order. The head of the Society is titled The Supreme Magus who was elected ad vitam (for life) up until circa 1991 when the constitution of the Society was changed to reflect that Supreme Magi are elected each triennium (a period of three years). The subordinate bodies are termed “Colleges” each being headed in the United States, by a Chief Adept, IX°, appointed for a three-year term by the Supreme Magus. A Chief Adept can serve a maximum of three terms of office. Unlike the SRIA in England, a Chief Adept in the SRICF does not have regional powers, but rather is in charge of an individual College. Typically there are but one College per state, exceptions having been made for both New York and California due to their size and population.

Membership is by invitation only and predicated on regular mainstream Masonic affiliation as well as a profession of Christian faith. The Christian qualification is required because the character of the Grade rituals are completely Christian, and would not be understood or appreciated by those of other faiths. Membership is restricted to 72 members (called Fratres) per college. New members are required to select a distinctive “Latin Motto” and state that they are not a member of a non-Masonic Rosicrucian organization as a matter of ethics. The Society is not interested primarily in increasing its membership, but considers such brethren whose interest in the Society’s aims is sincere and whom it considers being in sympathy with the movement.

The SRICF does not constitute just another interesting degree in Freemasonry, to be acquired in the course of ordinary Masonic progress. It is something beyond and outside Freemasonry. The Society is the ideal forum for Masons who wish to extend their contemplation of the hidden mysteries of Nature and Science, and to investigate the meaning and symbolism of all that now remains of the wisdom, art and literature of the Ancient World.

The See of the High Council is in Washington, D.C. The SRICF is in amity with the SRIS  and the SRIA as well as the SRIC (Canada) and has helped the cause of Rosicruciana by empowering High Councils in their own sovereignty around the World.  They are the SRIL in Lusitania (Portugal), SRIG in Gallia (France), and the SRIR (Romania). The Society is not merely another degree of Freemasonry which may be acquired and outside of the normal “workings” of the Craft.

The degrees, with teachings of the degree, are structured as follows:

The First Order consists of four Grades referred to as the Learning Grades:

I° Grade: Zelator

II° Grade: Theoricus

III° Grade: Practicus

IV° Grade: Philosophus

The Second Order consists of three Grades referred to as the Teaching Grades:

V° Grade: Adeptus Minor

VI° Grade: Adeptus Major

VII° Grade: Adeptus Exemptus

The Third Order consists of two Grades referred to as the Ruling Grades which are only conferred by or with permission of the Supreme Magus:

VIII° Grade: Magister

IX° Grade: Magus

Knight Grand Crosses (KGC) are awarded to IX° Grade Magi for exemplary effort in the work of the Society & Rosicrucianism in general.

From the Ohio College website:

The purpose of the society, according to its earliest scholars, is "to afford mutual aid and encouragement in working out the great problems of Life, and in discovering the Secrets of Nature; to facilitate the study of the systems of philosophy inculcated by the original Fratres Rosae Crucis of Germany based upon the Kabbalah and the doctrines of Hermes Trismegistus."

The society issues an annual journal known as Ad Lucem (Latin for "to the light") composed of academic articles on things related to Rosicrucianism & esoteric streams of Christian Mysteries. There is also an annual report, The Fama. Many of the Colleges have their own individual organs which are produced quarterly as well as annually.

References

1. About the Society. (n.d.). Retrieved from Ohio College, SRICF: http://www.ohiosricf.org/about.html

2. History & Origin of the Society. (n.d.). Retrieved from Texas College, SRICF: http://sricf.albertpikedemolay.org/

3. Lindez, D. (n.d.). Description. Retrieved from Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis: http://www.yorkrite.org/sricf/info.html

4. Societas Rosicruciana. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Societas_Rosicruciana#Societas_Rosicruciana_in_Civitatibus_Foederatis_.28SRICF.29

A Horrible Start to the Weekend

Well, what a day. While on some temporary duties for the Army Guard, I was loading some boxes when I turned. My knee slid to the side, there was a pop, and then a lot of pain. The soldiers I was with drove me back to Boise and I went to the hospital.

After some time in the ER lobby, I was finally admitted. They iced my knee, gave some Motrin, and took a bunch of X-Rays. Luckily it showed no bone damage so they gave me a brace and crutches. The doctor thinks I might have some MCL and meniscus damage, but I have to go see an orthopedic doctor see if that is true.

So now I am laid up on the couch and the weekend just arrived. Well played.

YREP Update: York Rite Sovereign College Educational Program

At the end of last year, I discussed the creation of a York Rite Education Program. Well, through the Internet, a Brother had told me about me the York Rite College establishing an education program.  Well, the York Rite Sovereign College of North America (YRSCNA) has finally come out with a program similar to the Scottish Rite's Master Craftsman Program.

In the Spring 2012 edition of the York Rite Crusader, the official publication of the YRSCNA, stated:

Last year, the Education Committee recommended that an “educational tool kit” be developed and administered by the Sovereign College. Subsequently, we received a number of requests to consider developing a program similar to the Southern Jurisdiction Scottish Rite’s Master Craftsman program. For those not familiar with the Master Craftsman program, it is a series of multiple choice exams and essay questions on the degrees of the Scottish Rite. It is administered by the House of the Temple staff in Washington, DC, and has proven to be a very popular program for the Scottish Rite.     

The Education Committee agreed that a similar program should be developed and adopted by the Sovereign College. Participation by companions and knights across North America will strengthen the value of every College and the York Rite in general. To this end, the committee has developed a self-study program through the Chapter and Council Degrees and the Commandery Orders of the York Rite.     

Companion Adept of the Temple is a self-study program through the Degrees and Orders of the York Rite of Freemasonry administered by the Sovereign York Rite College of North America. This program is offered to any York Rite Mason by enrollment through the Sovereign College office.     

The program offers a series of exams focused on the ritualistic, philosophical, and esoteric teachings of the York Rite. The exams include a combination of multiple-choice, true-false, and essay questions pertaining to information presented in the Degrees and Orders of the Rite and/or in the resource materials which are recommended for purchase with the program.     

There are five exams included in the curriculum, The first two exams will cover the Chapter Degrees and are styled “The Degrees of the Capitular Rite.” Exam III is titled “The Degrees of the Cryptic Rite;” Exam IV covers “The Orders of Chivalry,” and Exam V is titled “The York Rite Traditions and Freemasonry.     

Enrollment in the Companion Adept of the Temple will be through the Sovereign College office. The enrollment cost will be $30.00, Resource materials which can be used in taking each exam, along with ordering information, will also be listed. Enrollees can purchase these materials to use as a guide in answering the questions provided in each exam. These resources include books which are readily available through Masonic Supply catalogues or as downloadable ebooks, such as Understanding the Royal Arch, Guide to the Royal Arch Chapter, Some Royal Arch Terms Examined, and The Royal Arch, Its Hidden Meaning.     

This Program is currently available. Please contact the Detroit Office for enrollment information.

You can contact the York Rite Sovereign College of North America at:

P. O. Box 368

Denton, NC 27239-0368

Phone: (336) 859-9772

Fax: (336) 859-0454

Email: yrsc1957@windstream.net

Please make checks for the Educational Program payable to the York Rite Sovereign College of North America and please put a note with the letter to inform them you want to start the program and they will forward the materials to you.

The Knights of Jesus

From "The Poetry Of Freemasonry" by Rob Morris

We meet upon the naked blade, we cross the glittering steel,
Opposing foot to foot we stand, our Knightly vows to seal;
Erect as men, with watchword high, of truth and victory,
The Templar Knight brings forth his blade to conquer or to die.
We are the Knights of Jesus,
Our word — EMMANUEL.

We meet before the Sepulcher, and sheathe the blood-stained sword;
In awe-struck silence gaze we on the Rising of the Lord!
No earthly victory this, and yet the greatest battle's won, —
The Father triumphs over death through Jesus Christ, the Son!
We are the Knights of Jesus,
Our watchword — GOLGOTHA.

We meet around the tri form, Sir Knights, can we forget
The hour, the place, the scene? Ah, no, they haunt our memory yet;
And while one spark of honor kindles in the Knightly heart,
We vow that in eternal scorn we'll hold the traitor's part.
We are the Knights of Jesus,
Our line of labor — TRUTH

The widow and the orphan hail the flashing of our steel;
The maid forlorn and innocent cloth Knightly aid appeal;
Pilgrims, who seek Jerusalem, our timely succor greet,
And this is Christian work for which the Templar Masons meet.
We are the Knights of Jesus,
Our word — BENEVOLENCE.

And when the bitter cup is quaffed, which flesh and sense abhor,
And banner cased and good swords sheathed, and words of parting o'er,
Then, by the Throne, beside the LAMP, whose service is so sweet,
We hope, Sir Knights, in endless rest, in endless bliss to meet,
We are the Knights of Jesus,
Our word — CELESTIAL LIFE.

Knights of the York Cross of Honor

"As a Knight of the York Cross of Honor, you are a proven servant of the Masonic Fraternity, your inspiration has came from your Past, your duty is in the present , your Hope is in the Future, I ask you always to remember—In all you do , In all you say, In all of your actions, take a good look at yourself, you are someone impression of Freemasonry "

Most Eminent Knight Donald E. Friend, Past Grand Master General

The Knights of the York Cross of Honor (KYCH) is an invitational body within the York Rite.  To even be eligible to be invited into this Order, one must have served as Worshipful Master of a Blue Lodge, High Priest of a Royal Arch Chapter, Illustrious Master of a Council of Cryptic Masons, and Eminent Commander of a Commandery of Knights Templar. Once one is eligible, a member of the KYCH must nominate him, and then the nomination must pass by a unanimous ballot.

The Order was formed in Monroe, North Carolina on March 13,1930. The organization is governed by the Convent General, Knights of the York Cross of Honor, and is international in scope. On June 6,1930 the Convent General of the United States of America was formed to administer the Order. The intent of the Order was to create an honorary group of York Rite Masons who had demonstrated leadership and dedication to the several York Rite Bodies of Freemasonry. The Convent General supervises the York Cross of Honor Research Foundation and supports research into cures for leukemia, and solicits contributions and bequests. The local bodies of the Order are called Priories. The number of Priories permitted in each Grand Jurisdiction is dependent upon the number of chartered Councils or Commanderies.

As it is with any invitational order in Masonry, one should never aspire to be a member in the KYCH, when he has done the required work and done it well, he should be invited to membership. When one is proposed for membership he should never know, and thus would never know if rejected. One would only ever know if he was proposed when he receives official notice that he has been elected to be invited.

The jewel of the Order is a gold crown with the emblem of each York Rite body hung on a blue, red, purple, and white breaded cordon. The colors represent the four York Rite bodies. When a member Knight has been elected to preside over one of the four Grand Bodies, he is invested with the rank of Grand Cross and is awarded a Quadrant to apply to his jewel. A member of KYCH who has served any of the Four Grand York Rite Bodies as presiding Officer is thereby a Knight Grand Cross of Honor, with one Quadrant for each of the Grand Bodies he has served. Each Quadrant is represented by the appropriate color of the order served, i.e., Blue for Lodge, Red for Chapter, Purple for Council, and White for Commandery, if the member is a Past Prior the background of his emblem should be Purple if he is a Knight Grand Cross of Honor, but not a Past Prior, the background should be White.

References

1. (n.d.). Retrieved from Knight of the York Cross of Honour: http://www.hiram.net/michigan22/info.html

2. About the KYCH. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://kych.albertpikedemolay.org/about.html

3. KYCH. (n.d.). Retrieved from Kansas City Metro Area Masonic Information Center: http://kcmasons.info/KYCH.html

4. Rinck, I. D. (1999, April 3). Description. Retrieved from Convent General, Knights of The York Cross of Honor: http://www.k-ych.org/info.html

5. Texoma York Rite. (n.d.). Retrieved from North Texas Priory No. 73, KYCH: http://www.texomayorkrite.org/KYCH/honors.htm