Invitational Bodies of Ultra-Craft Masonry
Ultra-Craft Masonic Organizations are those that simply lie outside of those of the “Rites,” or in simpler terms, require only Masonic affiliation with a regular and recognized Masonic Craft, or Blue Lodge. Technically, every appendant body may be a part of what is termed ultra-craft Masonry, though here the term is used in connection with Bodies not controlled by, or appendant to, either the York or Scottish Rites of the United States.
An Introduction to Masonic Rosicrucianism
The Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis – SRICF (which is simply Latin for the Rosicrucian Society of the United States) is an invitational Body composed of highly dedicated and long serving Masons, and dedicated to the esoteric and philosophical study and examination of Masonry. The Masonic Rosicrucian Society is not merely another Degree of Freemasonry which may be acquired. The Society is not interested primarily in increasing its membership, but is always happy to consider such Brethren whose interest in the Society’s aims is sincere.
Membership requires affiliation with a Symbolic, Craft, or Blue Lodge, and a profession of the Christian faith.
The Masonic qualification assures our membership that the Aspirant has given proof of that fidelity and privacy which characterizes a member of the Masonic Fraternity.
The Christian qualification is required because the character of the Grade rituals is emphasized in the Ceremony of Admission and it will be noted that a certain outlook and understanding among the Members is necessary.
While membership in either the Scottish Rite or the York Rite Bodies is not necessarily required, most of the members of the SRICF often hold membership in the Scottish Rite and/or York Rite and many of their appendant bodies.
The society issues an annual journal known as Ad Lucem, composed of academic articles on things related to Rosicrucianism written by its members. There is also an annual report, The Rosicrucian Fama.
The local body is a College which works what is termed Grades rather than Degrees. The presiding officer is the Chief Adept. Typically there is but one College per state, exceptions having been made for New York, Texas, and California due to their size and population. Membership is limited to 72 active members per College.
A College confers the Grades in three Orders as follows:
First Order Grades
I° Zelator
II° Theorocus
III° Practicus
IV° Philosophus
These are classified as the Learning Grades
Second Order Grades
V° Adeptus Minor
VI° Adeptus Major
VII° Adeptus Exemptus
These are considered the Teaching Grades.
Third Order Grades
VIII° Magister Templi
IX° Magus
These are considered the Ruling Grades.
The Aims of this College are:
To afford mutual aid and encouragement in working out the great problems of Life; and in searching out the secrets of Nature; to facilitate the study of the system of Philosophy founded upon the Kabbalah and the doctrine of Hermes Trismegitus, which was inculcated by the original Fratres Rosae Crucis, in A.D. 1450; and to investigate the meaning and symbolism of all that now remains of the wisdom, art and literature of the ancient world. To consider and examine the philosophy, iconology, and literature of Freemasonry, to gain a deeper understanding of History, Mythology, Legend, Symbolism, and Science in the study of Freemasonry; To establish a common bond and draw within our ranks men of scientific inclination, students of philosophy, science, and religion, and those interested therein; and To promote the study of science, religion, and philosophy, and the histories thereof, to the end that our Fratres, and those within their influence, may be enlightened by their efforts.
Advancement to the higher grades within the body is determined upon scholarship, merit, and service.
CHIEF ADEPT – MISSISSIPPI – Jackson
W. Terry McLeod, IX°
Cell: 769-257-1737
Email
MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE
Secretary:
Kelly Ervin, VIII°
Cell: 432-661-9931
Email
Internal Links:
College Resources (contact the Chief Adept for access)
External Links:
The High Council, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis