The Rite of Strict Observance was a
Rite of Freemasonry, a series of progressive
degrees that were conferred by the Order of Strict Observance, a
Masonic body of the 18th century.
History
Baron
Karl Gotthelf von Hund (1722–1776) introduced a new "Scottish" Rite to Germany, which he renamed "Rectified Masonry" and, after 1764, the "Strict Observance", while referring to the
English system of Freemasonry as the "Late Observance."
The Rite appealed to German national pride, attracted the non-
nobility
Nobility is a social class found in many societies that have an aristocracy. It is normally appointed by and ranked immediately below royalty. Nobility has often been an estate of the realm with many exclusive functions and characteristics. T ...
, and was allegedly directed by "Unknown Superiors". The Strict Observance was particularly devoted to the reform of Masonry, with special reference to the elimination of the occult sciences which at the time were widely practiced in many lodges, and the establishment of cohesion and homogeneity in Masonry through the enforcement of strict discipline, the regulation of functions, etc.
By 1768 the Rite of Strict Observance counted some forty lodges.
Despite its initial popularity, growing dissatisfaction among members over the failure to being initiated into the
mysteries of the Unknown Superiors led to the Convent of Wilhelmsbad in 1782. The delegates there renounced their Templar origins (not unanimously) and gave greater self-governance to the lodges, resulting in the order fragmenting and the lodges adopting other rites over the next few years.
[René le Forestier, ''Les Illuminés de Bavière et la franc-maçonnerie allemande'', Paris, 1914, Book 4 Chapter 1, pp343-388]
Degree structure
The degrees of the Rite of Strict Observance were:
* 1° ''Entered Apprentice'' (sometimes just called ''Apprentice'')
* 2° ''Fellow Craft'' (sometimes just called ''Fellow'')
* 3° ''Master Mason'' (sometimes just called ''Master'')
* 4° ''Scot'' (sometimes also called ''Scottish Master'')
* 5° ''Novice'' (sometimes also called ''Squire Novice'')
* 6° ''Templar'' (sometimes also called ''Knight Templar'')
* 7° ''Professed Knight'' (sometimes just called ''
Professed'')
References
See also
*
Rectified Scottish Rite
The Rectified Scottish Rite historically known under the RER acronyme, also known as the Rectified Rite or rarely RSR, is a Christian Masonic rite with a long and complex history. It was founded in 1778 at the Convent of Lyon in France under the ...
*
Swedish Rite
*
List of Masonic Rites
A Rite, within the context of Freemasonry, refers to a comprehensive system of Degree (Freemasonry), degrees that hold the capability to initiate and advance a newcomer through various stages of Masonic knowledge and experience. In some cases, a ...
Masonic rites
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