The Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Fœderatis (SRICF; Latin for "Rosicrucian Society in the United States") is a Rosicrucian society that limits its membership to Christian Master Masons. Founded in 1880, it is the official American branch of the Societas Rosicruciana tradition and operates in amity with similar societies in England, Scotland, France, Portugal, and Romania.[1]
History
Formation
The SRICF's origins can be traced to 1878 when three American Master Masons—Charles E. Meyer, Daniel Sutter, and Charles W. Parker—traveled to England seeking admission into the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (SRIA). On July 25, 1878, they were initiated into the Grade of Zelator at Yorkshire College in Sheffield.[2]
After unsuccessfully seeking a charter from the English society, they turned to the Societas Rosicruciana in Scotia (SRIS), which granted them a charter on December 27, 1879, establishing the first American college in Philadelphia. A second charter was granted for a New York college, and on April 21, 1880, members from both colleges met in Philadelphia to form a High Council.[2]
The organization was initially known as Societas Rosicrucianae Reipublica Confoedera America (SRRCA). The name was later changed to "Society of Rosicrucians in the USA" under Supreme Magus Shryock, and finally Latinized to its current form in 1934 by Dr. William Moseley Brown during Most Worthy Frater Hamilton's regime.[3]
Organization
Structure
The SRICF is governed by the High Council, which dropped "Grand" from its title in 1911. The Council comprises Fratres of the Third Order (IX° and VIII°) and College Celebrants not in the Third Order. The Supreme Magus heads the society and, since 1991, is elected every three years rather than serving for life.[3]
Colleges
Local bodies are termed "Colleges" and are led by Chief Adepts (IX°) appointed for three-year terms, with a maximum of three terms. Unlike its English counterpart, SRICF Chief Adepts do not have regional powers. Generally, there is one college per state, with exceptions made for New York and California due to their size and population.[4]
Membership
Membership is strictly invitational and limited to Master Masons who profess Christian faith. Each college is limited to 72 members.
New members must:[1][5]
Be regular mainstream Master Masons
Profess Christian faith
Select a distinctive Latin motto
Declare non-membership in non-Masonic Rosicrucian organizations
Receive an invitation to join (Invitation only group)
Grade Structure
Overview
The SRICF employs a nine-grade system divided into three distinct orders. Each grade represents specific stages of spiritual, philosophical, and masonic development.[2][6]
Grade System
Grade Structure of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Fœderatis
Order
Grade
Title
Regalia Colors
Jewel Type
Focus
First Order (Learning Grades)
I°
Zelator
Green Ribbon
Silver Bar
Foundation Studies
II°
Theoricus
Green Ribbon
Silver Bar
Theoretical Knowledge
III°
Practicus
Green Ribbon
Silver Bar
Practical Application
IV°
Philosophus
Green Ribbon
Silver Bar
Philosophical Studies
Second Order (Teaching Grades)
V°
Adeptus Minor
Green Ribbon
Silver Bar
Initial Adeptship
VI°
Adeptus Major
Green Ribbon
Silver Bar
Advanced Teaching
VII°
Adeptus Exemptus
Green Ribbon
Silver Bar
Mastery
Third Order (Ruling Grades)
VIII°
Magister
Gold Ribbon
Gold Bar
Administration
IX°
Magus
Red Ribbon
Gold Bar & Crown
Leadership
Jewel Specifications
Grade Range
Jewel Description
I° - VII°
Silver bar with "S.R.I.C.F." letters, green ribbon and grade jewel
VIII°
Gold bar with "S.R.I.C.F." letters, yellow ribbon and special jewel
IX°
Gold bar with "S.R.I.C.F." letters, red ribbon, crown and distinctive jewel
International Relations
The SRICF maintains amity with several international Rosicrucian societies:[citation needed]
