Rite of Strict Observance
Encyclopedia
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.
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
, 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 science
s 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.
Despite its initial popularity, growing dissatisfaction among members over the failure to being initiated into the mysteries
of the Unknown Superiors ("ascended masters" which were later claimed to be clerics of the Knights Templars) led to the Strict Observance being dissolved in 1782.
Rite
A rite is an established, ceremonious, usually religious act. Rites in this sense fall into three major categories:* rites of passage, generally changing an individual's social status, such as marriage, baptism, or graduation....
of Freemasonry
Freemasonry
Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that arose from obscure origins in the late 16th to early 17th century. Freemasonry now exists in various forms all over the world, with a membership estimated at around six million, including approximately 150,000 under the jurisdictions of the Grand Lodge...
, a series of progressive degrees that were conferred by the Order of Strict Observance, a Masonic body of the 18th century.
Baron Karl Gotthelf von Hund
Karl Gotthelf von Hund
Karl Gotthelf, Reichsfreiherr von Hund und Altengrotkau was a German freemason. In 1751, he founded the Rite of Strict Observance....
(1722–1776) introduced a new Scottish Rite
Scottish Rite
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry , commonly known as simply the Scottish Rite, is one of several Rites of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry...
to Germany, which he renamed "Rectified Masonry" and, after 1764, the "Strict Observance", while referring to the English system of Freemasonry
United Grand Lodge of England
The United Grand Lodge of England is the main governing body of freemasonry within England and Wales and in other, predominantly ex-British Empire and Commonwealth countries outside the United Kingdom. It is the oldest Grand Lodge in the world, deriving its origin from 1717...
as the "Late Observance."
The Rite appealed to German national pride, attracted the non-nobility
Nobility
Nobility is a social class which possesses more acknowledged privileges or eminence than members of most other classes in a society, membership therein typically being hereditary. The privileges associated with nobility may constitute substantial advantages over or relative to non-nobles, or may be...
, 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 science
Occult science
Occult science is the systematic research into or formulation of occult concepts in a manner that follows - in its method or presentation - the way natural science researches or describes phenomena of the physical world....
s 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.
Despite its initial popularity, growing dissatisfaction among members over the failure to being initiated into the mysteries
Sacred Mysteries
The term sacred mysteries generally denotes the area of supernatural phenomena associated with a divinity or a religious ideology.-Pre-Christian religious mysteries:...
of the Unknown Superiors ("ascended masters" which were later claimed to be clerics of the Knights Templars) led to the Strict Observance being dissolved in 1782.