| Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Fœderatis | |
| Motto: | Ad Lucem (To the Light) |
| Formation: | September 21, 1880 |
| Headquarters: | Washington, D.C. |
| Location: | United States |
| Type: | Freemasonry Rosicrucianism Christian mysticism Esotericism |
| Main Organ: | High Council |
| Parent Organization: | Societas Rosicruciana in Scotia (1879-1880) |
| Successor: | SRIL (Portugal)SRIG (France)SRIR (Romania) |
| Membership: | Christian Master Masons only (by invitation) |
| Leader Title: | Supreme Magus |
| Publication: | Ad Lucem The Rosicrucian Fama |
| Website: | https://sricf.org/info/ |
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]
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]
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]
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 is strictly invitational and limited to Master Masons who profess Christian faith. Each college is limited to 72 members. New members must:[1]
The SRICF employs a nine-grade system divided into three distinct orders. Each grade represents specific stages of spiritual, philosophical, and masonic development.[2]
| 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 | |
| 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 |
The SRICF maintains amity with several international Rosicrucian societies: