TheRite of Strict Observance was aRite of Freemasonry, a series of progressivedegrees that were conferred by theOrder of Strict Observance, aMasonic body of the 18th century.
BaronKarl 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 theEnglish 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 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 themysteries 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.[1]
The degrees of the Rite of Strict Observance were:
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