The following text was written by Harvey Spencer Lewis,
the founder of AMORC, and published in his magazine Cromaat G.
OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION TO THE ORDER
The following communication was officially delivered to the Imperator [Spencer
Lewis] through the offices of the Hierophant R+C, and is officially published in
this special issue of Cromaat by
direction of the supreme authorities that all may know its contents and be duly
and officially advised.
On the pages following this communication will be found the Imperator’s
comments on the matter contained therein. These, too, should be carefully read
and studied.
The term “Pisces, Three Degrees” is the astrological date upon which the
decrees contained in the communication were to become effective. It is
equivalent to Midnight, Saturday, February 22, 1919.
(Dated) “At the Third Vault, Near the L. F. Pisces, Three Degrees.”
To H. Spencer Lewis as he is
Imperator:
and the
Supreme Council of AMORC.
Salutations:
This epistle to you must be well
and faithfully
I) The duty having devolved upon us carefully inspecting the development
of your Order in this country, and of testing by comparison and analogy its
fitness to serve as a medium of inculcating a proper knowledge of occult
teaching, we have now come to the end of our watching and have taken counsel.
2) Therefore, we have the direction to say these things, that certain misapprehensions
and misconceptions concerning the status of your Order, arising undoubtedly
from an honest purpose but by lack of certain indispensable facts, shall now
and forever be caused to disappear and that perfect harmony shall come into
being.
3) We have seen that there is believed by some that membership in
your Order, of itself with nothing more, will render possible admission to and
fraternal communication with Lodges of what is commonly called the ORDER R+C existent
In Europe and other parts of the world. We say to you, that while there is an
existent ORDER R+C, it has no lodge system as such a term is commonly used, and
that admission there to by members of your Order, while possible, is not a
matter of tight to any, but rather a matter of selection by the ORDER R+C in individual
cases. To this end, therefore, we direct that all use of names, words, phrases
or statements calculated to convey to present or future members of your Order ideas
at variance with the foregoing shall, upon your receipt of this, be discontinued.
This shall not prevent, however, your use of the Order title “ANCIENT AND
MYSTICAL ORDER ROSAE CRUCIS, - North American Jurisdiction,” nor the use of its
abbreviation, “AMORC”.
4) We have seen that there is a present danger that the material may
overshadow the spiritual in the development of your Order.
We say to you that this is a peril. Indeed, for, aside from the cramping
of spiritual growth, it is a direct departure from the traditions of our
forebears, who were commanded to practice the virtue of humility and who met,
and worked, and studied in lonely and unpretentious chamber. To this end,
therefore, we direct that there shall henceforward be no plans formulated in
your Order or Its Lodges calling for greater expenditures of money for meeting
places or equipment beyond that which is modestly necessary for proper
ritualistic and experimental work and the comfort of you remembers.
5) We have seen that secrecy in its true sense is not used sufficiently
with regard to the operations of the Order and the personnel of its members.
We say to you, that this is a departure from established customs and
traditions, for did not the Brother C. R. C, says “Let there always he a veil
between you and the world”? To this end, therefore, we dir get that henceforward
there shall be no public meetings held under the auspices of your Order; that
outward signs and distinguishing marks upon your meeting places be abolished;
that published mention of your Order shall no longer be procured or
countenanced; and that, while a member may, if necessary, state or acknowledge
his own affiliation with the Order, he shall not disclose to the outside world
the identity of any other member. This shall not prevent the dissemination of
the “Brown Casket” nor the publication of books, pamphlets or magazines for
circulation among your members only.
6) We have seen that there are certain things missing in, the
ceremonial observances and lectures of your grades. We say to you, that while
all that, yon use is substantially to consonance with traditional ceremony and
teaching, yet completeness is essential.
To this end, therefore, we direct you to receive and adopt such rituals
or teachings as shall be from time to time transmitted to you through us.
7) We have seen that your Imperator is unwisely attempting to carry
on the double task of executive administrator and esoteric supervision.
We say to you, that such a double responsibility jeopardizes the
efficacy of his labors and, through that, the normal and healthful progress of
your Order.
THE IMPERATOR’S COMMENTS
Lest there be any miscomprehension of this communication the Imperator
feels that he should explain his understanding and interpenetration of it.
In the first palace of the communication itself was delivered to the
Supreme Grand Lodge by two messengers deputized to hand It to the Imperator in
person. The communication was sealed with the seal which appears on the document
itself and was enclosed in a stout manila legal envelope. Where it came from
was not indicated and the messengers refused to give any information, merely indicating
that they were the seventh stop in the transmission of the communication
between the writer of it and the final delivery.
But certain signs and phrases in the communication itself indicate
clearly that it had its origin and inspiration in that office of the Rosicrucian
Brotherhood which is superior in authority throughout many Jurisdictions and
which can be approached only through certain secret channels. Other
communications received before and after the receipt of this particular one,
indicate that a very definite channel of communication between the Imperator
and the secret chief of the Rosicrucian fraternity throughout many lands is open,
and that further information and instructions will come as the occasion arises.
The coming of this communication caused no surprise. The Imperator and
the few higher officers of our Order had been patiently expecting such a
communication and were greatly relieved to have it in their hands at this time.
In early issues of the magazine, “The
American Rosae Crucis,” it was plainly said and often repeated that in 1920
the greatest strength of our Order would be reached. In 1920 was to come the
full realization of what the Order was and what its mission in America would
be. Since 1915 each month has brought us nearer to the hour and likewise nearer
to a point in our work where the fulfillment of the premise made to the imperator
in Europe would be pleasantly realized.
In all our literature and in the Constitution of the Order the Statement
has been made repeatedly that our Order here in North America constituted an
independent jurisdiction. It was known to those in the high degrees and those
intimately associated with the Imperator’s work and plans that such independence
of jurisdiction would continue until the Order here had tried and tested
sufficient members to select the certain required number to constitute that
quality and character of membership which would be acceptable to the secret and
exclusive R+C fraternity through the world.
In other words, the Imperator and the members alike have been working
for three or more years in an endeavor to prepare themselves for that standard
and that degree of worthiness, that the Order here might properly be taken into
the family membership of the greater Order.
Those who have been working with the Imperator know that his labors and
his responsibility were dual — esoteric and exoteric, it was known and
appreciated by many that in order to establish the movement here under the
authority and privilege he had, he had to assume both the physical and
spiritual government of the Order.
With a new organization in a new land, no other arrangement could be
made. And, although he did personally assume all such responsibility, there was
never a moment when the Imperator felt that the greater Order, the secret body,
was not back of him and with him. Yet, the Imperator did not dare to throw any
of the responsibility upon the shoulders of those he knew could relieve him, for,
like the members in the Order here, he was to be tried and tested for his ability,
endurance, steadfastness and loyalty to obligations. It was only by enduring
all the attacks, meeting all the trials, shouldering all the members' troubles
as well as his own, and fighting and building practically alone, that he could
save the Order for its members.
That such a task was stupendous, is well known to those who have so
loyally and lovingly assisted the Imperator. That he was without precedent,
without material guide and reasonable experience in coping with most of the
problems made the work not only harder hut in fact extremely difficult, and
accounted for the errors and mistakes made at such times when action had to he
taken quickly, when sudden emergencies, had to be met without delay or proper
consideration.
And, now comes this communication, the first step toward rewarding the
members who have been loyal. What the communication realty means is greater
power and illumination and cooperation for the members of our Order here, and
long desired peace and rest for the Imperator. His illumination came with the
tests and trials of last May and June; his knowledge and instruction were given
him before be undertook to organize the Order here; and well might he have, been
selfish and have held unto himself what he had acquired and have laved himself
the persecutions and torment that has been his reward daily, if not hourly,
since be began the task for the sake of other!
So, the coming of the change in the Order now brings to him no great reward
as it does to the members in whose behalf he has labored. The rest and peace he
will find in some hours of contemplation in the future will be all that may come
to him. With his future in the material world sacrificed on the rock of
unselfish endeavor, with all the prospects of future accomplishments in the
business and social world cast down into an abyss that he might fulfill a
life-mission for others, he, a young man, must now retire that those for whom
he labored may reap and enjoy the ideals fie discovered for them.
And so it comes to pass that this communication is before our members
now for serious consideration and adoption. Let us review the paragraphs and be
sure we understand them.
In the first paragraph we are told that after carefully watching and
observing what the Order and its Imperator here hare been doing, the secret chiefs
have taken council and are prepared to make their comments and issue certain
decrees.
In the second paragraph we are told that the chief is aware of the fact
that there exist some misconceptions in regard to the Order, and that while
these are pardonable under the circumstances, explanations are bow in order.
The third paragraph, however, includes some very important statements, we
are told again that not one of us in the Order, whether high officer or humble
member, has any so-called “rights" because of our affiliation with the
Order. In other words, the principal misconception which has become very evident
during the past six months that “membership in good standing in the Order in
North America includes the RIGHT to visit and attend the sessions of any and every
gathering of Rosicrucians in Europe or elsewhere." This misconception
arises from the rightful belief that a true Rosicrucian is welcome wherever
Rosicrucians meet and assemble. But there is a considerable difference between
being welcome as a true Rosicrucian and having the right merely because one’s
dues have been paid promptly each month and each degree's examinations hate
been INTELLECTUALLY complied with.
The statement that there is no Lodge system in the Order abroad, using
the Words in the sense in which we use them here, should not surprise anyone;
for we can readily appreciate, as I did when I contacted the Order in Europe,
that when the Order is as old and well established and with its members generally
in high degrees of esoteric work, as it is in Europe, for instance, there is
not only no need for REGULAR Lodge convocations, but such convocations are
dispensed with entirely except on special occasions. Our own members here in the
Ninth Degree quite appreciate why this is so, and I am sure that our other
members will appreciate that fact also.
The paragraph assures our members, however, that when true Rosicrucians
visit Europe and are worthy of meeting with and assembling with certain groups
of Rosicrucians there, they will be invited to do so after selection is made.
It has always been so; in the earliest literature of the Order here in this
country I made it plain that Rosicrucians were always invited to associate with
the Order under some privilege extended after selection. (See, the American
Rosae Crucis for October 1917, at the top of page 198,)
The last statement in that paragraph is of importance just at this time.
It advises us to make all the foregoing points perfectly plain but also advises
that this in no way affects the fact that members of the Order here are
nevertheless members of the Order R+C and that they have the privilege of using
the rightful name, Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis.
The fourth paragraph meets a very responsive chord in the hearts of most
of us and comes shortly after we have taken steps to meet just such conditions.
The decree therein does not prohibit the plans for a Supreme Grand Lodge headquarters
wherever and whenever, we find that such is necessary convenient, nor does it prevent
the proper and necessary building and use of such structures as will afford the
utmost convenience in carrying out the work of the Order and applying all its
principles and ideals.
The fifth paragraph likewise finds approval in the hearts of all the
Rosicrucians, for at the last Convention it was decided by alt the delegates
that we would discontinue the public use of emblems and the public
dissemination of any literature hearing the full and complete name of the
Order. In other words we shall enter into that period of silence and secrecy
predicted as coming in 1919 so that 1920 will find the Order so hidden that strangers
will believe that it no longer exists in this country. The provision concerning
the concealment of identity of members is both salutary and traditional and must
be strictly observed. In the October, 1916, issue of The American Rosae Crucis, on page 21, this period of secrecy and
silence has predicted in "perhaps a year or two."
“The Little Brown Casket” referred to is one of the last forms of propaganda
literature issued by us and it has proven its value long ago as a silent and
secret method of' introducing our Order to seekers although it does not contain
the complete name of our Organization. It is typical of other literature now in
preparation. We shall use the name AMORC as a public name fur our Order and
when public meetings of any kind are held, they will be conducted in some other
native, for even then it is not advisable to use the name AMORC. In New York
and some other cities such meetings will be held under the name of The American
Philomathic Society — a society organized by us for just such purposes and for
which literature has been printed. The use of the word AMORC is legitimate. The
incorporation of the Supreme Grand Lodge of our Order under its full name gives
us all legal rights to the complete name, and AMORC is hut the abbreviation of
that name. Such abbreviation was adopted in the First National Constitution approved
by all the delegates assembled in Pittsburgh in August of 1917. (See Article I,
Section 1, of the Constitution). Therefore, the use of the name AMORC is not
new or sudden and does not indicate a radical departure from previous plans.
The sixth paragraph of the communication simply emphasizes what was
conveyed to us in a previous communication rend during the last Convention. Some
of these changes in ritual and ceremony have been adopted and others arc under
way. The adoption of future changes and the addition or alteration of our
lectures and teaching are consistent with the advancement of science and the
perfection of methods in presenting the great laws.
The seventh paragraph contains the crux of the Situation and expresses
the most important of all the findings of the higher council. It takes from the
Imperator that' burden which he has been more than anxious to surrender in
fairness and .justice to the Order. It relieves him, of that responsibility of
office which has hindered the greater growth of the Order physically and has
prevented him from performing all of the esoteric work which should be done for
the Order by its Imperator.
The Imperator will continue to act according to the Constitution of the
Order as its Supreme Chancelor, issuing all official decrees and pronunziamentos
to all Lodges of the North American Jurisdiction and in all matters act as the
supreme director of the Order. But, hereafter he will be relieved of the responsibility,
or rather burdensome labor, of outlining, planning and maturing all the new or
altered methods and systems rtf enlarging and promoting the Order, and he will
likewise be relieved of the study and watchfulness of the physical body of the
Order and its material existence. This will give him more hours for the
peaceful and healthful devotion to the esoteric work, — study, meditation,
experiments, laboratory work, preparation of lectures and communion with
nature, and God.
THE RESULTING CHANGES
Naturally, the adoption of the plans or decrees contained in this communication
necessitates some changes In the conduct of the work of the Order, and these
changes I wish to bring before our members at one ft; hence this special issue of
Cromaat.
Therefore, let each member take heed of the following paragraphs and be
guided thereby.
First, the Supreme Council of the Order, known as the Supreme Grand
Council will not consist hereafter of members of the Supreme Lodge exclusively.
The Imperator has taken advantage of a privilege contained in the Constitution
to select others in the Order to serve in that Council. (See Article Five,
Sections l and 3 of the Constitution.) Accordingly he has appointed on this
Council the present Grand Masters of the various Grand Lodges in addition to
the Officers of the Supreme Grand Lodge. All these will hereafter constitute
the advisory hoard to the Imperator, known as the Supreme Grand Council. To this
Council the Imperator will submit, by mail or otherwise; from time to time,
such changes, alterations, additions and modifications in the esoteric matters
as may suggest themselves to him or be suggested by members of the Council. Also
the Imperator will submit to this Supreme Council, representative of the whole
Order, such plans or problems us are of interest to the Lodges generally and
secure a representative endorsement or approval when such seems advisable.
Likewise shall each Grand Master appoint the Masters of the Lodges in
his Jurisdiction as members of his Grand Council; and such members of the Grand
Council shall have a voice in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge.
By this means, a matter of import may be submitted by the Imperator to
his Supreme Council and the Grand Masters thereon may submit the matter to
their Grand Councils and to the Subordinate Councils through the Masters on the
Grand Council.
Sections 3 and 4 of Article Five of the Constitution set forth fully the
duties or privileges of the Supreme Grand Council.
Secondly, the direction of all material affairs of the Order are divided
into two classes: (1) those which .pertain to establishment of Lodges, issuance
of rules and regulations, and preparation of subjects and courses of study and
experimentation; (2) the more general planning of widef work, evolving the general
purposes and mission of the Order; materializing the decreed fundamentals of
existence 'of the Order, working out the details of nation-wide development of
the Order; keeping the entire North American Jurisdiction in harmony with the
world-wide principles and laws of the general Order R+C, and directing the
affairs which relate the North American Jurisdiction with the Order R+C
generally, including the transmitting to the North American Imperator such
regulations and decrees as are issued by the Higher officers of the esoteric
bodies in other lands.
Of these two classes of directional work, the former will remain in the
hands, of the Imperator and the other will most naturally pass into the hands
of he who has been chosen to assume such duties and who must remain unknown
except for the title HIEROPHANT.
THE HIEROPHANT
This officer of our Order will enjoy that privilege and power which the Imperator
has not been able to enjoy, — that of remaining an unknown personality. As the Hierophant
R+C of North America has duties will be those indicated as coming under class
two in the outline given above, and while he will be in touch with the
Imperator and make suggestions and advise him from time to time, and supply a means
of communion thin with the higher officers of the Order R+C elsewhere, he will
not, as Hierophant, come directly in touch with our members and will remain
unknown to them so far as personality or Individuality are concerned.
The Hierophant is he whom the secret masters selected to act as intermediary
between the Order R+C in Europe and the Order here. This is indicated also by
the last few words in the close of the seventh paragraph in the official communication
published in this Cromaat.
FURTHER STEPS OF RETIREMENT
As a result of the foregoing changes and those which have been in contemplation
for several years, there are some other changes to be made consistent with the
general plan of retiring into secrecy.
One of the most sincere desires of the Imperator has, been to retire
somewhere where he is not so exposed to the curious and the insincere as he has
been during the past three years. Not for one moment does he wish to be out of
psychic or even physical and mental touch with those who are sincere, loyal and
devoted to the principles of our Order. But it is necessary, imperatively so,
for him to be where he can conduct his affairs of the Order with the greatest
ease and facility and hot be bothered with the inconsequential details of mere office
routine and general managership of a building, Lodge or Office.
The lmperator’s mail, for instance. Has become so voluminous during the
past year that many letters which should be answered solely for the sake of
retaining and fostering the love and friendship that exists between him and the
members of the Order, have been left unanswered so that the vita) letters to
Officers and others might be promptly answered in the little spare time given
him.
During the past twelve months the only recreation time afforded the
imperator has been during his over-night trips to Lodges, a few days during and
right after the National Convention and during the short trip to Tampa, Florida,
just before the holidays on official duties. Time, for material pleasures are
not desired, but time for relaxation from duties easily assumed and performed
by others in his absence is what is absolutely necessary in the future. Whether
one is a mystic or not does not modify some of natures laws and to retain perfect
health, even with the greatest of our occult or R+C principles, requires time
for relaxation, rest and the application of such laws or principles and the
Imperator’s health during the past year has caused him and others considerable
alarm at times.
Therefore, after a time to be announced' later, the Imperator will hot
be seen by members except upon such occasions as he makes of total calls to
Lodges or invites others to see him, and through correspondence only may the
members keep in touch with him.
But, after April 15th of this year this change will be made: ALL LETTERS
INTENDED FOR THE IMPERATOR’S PERSONAL ATTENTION MUST BE ADDRESSED AS FOLLOWS:
Secretary to the Imperator, AMORC,
159, Boylston Street,
Boston, Mass.
Hereafter no mall small be addressed td the Imperator in his personal
name; and in fact personal names should not be used by any Officer in any
Lodge, in accordance with the decrees issued at the last Convention.
In Boston the Secretary to the Imperator will receive all such mall as
is intended for the Imperator as well as mail for the Supreme Grand Council at
the Secretary’s office in Boston will be maintained the official headquarters
of the Secretary who will also represent the Hierophant and receive mall for
him and from him.
Another change is in regard to the Supreme Grand Lodge. Just before the
last National Convention the Imperator announced his decree that the Supreme
Grand Lodge was closed to- any further initiations or the admission of new
members. Those members now in the Supreme Grand Lodge are in the higher degrees
and they will be advanced to the highest degrees where they will constitute the
silent workers for the Order throughout the country. All new Initiates in New
York City since last Pall, and in the future, become members of the New York
Grand Lodge. This Grand Lodge will maintain its headquarters in New York City
and is now preparing to establish chartered Lodges in other sections of the
City and State.
Soon the Supreme Grand Lodge members will be scattered in many states;
in fact some of them have, left New York recently and others are preparing to
do so. It is the hope of most of them to he so located that the continuance of
their individual work for the Order be of benefit to other Grand Lodges from
time to time.
IN CONCLUSION
One last word should be given to our members; it is this: patience.
The first meeting for the plan of the Order in this country was held in
New York on February 8th 1915. The first initiation was held in May of the same
year. This May, 1919, will see the fourth year of our Order’s activities. Much
was promised the members who united with us at the first inquiry and much more
has been promised since then. It is only by realizing and reviewing what has
been fulfilled during the past four years, and especially, during the past year
that one can appreciate what the next few years will mean to our Order. Now
that the first steps toward that attitude and condition of secrecy and power
have been taken, as desired by nearly all bur members, patience alone will
enable all of us to reach that goal which seemed so far away in 1915 and now lies
just beyond the visible horizon.
(pp. 3-12)
OBSERVATIONS
To impress his followers, Spencer
Lewis often led them to believe that he received messages, documents and
dignitaries from the lodges of the other countries of the Rosicrucian
institution to which he belonged.
Even to AMORC members who reached
the fourth degree, Lewis would present a diploma stating that this person had
become an affiliated member of the Rosicrucian Amenhotep Lodge located in Egypt.
The problem come to Lewis when
more and more members of AMORC wanted to visit those Rosicrucian lodges that
supposedly existed in other parts of the world, but since all of this was a lie,
in order to solve the problem Lewis came up with the idea of pretending that
the World Rosicrucian Supreme Council sent the message that I put above where
their leaders specified that members of AMORC could not visit those lodges
because in the other countries the lodges did not exist in the way that they
exist in the United States.
And problem solved!
But that contradicts everything
that Spencer Lewis was telling his followers as I show you in the following
articles:
And this shows the hypocrisy of
Spencer Lewis who did not hesitate to contradict his own previous statements in
order to hide the falsehoods that he himself invented.
And the charlatanism of Spencer
Lewis is also perceived by the fact that the "Rosicrucian Supreme Council
of the World" that supposedly sent him this message does not exist since
it was another lie invented by Lewis as I show you in this other article (see link).
And it should also be noted that
Lewis's insistence that its members be discreet about their membership in AMORC
is due to the fact that in that period Lewis had problems with the law and that
is why he wanted his organization to become more discreet (see link).
And finally the last Spencer
Lewis commentary shows that he was tired and seeing that his organization was
booming, he wanted to relegate his duties to other people so that he could have
a more pleasant life.
~*~
And this is one more example of how liar and deceiver Harvey Spencer
Lewis was who invented false communications to manipulate the members of AMORC.
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