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{{Freemasonry}}
{{short description|Series of progressive degrees}}
{{main|Karl Gotthelf von Hund}}
The '''Rite of Strict Observance''' was a [[Rite of Freemasonry]], a series of progressive [[Freemasonry#Degrees|degrees]] that were conferred by the '''Order of Strict Observance''', a [[Masonic body]] of the 18th century.

==History==
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 [[Premier Grand Lodge of England|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 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 the [[sacred mysteries|mysteries]] 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.<ref name="RLF4.1">René le Forestier, ''Les Illuminés de Bavière et la franc-maçonnerie allemande'', Paris, 1914, Book 4 Chapter 1, pp343-388</ref>

==Degree structure==
The degrees of the Rite of Strict Observance were: 
* 1° ''Entered Apprentice'' (sometimes just called ''Apprentice'')
* 2° ''Fellow Craft'' (sometimes just called ''Fellow'')
* 3° ''Master Mason'' (sometimes just called ''Master'')
* 4° ''Scot'' (sometimes also called ''Scottish Master'')
* 5° ''Novice'' (sometimes also called ''Squire Novice'')
* 6° ''Templar'' (sometimes also called ''Knight Templar'') 
* 7° ''Professed Knight'' (sometimes just called ''[[Religious profession|Professed]]'')

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==See also==
* [[Rectified Scottish Rite]]
* [[Swedish Rite]]
* [[List of Masonic Rites]]
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[[Category:Masonic rites]]


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