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New Hampshire College Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis  R. Bradley Alderfer, VIII°, Secretary Treasurer
New Hampshire College Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (Constituted May 8, 2009) (This society is an invitational Masonic organization) ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS
ARTICLE I - TITLE AND JURISDICTION Section 1: This College, acting under a Charter issued by William Howard Koon, II, IX°, KGC, Supreme Magus of The High Council, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, shall be known as New Hampshire College, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis.
Section 2: This College shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the affairs of the Society within the State of New Hampshire.
Article II – OBJECTS Section 1: The objects of this College are: i) To afford mutual aid and encouragement in working out the great problems of Life; and in searching out the secrets of Nature; to facilitate the study of the system of Philosophy founded upon the Kabbalah and the doctrine of Hermes Trismegitus, which was inculcated by the original Fratres Rosae Crucis, in A.D. 1450; and to investigate the meaning and symbolism of all that now remains of the wisdom, art and literature of the ancient world. ii) To consider and examine the philosophy, iconology, and literature of Freemasonry, to gain a deeper understanding of History, Mythology, Legend, Symbolism, and Science in the study of Freemasonry; iii) To establish a common bond and draw within our ranks men of scientific inclination, students of philosophy, science, and religion, and those interested therein; and iv) To promote the study of science, religion, and philosophy, and the histories thereof, to the end that our Fraters, and those within their influence, may be enlightened by their efforts.
Section 2: To the extent practicable, this College may from time to time: i) Publish the transactions of the College, containing excerpts of business transacted, papers presented, and discussion thereon; ii) Publish works presented by its Fraters having a bearing on the studies of the college iii) Publish, print or otherwise disseminate works of interest or benefit to its Fraters.
ARTICLE III – OBEDIENCE Section 1: This College owes allegiance to The High Council, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, (SRICF) and is subject to the provisions of its Constitution, rulings and edicts.
Section 2: This College recognizes those Rosicrucian societies and Colleges with whom the High Council, SRICF, has fraternal relationships.
ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS Section 1: The officers of this College shall take style and rank as follows: 1 - Chief Adept 2 - Celebrant 3 - Suffragan 4 - Secretary/Treasurer 5 - First Ancient 6 - Second Ancient 7 - Third Ancient 8 - Fourth Ancient 9 - Conductor of Novices 10 - Organist 11 - First Herald 12 - Second Herald 13 - Torch Bearer 14 - Guardian of the Caverns 15 - Medallist 16 – Acolyte
Section 2: The Chief Adept is appointed by the Supreme Magus, for a three year term. He is subject to removal by the same power or by The High Council, SRICF, and may be reappointed for two subsequent terms.
Section 3: Celebrant, Suffragan, Secretary/Treasurer, and four Ancients shall be elected each year at the Annual Convocation by ballot, and a majority of votes cast shall constitute election. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be individually elected or held by one Frater. The remaining officers shall be appointed by the Chief Adept.
Section 4: All officers shall hold their respective offices until their successors are elected and installed. The officers shall be installed into office by the Chief Adept or his designee on the day of their election/appointment, time and circumstances permitting.
Section 5: No Frater shall be eligible to hold office until he shall have attained the IV° Grade.
Section 6: There is no expected line or order of progression among either the elected or appointed officers.
Section 7: The Chief Adept may appoint Fraters of the Third Order to an Advisory Council of the College. Members of this Advisory Council will serve at his will and pleasure.
Section 8: Should a vacancy occur in the office of Celebrant, Suffragan, Secretary, Treasurer, or one or more of the Four Ancients by death, resignation, suspension, or removal from the jurisdiction, or other cause, such vacancy or vacancies shall be filled for the remaining portion of the term by the Chief Adept.
ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP Section 1: In conformity with ancient usage, there may be no more than seventy-two (72) active members in this College.
Section 2: Each member shall have voice and vote in the matters pertaining to the College, so far as such matters pertain to the Grade the Frater shall have attained.
Section 3: Membership is contingent upon attendance at meetings. If a Frater is unable to attend a meeting, he must contact the Secretary or Chief Adept electronically or in writing stating the reason for non-attendance.
Section 4: Four consecutive unexcused absences will constitute grounds for suspension. Acceptance of excuses is at the discretion of the Chief Adept or Advisory Council.
Section 5: Neither this College nor its members shall recognize as a Rosicrucian any person residing within the jurisdiction of The High Council, SRICF, who shall, while residing therein, receive the Grades in some other jurisdiction, without having first obtained the consent of the College having jurisdiction over him, or of one of the three Ruling Magi of The High Council, SRICF.
Section 6: Honorary membership in this College may be conferred upon distinguished Fraters from other Colleges recognized by The High Council, SRICF by a unanimous ballot of the Fraters present at the Convocation at which the Frater is proposed. Any such Honorary members shall retain their Regular member Grade designation.
Section 7: Emeritus membership i) Emeritus membership may be granted when a member is no longer able to attend Convocations through no fault of his own, in accordance with the provisions and limitations of the Constitution of the High Council, SRICF. ii) Emeritus members shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges pertaining to their Grade, except that no Emeritus member may hold office in this College. Section 8: Grade Designations i) Regular or Emeritus membership in any SRICF Grade is designated by Roman Numerals after the name, followed by the degree mark (°) – i.e. VII° Grade. ii) Honorary membership in any SRICF Grade is designated by Arabic Numerals after the name, followed by the degree mark (°) – i.e. 7° Grade.
ARTICLE VI - CANDIDATES Section 1: Qualifications i) No Aspirant shall be admitted to membership in this College unless he be a Master Mason of good moral character, intelligent, and possessing a mind free from prejudice and anxious for instruction. ii) Each Aspirant must affirm that he is not a member of a non-Masonic Rosicrucian organization as a matter of ethics. iii) Each Aspirant shall be of the Christian faith, and shall profess the same in writing. iv) There shall be no other requirements, actual or implied, in determining whether a proposed Aspirant is qualified for membership in this College.
Section 2: Residence i) Each Aspirant shall be a resident of the State of New Hampshire, unless exception is made by The High Council, SRICF. ii) This College shall not receive a proposal for membership for an Aspirant residing outside of the State of New Hampshire without consent of the College which has jurisdiction over the State of his residence, unless so directed by the Supreme Magus. iii) No Aspirant rejected by a College having jurisdiction over him may be received in this College without the consent of the College by which he was rejected. Section 3: Proposals for Membership i) The name of each Aspirant shall be submitted to the Chief Adept or Secretary not less than thirty (30) days prior to the College Convocation. The Secretary, if the recipient, shall submit it to the Chief Adept, who may review it with the Advisory Council. ii) Unanimous consent of the Advisory Council shall be necessary before submitting the name of the Aspirant to the Fraters. The names of approved Aspirants shall be provided to members of this College electronically or in writing by the Secretary prior to the next stated Convocation. iii) A unanimous ballot by the Fraters present at the Convocation where the name is presented shall be required for admission. Masonic protocol for verbal objection of an Aspirant to the Chief Adept prior to the ballot applies. iv) No invitation for membership will be issued if written objection by a member of this College is received by the Chief Adept prior to the ballot being taken. Section 4: Invitations i) No Aspirant is to be made aware that he is being considered for membership in this College until his petition is approved and the invitation issued. ii) No person who solicits membership in this College will be considered for membership. iii) Once an invitation has been tendered, it must be accepted within one year or it shall be deemed withdrawn. iv) If an individual fails to accept an invitation within the period prescribed, a subsequent invitation shall not be issued for a period of three (3) years.
ARTICLE VII - THE ORDERS AND APPELLATIONS Section 1: This College has the power to confer the four GRADES of the FIRST ORDER, which are: I°- Zelator II° - Theoricus III° - Practicus IV° - Philosophus
Section 2: This College has the power to confer the three GRADES of the SECOND ORDER, which are: V° - Adeptus Minor VI° - Adeptus Major VII° - Adeptus Exemptus
Section 3: The GRADES of the THIRD ORDER, which are conferred only by The High Council, SRICF, are: VIII° - Magister Templi IX° - Magus
Section 4: Appellations used by Fraters are as follows: Supreme Magus – Most Worthy Fraters of the Third Order – Right Worthy Celebrant and Suffragan not of the Third Order – Very Worthy Fraters of the First and Second Orders - Worthy
ARTICLE VIII - QUORUM Section 1: Not less than FIVE Fraters, at least one of who must be the Chief Adept or Celebrant, shall constitute a Quorum in the FIRST ORDER.
Section 2: Not less than THREE Fraters shall constitute a Quorum in the SECOND ORDER.
ARTICLE IX - CONVOCATIONS Section 1: Annual Convocation i) This College shall hold an Annual Convocation each year during the month of April. ii) The Annual Convocation shall be held in the city of Manchester, New Hampshire, or at a location otherwise designated by the Chief Adept. iii) A collation at the Annual Convocation is obligatory.
Section 2: Three additional Regular Convocations shall be held at times and places to be determined within the State.
Section 3: The Chief Adept may direct that any Regular or Special Convocation be held at a specific time or location when, in his sole opinion, it is advisable so to do.
ARTICLE X - MOTTO Section 1: Each Frater shall, upon admission into this College, choose a Latin motto which will be registered with the Secretary-General by the Secretary of the College. The Frater’s motto shall be submitted to the Secretary on or before the next Regular Convocation of the College following admission to this College.
Section 2: Said motto, once recorded, shall be appended to the Frater’s signature in all formal communications relating to the College.
Section 3: No two living Fraters in this College may adopt the same motto.
Section 4: After the motto is duly registered with the Secretary-General, it may not be changed under any circumstances.
ARTICLE XI - FEES AND DUES Section 1: Fees i) The fee for admission, which includes the conferral of the Grades of the First and Second Orders, shall be one hundred dollars ($100). ii) Each Frater elevated to VIII° Grade shall pay fifty dollars ($50) to the College. iii) Each Frater elevated to IX° Grade shall pay seventy-five dollars ($75), to the College. iv) Fees assessed in ii) and iii) above may be waived if waived by the Supreme Magus or The High Council, SRICF. v) On admission or elevation, Fraters shall receive the jewel appropriate for their Grade from the College. New Fraters shall also receive a dues card for the current year.
Section 2: Dues i) For Regular members, annual dues shall consist of any required assessments of The High Council, SRICF, plus an amount for College dues determined by resolution duly adopted at an Annual Conclave. Dues of the Secretary/Treasurer, or each individually if so elected, shall be remitted while in office. ii) For Emeritus members, annual dues shall consist of any required assessment of The High Council, SRICF. iii) Annual dues are payable on or before the first day of June of each year. iv) Any Frater delinquent in his dues for more than six months is subject to suspension from membership in this College as determined by vote of the members.
ARTICLE XII - RIGHTS OF ADVANCEMENT Section 1: Aspirants elected to the First or the Second Order shall be eligible for all the Grades of such Order.
Section 2: The Chief Adept may, from time to time in his sole discretion or in conjunction with the Advisory Council, set or determine criteria for advancement in Grade. These criteria may include, but are not limited to, service to this College as an Officer or in a ritualistic or other role, presentation of research reports or papers relating to the Society and its aims, regular attendance at Convocations of this College or length of service.
ARTICLE XIII – DUTIES OF OFFICERS Section 1: CHIEF ADEPT i) Shall have the general superintendence of all affairs pertaining to the College. ii) Shall preside at all Convocations in the Second Order and may, at his pleasure, preside in the First Order. iii) Shall appoint all committees, and be ex-officio Chairman of the same. iv) Shall discharge all the duties prescribed for him by the Constitution, Ordinances, Regulations, Rituals and usages of the Order. v) May convoke the College at any time he may deem necessary.
Section 2: CELEBRANT AND SUFFRAGAN i) Shall respectively discharge the several duties prescribed for them in the rituals of the Order. ii) The Celebrant normally presides in the First Order and, in the absence of the Chief Adept, becomes Presiding Officer and shall have equal authority as if he were Chief Adept, subject to appeal to the Chief Adept and/or The High Council, SRICF.
Section 3: SECRETARY/TREASURER i) The Secretary shall convene the College by written or electronic notification to all the Fraters at least fifteen (15) days prior to the Convocation date. ii) The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the College and register all of the members, their mottoes, and dates of admission to each grade. iii) The Secretary shall receive all fees, dues and subscriptions which shall be deposited by the Treasurer in an account in the name of New Hampshire College, SRICF. iv) The Treasurer shall pay out College funds upon a warrant signed by the Chief Adept. v) The Secretary shall, within ten (10) days after the Annual Convocation, transmit a certificate of the election of the Officers of the College to the Secretary-General of The High Council, SRICF, with the post office address of the Chief Adept and Secretary. vi) The Secretary shall prepare and transmit an annual return to The High Council, SRICF, in duplicate, embracing the transactions for the fiscal year ending the 30th of June, and stating the Latin motto for each new Frater. One copy shall be forwarded to the Secretary-General on or before the first day of August in each year, and one copy shall be filed in the records of the College. vii) The Secretary/Treasurer or each individually shall act under the direction of the Chief Adept. viii) The Secretary/Treasurer or each individual’s accounts shall be audited by the Ancients prior to or at the Annual Convocation. ix) The Secretary/Treasurer or each individually shall be entitled to the remission of dues as compensation for duties performed.
Section 4: FOUR ANCIENTS i) Shall assist their superiors in all matters of ritual and ceremony, and instruct their Fraters in the science and philosophy of Rosicrucianism. ii) Shall audit the books of the Secretary/Treasurer or each individually prior to or at the Annual Convocation.
Section 5: CONDUCTOR OF NOVICES i) Shall examine and prepare all Aspirants and conduct them in accordance with the forms of the ritual.
Section 6: FIRST AND SECOND HERALDS i) Shall have charge of the ballot, and otherwise generally assist the Conductor of Novices, as provided in the ritual and ceremonies; see that proper silence and order are observed and the caverns protected from the unworthy.
Section 7: GUARDIAN OF THE CAVERNS i) Shall have charge of the entrances of the caverns and a general supervision of the Acolyte in his relation thereto. ii) The duty of tiling the several Orders must be strictly enforced.
Section 8: ACOLYTE i) Shall act as outer guard, under the immediate direction of the Celebrant, through the Guardian of the Caverns. ii) Shall likewise have the care of all properties, paraphernalia and furniture of the College, and shall set them forth and remove the same as occasion may require and as directed by the Celebrant.
Section 9: OTHER OFFICERS i) Shall discharge their duties in accordance with the provisions of the Ritual or as directed by the Presiding Officer.
ARTICLE XIV - DISCIPLINE Section 1: All Fraters of this College shall be subject to the Ordinances and Regulations of this College.
Section 2: Appeals i) Any member disciplined may appeal to The High Council, SRICF, within six months of the date a decision is rendered. ii) Pending review or action by The High Council, SRICF, any decision of the College shall be effective as rendered. In matters of discipline, this College shall have jurisdiction over any non-affiliate Frater residing within the State of New Hampshire.
ARTICLE XV - AMENDMENTS Section 1: These Ordinances and Regulations may be amended by the consent of a majority of the Fraters of this College duly assembled in Regular Convocation.
Section 2: Proposed amendments shall be presented in writing to the Chief Adept and Secretary no less than thirty (30) days prior to the Convocation. The Secretary, if he is the recipient, shall submit it to the Chief Adept.
Section 3: All amendments are subject to the approval of the Supreme Magus or The High Council, SRICF.
ARTICLE XVI – UNADDRESSED ISSUES AND CONFLICTS Any issue not specifically addressed in these Ordinances and Regulations shall be resolved by reference to the Constitution of The High Council, SRICF, or the Constitution and General Regulations of the Grand Lodge, F&AM of New Hampshire.
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