The occult and secret societies are as old as human history. From the symbolism of ancient Egyptian temples down to the symbols on United States currency, occultism and secret societies have shaped every corner of our modern world.

There are many so-called secret societies operating in the Americas today. Secret is relative as these organizations are usually organized into legal corporations, and membership is generally open to all who apply. An incomplete list of famous “secret” organizations would include the Freemasons, The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Builders of the Adytum, the Ordo Templi Orientis, and certainly not least, the Rosicrucians.

You may have heard of Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis or AMORC. But did you know that there is another older, more mysterious order of Rosicrucianism in the united States?

Beverly Hall Corporation

Last year we became aware of a Rosicrucian organization in Pennsylvania that claims a history as old as the united States. Tucked away in the quiet little town of Quakertown, Pennsylvania sits the campus of the Beverly Hall Corporation. Beverly Hall Corporation is the legal organization for the affairs and various philanthropic efforts the Fraternitas Rosæ Crucis and the Church of Illumination.

The Fraternitas Rosæ Crucis is a “secret” organization which has been operating in the United States since the time of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, both of which were members of the fraternity. You may notice a few more names from history on the large pyramid monument.

The campus is mostly open to visitors. Some buildings are not open to the public as they are private residences or office space. The open areas and memorial garden were open to the public when we visited in late summer, 2022.

The Church of Illumination

Also on the grounds is the Church of Illumination chapel.

We visited the Beverly Hall grounds on a Sunday so that we could attend their church service. We had viewed a couple of their online sermons to know what to expect. There were no hymns sung by the congregants, but it was an otherwise fairly standard church gathering. There was a sermon, prayers and a Rosicrucian version of the eucharist communion.

You can read more about the fundamental tenets of the Church of Illumination on their website. Topics include The Divine Law; The Soul’s Journey to Illumination; Jesus, the Christ; Gratitude; Healing and much more. Protestant Christians will find these topics addressed from a very different perspective than those more heavily influenced by Irenaeus of Lyon. Some might find it a refreshing change of pace.

Rosicrucianism in the united States

Beverly Hall consists of several other buildings on the campus. The Philosophical Publishing company is located on the grounds along with the Clymer Healing Center, a medical practice. The academy building houses the organization’s library. Two buildings devoted to housing provide accommodation for up to 28 people on pilgrimage to Beverly Hall.

The Fraternitas Rosæ Crucis offer spiritual training to those who seek it through their School of Soul Science and Æth Priesthood programs. These courses of training promise to help the aspirant reach their full potential as a completely realized human being. The training in these courses is the “secret” of this secret society; both courses are bound by strict oaths of secrecy. This secrecy includes whether or not a person is or is not a student.

Pay a visit to Beverly Hall for a glimpse of authentic Rosicrucianism in The United States. While you are there remember that people come to this place to study and reflect on the mysteries of life and the universe. Be quiet and courteous, and remain conscious of where you are.

Fraternitas Rosæ Crucis – https://soul.org/
Church of Illumination – https://churchofillumination.org/

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The Pattern on the Trestleboard comes to us from the works of Dr. Paul Foster Case. Dr. Case wrote many books in his career including his “Tarot – A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages”. This book is the first place I can recall reading these lines, but they have resonated with us for many years.

In 1922, Dr. Case founded his mystery school, Builders of the Adytum. BOTA is a Mystery School and training order based on the Western Mystery tradition. BOTA teaches students Tarot, Qabalah, Gematria, Astrology, Alchemy, and other related disciplines. You can learn more about Dr. Case and the Builders through their website – https://www.bota.org

Fundamental to the training, the Pattern on the Trestleboard is a list of positive statements relating to the Qabalistic Tree of Life.

Regular study and meditation on this list of seemingly simple statements can open the mind in new and interesting ways. Read the list from zero to ten in the morning, and from ten to zero before retiring in the evening.

0. All the Power that ever was or will be is here now.

Consider what modern physics tells us about energy. The first law of thermodynamics states that energy in a closed system must remain constant. There can be no change without an outside force. All of the power that ever was or will be is here now.

1. I am a center of expression for the Primal Will-to-Good which eternally creates and sustains the Universe.

To us, the most reasonable explanation for this Universe is that something created it. To us, the most reasonable explanation for our conscious existence is what the ancients have been telling us since the beginning of history – that we are some kind of offspring from that which created the Universe, and keeps it in order. I am a center of expression for the Primal Will-to-Good which eternally creates and sustains the Universe.

2. Through me its unfailing Wisdom takes form in thought and word.

To us, this means that the Primal Will-to-Good works through us in its eternal creating and sustaining of the Universe, or at least that it can if we don’t let our egos get in the way.

3. Filled with Understanding of its perfect law, I am guided, moment by moment, along the path of liberation.

This could be understood to mean that even when life gets difficult – as it sometimes does – that we have a guide, and that we are on the path of liberation. Filled with Understanding of its perfect law, I am guided, moment by moment, along the path of liberation.

4. From the exhaustless riches of its Limitless Substance, I draw all things needful, both spiritual and material.

There are some people who look at the world from a scarcity mentality; life is tough and it is hard to get the things we want in life. There are other people who look at the world from an abundance mentality; life is great and it has everything to offer if you just know how to see it when it comes along. From the exhaustless riches of its Limitless Substance, I draw all things needful, both spiritual and material.

5. I recognize the manifestation of the Undeviating Justice in all the circumstances of my life.

Even when life gets tough, perhaps especially when life gets tough, there is a lesson for you to learn in the experience. That’s what life is – a series of lessons that we either teach or learn in our time in this life. Seeing life from this perspective sometimes helps during the tougher times in life. I recognize the manifestation of the Undeviating Justice in all the circumstances of my life.

6. In all things, great and small, I see the Beauty of the Divine Expression.

We find the paradigm that this universe is simply the result of random chaos unacceptable. Our Universe is too orderly and too beautiful to be random. In all things, great and small, I see the Beauty of the Divine Expression.
(We will have future posts to expand on this idea.)

7. Living from that Will, supported by its unfailing Wisdom and Understanding, mine is the Victorious Life.

We know that when we live life in accordance with the Will that we will have a victorious life.

8. I look forward with confidence to the perfect realization of the Eternal Splendor of the Limitless Light.

We will all ultimately be reunited with the Primal Will-to-Good. It doesn’t need to be through the death of the physical body, and that is not a guaranteed path anyway. We strive to live our lives in a way that brings us closer to this realization. I look forward with confidence to the perfect realization of the Eternal Splendor of the Limitless Light.

9. In thought and word and deed, I rest my life, from day to day, upon the sure Foundation of Eternal Being.

We have a higher self. Call it ba, ka, pneuma, ruach, holy guardian angel, spirit, soul or whatever. As we go through every day we think, talk and act from the notion that what makes us truly “us” is Eternal. In thought and word and deed, I rest my life, from day to day, upon the sure Foundation of Eternal Being.

10. The Kingdom of Spirit is embodied in my flesh.

As above, so below. We are the Universe in microcosm. We were created in God’s image.

What does the Pattern on the Trestleboard mean to you? Why do you think it is read zero to ten in the morning, and in reverse in the evening? How does changing the order change the meaning for you? Let us know in the comments!

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