https://www.rosae-crucis.net/gurc.pdf
The Strict Observance (Ordre des Chevaliers Maçons Élus Coëns de l’Univers)
- Founded: Mid-1700s, by Baron von Hund in Germany.
- Claimed direct Templar lineage, with rituals and degrees explicitly tied to the restoration of the Templar Order.
- The idea of the “Unknown Superiors” guiding the Order mirrors Gnostic and Rosicrucian ideas of hidden adepts.
- Introduced chivalric grades and saw Freemasonry as a continuation of the Templar spiritual path.
The Rectified Scottish Rite (Chevaliers Bienfaisants de la Cité Sainte)
- Founded: 1778 in Lyon (Willermoz, Saint-Martin, et al.)
- A refined version of Templar Freemasonry, with a Christian-mystical focus.
- Emphasized inner regeneration, chivalric virtue, and mystical initiation.
- Explicitly connects the Knightly Ideal with spiritual rebirth and divine service.
- Integrated ideas from Martines de Pasqually’s theurgy and Saint-Martin’s inner Christianity.
The Order of the Elus Coëns (Martinist precursor)
- Founder: Martines de Pasqually (~1750s)
- Claimed descent from priest-kings and original initiates.
- Though not overtly Templar, it adopted military-chivalric structure and incorporated ritual theurgy to restore the soul to divine union.
- Emphasized the Fall and Redemption—akin to Gnostic and Grail themes.
5. Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (SRIA, est. 1860s but echoing 17th c. roots)
- Claimed continuation of Rosicrucian and Christian chivalric ideals.
- Adopted the Grail, Templar, and knightly service motifs, esp. in higher degrees.
- Influenced by Golden Dawn but focused more on Christian esotericism and the spiritual knighthood.