Mount Ecclesia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Rosicrucian Fellowship Temple
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The Ecclesia Healing Temple at Mount Ecclesia
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| Location | Oceanside, California |
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| Built | 1920 |
| Architect | Lester A. Cramer |
| Architectural style | Mission/Spanish revival, Greek/Roman styles |
| NRHP reference No. | 95000390 |
| Added to NRHP | April 7, 1995 |
Mount Ecclesia is a special place in Oceanside, California. It is the main home for a group called The Rosicrucian Fellowship (TRF). This group helps people and shares spiritual ideas.
Mount Ecclesia was officially opened on October 28, 1911. It is also where their beautiful temple, called The Ecclesia, is located. The temple sits on a high hill. From there, you can see the San Luis Rey River Valley and the old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia.
On April 7, 1995, Mount Ecclesia was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site.
Contents
Building Mount Ecclesia
The Idea for the Headquarters
The idea for Mount Ecclesia came from a spiritual teacher. This teacher suggested to Max Heindel that a permanent home was needed. Max Heindel started The Rosicrucian Fellowship in 1909.
The group had two main goals. First, they wanted to share the Rosicrucian teachings. These are deep spiritual ideas. Second, they wanted to help heal sick people. They used a special spiritual method for healing.
In the winter of 1910, Max Heindel had a spiritual vision. The teacher showed him the perfect spot for the new headquarters. Max Heindel's mission was to find this place and begin the work.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Max Heindel and his wife searched for months. They looked along the California coast near Los Angeles and San Diego. They didn't find the right spot at first.
On April 30, 1911, they decided to visit the famous Mission San Luis Rey de Francia. This mission was founded in 1798. On their way there, they saw a piece of land. It looked exactly like the place from Max Heindel's vision.
They found out the land was for sale. Max Heindel stopped his trip to the mission. He went to the real estate office to buy the land. But the office was closed until May 3.
On May 3, 1911, they returned with a friend, Mr. Patterson. Max Heindel signed the papers to buy the land. This happened shortly after 3:00 PM. That same evening, he named the property Mount Ecclesia.
Starting the Work
It took six months for the Heindels to move to Mount Ecclesia. They finally arrived at the 40-acre property. They dedicated it to the "Great Work" of the Rosicrucian teachers.
The dedication ceremony happened on October 28, 1911. It took place at 12:40 PM in Oceanside, California.
The ceremony involved planting a large Cross. This Cross had the letters C.R.C. on it. These letters stand for Christian Rosenkreuz, a symbolic leader of the Rosicrucian Order. A climbing rose was also planted on the Cross.
Building The Ecclesia Temple
The Ecclesia, also known as the Healing Temple, was built to help heal diseases. It was officially opened on December 25, 1920. The plan to build the temple started in 1914.
Max Heindel passed away in 1919, so he didn't see the temple finished. His wife, Agusta Foss Heindel, continued to work for the Fellowship. She also helped make Oceanside more beautiful until she died in 1949.
Healing meetings are held in this holy place every day. People who have dedicated their lives to this work attend them. The architect who designed the building was Lester A. Cramer.
The temple's entrance faces east, towards the rising sun. Two palm trees stand in front of it. The entrance has a triangular top supported by two round columns. In the middle of the triangle is a symbol of God's eye.
The columns mix Greek and Roman styles. Each column has a decorative top with a globe. Three steps lead up to the temple entrance. Inside, the temple is decorated with symbols related to alchemy and astrology.
On June 29, 1920, a special spiritual event was reported at the building site. It was described as a vision of bright lights and colorful clouds. A golden cloud formed, then a blue cloud. This blue cloud was called the "Healing Ray."
On July 23, 1920, the temple's cornerstone was laid. The purpose of The Ecclesia was stated then. It was to follow Christ's command: "Preach the gospel and heal the sick." The Rosicrucian Fellowship believes in combining science and religion to help people. They encourage doctors to pray for their patients.
Services and Activities
The Rosicrucian Fellowship has offered spiritual healing since 1914. In 1938, they opened a Sanitarium building. This was used for many years to treat people with non-contagious illnesses. Today, people can ask for healing help from centers worldwide or directly from Mount Ecclesia.
Over the years, many buildings were added to the property. These include an administration building (1913) and a chapel (1914). A guesthouse and healing center were built in 1938. Business offices and cottages were added in the 1960s and 1970s.
Max Heindel dreamed of building a beautiful Grecian theatre. It would be in the canyon below the Chapel. Here, plays with spiritual messages would be performed. The Fellowship's orchestra would also play music by famous composers like Beethoven and Wagner.
The Fellowship has its own printing press, started in 1912. They print many things there. This includes books, course materials for members, and a magazine called Rays from The Rosy Cross. They also print pamphlets in six languages. These are given out for free to share the Rosicrucian Christian teachings.
The organization sent so much mail that the U.S. government built a post office nearby in 1936.
Mount Ecclesia is known for its unique buildings and beautiful gardens. It's a peaceful place for quiet walks and meditation. They also offer places to stay and vegetarian meals during their winter and summer school programs.
How Mount Ecclesia is Supported
The Rosicrucian Fellowship follows a rule set by its founder, Max Heindel. They do not charge money for their teachings, membership, or healing services. They never ask for money.
The Fellowship is supported by donations from members and friends. They also get money from legacies (gifts left in wills). Selling books and income from housing rentals and the cafeteria also help. Many people also volunteer their time to help.
Mount Ecclesia aims to bring people together. They teach a religion that is both scientific and artistic. They hope to unite all churches into one Christian Brotherhood. The Rosicrucians do not seek power. They want to serve God by helping others.
The Ecclesia, the Temple of Healing, was built with loving gifts. These gifts were not just money, but also personal service and prayers. This way of building is slower. They are not allowed to ask the world for money or help. Each offering must come from the heart.
Gallery
See also
In Spanish: Templo de la Fraternidad Rosacruz para niños
