Oceanside’s Rosicrucian Fellowship was founded in 1909 by those who study Christian Mystic Philosophy. Rosicrucianism is symbolized by the rose cross (which is where its name evolved from). Church members believe that everyone can find God from within, through prayer, meditation and concentration. They offer a service of spiritual healing, even building a sanitarium at one point in the 1930s in order to treat people with non-contagious diseases. Members from all over the world congregated at this international headquarters in Oceanside, spreading Rosicrucian philosophy internationally through newsletters and personal correspondence. They created so much mail that in 1936 the federal government built the Seagaze post office in an attempt to keep up with the demand. Since the inception of their church, the Ecclesia, there was an increasing need for housing and services as well. Up until the 1970s they continued to build on the property. Now there are less church members and so less money to keep up with the 40 acre grounds and now empty buildings.
The Ecclesia is listed on National Registrar of Historic Places and appears to be the only building that is maintained. You can see the dome shaped spiritual temple perched atop Mount Ecclesia from the 76 highway. It was constructed in 1920 with the purpose of having even more powerful means to heal. The Meditation Walk from the guest parking area will lead you straight to the church.
Oceanside is full of interesting, lesser- known history.
I was so enthralled by the history. I didn’t know much about mysticism. What a monument to it. It is one of those places I had never noticed until COVID made us look closer to home. It looks like you guys explored it all. What a treat that the roses were in bloom, too. Are you aware of the Marshal South connection to the Rosicrucian Fellowship? Wild stuff. Great post!
It’s such a shame there isn’t money to improve the buildings and the grounds. It has some much potential!