About Rose Croix
What is Rose Croix?
The Rose Croix is the 18th Degree of a Masonic Order known as the Ancient and Accepted Rite. However, over time the term Rose Croix has become an informal name for the Order itself.Who can join?
The Order consists of thirty-three degrees which amplify the teachings of Craft Masonry within a Christian context.Candidates for the Rose Croix must have been regularly initiated in a Lodge under the United Grand Lodge of England, have been a Master Mason for at least six months and be in good standing with the Craft. Membership is open to holders of all faiths.
How did Rose Croix originate?
The Ancient and Accepted Rite derives from the Rite of Perfection, which developed in France mainly in the quarter-century before September 1762. Its constitution, and the rituals for its twenty-five degrees, were formalised in a manuscript bearing that date. It was followed by The Grand Constitutions of 1786, dated May 1786, which describe the Ancient and Accepted Rite, consisting of thirty-three degrees, largely as it exists today.How is Rose Croix organised?
The sovereign power of Rose Croix is a Supreme Council, which equates to a Grand Lodge in Craft Masonry. Supreme Councils exists throughout the world, each covering a geographical area. In England and Wales the Order is governed by The Supreme Council 33° of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales and its Districts and Chapters Overseas, whose headquarters, known as the Grand East, are located at No 10 Duke Street, St. James’s, London. Our Supreme Council was formed in 1845.Members of Rose Croix belong to Chapters (in the same way that Craft members belong to Lodges) and Chapters are grouped together in Districts (in the same way that Craft Lodges belong to Provinces). However, unlike a Craft Province, a District has a very compact management structure, there being just an Inspector General heading the District and a District Recorder acting as the District’s Secretary and Treasurer. There is no equivalent to Craft Provincial Rank.
Today there are around 900 Chapters owing allegiance to our Supreme Council, and while the majority are situated in England and Wales, the Supreme Council has warranted chapters of the Order in around 20 different countries.
The District of Dorset consists of nine Chapters located in Weymouth, Dorchester, Poole, Blandford, Kinson, Portland, Shaftesbury, and Wimborne.
Chapter Details
The Inspector General for Dorset
Michael Edward Worne
The District Recorder for Dorset
Gary Heald
