The Supreme Council 33º for England Wales and its Districts and Chapters Overseas and formed in 1845 is the governing body for the A & A R in England. It consists of 9 members and has been based at its headquarters at 10 Duke Street, St. James’ London since 1911. It is responsible for all matters pertaining to the Order within its jurisdiction including Ritual matters, Consecrations and conferring the higher degrees of the 30º – 33º during ceremonies which it carries out regularly at Convocations held at its headquarters.
In 1872 the Supreme Council decided to divide England and Wales into Districts under the direction of Inspectors General. Each District is ruled by an Inspector General who is invariably promoted to 33º.They are appointed for 5 years but are eligible for reappointment. They have certain powers delegated to them by Supreme Council and they can be assisted by a District Recorder but there is no District organization similar to that in the Craft, Royal Arch, Mark, Knights Templar, etc.
The District of Worcestershire Rose Croix was constituted on the 20th June 1949 under charter from The Supreme Council 33° England & Wales and its Districts & Chapters Overseas.
The Order amplifies the teachings of Craft Masonry within a Christian context.
Candidates for the ‘Rose Croix’ must:
(a) have been initiated in a Lodge under the United Grand Lodge of England ,and
(b) have been a Master Mason for at least six months and be in good standing within the Craft.
Nowhere in the 18º is the Candidate asked to swear an oath: all the Obligations are promises. One may presume that the word of a man of the type invited to join the degree once given, is ample bond.
Regalia for the 18th degree is both simple and spectacular and comprises a red collar embroidered in gold braid with symbols and emblems of the Degree of Perfection.