Heritage Rose Croix

Overview and Origins

The Ancient and Accepted Rite, more commonly known as Rose Croix, is one of the most beautiful and symbolically rich Orders in Freemasonry. Heritage Rose Croix works the 18° of the Rite—Knight of the Pelican and Eagle, Sovereign Prince Rose Croix of Heredom—within the Province, offering members a degree that blends Masonic teaching with Christian philosophy.

Rose Croix traces its formal Masonic origins to the mid-18th century, with the Rite being fully established in England in 1845. The ritual is centred on the life and teachings of Christ, presented through allegory and symbolism in a manner designed to inspire reflection, moral courage, and faith.

Membership and Requirements

Membership is open only to Master Masons who profess the Christian faith. Candidates begin at the 18°; the first seventeen degrees are acknowledged but not worked in full in England, and their lessons are summarised during the ceremony of Perfection.

Entry into the Order is by invitation, often extended to brethren who have demonstrated commitment to their Craft lodge and a desire for deeper spiritual engagement.

The Ceremony of Perfection

In the Heritage Rose Croix, the candidate undertakes the ceremony of Perfection, which explores themes of loss, recovery, and spiritual rebirth. The regalia is distinctive, consisting of a white collar lined with red and embroidered with the symbols of the degree, worn with a jewel in the form of a compasses and a rose.

The ritual includes some of the most moving passages in Freemasonry, aiming to strengthen both the moral and spiritual life of its members.

Symbolism and Teaching

The pelican feeding its young and the eagle soaring above the earth are central symbols of the degree, representing self-sacrifice and the pursuit of higher spiritual truths. The rose itself is a reminder of the rewards of virtue and faith, while the cross signifies the Christian foundation of the Rite.

Heritage and Purpose

Heritage Rose Croix was established to provide a home for the 18° within the local Masonic community, allowing brethren to continue their journey beyond the Craft and Royal Arch in a Christian Masonic context.

It fosters a close-knit environment where ritual excellence and mutual support are valued. The name “Heritage” reflects the Order’s role in preserving the traditions and teachings of the Rose Croix degree for future generations.