The Ancient and Accepted Rite (also known around the world as the Scottish Rite) continues the teachings of symbolic masonry and retains a Christian theme, guiding members towards the perfection of their own character.

The association of the rose and the cross dates at least to the time of Christ. While the symbology and truths are ancient – carrying with them knowledge and concepts for life - they were brought together in ceremonial form in the 18th Century.

The atmosphere of freedom of association and learning, together with similar social freedoms developing in France and Britain in the 18th Century created a perfect climate for the development of the Order.

At the time of the establishment of the first Grand Lodge in 1717, there were many Masonic degrees in existence, usually communicated as “side” degrees by individuals or Lodges.

These degrees were incorporated in the Rite of Perfection, which flourished in France in the first half of the Eighteenth Century. This Rite, originally contained 25 degrees, to which ultimately were added 8 degrees, taking the total to 33 degrees to form the basis of the system that we use today.

The Rite of Perfection is the fountainhead and forerunner for what is now known as the Ancient and Accepted Rite.