Supreme Council, Scottish Rite founded at Charleston

Background. The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is a rite within Freemasonry, often functioning as an appendant body. While blue lodges administer the first three degrees, Supreme Councils oversee the subsequent high degrees, specifically the 4th through 33rd. The Southern Jurisdiction's council is unique in its status as the first such body, serving as a sovereign authority in its jurisdiction without an overarching international governing body.

Founding Context. By 1801, the Charleston bodies were the only extant bodies of the Rite in North America. The organization was known as 'The Order of Prince of the Royal Secret' by its founders. The council's establishment involved the appointment of key figures, such as Frederick Dalcho as Deputy Inspector General, leading to the formal opening of the Supreme Council at a specific local tavern.

Legacy and Structure. The Southern Jurisdiction is often referred to as the 'Mother Supreme Council of the World.' Its official full name reflects its hierarchical structure, including titles like 'Inspectors General Knights Commander.' The council recognized eleven men associated with its establishment as its founders, known as the 'Eleven Gentlemen of Charleston,' who played a crucial role in its early organization.