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 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 Durham was formed in 1932 at which time there were three Chapters in the District.
V.Ill Bro The Lord Ravensworth 33º was appointed as the first Inspector General. Since then the number of Chapters has increased to 22 which is considered to be quite large (the majority of Districts are much smaller). The aim is to enable Inspectors General to have a valuable and personal contact with the members of the Chapters they supervise which would not be possible if they were responsible for more. Presently these Chapters have around 725 members.

The 22 Chapters are well spread within the old county boundaries of Durham and therefore there will will be a Rose Croix Chapter within easy reach of most parts of the District stretching from Gateshead and Hebburn to Darlington and Stockton on Tees. Chapters meet throughout the year on three or four occasions. After the meeting there is a traditional festive board with few toasts and Chapters to conclude are encouraged to finish at around 10.00 pm.

Chapters are not generally large in number, the emphasis being on members who will maintain the quality, friendliness and warmth of the Order and I must say that whenever I visit a Chapter I am struck but the happy atmosphere of the Meeting. Members tell me that this is an Order which they cherish and prefer.

Once each year I deliver an explanatory Lecture at one of the Chapters on the 18º and to which all those Perfected in the preceding year are invited to attend. These Meetings are usually very well attended and are followed by a festive board decorated in the distinctive colours of the Order.

V.Ill Bro Ken Park 33º

Inspector General – District of Durham