The Original Grand College Rose of Seven Seals

 The work of the Rose of Seven Seals was originally created, and the degree administered by the Honorable G.C. Williams, 33°, NJ Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander of the Jurisdiction, and assisted by Rose Annie Creacy, NJ the first Most Excellent Rose, in the year 1928.

The degree was known as the “Rose of Seven Seals.” Its units were call Colleges. The purpose of the College is to have a universal correspondence with our affiliated bodies. To keep close watch upon the welfare of the Jurisdiction. To perpetuate and preserve the history and deeds of our Jurisdiction and to be pass judgment upon the applicants to this noble an honorable degree.

This work was prepared for female relatives and wives of members in good standing with the Supreme Council of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite bodies of the Thirty-Third and last degree of the United States of America, Inc. who have received the degrees of the Eastern Star, Amaranth, Heroines of Jericho, Ladies of Knight Templars, and the Daughters of Sphinx.

No one can become a member of a College unless she is recommended by a Rose of said College, vouched for by the Most Excellent Advisor of said College and approval of the Grand Master of their respective State.

In 1952, this work was revisited by the Honorable Hudson B. Turner, 33°, Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander, also the Grand Master of the State of Texas. New rulings were instituted, such as, Life Member this distinguished honor can be bestowed upon and Eminent Sister whose time is in demand by Church or State, and she is unable to attend regular functions of the College; yet her services have been of outstanding value to the College. It is the prerogative of the Supreme College by popular vote, to grant this honor to a petitioned nominee. Next, a uniform dress that would distinguish the Roses from other units; and, last but not least some ceremonial rites enhance the beauty of the work. These additions made a marked improvement in the ritual of this work. Growth was noted throughout the Jurisdiction during Honorable Turner tenure of office.

In 1972, Rose Bernice Dawson was commissioned by the Supreme Most Excellent Rose, Lorena White to create an emblematic jewel. Opinions were solicited among the Roses and Rose Thelma E. Bowels of New York suggested using an item that Rose Dawson was selling to be used as the base for a Jewel. In 1974, Rose Dawson presented the Jewel and a pamphlet containing a ceremony for the Past Most Excellent Rose degree. It was accepted and became a part of the Rose Ceremonies. 

On July 23, 1990, during the 85th Biennial Session held in the State of Pennsylvania an infrastructure of our Supreme Fraternal Order changed. Due to this change the name of the Supreme College Rose of Seven Seals was changed to add the word “Original.” Therefore, we will forever and hear own be known as The Original Supreme Grand College Rose of Seven Seals, affiliated with The Original Supreme Council of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, for the Thirty-Third and Last Degree of Freemasonry.

Since 1990 the Colleges of the respective states have continued to flourish and are strong. The Rose of Seven Seals are dedicated and have maintained a standard of Excellent to this great fraternal order.