Where did Scottish Rite originate?
Masonic historians throughout the world still seek the positive answer to this question. The use of the word “Scottish” has led many Masons to believe that the Rite originated in Scotland and that Scotland remains the fountainhead of its activity. Such is not the case. Actually, the first reference to the Rite appears in old French records where the word “Ecossais” (meaning Scottish) is to be found. During the latter part of the Seventeenth Century, when the British Isles were torn by strife, many Scots fled to France and resumed their Masonic interests in that country. It is felt that this influence contributed to the use of the word “Scottish”. The earliest documented records trace the actual beginnings of the Rite to Bordeaux, France, about the middle of the Eighteenth Century. From there, it was carried to French possessions in the West Indies and thence to the United States. The first Supreme council was established in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1801, and all other regular Sup
