Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite

Welcome!

Greetings and welcome to our website. On behalf of the officers and membership of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite – Valley of Youngstown, Ohio. We hope that you take a moment to browse our site and find out what Scottish Rite Masonry is all about.

Freemasonry is dedicated to making good men better. It focuses on the individual man, strengthening his character, improving his moral and spiritual outlook, and broadening his mental horizons. Freemasonry impresses upon the minds of its members the principles of personal responsibility and morality, encouraging each member to practice in his daily life the lessons taught through symbolic degrees. One of the universal doctrines of Freemasonry is the belief in the “Brotherhood of Man and the Fatherhood of God.” The importance of this belief is established by each Mason as he practices the three principal tenets of Masonry: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

Our Vision

“We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members.”

Our Mission

Provide Inspiration for our members through meaningful programs and degrees.
Provide Convenient opportunities for our members to enhance their lives.
Provide Enjoyable programs and fellowship activities for our members.

The Core Values of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite are: Reverence for God, Integrity, Justice, Tolerance, Devotion to Country and Humanity.

The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is an extension of the first three degrees of Craft Freemasonry. Here the member witnesses’ degrees from the 4° through the 32°. Each degree provides a moral lesson that can help the member be a better person. The Valley of Youngstown draws members of the Craft Lodges from Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties of Ohio.

All Bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite – Valley of Youngstown acknowledge and yield allegiance to the Supreme Council, Thirty-Third Degree, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America whose Grand East is in Lexington, Massachusetts of which Ill. Walter F. Wheeler, 33°, is the Sovereign Grand Commander.


Congratulations to the 2024 Valley of Youngstown’s Meritorious Service Award (MSA) recipients!

6/4/2024

We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Charles D. Johnson III, MSA and Clarence M. McNeely, MSA on receiving the esteemed Meritorious Service Award at the Ohio Council of Deliberation in Dayton, Ohio, on Saturday, June 1, 2024. This prestigious recognition is a testament to their unwavering dedication, exemplary service, and outstanding contributions to our fraternity.

Charles and Clarence have consistently demonstrated the highest standards of excellence and commitment, making a profound impact on all those around them. Their achievements set a remarkable example, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor with them. Congratulations, Charlie and Mac!




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Honoring Illustrious Thomas N. Moe, 33°: Recipient of the Rare and Distinguished Gourgas Medal

6/4/2024

The Valley of Youngstown wants to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Illustrious Thomas N. Moe, 33°, on receiving the highly distinguished Gourgas Medal from the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. This rare accolade recognizes his extraordinary service to our country and his remarkable contributions to the Masonic community.

Illustrious Moe’s distinguished military career is a testament to his bravery and resilience. As an F-4 Phantom pilot in Vietnam, he faced immense challenges, including being held as a prisoner of war for five years before his courageous rescue. Following his return, he continued to serve with distinction, taking on a pivotal leadership trainer role for the F-16 Falcon, shaping the future of air combat training.

Throughout his life, Illustrious Moe has accumulated numerous accolades, each reflecting his unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and profound impact on those around him. His story is a beacon of service and sacrifice, demonstrating the true essence of commitment and honor.

Congratulations, Illustrious Thomas N. Moe, 33° on this well-deserved recognition. Your legacy of service and commitment continues to inspire and uplift us all.


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Supreme Council Ambassador Training Workshops announced

4/8/2024

Ill. Siebold from South Carolina will visit Ohio to introduce and train on the new NMJ Blue Lodge Ambassador program, aiming to enhance and unify the statewide Ambassador efforts without replacing existing successful activities. Three differently structured training sessions are planned across Ohio for convenience and effective, personalized learning. Participants will receive preparatory materials a week in advance, and sessions run from 9am to 2:30pm, including a working lunch. The first session is on April 13th at NW Temple in Columbus, coordinated by Ill. Ebby Brewer (ebrewer@valleyofcolumbus.com), with further sessions on May 18th at the Canton Masonic Temple and July 20th at the Dayton Masonic Temple. Valley Secretaries are responsible for sending attendee information to the respective coordinators 10 days prior to their chosen session. Flyers for each event are posted below.

Ambassador Training Flyer-Columbus

Ambassador Training Flyer-Canton

Ambassador Training Flyer-Dayton


Valley of Youngstown donates over 5,000 meals to Second Harvest Food Bank!

3/11/2024

The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Youngstown, has once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to supporting those in need within our community. Through their tireless efforts and the generosity of their members, they raised an impressive $1,040 for the Second Harvest Food Bank. On Monday, March 11th, 2024, we had the honor of delivering this charitable donation, which will undoubtedly make a significant impact in alleviating hunger and providing much-needed sustenance to countless individuals and families. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Youngstown, for their continued dedication to this noble cause and for embodying the true spirit of compassion and service.

From Second Harvest:

Thank you again so very much for coming in to do a check presentation for the $1,040.00 you collected. This donation actually means $10,400.00 or 5,200 meals in the Mahoning Valley! We really appreciate your kindness and generosity.

With gratitude,

Renee




Valley of Youngstown hosts Birds in Flight Sanctuary

3/8/2024

It was a unique night of fellowship for the valley hosting the Birds in Flight Sanctuary! Seeing a red-tailed hawk up close was quite an experience. Birds in Flight Sanctuary is a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation organization that cares for injured, orphaned, or sick birds and other wildlife species. They were founded in 1991 by Heather Merritt in Trumbull County, Ohio, and have since expanded their services to over 40 counties in the state. The sanctuary receives no government funding and relies solely on donations and grants. They also provide educational programs and aim to open a wildlife center in the future. People can support their efforts by donating money, running fundraising events, writing grants, or volunteering their time to help care for the animals and assist with the sanctuary’s operations.

Visit the Birds in Flight Sanctuary website for more details on how you can help!




Abbott Scholarship Program

2/28/2024

The Abbott Scholarship Program, named after Leon M. Abbott, Sovereign Grand Commander from 1921 to 1932, is proud to provide financial support for the continuing education of Scottish Rite Masons, their family members, and members of Masonic Youth Groups. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students who meet specific qualifications. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership potential. To apply, submit your application using the link below to the local Valley of the sponsoring Scottish Rite Mason. For more information on application deadlines and contact information, please visit the Scottish Rite NMJ website. Let us help you achieve your educational goals and build a brighter future!

Scholarship Memo (2024)

Abbott Scholarship Application (2024)


Thursday Night at the Rite Returns!

Bi-weekly, February 1 – April 25, 2024, 8 PM ET

11/22/2023 – Online


The countdown begins for another incredible season of TNR. Season Five promises to deliver:

  • Degrees exemplified by Valleys from across the NMJ
  • Two surprise degree presentations
  • Several lesser-seen degrees to help fill your passport
  • Fraternal fellowship, discussion, and reflection

Don’t miss Opening Night on February 1, 2024 at 8 PM for two exemplifications of the 8° “Intendant of the Building”!

One traditional and one less conventional, brought to you by the Valley of Pittsburgh.


Add the 8th Degree to your calendar.

 


View the full Season 5 schedule here.

View the full Season 5 schedule here.


Mahoning Consistory to hold “Can or Cash Food Drive” on 12/7/23 and 1/4/24.

12/5/2023 – Warren
Mahoning Consistory is having a “Can or Cash Food Drive” at this Thursday’s meeting. We will also be taking donations at January’s meeting, 1/4/2024.
All donations will be presented to Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley. Second Harvest supports Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull Counties; nice keeping it to locals in need.  Second Harvest accepts non-perishable food donations, but encourages monetary gifts.
For every $1 we collect, we can help provide up to 5 nutritious meals!
In 2022, Second Harvest was able to provide 9.5 million pounds of food! Out of the roughly 16,000 requests for food they get each week, 26% were children, 27% were elders. As Masons, let’s help support our community so no one has to go hungry. As you can see above, even $1 goes a long way!
For donations, please see Michael Johnson, Nelson Crane, or Matthew Thompson. We are also accepting Paypal and Venmo donations for off-meeting nights.
Attached is a flyer to print at your leisure.



Valley of Youngstown donates to Michael’s Miracle Foundation at annual golf outing.

6/26/2023 – Youngstown

Michael’s Miracle Foundation was created by Tom and Tammy Parteleno to benefit their son Michael, who has been diagnosed with Batten’s Disease. Batten’s disease is a rare, progressive neurological disease which is incurable and has a mortality rate of 100%. All proceeds from the outing will benefit Michael’s ongoing medical needs and related expenses.

Here is a link for more information on the event, Batten’s disease, and how it effects people.


Michael's Miracle

Congratulations to the 2023 Valley of Youngstown’s Meritorious Service Award (MSA) recipients!

6/3/2023 – Cleveland
Congratulations to Sublime Prince Harold Blackann, MSA and Sublime Prince Zachary Vargo, MSA who were nominated by the presiding officers of the Valley of Youngstown for the Meritorious Service Award at the 2023 Ohio Council of Deliberation! The MSA can only be awarded by a State Council of Deliberation to a member in good standing for outstanding or significant services performed within the Scottish Rite and cannot be applied for.



Valley of Youngstown donates $1,500 to local charity, Elisa’s Entourage!

6/9/2023
Taking a note from last year, Sublime Prince Paul Clouser and the Valley of Youngstown once again donated $1,500 to Elisa’s Entourage! Their goal is to maintain a bigger reach in the Down Syndrome and special needs community. They have raised more than $100,000 to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of our own Mahoning Valley! The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite was more than happy to donate to this wonderful cause.
For more information, visit https://www.elisasentourage.com/.





5/15/2023

Come join in the fun on Friday, June 30th at the Scottish Rite Scrappers Family Picnic!  An all you can eat picnic will proceed 90 minutes before the ball game, followed by fireworks post game.  Please make reservations by contacting Tim Flack (330.755.8242, timflack@sbcglobal.net) by Friday, June 9th.

Picnic: 5:30 PM
(Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Chips, Cookies, Soft Drinks)
Game time: 7:05 PM

Download Flyer




3/14/2023

The Ohio Council of Deliberation is holding a golf outing on Monday, June 26th at the York Golf Club in Columbus, Ohio.

Registration: 11:00 AM ($65)
Lunch: 12:00 PM
(Hot Dogs, Brats, Chips, Cookies)
Shotgun Start: 1:00 PM
Dinner: (TBA)

For more details and to register, click the link to download the form.   2023 OCD Golf Outing June 26


Six Valley Degree Day has a wonderful turnout in Canton!

1/28/2023
The Six Valley Degree Day was held in Canton, OH on Saturday, January 28th, 2023.  Scottish Rite Freemasons from all over the state were in attendance to witness the six degrees performed.  Every degree was beautifully done by their respective valleys.  The Valley of Youngstown portrayed the 21st degree in such a remarkable fashion, many positive comments were made afterwards about the work.  The Valley of Youngstown can hold their head high!  If you missed this performance of the 21st degree, you can still catch it , along with many others, at the Scottish Rite Reunion, April 28th-29th (See the Events tab for times).





Valley of Youngstown donates $1,500 to local charity, Elisa’s Entourage!

5/1/2022
The Valley of Youngstown recently donated $1,500 to Elisa’s Entourage! Their goal is to maintain a bigger reach in the Down Syndrome and special needs community. They have raised more than $100,000 to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of our own Mahoning Valley! The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite was more than happy to donate to this wonderful cause.
For more information, visit https://www.elisasentourage.com/.

The Valley of Youngstown donates $1,500 to Elisa's Entourage (5/1/2022)
The Valley of Youngstown donates $1,500 to Elisa’s Entourage (5/1/2022)

Feast of the Paschal Lamb live again!

I would like to thank all that participated and attended the Feast of the Paschal Lamb today! Everything was perfect. I wish all of you, and your families a Happy Easter!
Michael Johnson
Most Worshipful Master

Feast of the Pascal Lamb (April 10th, 2022; Warren Masonic Temple)
Feast of the Paschal Lamb (April 10th, 2022; Warren Masonic Temple)

View the “Feast of the Paschal Lamb” ceremony here!

https://youtu.be/gGG5zTsJ8cA

Scottish Rite Hockey Night was a great success!

On January 8th, Scottish Rite took it to the ice! With seats right up against the glass, there was non-stop action at the Covelli Center watching our beloved Youngstown Phantoms. In addition to our Scottish Rite members, we had an opportunity to meet 12 Master Masons in fellowship as well. From the food to the action on the ice, the entire event was a great success. Special thanks to Illustrious brother Zel Bush (Membership Committee Chairman), and Brother Dan Bradaick for organizing a wonderful masonic evening.

January 8th, 2022 (Covelli Center)