
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.
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AASR Dues
If you still need to take care of your dues, we’d appreciate you getting them in when you can. This helps keep the lights on and the Valley running strong. You’re welcome to visit the Secretary in person, or you can pay online here for convenience. Thank you for your continued support and membership.

Join Us for the Annual Spring Reunion! – April 17 & 18, 2026
Published – 4/16/2026 | Location – Warren

The Valley of Youngstown is looking forward to an outstanding Annual Spring Reunion this Friday and Saturday, April 17–18, 2026. This is always a special time for fellowship, reflection, and experiencing the power and lessons of the Degrees together.
Whether attending both days or stopping in when possible, this Reunion promises a meaningful and memorable weekend. From the opening Degrees on Friday evening, and ending Saturday with the 32nd Degree, there is a great deal to look forward to. Coffee, doughnuts, lunch, and Brotherhood will all be part of the experience.
All members and candidates are encouraged to attend and be part of the excitement as we come together for another great Reunion in the Valley of Youngstown!
Annual Spring Reunion
- April 17, 2026 (Friday) 7:00 PM
- 4th Degree
- 15th Degree – Video (Red Room)
- 14th Degree
- April 18, 2026 (Saturday)
- 8:00 AM – Coffee and Doughnuts available
- 18th Degree
- 28th Degree
- 11:00 AM – Lunch
- 26th Degree – Video (Red Room)
- Class Pictures (Blue Room)
- 32nd Degree (~1:30 PM)
We hope to see everyone there for a great weekend of Scottish Rite Masonry in the Valley of Youngstown!

Ohio Council of Deliberation Golf Outing
Published – 4/16/2026 | Location – York Golf Club, Columbus
The Ohio Council of Deliberation is holding a golf outing on Monday, June 22nd at the York Golf Club in Columbus, Ohio.
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- Registration: 10:00 AM ($95.00)
- ○ Registration fee includes golf, cart, dinner, 3 drink tickets, and clubhouse from 8:00 AM until the event closes. Drink carts and Grill Room are open for beverage purchases all day.
- Registration: 10:00 AM ($95.00)
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- Lunch: Hot Dogs, Brats, Chips, Cookies ($9.00)
- Shotgun Start: 1:00 PM
- Dinner: Chicken or Steak, Salad, Baked Potato, Rolls and fixins
- Dinner Only (no golf): $35.00
- For more details and to register, click the link to download the form. 2026 OCD Golf Outing Flyer

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Scottish Rite Hockey Party!
Published – 3/24/2026 | Location – Youngstown, Covelli Center
What a great night of fellowship at our recent Scottish Rite hockey outing! It was wonderful to see everyone come together to enjoy an evening of fast-paced action, laughs, and brotherhood while cheering on the Youngstown Phantoms. Events like this are a great reminder that Scottish Rite is not only about our shared principles and work, but also about building friendships and making lasting memories outside the lodge room.


Night at the Rite social!
Published – 3/24/2026 | Location – Warren
We were proud to host another wonderful Night at the Rite, an evening that brought together fellowship, fun, and a chance to showcase what Scottish Rite is all about. It was a great opportunity for members, guests, and friends to come together, enjoy the evening, and experience the spirit of brotherhood that makes our Valley so special. Events like Night at the Rite remind us that Scottish Rite is more than meetings and degrees — it is a place where lasting friendships are built, traditions are honored, and new memories are made. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success. We look forward to many more nights of fellowship and hope to see even more familiar and new faces at the next one.


A special night for Illustrious Paul Clouser, 33°
Published – 1/9/2026 | Location – Warren

It was a special night at the Valley of Youngstown as Illustrious Paul Clouser, 33° was proudly presented with his Past Venerable Master jewel in recognition of his leadership of the Knights of Saint Andrew, along with a jewel and certificate marking the completion of his second Scottish Rite Passport: a rare accomplishment and a testament to his dedication and steady service. Congratulations, Paul, on an evening well-earned and a legacy still growing!

Abbott Scholarship Program 2026
(Published – 1/9/2026)
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 download the Memo and Scholarship Application below. Let us help you achieve your educational goals and build a brighter future!Scholarship Memo (2026) | Abbott Scholarship Application (2026)

Donald R. James Medical Scholarship – Valley of Cleveland looking for students for 2026
(Published – 1/9/2026)
The 2026 Donald R. James Medical Scholarship is an endowment scholarship administered by the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Cleveland to support qualified undergraduate and graduate students pursuing eligible medical-related programs, including pre-med/pre-dentistry tracks, sports medicine degrees, and graduate programs leading to an M.D. or D.D.S. (note: osteopathic and chiropractic programs are not eligible). Applicants must have a qualifying Masonic connection (Mason/Eastern Star, certain Masonic youth groups, or eligible family relationship), be a U.S. citizen residing in the U.S., attend an accredited U.S. college/university, and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA; the scholarship applies to tuition only (up to 50% of tuition), may be renewable, and all materials are due March 31, 2026 via email (include current transcripts and proof of enrollment) to Brady Woodworth, Executive Secretary at aasrcleveland@gmail.com.
Donald R. James Medical Scholarship Memo and Application

All aboard the Polar Express!
12/14/2025 | Location – Warren

The Valley of Youngstown’s Polar Express event at the beautifully restored Robins Theater in downtown Warren was a huge success and a fantastic day for our Scottish Rite and Blue Lodge families. With Santa visiting before the show, plenty of food, snacks, treats, and beverages, and a packed theater full of smiling kids (and adults) enjoying the movie together, it truly felt like the kind of Christmas memory that sticks. A big thank you to everyone who registered and attended: and to all the Brethren who helped make the day run smoothly and welcoming from start to finish.


Red Kettle Bell Ringing – Thank You, Brethren!
Published – 12/29/2025 | Location – Niles

During this year’s Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign, our Brethren stepped up in a big way by volunteering their time as bell ringers; and it made a real difference. The effort was even recognized in the Tribune Chronicle, highlighting how local Masonic groups showed up to support this important work. A special thank you goes to S.P. Lee Hanshaw for his leadership and to all of the Brethren who participated. Our Scottish Rite shift at Boscov’s raised $498.69, and the grand total raised by Masons was $2,245.38. That’s a whole lot of good done with a simple bell, a warm smile, and showing up when it counts. (Volunteers: Ill. Paul Clouser, Ill. Brian Williams, Ill. Tim Flack, S.P. Lee Hanshaw)

Valley of Youngstown Supports the Warren Family Mission
Published – 12/29/2025 | Location – Warren

This Christmas season, the Valley of Youngstown was proud to lend a hand in our community. On December 20, 2025, we assisted the Warren Family Mission during their Christmas Meal. Service like this is a reminder of what matters most—showing up for others, offering kindness, and helping carry the load when it counts. We were honored to support the Mission’s work and to play a small part in making the season a little brighter for those in need. (Volunteers: Ill. Paul Clouser, Ill. Mark Monroe, S.P. Perry Billman, S.P. Joe Hippo, S.P. Casey Dermott, S.P. Lee Hanshaw)


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