Article Archives
Here you will find past articles and events from the Valley of Youngstown. 
A Listening Tour with the Commander coming to Canton
9/3/2025
Join Sovereign Grand Commander Walt Wheeler on his 2025 Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Listening Tour—a crucial opportunity to share your ideas, insights, and aspirations for the future of the Scottish Rite.
Five Cities, One Path
Brothers from any Valley, in any state, are encouraged to attend any of the events. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or newly initiated Brother, your voice matters. This tour is about listening—truly listening—to what’s working, what needs to improve, and the bold steps we must take to strengthen our Valleys, deepen our Brotherhood, and ensure an expansive, thriving future for Scottish Rite.
We’re not just asking questions –we’re building a path forward, together. Visit the website here for registration and additional details.
Mahoning Valley Scrappers Game 2025
5/27/2025 
Scottish Rite Valley of Youngstown will be attending a game at Eastwood Field with a pre-game picnic on July 25, 2025 (Friday) 5:30 PM. Lunch Menu includes: Burgers, Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Chips, Cookies, Soft Drinks – Cost is Free for all Masons and their families (Limit 6 tickets per person). Contact Matt Thompson for reservations. (mpthompson607@gmail.com). Reservations must be made by Friday, July 4, 2025. See flyer for additional details.
Ohio Council of Deliberation 2025
3/10/2025 The One Hundred and Twenty-Seventh Annual Meeting of the Ohio Council of Deliberation will be hosted by the Valley of Akron on Saturday, June 7, 2025. 
Our session this year will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Akron Fairlawn located at 3180 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44333. The business session will begin at 1:30 p.m. Doors for the banquet and MSA Ceremony will open at 5:15 p.m. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. There is no social time. The cost for the dinner per person is $68.00. Registration for membership will open Saturday, March 1, 2025 and ends Friday, May 9, 2025 through the Ohio Council of Deliberation website at https://www.aasrohio.org/ocd. A link will be provided to make hotel reservations, banquet reservations and ladies’ luncheon and program. To receive the discounted rate of $149.00 per night, hotel reservations must be made by Friday, May 9, 2025. Session packets will be mailed upon receipt of reservations. An email will be sent from the Ohio Council of Deliberation to confirm the purchase of banquet and ladies’ luncheon tickets.
3/10/2025 The Ohio Council of Deliberation is holding a golf outing on Monday, June 23rd at the York Golf Club in Columbus, Ohio. Registration: 10:00 AM ($90) Lunch: $7.99 (Hot Dogs, Brats, Chips, Cookies) Shotgun Start: 12:00 PM Dinner: Chicken or Steak, Salad, Potato, Rolls and fixins Dinner Only (no golf): $30 For more details and to register, click the link to download the form. 2025 OCD Golf Outing June 23
Thursday Night at the Rite Returns!
Bi-weekly, January 16 – March 27, 2025, 8 PM ET
Join the Rite Night
As a prequel to every Thursday Night at the Rite, we offer an online joining opportunity known as Join the Rite Night, which allows accepted Master Masons to jumpstart their journey to the 32° through an online initiation event. Candidates witness the 4°: Builder (a requisite for becoming a Scottish Rite member), and meet and interact with fellow Brothers and NMJ leaders throughout the evening. Learn more about Join the Rite Night.
- New this season! Masters of the Rite, a monthly interactive educational enrichment series.
- Degrees exemplified by Valleys from across the NMJ
- Several lesser-seen degrees to help fill your passport
- Fraternal fellowship, discussion, and reflection
Don’t miss Opening Night on January 16, 2025 at 8 PM for the exemplification of the 26° “Friend and Brother Eternal“!
Brought to you by the Valley of Springfield, IL
Abbott Scholarship Program 2025
12/4/2024 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 download the Memo and Scholarship Application below. Let us help you achieve your educational goals and build a brighter future! Scholarship Memo (2025) Abbott Scholarship Application (2025)
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 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! 
Congratulations to the 2023 Valley of Youngstown’s Meritorious Service Award (MSA) recipients!
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
Six Valley Degree Day has a wonderful turnout in Canton!
Feast of the Paschal Lamb live again!
Feast of the Paschal Lamb (April 10th, 2022; Warren Masonic Temple)
View the “Feast of the Paschal Lamb” ceremony here!
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) 
