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.
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
Valley of Youngstown to visit The Youngstown Model Railroad Association!
Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. | Location – Youngstown (Published – 12/29/2025)
Scottish Rite would like to invite all members of neighboring lodges, Eastern Star, and DeMolay, Job’s Daughters, and Rainbow, and their guests, to this event.
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)
Join Supreme Council for a Night of Charity!
Tuesday, December 2nd, 4:45 PM – 9:00 PM ET
Published – 11/14/2025 | Location – Lexington, Massachusetts | Livestream
Commander Wheeler, 33°, and Scottish Rite, NMJ staff cordially invite you to our annual Night of Charity at Supreme Council headquarters in Lexington, Massachusetts on Giving Tuesday, December 2nd from 4:45 PM to 9 PM ET.
Join us as we shine a light on generosity, celebrate the lives changed through our charities, and honor the supporters who make it all possible.
The night’s festivities include:
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- A Henry Knox cannon replica ceremony in the courtyard
- A social reception indoors with heavy hors d’oeuvres
- A live event broadcast with YOU as our audience
Reserve your spot here!
Can’t Make it to Lexington?
No problem! Join us for the livestream event broadcast at 7 PM ET! Find out more here.
Scottish Rite and Robins Theatre team up to host Polar Express event!
Sunday, December 14, 2025, 2 PM ET
On Sunday, December 14th, 2025…
The Robins Theater will have a showing of the Polar Express at 2pm with the doors to the theater opening at 12:30pm.
PRIOR to the show, the Scottish Rite offices in the Warren Masonic Temple will host everyone who registers for this event. From 12pm up to show time, we will have Santa Claus visiting with all the attendees.
The cost is $5 per attendee. Scottish Rite will pay the balance of the theater ticket price and provide food, snacks, treats and beverages between 12pm and 2pm.
To register, contact Ray Bishop at csm134fa@gmail.com. SEATING IS LIMITED SO REGISTER SOON!
Thursday Night at the Rite Returns!
Bi-weekly, January 15 – March 26, 2026, 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 15, 2026 at 8 PM for the exemplification of the 6° “Master of the Brazen Serpent“!
The rest of the schedule is as follows:
- 9°, Master of the Temple, January 29
- 11°, Sublime Master Elected, February 12
- 15°, Knight of the East, February 26
- 22°, Prince of Libanus, March 12
- 29°, Knight of Saint Andrew, March 26
More details to follow.