Orange County Newsletter July 2024
PHILANTHROPY
The California Scottish Rite Foundation is dedicated to support and assist children in California by providing childhood speech-language, literacy and education programs for a lifetime of improved communication and confidence.
RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Orange County
Since the RiteCare® Childhood Language Center of Orange County in Santa Ana opened its doors in 2001, countless families have found a family-focused environment where their children learn to improve their communication skills and build self-confidence. The Center provides diagnostic and therapeutic services to children from 2 to 16 years of age who exhibit a wide range of speech, language and learning challenges.
Located in Santa Ana, the Center also provides intern opportunities for students from Chapman University who are pursuing a career in speech and language pathology.
The RiteCare® Childhood Language Center of Orange County is a program of the California Scottish Rite Foundation, a 501(c)(3) corporation. Under the leadership of our Advisory Council and the staff at Chapman University, we assess the needs of children with speech and language disorders and provide the necessary treatment.
If you can imagine a day without the ability to speak, you can imagine the need we serve. Some children need to overcome particular challenges, others simply need to learn the mechanics of speech. At the Center, we assess their needs and develop a plan for success. Nothing is more uplifting than seeing a child communicate with their family for the first time, or more satisfying than knowing the happiness that comes from a child’s first “Hi, Dad” or “I love you, Mom.”
Orange County Valley
Meetings are held the Second Monday of the month at the Orange Grove Masonic Center:
71 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866
(714) 543-7277
ABOUT
The history of the Orange County Valley is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of several key individuals within the Freemasonry community.
The journey began in early 1972 when Dave Bates, 33°; Carlyle Dennis, 32°; Carl Almquit, 32°; and Don Tapia, 33°, all members of the Scottish Rite Valley of San Bernardino, recognized the need for a Scottish Rite presence in Orange County. Together with other interested brothers, they petitioned the Valley of San Bernardino for sponsorship to establish a Scottish Rite Club in Santa Ana, the county seat of Orange County.
Their request was approved by the Supreme Council, and on May 5, 1976, the Orange County Scottish Rite Club was officially formed with 512 charter members. This club was a precursor to establishing a fully-fledged Scottish Rite Valley, operating for two years under President Don Tapia, 33°, and Secretary Dave Bates, 33°.
The club transitioned to a formal Scottish Rite Valley following this foundational period. Letters Temporary were issued in stages for the various bodies within the Scottish Rite:
Lodge of Perfection (October 1977): The foundational body within the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry encompassing the degrees from the 4th to the 14th, this lodge is the cornerstone of advanced Masonic education, guiding members through a series of degrees that delve into profound philosophical, moral, and ethical teachings.
Chapter Rose Croix (October 1977): This pivotal body within the Valley encompasses the 15th to the 18th degrees. This chapter is a journey through profound spiritual and philosophical exploration, emphasizing enlightenment, moral integrity, and the triumph of good over evil.
Council of Kadosh (April 1978): Spanning the 19th to the 30th degrees, this distinguished body within the Valley delves deeply into philosophical, ethical, and chivalric themes. Each degree is meticulously designed to build upon the foundational lessons of Freemasonry, emphasizing the importance of justice, duty, and moral courage.
Consistory (April 1978): The Consistory represents the culmination of the Scottish Rite journey within the Southern Jurisdiction. This body synthesizes the profound teachings and principles encountered in the previous degrees, solidifying members’ understanding of Masonic philosophy, ethics, and leadership.
By October 1979, the Valley received its charter for all bodies, marking the official establishment of the Scottish Rite Valley of Santa Ana.
The Valley’s journey continued with remarkable growth and evolution, always adapting to its members’ needs and aspirations. On November 3, 2014, after significant effort and advocacy by Shawn Bell, the Valley voted to amend its bylaws. This change officially renamed the “Valley of Santa Ana” to the “Valley of Orange County,” a proud reflection of its broader regional identity and commitment to serving the entire Orange County community.
The Scottish Rite Valley of Orange County stands as a vibrant and active pillar of the Masonic tradition, unwavering in its commitment to uphold the values and principles of Freemasonry. It fosters fellowship, education, and community service among its members, a testament to its enduring dedication to the Orange County Masonic community.
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O.C. EVENTS
- Multiple DatesMon, Dec 09Orange Grove Masonic CenterDec 09, 2024, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PMOrange Grove Masonic Center, 71 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866, USA
- Sun, Jan 12Orange Grove Masonic CenterJan 12, 2025, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PMOrange Grove Masonic Center, 71 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866, USA
- Multiple DatesSat, May 17Orange Grove Masonic CenterMay 17, 2025, 9:00 AM – May 18, 2025, 1:00 PMOrange Grove Masonic Center, 71 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866, USAMay 17, 2025, 9:00 AM – May 18, 2025, 1:00 PMOrange Grove Masonic Center, 71 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866, USAThis lecture series is designed to review the material performed during the reunion in a seminar format, whereby the degrees, symbolism, and moral instruction can be broken down into a more easily digestible manner and process you through the ritual degrees.
- Time is TBDOrange Grove Masonic CenterTime is TBDOrange Grove Masonic Center, 71 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866, USATime is TBDOrange Grove Masonic Center, 71 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866, USAThe Orange County Valley Scottish Rite has received permission from the Guthrie Scottish Rite to establish a charter for an Academy of Reflection in Anaheim, CA. Orange County Valley takes pride in bringing this tradition to its membership.
Meetings are held the Second Monday of the month at the Orange Grove Masonic Center:
71 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866
The Orange County Valley is a dynamic community of Masons dedicated to enriching lives through timeless principles and modern progress. Rooted in the legacy of Freemasonry, we embrace the values of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth. Our journey is one of continual growth, where ancient teachings are met with contemporary perspectives, fostering a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
With a rich history spanning decades, our Orient has evolved to meet the aspirations of today's Masons. We offer a centralized membership experience that keeps you connected to events, discussions, and educational resources across California. Here, you'll discover a diverse network of like-minded individuals committed to self-improvement, community service, and personal development.
Our dedication extends beyond our Valleys, as we support causes that uplift the community, particularly in speech-language programs through the CASRF. We pride ourselves on being a driving force for positive change, partnering with fellow Masons and community leaders to make a lasting impact.
At the heart of our Orient lies the recognition that the Masonic journey is both personal and collective. Whether you're a devoted Scottish Rite Mason, a Master Mason considering joining, or a newly raised Mason curious about the next step, we invite you to explore the transformative world of the California Scottish Rite. Join us as we honor tradition, embrace innovation, and forge ahead on a path of enlightenment, unity, and brotherhood.
Together, we shape the future while honoring our past—this is the California Scottish Rite.
If you are already a Master Mason, you may petition for Scottish Rite membership by asking a Scottish Rite Mason for a petition, or filling out the online Application for Degrees. You can find out information about our next Reunion Class below.
So if you’re a member of another Scottish Rite Valley or wish to take the degrees of the Scottish Rite, please download our application by clicking the link below!
Programs
Upcoming Events
- Multiple DatesMon, Dec 09Orange Grove Masonic CenterDec 09, 2024, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PMOrange Grove Masonic Center, 71 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866, USAJoin us for the Orange County Valley Stated Meeting, where brethren gather in fraternal unity to discuss Masonic business, share fellowship, and deepen our understanding of the craft.
- Sun, Jan 12Orange Grove Masonic CenterJan 12, 2025, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PMOrange Grove Masonic Center, 71 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866, USA
- Multiple DatesSat, May 17Orange Grove Masonic CenterMay 17, 2025, 9:00 AM – May 18, 2025, 1:00 PMOrange Grove Masonic Center, 71 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866, USAThis lecture series is designed to review the material performed during the reunion in a seminar format, whereby the degrees, symbolism, and moral instruction can be broken down into a more easily digestible manner and process you through the ritual degrees.
- Time is TBDOrange Grove Masonic CenterTime is TBDOrange Grove Masonic Center, 71 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866, USAThe Orange County Valley Scottish Rite has received permission from the Guthrie Scottish Rite to establish a charter for an Academy of Reflection in Anaheim, CA. Orange County Valley takes pride in bringing this tradition to its membership.
2024
OFFICERS
Personal Representative of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General in California, Orange County Scottish Rite Valley
Ill. Ralph C. Shelton II, 33°
Venerable Master, Dir. of Education, Classroom & Music, VMAP Chairman
James McCallion, KCCH
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OC NEWS
Upcoming Events
LOCATION
Meetings are held the Second Monday of the month at the Orange Grove Masonic Center:
71 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866
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