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.