Valley of
St. Louis
Early history
Early recollection of the Rite in Missouri is abysmally scarce and little if any existence was present in the state until the late 1850s. With that date in mind, it’s important to clarify that brethren of the Rite may have been about the state and likely were but were extremely few in number and under no organized banner of a lodge, council, chapter or consistory. Into this dark fog comes a mason who would leave great
handprints upon the Craft of Missouri. Ill. Anthony O’Sullivan
The year is 1859, O’Sullivan, then Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter, RAM of Missouri is in Chicago attending the Triennial Convocation of the Gen. Grand Chapter of RAM. At the same time Ill. Albert Pike, with the permission of the NMJ opened the Supreme Council, S.J. in that city. At that meeting Ill. O’Sullivan received the 4°-32° Degrees, was then coroneted a 33°(IGH) and then crowned as “SGIG in Missouri and Bordering States” (all in the same day). Upon his return, little is shown of his efforts for the Rite. He would from time to time communicate degrees in his office or elsewhere but other than opening the door and setting the frame, his actions for the rite are few compared to others & when one considers the calamity of War that befell his period of service we find some understanding. What Sullivan did do is
bring another ardent Brother, Martin Collins, to Washington D.C. in April of 1866, just months before his death. There Collins & another Brother, William Loker, received the 4°- 33° and at the SGIG O’Sullivan’s request were appointed Special Deputies for Missouri.
About Us
"We live our little life; but Heaven is above us and all around and close to us; and Eternity is before us and behind us; and suns and stars are silent witnesses and watchers over us. We are enfolded by Infinity." -Albert Pike
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is a two hundred (founded on May 31, 1801) plus year-old branch of the world-wide order of fraternal societies known as Freemasonry.
The organization is subdivided into Orients and Valleys. Members in Missouri may belong to the Valley of Saint Louis, the Valley of Columbia, the Valley of Joplin, the Valley of Kansas City or the Valley of Saint Joseph.
It is important to note that Scottish Rite Freemasonry challenges no man’s political creed, leaving that to his country and to himself; it does not interfere with any man’s religious opinion, leaving that a matter between his God and his conscience; and yet is does seek to impress by the most sublime and beautiful lessons, enforced by the most profound reasoning the almighty power of truth, appealing to the highest and purest sentiments of the human soul for the enforcement of its principles. Ignorance, tyranny and fanaticism are its foes; liberty, equality, and fraternity are its watch words.
Our Vision
"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." -Albert Pike
In the July 1988 edition of the Scottish Rite Journal, there is “A Vision Statement” that tells who we are and what our goals must be in the future. It reads:
“The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry must continue to enhance its character as a premier fraternal organization, managed and led by highly motivated, forward-thinking men of strong moral and ethical quality. It must be attractive to men of good character and embraced by their families. It must continue to be financially sound and independent, and it must make a positive impact on the quality of life of its members and society in general through its teachings, and thus will be a world leader in the recreation of the traditional moral values, including Love and Charity.”
Upcoming Events
A few of our upcoming events
Next Cathedral Preservation & Four Bodies Meeting
06:00 PM, 30 March, 2026
The next Cathedral Preservation and Four Bodies meetings will be on Monday, March 30, 2026 at the Valley of St. Louis. Please put this on your calendar! ALL Scottish Rite members are invited to attend. This is your opportunity to hear what is going on in the Valley and how you can assist. Make sure to wear your cap!
.Officers of the Four Bodies and Committee members are expected to attend the Four Bodies meeting. For those that will be giving a report, please send a copy of your report to Illustrious Bret Akers, 33° at exec@scottishrite-stl.org.
.Dinner will begin at 6:00pm, The Preservation Board Meeting will begin at 7:00pm, and The Four Bodies Meeting will begin at 7:30pm.
.As an additional reminder, your Lady is invited to come along with you to meet with other Ladies for an evening of conversation and games.
St. Louis Scottish Rite Fellowship Night
06:30 PM, 16 February 2026
Don't miss the Fellowship Night next week! February 16th ! Join us at Lit Cigar Lounge in Chesterfield for this informal gathering that's sure to be an enjoyable time of fellowship and discussions- show up and leave when you need to- Either way all Brethren are welcome and we look forward to seeing you!
2026 Spring Reunion
April 17th - 18th - 19th, 2026
Excitement will soon fill the halls of the Cathedral on April 17th -18th AND 19th as Brothers gather for our Spring Reunion. This year we are planning the return of the THREE DAY FORMAT based on popular request. This will include many new events being offered and planned along with the degree work! More specifics soon to be announced! Below are those reported to the Valley Director or Work as on the agenda...Check it out!
4°- Secret Master- Formal Conferal
11°-Elu of the Twelve- Formal Conferal
14°- Perfect Elu- Formal Conferal
16°-Prince of Jerusalem-Formal Conferal
18° Knight Rose Croix- Formal Conferal
27°- Knight of the Sun- Formal Conferal
29°- Scottish Knight of St. Andrew- Formal Conferal
30°-Knight Kadosh- Formal Conferal- ALL FOUR APARTMENTS
31- Inspector Inquisitor- Formal Conferal
32°- Master of the Royal Secret- Formal Conferal
Christopher E. Tilley Scotch Tasting
05:30PM 16 May 2026 - $125 per Ticket- Limited Tickets
As the new year has arrived it’s time to mark your calendars for the return of the Annual Illustrious Christopher E. Tilley Scotch Tasting, planned for May 16th. This year will be the return of a scotch tasting after several years of bourbon, and should be quite an event with our very own Scotch Master at the helm, Ill. Paul DeMareth! It’s an evening of great discussions, good spirits, a small bit of learning- All for a fine cause as we support the Valley’s Library and other educational efforts.
Don’t miss a first-class evening of fellowship and exploring Scotch Whisky. The Tasting will be led by Ill. Paul DeMareth, who provides an exceptional experience each time we venture into the wilds of exploring scotch!
5:00pm- Doors open
5:30pm- Social Hour begins
6:30-9pm Tasting!