About Us

The Story of the Scottish Rite in the Valley of St. Louis may be likened to that of a strong man, through the stages of infancy, youth and manhood, but destined, as we believe, to greater years of usefulness than the Biblical span of three score and ten. Like many a strong man in infancy, the Rite was so puny at times its life was even despaired of, but by careful nurturing it has become a veritable giant. The early history of the Rite in Missouri as well as in St. Louis is bound up in the lives of a few men who were its sponsors. While these brethren have passed away, leaving but a few sidelights to illuminate their paths, the records, although brief, are sufficient not only to race our origin, but to furnish an inspiring example of the final rewards of patience and perseverance.

The pioneer in Missouri, Anthony O'Sullivan came to America from Ireland about 1838, in an 1859 received all the Scottish Rite degrees and was made Sovereign grand Inspector General in Missouri and bordering states. O’Sullivan’s time as the Sovereign Grand Inspector General was quiet in general with little progress and in part hampered by the Civil War and it’s activities in Missouri. Following his passing he was succeeded by Martin Collins, who proved to be one of the ablest and most earnest workers for the Rite in this country. Collins transformed a nucleus of a few individuals into a magnificent organization of nearly thirteen hundred members. His work and that of his successors did much in expanding the Scottish Rite in St. Louis and Missouri.

The earliest bodies organized, beyond individual members was in 1867 with the O'Sullivan Lodge of Perfection, which inevitably was short lived. After another brief attempt and several years of dormancy, in 1881 the present Lodge of Perfection was instituted and that followed by all of our present Bodies had been instituted, and have continued without interruption to the present time.

By the early 20th century, the Valley had flourished, moving from rented lodge rooms, to a residence, and later purchasing a renovated church to meet in. This fervor for the Rite and ever expanding membership lead to the construction of the iconic Scottish Rite Cathedral at 3633 Lindell Boulevard in 1924, designed by renowned St. Louis architect William B. Ittner in a neoclassical style. This grand edifice, featuring a 235-foot frontage and a historic Kimball organ (celebrating its centennial in 2024), became the heart of the Valley’s activities, hosting degrees, meetings, and community events. Philanthropy emerged as a cornerstone, exemplified by the 1988 founding of the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders by local Masons, which evolved into a key charitable arm under Maryville University by 2015.

Today, the Valley of St. Louis remains a vibrant hub, emphasizing moral education, fraternal bonds, and public service within the AASR’s mission of brotherly love, relief, and truth.