Orange County Newsletter July 2025
- Editor of the California Scottish Rite
- Jun 28
- 12 min read
Volume 45, Issue 07 JULY 2025
It is with great pleasure that I share the news of a recent communication from Illustrious James D. Cole, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, confirming the appointment of Illustrious Arthur L. Salazar, 33°, as Deputy of the Supreme Council (Mother Council of the World) of the Thirty-third and Last Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., for the Orient of California, effective June 12, 2025.
This is a moment of great pride for our Valley. Ill. Brother Salazar, a distinguished Scottish Rite Mason and respected Masonic leader, has long exemplified the highest ideals of our Craft. His appointment is not only well deserved—it is a true reflection of his dedication, service, and leadership.
Please join me in extending our heartfelt congratulations and fraternal salutations to our very own Ill. Brother Salazar as he begins this important new role.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Ill. Ralph C. Shelton II, 33°
Personal Representative of the
Deputy of the Supreme Council in California
Orange County Scottish Rite Valley
Venerable Master,
Russ Hennings, 32°
From the East
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the idea of home—not just the place we sleep or gather, but the quiet, lived-in kind of home that holds onto stories even when no one’s left to tell them.
Recently, in my own home, I found myself noticing the imperfections: a worn patch on the wall, the crooked frame around a door, the filled in anchor holes on the shower that use to have hand holds for an elderly woman that lived here before us. These weren’t flaws—they were echoes. Evidence of laughter, arguments, late-night meals, and family moments that left their mark, whether intentionally or not. The people who lived there shaped that space by simply living fully in it.
And in many ways, our Valley is just like that home.
We’re part of something shaped by the brothers who came before us—men we may never know by name. They left traces in the traditions we carry forward, in the degree work we strive to perfect, and in the rituals that continue to ground us. Each meeting, each reunion, each shared meal is another layer added to that long story.
Our Super Breakfast in June is a perfect example: it wasn’t just a fundraiser (though we did raise thousands of dollars for the general fund—thank you!), it was a room filled with stories-in-the-making. Moments that, one day, will be remembered not for how much was raised, but for the brothers who stood side-by-side to support something bigger than themselves.
Now, we look forward to writing the next chapter together with our Inaugural Valley Picnic on Saturday, July 12th at William R. Mason Park in Irvine (Shelter #4). This isn’t just a barbecue. It’s a gathering meant to bring our Masonic family together—not just Scottish Rite members, but every Mason in Orange County. If you’re a Brother from Orange Grove, Newport Mesa, or any other Blue Lodge across the region, you’re invited. Bring your families, bring your appetites, and more importantly—bring your curiosity. Come meet the brothers of the Scottish Rite, experience the fellowship, and see for yourself why so many of us have found a second Masonic home here in this Valley.
Let this picnic be more than a social event—let it be a welcome mat. As Scottish Rite Masons reading this, I encourage you to reach out to a Blue Lodge Brother and invite him personally. Share your experience. Tell him what you’ve gained by stepping into this part of the Craft. We are strongest when our Valley reflects the fullness of Orange County Masonry.
Because here’s the truth: One day, someone will sit in this Valley and not know who we were. They won’t remember the breakfast we served, or the picnic we planned, or even the names of the Brothers who filled these chairs. But if we do this right—if we give our best to this Valley, serve it faithfully, and fill it with purpose—they will feel us here. In the traditions we keep. In the buildings we care for. In the spirit of fellowship that survives because we nurtured it.
So let’s keep showing up. Let’s build a Valley that thrives long after we’re gone. The memories of us may one day fade—but our work, our legacy, our love for this home will remain.
Russ Hennings, 32°, KSA
Venerable Master,
Orange County Valley
Wise Master,
Alejo Velarde, 32°, KSA
The Beauty of Life in Freemasonry: A Journey of Light, Brotherhood, and Purpose
Freemasonry, one of the world’s oldest and most enduring fraternal traditions, offers its members not only rituals and symbols but a profound way to view life itself. Within the walls of the Lodge and the hearts of its Brethren, one finds a vision of life that is rich in meaning, fellowship, and personal growth. To walk the path of a Mason is to discover, piece by piece, the hidden beauty of existence.
At the core of Freemasonry is the pursuit of virtue: truth, justice, temperance, and fortitude. These aren’t abstract ideals; they are practical principles that shape a Mason’s daily life. In living by them, a Mason begins to recognize that the beauty of life is not measured by material wealth or social standing, but by the strength of one’s character and the good we do for others.
One of the most cherished aspects of Freemasonry is the fraternity it fosters. In a world that often feels divided, Freemasonry unites men of different backgrounds, beliefs, and walks of life. Within the Lodge, titles fall away and all stand as equals. It is in this bond of brotherhood, supportive, respectful, and enduring, that Masons find one of life’s truest beauties: the sense of belonging and mutual care.
Freemasonry speaks in symbols. From the working tools of ancient stonemasons to the allegories woven into each degree, these symbols encourage deeper thought and personal reflection. Life, too, is full of symbols and lessons, if only we are willing to look. Freemasonry teaches us to see the world not as mundane and random, but as sacred and intentional. Each experience is a chance to build our “spiritual temple.”
To be a Mason is to be a lifelong student. Every degree, every ritual, every charge is an invitation to look inward. The Lodge becomes a mirror, and the Craft a guide. Through this process of continual improvement, a Mason learns that the true beauty of life lies not in being perfect, but in striving to be better than we were yesterday.
Freemasonry is not just about contemplation. It is also about action. Masons are taught to extend the principles of the Lodge into their communities through charity, mentorship, and leadership. In serving others, the Masonic journey reveals a powerful truth: the more light we give, the more we discover within ourselves. Service becomes not a duty, but a joy, a living expression of life’s beauty.
The Masonic journey does not shy away from death. Through solemn reflection on mortality, Freemasonry urges its members to make their lives matter now, to live honorably, to leave a legacy of kindness, and to walk uprightly before God and man. In this view, life’s fleeting nature becomes not a source of fear, but a reason to cherish each moment.
In Freemasonry, life is seen not just as a series of events, but as a sacred journey, a pilgrimage of the soul from darkness into light. It is in the fellowship of Brothers, the lessons of the Craft, and the pursuit of a higher moral standard that the true beauty of life unfolds. To live as a Mason is to live with intention, with honor, and with awe for the mysteries that surround us. And that, indeed, is a beautiful life.
Alejo Velarde, 32°
Wise Master
Commander of Kadosh
Barry McKinley, 32°
Scottish Rite Super Breakfast
Dear Brothers of the Orange County Scottish Rite,
Thank you to everyone who attended or donated to support our June Super Breakfast. Your generosity and participation helped make the event a great success, and your contributions go a long way in supporting the work and mission of our valley. Fundraisers like this are essential to keeping our programs strong and our community engaged. Continued support from all our members is vital as we work to grow and sustain the Orange County Scottish Rite.
Looking ahead, we’re excited for our upcoming Fellowship BBQ on July 12th. This is always a wonderful event filled with good food, great company, and a relaxed setting to enjoy each other’s fellowship. We encourage all brothers and their families to come out and share in the fun.
Our stated meeting on July 14th will be another opportunity to come together in unity and keep our valley moving forward. Let’s continue to build on the momentum we’ve created in the first half of the year.
Fraternally,
Barry McKinley, 32°
Commander of Kadosh
ORANGE COUNTY SCOTTISH RITE
UPCOMING EVENTS
Master of Kadosh
Joshua S. Price, 32° KSA
Greetings from your Valley Consistory
Brethren,
As we turn the page deeper into the warmth of summer, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the thriving spirit of brotherhood that continues to define our valley. This past month marked an important event for us, with the success of our First Annual Super Breakfast. What an inspiring sight it was to see so many of our brothers, their families, and friends come together in fellowship and unity.
This event also reminded me of the importance of promoting our events and reunions in our travels and various stated meetings. Promotion is a wonderful way for all of us to build upon the momentum we have achieved over the past year, as well as continue to pique the interest of Master Masons yet to join us throughout our region.
It is of little doubt that every Master Mason would benefit greatly by expanding upon the knowledge they gained in their first three degrees. Moreover, the deeper meanings offered by our higher degrees would also likely serve to reignite and fuel their sense of wonder and excitement. Therefore, let's make the most of every chance to spread the word about our work and events across Orange County and the greater region.
Likewise, your involvement is crucial to our continued success, and so I encourage each of you to continue to participate in the programs and events planned for the months ahead. For instance, I am confident that I am not alone in eagerly anticipating our upcoming picnic at the William R. Mason Regional Park in Irvine on Saturday, July 12th.
Lastly, let us remember the importance of fellowship and the power of working together toward common goals. With your steadfast support, there is little doubt that our valley will continue to flourish, uphold our traditions, and make a meaningful impact both within our fraternity and in the broader community.
A Message From...
General Secretary
Jamie Hopkins, 32° KCCH
June was an active month in our Valley. After our June Stated
Meeting, we held an excellent Cap & Ring Ceremony to recognize our
newest Masters of the Royal Secret. Those of you who didn't attend
missed a special event. We appreciate the good work of all the Brothers
who worked on this celebration. Our Junior Warden, Brother Ross
Hernandez, provided us with another excellent dinner. If you haven't
attended an OCSR Stated Meeting lately, you will be nicely surprised by
the good food.
Notices for annual dues for 2026 will be mailed out this summer. The easiest way to pay early is to sign in to our Supreme Council website, scottishrite.org, and pay online. A number of our Brothers have already paid their dues for next year by this method. If you have any questions about your membership status, please email the Secretary at gensec@ocscottishrite.org for updated information.
Our July Stated Meeting will be on Monday, July 14th, at 6:30 pm.
Please come by to enjoy good fellowship and support our Valley. Have an
outstanding 4th of July!
Fraternally,
Jamie Hopkins, 32° KCCH
General Secretary
An Update From...
RiteCare® Childhood Language Center of Orange County
Leora Shaffer, M.A., CCC-SLP, Clinic Director
This academic year has flown by! Our Chapman University interns are leaving us and entering the world as speech/language pathologists. The experience they gained at CLC has been invaluable. FUN FACT: This year we conducted over 1,000 therapy sessions with clients and their families and 32 evaluations of potentially new clients. As we look forward to Fall 2025, we are excited about refreshing the clinic with new paint and some new furniture. Additionally, we will be open on Mondays, increasing our availability to five days per week. We will also be offering social skills groups, and toddler and preschool language groups. Help us spread the word to reach more families in our community!
GETTING READY FOR SUMMER WITH HOMEWORK PACKETS, BUBBLES, AND PICNICS
RiteCare® Childhood Language Center of Orange County |
A Community Program of the Scottish Rite Foundation for Children with Speech and Language Challenges |
 |
How To SupportPlease support your RiteCare Childhood Language Center by making an individual, group, or company donation.
For information please contact: Chairman Jack Hennings, Jr., 32° (949) 683-4747 |
Personal Representative of the SGIG Orient of California
Ill. Ralph C. Shelton II, 33°
We are most pleased about the news, carried elsewhere in this newsletter, of the appointment of Ill. Arthur L. Salazar, 33°, as the Deputy of the Supreme Council for the Orient of California. It is an honor to have a member of our Valley appointed to such a prestigious position, of course, and it is also a cause for celebration that our Orient will be led by such a truly distinguished and capable Masonic brother.
Behind the scenes of the Valley, great strides have been made in upgrading our infrastructure and our communications abilities. Bros. Russ Hennings and Barry McKinley have led the overhaul of our communications systems, which will provide more efficiency and greater flexibility within our operations. The work behind the scenes on this has been quite a task, and these brothers brought their professional expertise to the table to make it happen.
As I write this, we are preparing for some important upcoming events. Our Valley will hold its semi-annual Super Breakfast, which I hope you will attend, as it benefits the operations of our Valley and affords another opportunity for Valley fellowship. On the Orient level, honours will be announced in the very near future, and on September 13th, will be invested at the San Francisco Scottish Rite. And on the Jurisdiction level, I am looking forward to attending the Biennial Session of the Supreme Council in August, where the Personal Representatives will gather in support of our new Deputy.
It's an exciting time for Orange County Scottish Rite, the crossroads of Orange County Masonry, and I do hope you'll join me at the next meeting.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Ill. Ralph C. Shelton II, 33°
Personal Representative of the
Deputy of the Supreme Council in California
In the Valley of Orange County
Director of The Work & Prelate
Hon. James Olivier, 32º KCCH
Brethren,
I’m sure we’re all reading in our Lodge newsletters a myriad of “halfway through the year” and “how time flies” messages, so I won’t belabor the issue, but doesn’t it feel like yesterday (or three decades ago depending on how your year is going) that we just had a reunion? Well, we stand at the doorstep of the next round of fun and frivolity as we prepare to start rehearsing for not one, but two reunions! As many of you know by now, we will have our normal biannual reunion on October 2-3, 2025, here at Orange Grove Masonic Center.
We also have the state-wide reunion coming up in 2026, which will be held at the Pasadena Scottish Rite. I’ve requested that our Director of Ritual, Hon. David Soliven, prepare us to perform at least two degrees in full form, with the work memorized. As always, I am so grateful to the work being done by those of our Brothers who have chosen to be a part of the ritual work, and with the state-wide reunion coming up, I’m sure there will be opportunities for more of you to get involved! It might only be two degrees, but some of our degrees, when performed properly, can have huge casts and many moving parts!
Switching hats to Prelate, I pray the blessings of the Great Architect of the Universe be upon you all. Remembering that we are all the children of one omnipotent deity, each of us equal in those eyes that watch over us all, doing the work of Masonry together that we might leave this world a little better than we found it.
Hon. James Olivier, 32º KCCH
Prelate
Director of The Work
Blue Slipper Club
Erin McKinley
Happy 4th of July from the Blue Slipper Club! For our meeting in July, we will be doing a fun Independence Day themed craft that each lady can take home.
I am also excited to provide additional details for the BSC weekend. We will be going to Pechanga Resort and Casino August 8-10. Our current plan is to meet-up after work on Friday and carpool out to the resort. We have reserved a pool-side cabana for Saturday and will have dinner at the Great Oak Steakhouse before we see the comedy show. Sunday morning we will get brunch before heading home. Please RSVP to me at emckinley313@gmail.com by July 15th if you would like to join us.
A Message From...
Editor
Shawn Bell
Calling all writers!
You don’t have to be a head of body or a member of the line to contribute to this
newsletter. If you have something to say from a masonic perspective — perhaps
insights into your masonic ruminations, scholarly endeavors you’d like to share,
or general news for the brethren — this newsletter is your conduit for those
ideas. I encourage any and all brothers who’d like to contribute something to this
newsletter to send their ideas to: editor@ocscottishrite.org
Fraternally,
Shawn E. Bell, 32° Editor
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