Orange County Newsletter June 2025
- Russell Hennings
- May 27
- 15 min read
Updated: Jun 28
Volume 45, Issue 06 JUNE 2025
Reflections from the Spring 2025 Reunion
By Hon. James McCallion, 32° KCCH
It was a profound privilege to educate and engage with our newly made 32° Masters of the Royal Secret at this past Spring 2025 OCSR Reunion. Sharing the deep symbolism of our degrees with brothers old and new is one of my greatest joys. These timeless teachings continue to inspire me, especially as I witness how powerfully relevant they are in today’s complex and ever-changing world. When we lean into the light of our fraternity’s philosophies, it truly feels as though anything is possible.
I am also delighted to share that six dedicated brethren joined our Academy of Reflection—the Scottish Rite’s premier space for contemplative practice grounded in Masonic symbolism. This academy serves as a sanctuary for introspection, meditation, and the pursuit of deeper meaning through the degrees we hold sacred.
If you feel called to explore this inner path, I warmly encourage you to visit our OCSR webpage and submit your application. Membership is free, and our meetings will be held monthly, with future dates determined at the close of each session.
Yours in service and light,
Hon. James McCallion, 32° KCCH
Venerable Master,
Russ Hennings, 32°
From the East
We have something special here in Orange County—a Valley full of dedicated brothers, meaningful ritual, and an authentic sense of fellowship that’s hard to find elsewhere and I believe we’ve only scratched the surface of what we could become if more of our Blue Lodge brethren knew what we were building.
This is where you come in.
The best ambassadors for the Scottish Rite are not our flyers or our websites—it’s our members. It’s you. When you talk about your experience here—whether it’s the degrees, the camaraderie, the service to the RiteCare Center, or even just a great dinner at a Stated Meeting—you help plant seeds. Seeds that grow into curiosity, then into interest, and eventually, into new Brothers joining our ranks.
We’ll have two great opportunities coming up to proudly show off our Valley:
· The Super Breakfast on June 28th
· Our Summer Picnic on July 12th at Mason Regional Park, Shelter #4
These events are open to friends and family, and they’re perfect moments to invite a Master Mason and his family from your Blue Lodge to come experience the fellowship that makes this place feel like home. The more we share what we’re doing here, the more we grow—not just in numbers, but in energy, leadership, and impact.
Of course, none of this works without the quiet excellence happening behind the scenes.
Our Junior Warden, Ross Hernandez,
continues to go above and beyond in preparing meals that bring us together around the table. His attention to detail and warmth set the tone for our gatherings, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his leadership.
Bro. Brandon Bell, our Director of Stagecraft, brought the degrees at our recent Reunion—and our Ceremony of Remembrance and Renewal—to life with incredible visual depth. His talent and effort transformed our stage into a place of real emotional and symbolic power. Those impactful moments didn’t just happen—they were crafted.
And speaking of behind-the-scenes heroes, I recently had the pleasure (and reality check) of setting up for our Stated Meeting while Bro. James Olivier was out of the country. Let me tell you—there’s nothing like dragging tables, placing chairs, and prepping regalia to make you appreciate the unseen labor that goes into every meeting we enjoy. James has been doing this quietly and consistently, and it deserves our recognition.
Here’s the truth: what we have here is good. Really good. But imagine what it could be like if every Master Mason in Orange County found his way to the Scottish Rite. Imagine reunions filled with fresh energy, Stated Meetings packed with new ideas, service projects teeming with willing hands, and our degrees performed by full casts of passionate Brothers. That’s not a dream—it’s a vision. A vision that becomes reality when each of us takes it upon ourselves to reach out, invite, and share.
Take pride in what we’re building—and let’s be bold enough to spread the word.
Fraternally and with great hope,
Russ Hennings, 32°, KSA
Venerable Master,
Orange County Valley
Wise Master,
Alejo Velarde, 32°, KSA
Why the Orange County Scottish Rite Is Different
There’s a unique spirit that sets the Orange County Scottish Rite apart. A spirit built on commitment, fellowship, and a shared vision for excellence. Over the past year, our Valley has not only grown in strength and numbers but also in unity, enthusiasm, and the quality of our work. The transformation we’ve witnessed is not by chance; it is the direct result of the dedication and leadership of our members.
What makes Orange County Scottish Rite different is the culture we’ve built together. From the moment someone walks through our doors, there is a noticeable energy, a shared sense of purpose, and a genuine excitement about being part of something meaningful. Whether a newly made 32° Mason or a seasoned Brother, every member contributes to the momentum that makes this Valley thrive.
We’ve made great strides in improving our degree work, expanding educational offerings, and strengthening fellowship. Reunions are more inspiring, meetings more engaging, and events continue to draw more interest than ever before. This progress is something we can all be proud of.
Another highlight of our Valley’s growth has been the incredible energy and involvement of the Blue Slipper Club. Over the past year, this group has become stronger, more active, and an absolute joy to be around. From social gatherings to supporting our events, they bring a sense of fun, unity, and warmth that truly enhances our Masonic family. If your wife or girlfriend is curious about getting involved, we encourage you to ask any of our members or reach out directly to Erin McKinley, who would be happy to share more.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all our members for embracing this forward momentum. Your participation, presence, and passion make all the difference. The continued growth and success of our Valley are a direct result of your dedication, and I look forward to building even more together.
This Valley is a shining example of what a Scottish Rite community can be when Brothers come together with purpose and heart. We are not just maintaining tradition. We are building upon it, improving it, and passing it on with pride.
And the best part?........ We’re just getting started.
Commander of Kadosh
Barry McKinley, 32°
Scottish Rite Super Breakfast
Dear Brothers of the Orange County Scottish Rite,
June offers us the opportunity to come together in celebration and reflection. This month, we will gather for the Cap and Ring Ceremony during our stated meeting on June 9th. This event honors the journey of our newly created Masters of the Royal Secret and reminds us of all of the values and responsibilities that come with our continued Masonic growth.
Later in the month, on June 28th, we look forward to hosting our much-anticipated Super Breakfast. This event is always a crowd favorite, bringing together our Masonic community, friends, and families for great food and warm fellowship. It’s also a great opportunity to introduce prospective members to the welcoming and vibrant spirit of our valley. We encourage everyone to attend, invite guests, and enjoy this special gathering. Additionally, the funds raised here go directly back to the Valley and allow us to continue with our events.
As we approach the halfway point in the year, I am proud of all we’ve accomplished so far. Let us continue our efforts in brotherhood, education, and community outreach as we move into the summer months.
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
Brothers, masonic family, and friends,
I am thrilled to extend another warm welcome to our recently made Masters of the Royal Secret. This accomplishment is yet another important achievement in your Masonic journey, and I again commend each of you for your continued commitment and perseverance in seeking more knowledge in our craft.
Although you are all now 32° Masons, it is important to remember that there is still much more discovery and growth ahead. As we so often like to say, we will get out of it what we put into it. Therefore, I have little doubt that you will all undoubtedly continue to uncover many more layers of wisdom and understanding, which will only deepen your ability to contribute and serve our community and the world around you.
Indeed, whether you are newly obligated or your cap is well-worn, there has never been a better time to make a meaningful contribution to what it is we do as Scottish Rite Masons. Therefore, I urge each of us to continue to embrace the numerous opportunities for service, fellowship, and enjoyment that are upcoming for our valley. It is equally important that we also continue to do all we can to promote our valley, its activities, and the many benefits of becoming a member of the Scottish Rite, particularly in our individual Blue Lodges.
Whether it's friendly competition at a bowling game, a shared meal to benefit our valley, or assisting with a large public event or ceremony, each of these instances allows us to forge more profound bonds with each other. Similarly, they present distinctive chances for us to welcome others, fill more seats at our tables, and deepen our dedication to serving our wider Masonic districts and local communities. It is yet another reminder that what we do reaches far beyond our lodges and temples, impacting the lives of those who assist us in our overall mission of service, as well as our own personal Masonic journeys.
Speaking as someone who has been fortunate enough to see my wife become a member of our vibrant and active Blue Slipper Club, I also want to highlight how essential it is to involve our spouses, partners, and family members in our broader Valley activities. Our shared experiences are so much more meaningful when those closest to us are by our side, supporting our endeavors. These experiences create a deeper connection, enriching not only our work but also our relationships and better fostering our greater sense of family and community.
Let us all remember that Freemasonry is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about using that knowledge to live with greater purpose and contribute positively to the world. We lead others by setting positive examples and sharing the light that we carry within ourselves.
So, to all our brothers, old and new, let’s continue to grow together. There is much work to be done, and the opportunities to make a difference are plentiful.
Joshua S. Price, 32° KSA
Master of Kadosh
Knights of St. Andrew
Sir James Cates, 32° KSA
How Do I Become a Knight?
That is a question members of the Knights of St. Andrew (KSA) are often asked. Being a KSA is a commitment founded on brotherhood, duty, and sacrifice. In this reflection, ask yourself, "What do I seek from the KSA, and what can I contribute in return?" The answer, as all things masonic, is quite simple, yet with its own complexities.
I have touched upon the answer to this question in other articles, but here I will try to lay out the process. First, you have to ask one to become one. Feel free to approach any Knight and we will be happy to help you out with it. Once that step is taken, you and your intentions will be announced and discussed with the KSA leadership. Once approved, you will be chosen by, or assigned to an active Knight as his Squire.
As a Squire you will follow the guidance of your Knight, and will have all of the expectations and duties as a Knight does. In addition, you will be expected to show exemplary behavior befitting a Knight, jumping in when help is needed, attending meetings on time and seeking to aid and assist where and when possible. It will also be necessary for you to complete educational courses like the Ivory Key (available on the Scottish Rite Academy website) before you can be knighted.
You may be given a token or ornament of some kind from your Knight signifying you as his Squire, although that isn’t always the case. You will also be allowed to wear the Glengarry (hat) without any insignia to help you be recognized as a KSA Squire.
After a time, determined by your Knight and KSA leadership, and fulfilling what is a testament of your true desire, due diligence and enthusiasm, you will be deemed worthy of reaching the level of knighthood. A knighting ceremony will be planned, performed and with proper ritual dubbing from the First Knight (leader of the KSA), you will have your bonnet badge, sash and sash badge placed on you to signify that you are then and there a true and valiant knight! This ceremony is open to the public and it is highly recommended that you invite your family and friends, as well as fellow brother Masons, whether they are Scottish Rite, or not.
What are those duties expected of you once you’re a Knight (and during your time as a Squire)? Be present to assist at Valley meetings, special events (fund raisers, etc.), aid and assist guests, stand watch at the entrance of the building during meetings and events, assist with Valley Reunions, be knowledgeable of Scottish Rite history, symbolism, etc.
Being a Knight of St. Andrew has its rewards and honors, as well as the duties. It is a fulfillment of the teachings of our Rite put into actions that benefit the Valley, masonry as a whole, and our brothers while enrichening the minds and hearts of each Knight. It is, for me, truly an honor to be counted amongst this historically prestigious group of men.
Sir James Cates
Knight Orator
A Message From...
General Secretary
Jamie Hopkins, 32° KCCH
Brethren: Welcome to June and the beginning of Summer 2025. On May 9th & 10th, we held a very successful Spring Reunion. We initiated 7 new Brothers as Masters of the Royal Secret. These Masons are enthusiastic about participating in our Valley and are proven leaders in their Lodges. We exemplified 6 degrees on stage and communicated the other 23 degrees. We thank all of our Brothers who helped to make this Reunion a resounding success. If you weren't able to make it to watch a degree, do yourself a favor and come by for our Fall Reunion. The meaningful degrees of the Scottish Rite are the defining element of our appendant organization.
Our June Stated Meeting will be on June 9th at 6:30 pm. Please plan on attending and enjoying our short meetings, good meals and fine fellowship. If you have any questions regarding your membership or dues status, please send email to gensec@ocscottishrite.org for a response.
Enjoy the Summer.
Fraternally,
Jamie Hopkins, 32° KCCH
An Update From...
RiteCare® Childhood Language Center of Orange County
Leora Shaffer, M.A., CCC-SLP, Clinic Director
We returned following Spring Break to welcome 12 new Chapman Graduate Student Interns who are ready to experience their final internship before graduating with their master’s degrees this summer. They have passed their comprehensive exams and their SLP Praxis Test to earn their Certificate of Clinical Competence. They are a happy and bright-eyed group with so much excitement for their futures which shines through when working with our families. Our summer session is short so they will be kept busy trying to make as much progress with our children as possible. In addition, the clinicians will be creating homework packets for each client to work on over the summer to maintain all that they have learned.
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°
"May you live in interesting times" is a complex blessing, and we have lived in very interesting times of late. As of this writing, we await the announcement of the appointment of the Scottish Rite Mason who will lead our Orient, while the individual Valleys report directly to the Grand Commander, and are afforded the support of on call leadership in other Orients and the support of our Supreme Council staff. Orange County Valley has been unaffected during this time, continuing to grow engagement and membership, and we all have our leadership to thank for that - our Heads of Bodies, General Secretary, Directors, Officers, Knights... Well, everyone. Orange County is a unique place, and Orange County Valley is also one-of-a-kind, in all the best ways.
Recently, adding to the ways these times have been "interesting", Supreme posed the question of whether the Orient of California, which has more Valleys than any other by a significant margin (the closest has thirteen, some have as few as one) should be divided in two, one North and one South. The Personal Representatives met twice on this issue with Illustrious Cole, SGC, and after the matter was considered, it has been decided that the Orient of California will remain one Orient.
Another interesting matter is our dues. We have previously published the plan to address the financial health of the Valley with an increase on a five year plan. At the June stated meeting, the Valley will consider a resolution to raise our dues from the current $120 first to $150, then $20 each year for three years, with a final increase of $30, so that at the end of that five year period our dues will be $240. At the same time, we will be introducing a monthly payment option, so members can spread out the cost of dues. As a result, your Scottish Rite membership will still cost less than the gym membership or streaming subscriptions you don't use.
Those of you who do not attend regularly are missing out on quality programs, great food and exceptional fellowship - our Valley really has become the gathering place for Orange County Freemasonry, and also for their partners - the Blue Slipper Club has grown, and I encourage you to bring your spouse or significant other to our meetings where I am sure they'll be pleased with the company.
I look forward to seeing you at any of our upcoming events, and you will be glad you came. As one Master of the Royal Secret recently told me, the experience really is more informative, entertaining and fulfilling than what's on Netflix.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Ill. Ralph C. Shelton II, 33°
Personal Representative of the
Sovereign Grand Inspector General in California
In the Valley of Orange County
Director of The Work & Prelate
Hon. James Olivier, 32º KCCH
Tick tock, tick, tock goes the clock. Almost at the halfway point for the year, this provides a good time to stop and reflect on how things have gone so far, where we’ve been, and where we’re going. An old friend of mine always says, “I always take two steps forward, and even if I have to take a step back, I’m still ahead of where I started!” After last month’s successful reunion and Ceremony of Remembrance and Renewal, we look at what worked and what needs to be done moving forward. For the remainder of this year, that means our fall reunion is coming on October 2nd and 3rd, and we are planning for the state-wide reunion happening at the Valley of Pasadena in 2026.
So, what does this mean for all of you? This means we have plenty of opportunities to get involved in service to your brothers! The never-ending call for more help is back on the table. I’ve been very encouraged to see people stepping up more and more over the course of this year, and I am eternally grateful to all of you. So thank you!
Switching hats for a moment back to my role as Chaplain, I pray that you all have had a peaceful and safe year so far and that our Heavenly Father’s hand be on your back in times of need and in times of joy. In both roles for this Valley, I am always no more than an email or a call away. My job doesn’t end when we leave the Lodge after a Stated Meeting.
With that, I wish you all a wonderful second half of 2025 full of joy and peace. May God’s blessings rest upon all of you, wherever you might be.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Hon. James Olivier, 32º KCCH
Director of The Work & Prelate
Blue Slipper Club
Erin McKinley
For those new to our organization, I’d like to take a moment to introduce the Blue Slipper Club (BSC). We are a social club for the wives and significant others of Scottish Rite Masons. While the gentlemen are in their meetings, we enjoy a variety of fun and relaxing activities—everything from wine tasting and watching football to small arts and crafts projects and good old-fashioned fellowship. After the meetings, we join the Masons for dinner and their program.
If your significant other hasn’t attended a BSC event yet, please let them know that not only are they welcome—they are wanted. We’d love to get to know them!
At our May meeting, we celebrated spring by creating beautiful LEGO flower arrangements to take home. It was a fun and creative evening, and a great way to unwind and connect. Looking ahead, we’re excited to join the Masons in June for the Cap & Ring Ceremony as they welcome their newest members. The BSC will have drinks available to enjoy while we mingle and chat before the ceremony.
And don’t forget—BSC also has events outside of the Valley! Our annual weekend getaway will be from August 8–10, 2025, in sunny San Diego. We’ll head out after work on Friday and return after a leisurely brunch on Sunday. If you’d like to join us, please RSVP by May 30, 2025, to Erin at emckinley313@gmail.com.
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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