<![CDATA[Houston Scottish Rite - Houston Valley News]]>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:40:32 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[The 2025 Valley of Houston Honors Banquetin Celebration of Our Distinguished Brethren]]>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 19:26:28 GMThttps://www.houstonscottishrite.org/houston-valley-news/the-2025-valley-of-houston-honors-banquetin-celebration-of-our-distinguished-brethren
Picture
Brethren, please remember to make your reservations to attend the Valley of Houston Scottish Rite Honors Banquet set for Friday, September 26, 2025, when, by tradition, we will recognize the 2025 Houston-area Honorees of the Orient of Texas Scottish Rite Jurisdiction.  Specifically, we will raise a glass (or two) to Houston's four new 33° Inspectors General Honorary, and to our eight new 32° Knights Commander of the Court of Honour.

Family and guests are welcome to reserve their dinner tickets via PayPal on the Valley of Houston Scottish Rite website, at this link.  There you can also make your choice of a Beef, Salmon, or Vegetarian plate.  Please note that the link is also posted on the Valley website on the Dues page.

A Social Hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Houston Valley, located at 2401 West Bellfort Avenue, Houston, TX 77225.  The dinner starts at 6:30 p.m.  Black tie and evening dress are recommended.  Costs for the evening’s event is set at $65 per person.

You may also pay by credit card by calling the Valley of Houston office at (713) 432-1980, or by check via mail to Houston Scottish Rite, PO Box 20788, Houston, TX 77225-0788.  Again, if paying by check, please make sure to indicate your choice of meal. 

Come, join us and honor our distinguished brethren in this biannual event!
]]><![CDATA[The 2025 Houston Honorees-Elect]]>Mon, 04 Aug 2025 03:57:43 GMThttps://www.houstonscottishrite.org/houston-valley-news/the-2025-houston-honorees-electThe Valley of Houston is pleased to announce its Honorees-Elect for 2025.
 
The 33° Inspectors General Honorary, designated for 2025:
  • Scott Bumgardner, of Houston
  • Cyrille Girouard, of Missouri City
  • Robert Murray, of Houston
  • Raborn Reader Jr., of Magnolia
 
The 32° Knights Commander of the Court of Honor, designated for 2025:
  • Keith Borst, of Sealy
  • Christopher Choat, of Needville
  • Chip Green Jr.,of Cleveland
  • Robert Loflin, of Port Lavaca
  • Jason Martin, of Lake Jackson
  • Daniel McGettrick, of Pearland
  • Matthew White, of Houston
  • Erickson Ybarra, of Houston
 
The state-wide investiture ceremony will be held on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025, at the Dallas Scottish Rite Cathedral.  All honorees-elect are required to attend the 33rd Degree conferral or the KCCH Investiture, respectively, and the honors luncheon. The luncheon and KCCH Investiture will be open to families and guests of the honorees. Registration for the 33rd Degree Conferral will begin at 7:00am, with KCCH Investiture registration commencing at 11:00am.
Stay tuned for further details to come regarding our subsequent local honors banquet here at home.  Meanwhile, please join us in congratulating the aforementioned brethren!
]]><![CDATA[Valley of Houston Master Craftsman Program]]>Thu, 06 Feb 2025 04:50:25 GMThttps://www.houstonscottishrite.org/houston-valley-news/valley-of-houston-master-craftsman-programThe Valley of Houston Scottish Rite is launching the Mastercraft Man Program with a ZOOM video conference meeting beginning on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 6 p.m.  The program will be led by brother Jason Rees, 24° Knight Commander Court of Honor, and member of the Valley of Houston. 
Those interested in obtaining the Master Craftsman College certificate from the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, are encouraged to sign up now.  Please contact Jason at acompass@yahoo.com.  The study class here at the Valley is free.
Also, be sure to purchase, through the Southern Jurisdiction bookstore, Esoterika, Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry, by Albert Pike for $55 and sign up for the Master Craftsman Program first section, Early Freemasonry.  The Master Craftsman certification consist of seven courses, listed at $15 per course.  Once you compete the test for the first course, you are allowed to sign up for the second course, et al.  Go to https://srbookstore.myshopify.com/, look for Books in the heading, go to page four to purchase the book. 
Go to https://www.mastercraftsmancollege.org/course-details/l5.  Then look to the bottom right side of the page, find ‘Enroll Now” to sign up for the Master Craftsman Program. 
Courses listed under the certification include:  Early Freemasonry, Early Masonic Rituals, Jachin & Boaz (1762), Esoterika (Preface and Introductory), Esoterika (The Compasses and Square & The Weapons and Blows of the Assassins), Esoterika (The Three Grips, The Substitute for the Master’s Word), (The Faith of Albert Pike), and Esoterika (The 47th Problem of Euclid, Fragments, and Endnotes).  Download and print out the study guide for each course as you signup for it.  As you complete each course, go back to the above link and upload your answers.  Once you pass the course exam, you are free to sign up for the next course in the sequence.
Edited by Arthuro de Hoyos, 33° Degree Sovereign Grand Inspector General with a forward by Ronald A Seale, former 33° Sovereign Grand Commander of the Southern Jurisdiction, Esoterika will acquaint class participants with the development of Blue Lodge Masonry and explore its symbolism. It contains never-before-published esoteric study of Blue Lodge Masonry by author Pike, including: The Compasses and the Square, The 47th Problem of Euclid, Is the Cable-tow a Symbol, The Ladder of Jacob, Tubal Cain, Shibboleth and others.
Class participants will be doing classes via Zoom and in person working on the first course and - using the study guide - prepare for testing at the end of each course beginning with the initial February 16th on-line session.  Be sure to discuss, with Jason, any questions you have dealing with signing up for the course.  To date, 20 brethren have signed up for the course.  Don’t miss your opportunity to become a more informed member of the craft. ​

]]><![CDATA[2025 Houston Scottish Rite Burns Supper]]>Mon, 25 Nov 2024 02:28:58 GMThttps://www.houstonscottishrite.org/houston-valley-news/2025-houston-scottish-rite-burns-supperBrethren,
The Houston Scottish Rite is hosting a Burns Supper in two months on Saturday, January 25, 2025! Tickets are now on sale.
​

Join us for a night of festivity and tradition, celebrating the immortal memory of Robert Burns. Immerse yourself in Scottish culture with bagpipes, haggis, poetry, dancing and of course, the famous Address to a Haggis by Robert Burns. This event promises an evening filled with camaraderie, music, and delicious food. Don't miss out on this unique experience to honor Scotland's national poet and enjoy a memorable night with fellow enthusiasts. Get your kilts ready and mark your calendars for a night to remember! This event is open to everyone.


Reception opens at 6:00, and the program and supper begin at 7:00.
Get your tickets now at

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/houston-scottish-rite-burns-supper-2025-tickets-1065203906559?aff=oddtdtcreator

We look forward to seeing you there!
]]><![CDATA[New KStA Tartans for Thursday's Feast]]>Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.houstonscottishrite.org/houston-valley-news/new-ksta-tartans-for-thursdays-feast
Picture
All here this!  All here this!  Thursday's 2024 rendition of the annual Valley of Houston celebration of the Feast of Tishri comes with a one-time caveat.  Not only will we break bread in honor of the great deliverance of the Hebrew people from wandering the desert in search of a new home, we will also celebrate the arrival of a new beginning for our Valley Knights of St Andrew.
Thursday evening marks the unveiling of the Valley of Houston KStA’s new tartan colors.   The Valley has made the decision to switch from its original Texas Bluebonnet Tartan to The ‘Earl of St Andrew’ tartan design.  Read the details of this decision below as outlined by Sir Knight, Matt White.


Houston Valley Scottish Rite
Knights of St Andrew Earl of St Andrew Tartan and Dress Wear.
At the chartering of the Houston Scottish Rite Knights of St Andrew Order, the Texas Bluebonnet tartan was selected as the official tartan of the order.  The tartan is the official tartan of the State of Texas and was utilized by the KStA for neck ties which could be worn with khaki slacks, a navy blazer and a black glengarry as the uniform of a Houston Valley KStA ‘Sir Knight.’
With regard to tartan designs, there exist a worldwide organization which acknowledges and registers various tartan patterns submitted by their designers and creators.  An individual may ‘copyright’ a tartan design.  Many design managers – or the holders of the tartan copyrights – are easy to work with and the tartan is readily accessible for individuals, groups, and societies to utilize for large clothing and uniform items have not proven over the years to permit their design to be very accessible to the public.
With the desire to move from neckties alone to larger uniform items displaying the KSA tartan pattern, the decision was made in 2023 to investigate a replacement tartan design for the Valley of Houston which would be readily accessible for kilts and other highland wear items.  The search led to the recommendation to the Valley KSA to switch the official tartan over to the ‘Earl of St Andrew’ tartan design.  The EOSA design is familiar to the Valley membership in the since that it is primarily a blue-dominated design and pays homage to the Patron Saint of the Scottish Rite 29th Degree and namesake of the Knights of Saint Andrew Order and Chapter.
The tartan design was presented and approved by committee in early 2024.  Officers of the Valley of Houston Knights of St Andrew oversaw the production and procurement as well as measuring and ordering the new kilts from a Texas-based kilt maker utilizing the new Earl of St Andrew tartan design.
In addition to kilts, the Valley KStA officers met and agreed upon several adjunct highland wear uniform items such as sporrans, kilt pins, belt buckles, and hosiery – all reflecting masonic and Scottish heritage ideas and values. – Sir Knight Matt White
...Bonnie Prince Kevin in full regalia
Sir Knight Kevin Clingan
Preceptor
​Valley of Houston KStA
...white shirt, black tie, and vest
Sir Knight Matt White
Baliff
​Valley of Houston KStA
...tartan tie only
Sir Knight Howard Aron
Registrar
​Valley of Houston KStA
...matching regalia wear
Associated items incorporated in the Valley of Houston Knights of St Andrew regalia are:  sword and thistle, thistle sporran, and navy hose and flashes incorporated with the wearing of the tartan, jacket, kilt, vest and tie apparel.
]]><![CDATA[Valley of Houston News and Updates]]>Wed, 02 Oct 2024 04:30:22 GMThttps://www.houstonscottishrite.org/houston-valley-news/valley-of-houston-news-and-updates6186547Reunion 410 and Feast of TishriBusy time ahead in the month of October at the Valley of Houston Scottish Rite.  Both the annual Feast of Tishri and Fall Reunion 419 are on tap for this month.
The Feast of Tishri, to be held on Thursday, October 24th, annually celebrates the Jewish holiday Sukkot - also known as the Feast of Tabernacles by the Jewish people.  A time of celebration after 40 years of wandering in the dessert following their escape from Egypt and the gathering of the fall harvest.  It is celebrated as the final of four feasts of the Scottish Rite  Southern Jurisdiction during the calendar year.
Reunion 419, which opened on September 21st, resumes on Saturday, October 19th with the conferral of Degrees 18 through 29 and closes out on Saturday, the 26th, with Terminal Degrees 4, 14, 18, 30, an 32 as well as Degree 31.  
There is still time to turn in Reunion Petitions and pay Degree Fees for those blue lodge Master Masons wishing to become full-fledged 32nd Degree members of the Scottish Rite.  Use the links below to download Petitions and prepay Degree Fees.  Otherwise, fees may be paid at the door by cash, check, or credit card.  
Note article below on the Forgotten Gateway:  Coming to America Through Galveston Island and remember to participate in your home lodge's efforts to gather items for the Valley of Houston Toy Drive benefiting Scottish Rite Hospitals in Dallas.  All lodge's will get these toys and money donations to the Valley in late November.  Valley members are invited to join in the caravan headed to Dallas to transfer the gifts in person to hospital personnel.  More on how to participate in that effort later. 
The Board of Trustees will meet in the Board Room prior to the Feast at 6 p.m. 


6 p.m.         Board of Trustees
7 p.m.         Feast of Tishri

Feast of Tishri 
Reunion 419 Continues in October
FIfteen candidates participated in the September 21st opening day of Reunion 419.  There is still time to notify members of your blue lodges that they can sign up and participate in the Reunion during the final two Saturdays; October 19th and 26th.  
Second and third Reunion dates are listed below.  Each session's activities complete around 9:30 p.m.  Breakfast and Registration begin each morning from 7 - 8 a.m. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are available to candidates and participating Valley members.  Degrees 18 through 29 are scheduled for the October 19th session.  
Those members who joined in the Spring Session of 2024 are encouraged to come out and see any Degrees they missed during the Spring. Terminal Degrees 4, 14,18, 30, and 32 as well as Degree 31 will be conferred on the final day of the Reunion, October 26th.  This gives any new members coming into the Valley a chance to receive all Terminal Degrees on the 26th.
Fees of the Reunion are set at $275 and can be paid via PayPal or Credit Card on internet site via link below or by contacting the Valley via telephone at  713-432-1980 prior to the event.  Credit Card, check, or cash are acceptable at the door.  Please download a copy of the Petition on link below.  A link for the Petition is also listed below.
Remember, if you are not active in Reunions to this point, you are encouraged to join one of the many committees responsible for Reunion activities.  Come out, observe, and get involved.  There's always a place to help.
Candidates can look forward to more in depth knowledge, comrodarity, and opportunities to serve the general public through the many Scottish Rite charity organizations by getting involved now.   


                                     419th Reunion Schedule
Saturday, October 19, 2024
7:00 – 8:00        a.m.     Breakfast                                2:15 – 2:30   p.m.      Classroom  
8:00 - 8:15         a.m.     Classroom                              2:30 – 3:15 p.m.       24° Conferred
8:15 – 9:30        a.m.     18° Conferred                         3:15 – 3:30   p.m.      Break
9:30 – 9:45        a.m.     Classroom                              3:30 – 4:00   p.m.      25° Conferred
9:45 – 10:15      a.m.     19° Conferred                         4:00 – 4:15   p.m.      Classroom
10:15 – 10:30    a.m.     Break                                      4:15 – 4:45   p.m.      26° Conferred
10:30 – 11:15    a.m.     20° Conferred                         4:45 – 5:00   p.m.      Classroom
11:15 – 11:30    a.m.     Classroom                              5:00 – 5:45   p.m.      27° Conferred
11:30 – 12:15    a.m.     21° Conferred                         5:45 – 6:00   p.m.      Break
12:15 – 1:00      p.m.     Lunch                                      6:00 – 6:45   p.m.     28° Conferred
1:00 – 1:30        p.m.     22° Conferred                          6:45 – 7:00   p.m.     Classroom
1:30 – 1:45        p.m.     Classroom                               7:00 – 7:30   p.m.     29° Conferred
1:45 – 2:15        p.m.     23° Conferred                                     
Saturday, October 26, 2024
7:00 – 8:00        a.m.     Registration / Breakfast          1:00 – 2:00   p.m.      Lunch & Portraits  
8:00 - 8:45         a.m.     Classroom                              2:00 – 3:00   p.m.      30° Conferred
8:45 – 9:00        a.m.     Reunion Prologue                   3:00 – 3:30   p.m.      Classroom
9:00 – 9:45        a.m.     4° Conferred                           3:30 – 4:15   p.m.      31° Conferred
9:45 – 10:15      a.m.     Classroom                              4:15 – 4:45   p.m.      Classroom
10:15 – 11:15    a.m.     14° Conferred                         4:45 – 6:15   p.m.      32° Conferred
11:15 – 11:45    a.m.     Classroom                              6:15 – 6:45   p.m.      Cap Presentation
11:45 – 1:00      p.m.     18° Conferred                        
Fellowship and Refreshments in Double Eagle Lounge following Reunion

Reunion 419 Petition 
Reunion 419 Degree Fees 
2025 Dues 
​Galveston - Forgotten GatewayThe Library and Museum of the Houston Scottish Rite Forgotten Gateway:  Coming to America Through Galveston Island exhibit is underway.  The exhibition is available to the public through October 24, 2024.  For more information about viewing hours, or to arrange group visits, contact the Valley of Houston Scottish Rite at 713-432-1980.
School of Instruction The Valley of Houston School of Instruction next meets Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 10 a.m. in the Valley Board Room.  Fresh Coffee will be available for all participants. 
Twice-monthly practices are held on second and fourth Saturday mornings of each month - when the building is not otherwise scheduled - to go over Blue Lodge esoteric work including: esoteric studies of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason as well as lodge openings and closing of all four lodges, conferral of degrees, and the reception of Grand Lodge Officers.   
UpComing Events 

Please note you can also subscribe to our calendar HERE!!






October 19, 2024          REUNION 419 (18th – 29th Degree Conferrals) 
October 24, 2024          Feast of Tishri – Executive Committee – KStA Stated Meeting
October 26, 2024          REUNION 419 (Terminal Degree 4th, 14th, 18th, 30th, 32nd –                                               Plus 31th - Conferrals)
November 21, 2024      Stated Meeting – Board of Trustees
December 19, 2024      Election / Installation of Officers – Executive Committee
                                             Valley of Houston • Orient of Texas
                                  2401 W Bellfort Avenue, Houston, TX 77225-0788  
                                                       Phone: 713-432-1980
                                         Email:  info@HoustonScottishRite.org
                                     Website:  https://www.houstonscottishrite.org]]><![CDATA[Lodge announcements]]>Mon, 30 Sep 2024 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.houstonscottishrite.org/houston-valley-news/lodge-announcements2117101If your Lodge is having a Golden Trowel Award, Community Builder Award, Fundraising Event, Cornerstone Celebration, etc. please email the details to info@houstonscottishrite.org. We will assist you in publication of the event.
 
  • Texas City Lodge 11118 offers a program on The History of Freemasonry presented by Brother Alan Booth tonight beginning at 7 p.m. at the lodge, located at 702 14th St N, Texas City 77590. Following the presentation, a Master Masons Obligation Ceremony will take place.  Included within the presentation:  freemasonry’s origin, the meaning of “freemasonry,” earliest known masonic obligation, the Grand Lodge of England, and more.  The event is open to Master Masons only.  Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.
  • West University Lodge 1292 presents Secrets of the Founding Fathers Tuesday evening, October 1, 2024 at the lodge, located at 6125 Edloe St, West University Place 77005. The program investigates history and symbology prominent in the creation of the United States.  Trans-Atlantic relationships among freemasons during the period that brought eventual republican based governance to both France and the US.
  • Lodge 1055 host Brother Alan Booth Wednesday, October 2, 2024, who will present a talk on the History of Freemasonry beginning at 7 p.m. Brother Booth will discuss the origin of freemasonry, the meaning of freemasonry, the earliest known masonic obligation, the United Grand Lodge of England, and more at the event, beginning at 7 p.m.  Dinner precedes the presentation at 6:30 p.m. at the lodge, located at 1030 Main St, Pasadena 77506.
  • Tomball Lodge 1096 Scholarship Fund will reap 100 percent of the proceeds from the 11th Annual Fall Hot Rod Madness which takes place Sunday, October 6, 2024 at Rox’s Bar, 8905 Louetta Rd, Spring 77379. All Makes, All Models, All Years will be competing for 1 – 3 Prize Trophies from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m.  Food Trucks, Giveaways, DJ, and 50 – 50 Drawings available.  Entry Fee $35 for participation.  Free to Public.  Four Categories:  Original, Traditional, Modified, Open – All Makes, All Years, Both 2 and 4 Wheels.  Hosted by Champions Hot Rod Car Club – CHAMPIONSHOTRODCARCLUB.COM.
  • League City Lodge 1053 presents Right Worshipful Aaron Tyksinski presenting Active Shooter Response training on Monday, October 7, 2024. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. with the presentation to follow at seven at the lodge, located at 510 E Main St, League City 77573.
  • The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas Annual Family Day Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Texas Masonic Retirement Center located at 1501 W Division St, Arlington 76012. Masonic BBQ Cookoff, Car & Motorcycle Show, Live Music, Shady Picnic Tables, Arts and Crafts, Clothing and Jewelry, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Masonic Fundraisers, Children’s Games, and a Mobile Blood Drive are scheduled at the Free Admission event from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information visit YourTMRC.org at info@YourTMRC.org or call 817-275-2893 for more details.
  • Pasadena Lodge 1155 presents the Golden Trowel Award to Past Master Lupe Sandoval on Saturday, October 12, 2024 beginning at 1 p.m. at the lodge, located at 1030 Main St, Pasadena 77002. Dinner will follow the presentation.
  • Louisiana 8th Masonic District host its Annual Outdoor Open Air Degree Sunday, October 13, 2024 on the Charnel Bailey Ranch – eight miles east of Rosepine on Bailey Rd off highway 171. Lunch will be served at noon.  Contact Brother Jerry W Deters, Secretary, 8th Masonic District Louisiana at 318-290-0880 or jerrydeters@hotmail.com. Car pool leaves Lorenzo De Zavala Lodge 1397 – 310 Enid Street, Houston 77009 – at 8 a.m.
  • The Valley of Houston Scottish Rite is conducting its 419th Reunion at the Valley, located at 2401 West Bellfort Ave, Houston 77054. Sessions two and three of the Reunion will be held on October 19th and 26th.  Please go to the Valley of Houston Scottish website and download petitions.  Each session begins with Sign In and Breakfast at 8 a.m. and concludes around 8:30 p.m.  Those who were unable to attend the first session of the Reunion, or who wish to sign up to receive their degrees are encouraged to sign up for the October 19th session where they will receive Degrees 18 – 29 on the 19th.  Terminal Degrees 4, 14, 18, 30, and 32 on the final day of the Reunion, October 26th.
  • Alvin Lodge 762 host the Fall Market & BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, October 19, 2024 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the lodge, located at 111 W Blum St, Alvin 77511. Live music, vendors, BBQ, and family fun are on the docket.  Admission is free.  All proceeds go to support Alvin fundraising.


                                       =========================                 


The Houston Scottish Rite Valley offers Masonic Degree Conferral teams for Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason in an effort to support local Blue Lodges.  Should your lodge need assistance in degree conferrals, please contact Brother Kevin T Binder at kevinbinder30@gmail.com for assistance.]]><![CDATA[christmas toy lodge challenge]]>Mon, 30 Sep 2024 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.houstonscottishrite.org/houston-valley-news/christmas-toy-lodge-challenge9575883
Picture
The Valley of Houston Scottish Rite challenges area masonic lodges to participate in a toy drive donation event benefit for the Scottish RIte for Children Hospital in Dallas.
The lodge donating the most toys (see listing below) between September first and December first will set down to a Christmas Dinner provided - and served - by the Valley of Houston at the winning lodge's first stated meeting following the contest.  That's right: A-Winner-EAT-All evening at the expense of the Valley of Houston Scottish Rite.
Those who may not be familiar with the Hospital's history should know that the Scottish Rite for Children Hospital was established in 1921 when a group of Texas Freemasons approached orthopedic surgeon W B Carrell, MD – Dallas first orthopedic specialist – about the possibility of providing care for children suffering from Polio.  The non-profit facility, located at 2222 Welborn St, Dallas 75219, currently has 100 patient beds and, still a pediatric operation, specializes in treatment of orthopedic conditions and sports injuries; including certain related arthritic, neurological, and learning disorders including dyslexia.  Patient service is free for those without insurance.  Insured individuals are not billed for expenses not paid by their insurance company.
It is affiliated with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center – listed among the Top 5% US News Best Hospitals Honor Roll.  It specializes in medical education and clinical care. 
"Get started now.  Compile your donation.  When completed write out a the number and listing of items you are donating.  Call the Valley at 713-432-1980.  We will coordinate with you prior to delivery to our facility.  Questions?  Contact us at the phone number above or via email at acompass@yahoo.com. 
Let's spread joy and happiness happiness to those children in Dallas this fine Christmas Season.
TOY LIST
  • Art Kits 
  • Board Games (Monopoly & Life)
  • Baby Dolls (all ethnicities, plastic)
  • Ceramic paint set
  • Character figurine toys: GI Joe, Transformers type
  • Character toys (Disney®, Superheroes, Paw Patrol™, PJ Masks™, etc.)
  • Doctor kits
  • Hot Wheels®, cars packs or sets of 8
  • LEGO® kits (all sizes)
  • Light projectors
  • LOL surprises and Dolls
  • Marvel®/DC Comics® action figures
  • Nail Art (stick-on, decals, polish, kits)
  • Newly released movies (disc)
  • Bluetooth speakers & noise cancelling headphones
  • Oball® toys
  • Painting canvas (all sizes)
  • Play-Doh® kits
  • Polaroid® camera and film
  • Puzzles 24-100 pieces
  • Rated “E” and “T” video games
  • Slime kits
  • Toddler toys
  • VTECH®/Fisher-Price® light up musical toys
  • Sketch pad
                                             Valley of Houston • Orient of Texas
                                  2401 W Bellfort Avenue, Houston, TX 77225-0788  
                                                       Phone: 713-432-1980
                                         Email:  info@HoustonScottishRite.org
                                     Website:  https://www.houstonscottishrite.org
]]><![CDATA[Valley of Houston News and Updates]]>Sat, 31 Aug 2024 03:40:22 GMThttps://www.houstonscottishrite.org/houston-valley-news/valley-of-houston-news-and-updatesComing to America Through Galveston IslandBeginning Thursday, September 26, 2024, The Library and Museum of the Houston Scottish Rite will present Forgotten Gateway:  Coming to America Through Galveston Island, based on the major exhibition of the same name developed by the Bullock Texas State History Museum and guest-curated by Dr Suzanne Seriff, independent museum curator and senior lecturer of anthropology at the University of Texas at Austin.  Forgotten Gateway is presented in partnership with Humanities Texas, the state affiliate for the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Houston Scottish Rite Friends of the Library.
As a major gateway for immigration, Galveston Island was the port of entry for hundreds of thousands of people coming to American from 1845 to 1924.  Forgotten Gateway considers the importance of place in the immigrant experience – tracing the history of Galveston Island as it changed from a small harborage for sailing vessels, to a major cosmopolitan steamship and railroad hub, and back to a nearly abandoned immigrant station – and explores universal themes of immigration including leaving home, encountering danger, confronting discrimination, and navigating bureaucracy. 
The exhibition will be available to the public from September 25, 2024 through October 24, 2024.  For more information about viewing hours or to arrange group visits, contact the Valley of Houston Scottish Rite at 713-432-1980.
Humanities Texas develops and supports diverse programs across the state, including lectures, oral history projects, teacher institutes, museum exhibitions and documentary films.
Reunion 419The Valley of Houston Scottish Rite has set the dates for Fall Reunion 419.  Our next Reunion will see the conferral of all 29 Degrees of the Scottish Rite beginning on Saturday, September 21, 2024. The Reunion picks up on Saturday, October 19th and concludes on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
Fees of the Reunion are set at $275 and can be paid via PayPal or Credit Card on internet site at https://www.houstonscottishrite.org/dues-donation-and-meal-fees/or by contacting the Valley via telephone at  713-432-1988 prior to the event.  Credit Card, check, or cash are acceptable at the door.  Please download a copy of the Petition on link below.



419th Reunion Petition 
2024 Dues 
Almoner's Fund School of Instruction The Valley of Houston School of Instruction next meets Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 10 a.m. in the Valley Board Room.  Fresh Coffee will be available for all participants. 
Twice-monthly practices are held on second and fourth Saturday mornings of each month - when the building is not otherwise scheduled - to go over Blue Lodge esoteric work including: esoteric studies of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason as well as lodge openings and closing of all four lodges, conferral of degrees, and the reception of Grand Lodge Officers.   
]]><![CDATA[christmas toy lodge challenge]]>Wed, 14 Aug 2024 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.houstonscottishrite.org/houston-valley-news/christmas-toy-lodge-challenge8541274
Picture
​The Valley of Houston Scottish Rite challenges area masonic lodges to participate in a toy drive donation event benefit for the Scottish RIte for Children Hospital in Dallas.
The lodge donating the most toys (see listing below) between September first and December first will set down to a Christmas Dinner provided - and served - by the Valley of Houston at the winning lodge's first stated meeting following the contest.  That's right: A-Winner-EAT-All evening at the expense of the Valley of Houston Scottish Rite.
Those who may not be familiar with the Hospital's history should know that the Scottish Rite for Children Hospital was established in 1921 when a group of Texas Freemasons approached orthopedic surgeon W B Carrell, MD – Dallas first orthopedic specialist – about the possibility of providing care for children suffering from Polio.  The non-profit facility, located at 2222 Welborn St, Dallas 75219, currently has 100 patient beds and, still a pediatric operation, specializes in treatment of orthopedic conditions and sports injuries; including certain related arthritic, neurological, and learning disorders including dyslexia.  Patient service is free for those without insurance.  Insured individuals are not billed for expenses not paid by their insurance company.
It is affiliated with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center – listed among the Top 5% US News Best Hospitals Honor Roll.  It specializes in medical education and clinical care. 
Get started now.  Compile your donation.  When completed write out a the number and listing of items you are donating.  Call the Valley at 713-432-1980.  We will coordinate with you prior to delivery to our facility.  Questions?  Contact us at the phone number above or via email at acompass@yahoo.com. 
Let's spread joy and happiness happiness to those children in Dallas this fine Christmas Season.
TOY LIST
  • Art Kits 
  • Board Games (Monopoly & Life)
  • Baby Dolls (all ethnicities, plastic)
  • Ceramic paint set
  • Character figurine toys: GI Joe, Transformers type
  • Character toys (Disney®, Superheroes, Paw Patrol™, PJ Masks™, etc.)
  • Doctor kits
  • Hot Wheels®, cars packs or sets of 8
  • LEGO® kits (all sizes)
  • Light projectors
  • LOL surprises and Dolls
  • Marvel®/DC Comics® action figures
  • Nail Art (stick-on, decals, polish, kits)
  • Newly released movies (disc)
  • Bluetooth speakers & noise cancelling headphones
  • Oball® toys
  • Painting canvas (all sizes)
  • Play-Doh® kits
  • Polaroid® camera and film
  • Puzzles 24-100 pieces
  • Rated “E” and “T” video games
  • Slime kits
  • Toddler toys
  • VTECH®/Fisher-Price® light up musical toys
  • Sketch pad
]]>