VALLEY OF LANCASTER LEGACY
The Valley of Lancaster traces its origins to 1873, when a group of dedicated Scottish Rite Masons petitioned for permission to establish a Lodge of Perfection in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Their request was approved by the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation, and on February 17, 1874, the Lancaster Lodge of Perfection was formally constituted. Just weeks later, on March 9, 1874, the Valley held its first stated meeting at Masonic Hall on West King Street—a location that remains an important part of its rich heritage.
In its early years, the Valley experienced steady growth, fueled by the dedication of its members and a commitment to the principles of Scottish Rite Freemasonry. By 1915, membership had grown to approximately 400 members, and by the mid-20th century, the Valley had expanded to nearly 3,200 members. Throughout both World Wars and the Great Depression, the Valley continued to flourish, supporting patriotic causes, charitable initiatives, and the communities its members proudly served.
Over the decades, the Valley of Lancaster became known not only for its ritual excellence but also for its strong tradition of fellowship, education, and service. Members regularly supported the Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown, hosted annual observances and reunions, and cultivated a vibrant Scottish Rite community that extended throughout Lancaster County. The Valley's commitment to preserving Masonic values while serving future generations has remained steadfast since its founding.
Today, the Valley of Lancaster continues to build upon the vision of those early Brethren who planted the seeds of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in Lancaster County more than 150 years ago. Their legacy of integrity, leadership, charity, and lifelong learning continues to inspire the members of the Valley as they carry that tradition forward for generations to come.
The Valley of Lancaster is proud to be home to the Lodge of Perfection, where every Scottish Rite journey begins. Through the 4°–14°, members are introduced to the timeless principles of morality, integrity, leadership, and service that form the foundation of Scottish Rite Freemasonry.
THE LANCASTER LODGE OF PERFECTION
Every Scottish Rite journey begins with the Lodge of Perfection. Before a Master Mason can attain the 32°, he first enters the Ineffable Degrees—the 4° through the 14°—where the moral, philosophical, and spiritual foundations of Scottish Rite Freh symbolism, allegory, and timeless Masonic principles, these degrees encourage each Brother to pursue integrity, justice, wisdom, faith, and service to humanity while strengthening his relationship with God and his fellow man.
Although they are the first degrees of the Scottish Rite, the Lodge of Perfection is far more than an introduction. These degrees are considered the cornerstone of the Scottish Rite experience, offering lessons that reveal deeper meaning with each study and reflection. Every 32° Scottish Rite Mason begins his journey here, making the Lodge of Perfection the place where a lifetime of Masonic growth truly begins.emasonry are established.
The Valley of Lancaster is proud to confer these eleven profound degrees, guiding members through lessons that expand upon the teachings of the Blue Lodge. Through symbolism, allegory, and timeless Masonic principles, these degrees encourage each Brother to pursue integrity, justice, wisdom, faith, and service to humanity while strengthening his relationship with God and his fellow man.
Although they are the first degrees of the Scottish Rite, the Lodge of Perfection is far more than an introduction. These degrees are considered the cornerstone of the Scottish Rite experience, offering lessons that reveal deeper meaning with each study and reflection. Every 32° Scottish Rite Mason begins his journey here, making the Lodge of Perfection the place where a lifetime of Masonic growth truly begins.
The Lancaster Lodge of Perfection Today
The name of the Lodge of Perfection refers to the belief of Scottish Rite Masons that while they know they are not perfect, there is a path to perfection. Based upon legends from the era of King Solomon and Old Testament scripture, one of the key moral teachings in this body is that men must persevere and overcome difficulties in their progress toward perfection.
The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction has long prioritized revising its degree rituals. In some cases, rituals have been altered to make them easier for Valleys to perform, while other changes have been made to reflect modern thinking and meet contemporary Freemasons' needs. For example, a number of Consistory degrees were moved to replace existing ritual degrees in the 1970s. Most recently, a video version of the 4° was created to allow initiates to receive this degree in a more convenient, inspirational, and enjoyable way. A Brother becomes a Scottish Rite Mason once he has witnessed the 4°, an opportunity made available to Brothers by viewing the recorded version during a Rite on the Road or virtual Supreme Council event, such as a Join the Rite Night, or as presented in-person by a Valley’s degree cast.
As with any Masonic ritual, the degrees included in the Lancaster Lodge of Perfection require extensive reflection, study, and revisiting. Here are brief summaries of the ethical teachings found in the Ineffable Degrees of this subordinate body:
4th Degree – Builder:
A Master Mason seeks divine guidance. Philosophy: Brothers grow together in Scottish Rite. Core Values: Reverence for God, Integrity, & Service to Humanity
5th Degree – Perfect Master:
Two sons of Aaron, corrupted by greed and ambition, allow the sacred flame to extinguish. Philosophy: Trustworthiness is more valuable than life and is the basis for Masonic honor. Core Values: Reverence for God, Justice & Integrity
6th Degree - Master of the Brazen Serpent:
When the children of Israel encounter a rough and dangerous journey through the desert, they rebel against Moses and God. Philosophy: The answer to the spiritual problems of humanity is faith in ourselves and God. Core Values: Reverence for God
7th Degree - Provost and Judge:
A dispute among the workers where honesty and justice prevail. Philosophy: We should render justice to all mankind. Core Values: Justice & Integrity
8th Degree - Intendant of the Building:
Based on the Old Testament story of King David and his assignment to his son, the future King Solomon. Philosophy: The degree reminds us that each honor we receive requires attention to a particular duty. Core Values: Service to Humanity, Integrity, & Reverence for God
9th Degree - Master of the Temple:
The Temple of King Solomon is dedicated by priests of many religions. Philosophy: We should not be too zealous in executing justice. Core Values: Reverence for God & Service to Humanity
10th Degree - Master Elect:
King Solomon learns of his sentence from which there is no appeal. Philosophy: The violator of his obligations to God will not go unpunished. Core Values: Reverence for God & Justice
11th Degree - Sublime Master Elected:
King Solomon's tax collector violates the public trust. Philosophy: When confronted by corrupt, unjust, or illegal behavior on the part of a person in authority, the nation should remain loyal and courageous. Core Values: Integrity
12th Degree - Master of Mercy:
Joseph forgives his brothers for selling him into slavery. Philosophy: We learn forgiveness, compassion, and Brotherly love. Core Values: Justice & Integrity
13th Degree - Master of the Ninth Arch:
The degree dramatizes the dangers encountered as men search for the lost word. Philosophy: We are reminded that difficulties and dangers should not deter us from pursuing moral perfection. Core Values: Reverence for God
14th Degree - Grand Elect Mason:
The essence of Symbolic Masonry is compiled in lessons of the Lodge of Perfection. Philosophy: Members are encouraged to worship God at the altar of their choice. Core Values: Reverence for God
These 11 degrees teach essential practical lessons that relate to our Core Values:
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Secrecy and silence in all confidential relationships
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Reverence and obedience to God
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Faithfulness to family and country
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Justice tempered by mercy
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Universal Brotherhood
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Honesty in business relations
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Forgiveness of past injustices
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Perseverance in overcoming the difficulties encountered in our progress toward perfection
Through the lessons found in the Lodge of Perfection and beyond, we strive to help good men become even better during their Masonic journey.
In 32° Scottish Rite Freemasonry, we seek to strengthen our community and believe members should follow their judgment and the dictates of their conscience through life.
MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL, 33°
ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY,
VALLEY OF LANCASTER
Honorary Members Received the 33°
Ill...John W. Montgomery, 33°, MSA Sep. 25, 1985
Ill...Jay W. Smith, 33° Sep. 24, 1986
Ill...Russell W. Baker, 33° Aug. 27, 1996
Ill...Joseph E. Murphy, 33° Aug. 27, 1996
Ill...Frederick P. Sample, 33° Sep. 23, 2000
Ill...Peter W. Null, 33° Sep. 25, 2001
Ill...Clarence W. Martin, 33° Sep. 25, 2001
Ill...J. Richard Eby, 33° Sep. 25, 2001
Ill...Herbert K. Swisher, 33° Sep. 23, 2003
Ill...LaVerne R. Gibble, 33° Aug. 30, 2005
Ill...Richard T. Mason, 33° Aug. 29, 2006
Ill...William J. Oehme, 33 °Aug. 27, 2007
Ill...Raymond E. Tierney, 33° Aug. 27, 2007
Ill...Clifton L. Kent, 33° Aug. 26, 2008
Ill...Adin P. Van Deursen, 33° Aug. 25, 2009
Ill...Noble P. Johnson, 33° Aug. 25, 2009
Ill...William J. Prazenica, 33° Aug. 31, 2010
Ill...L. Bryan Walton, 33°, MSA Aug. 31, 2010
Ill...Terry Millard, 33° Aug. 30, 2011
Ill...Richard C. Bledsoe, Jr., 33° Aug. 30, 2011
Ill...Bruce H. Jackson, 33 °.Aug. 28, 2012
Ill...Robert M. Bistline, 33° Aug. 28, 2012
Ill...William C. Davis, Jr., 33° Aug. 28, 2012
Ill...Larry A. Derr, 33° Aug. 20, 2013
Ill...David W. Berry, 33° Aug. 20, 2013
Ill...Christopher M. Gibson, 33° Sep. 01, 2015
Ill...Joshua D. Parmer, 33°Aug. 29, 2017
Ill...Vincent L. Spadea, 33° Aug. 29, 2017
Ill...Ronald B. Carson, 33°Aug. 22, 2019
Ill...Dennis D. O’Connor, 33° Aug. 22, 2019
Ill...John F. Pyfer, Jr., 33° Aug. 22, 2019
Ill...Glenn W. Henry, 33°, MSA Aug. 31, 2021
Ill...Todd A. Bennicas, 33° Aug. 31, 2021
Ill...Steven J. Smith 33°Aug. 25, 2025
Ill...Scott E. Baker, 33°Aug. 25, 2025
Ill...John W. Montgomery, 33°, MSA 1979
Ill...Jay W. Smith, 33 ° 1982
David P. Oberdorf, 32° 1985
Ill...Russell W. Baker, 33° 1994
Ill...Peter W. Null, 33° 1998
Ill...LaVerne R. Gibble, 33° 2002
Ill...J. Richard Eby, 33° 2003
Ill...Clarence W. Martin, 33° 2004
Ill...Herbert K. Swisher, 33° 2005
Ill...Terry Millard, 33° 2007
Ill...Clifton L. Kent, 33° 2008
Ill...L. Bryan Walton, 33°, MSA 2009
Ill...Richard C. Bledsoe, Jr., 33° 2010
Ill...Bruce H. Jackson, 33° 2011
Walter J. Foltz, 32° 2012
C. Ray Rathman, 32° 2013
John P. Humphreys, 32°, MSA 2014
Ill...Christopher M. Gibson, 33° 2015
Ill...Dennis D. O’Connor, 33° 2016
Ill...Joshua D. Parmer, 33° 2017
Ill...Glenn W. Henry, 33°, MSA 2018
Ill...Scott E. Baker, 33°, MSA 2019
Ill...Steven J. Smith, 33°, MSA 2020
Ill...David W. Berry, 33 ° 2021
Edward C. McGrath, Jr., 32°, MSA 2022
Ill...Todd A. Bennicas, 33° 2023
M. Todd Hoak, 32° 2024