Russ Hennings, 32°
Wise Master
It is a tremendous honor to step into the role of Venerable Master of the Orange County Valley on January 19th of this month. I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of James McCallion, whose exceptional leadership over the past year empowered all of us. James kept us focused, united, and always moving forward, while also bringing vibrancy and warmth to our gatherings through meals and fellowship. He reminded us that Masonic work is meaningful, but it’s also meant to be enjoyed together.
This year my focus will be on elevating every aspect of what we do as a Valley: from the way we communicate, to the experiences we provide, to how we connect with our brothers outside these walls. Our Scottish Rite Valley is a beacon of fellowship and learning, and I firmly believe we can become the strongest Valley in California.
The leadership team we have this year is one to be proud of. Alejo Velarde, Barry McKinley, and newly appointed Josh Price bring years of Masonic wisdom and leadership as Past Masters and Inspectors. These men know what it takes to get things done, and they lead with an understanding of both tradition and vision. Their dedication to their respective bodies builds the foundation of our success, and I am grateful to have them by my side.
We also have a remarkable group in the Knights of St. Andrew, led by Matt Schrader. The Knights are poised to become a powerful team within our Valley. They will focus on philanthropy—amplifying the work we do to serve our community—while also strengthening the fraternal bonds among us. The Knights will offer exclusive events and opportunities for fellowship, combining tradition with the camaraderie that makes Masonry special. This group will be instrumental in creating the elevated experience I envision for all members this year.
Creating a meaningful experience for our members is my highest priority. To that end, I want to ensure that our meetings and dinners feel purposeful, rewarding, and enjoyable. You’ll see elevated touches throughout the year: high-quality meals shared together, thoughtful events, and consistent, streamlined communication that keeps us informed and engaged.
Freemasonry has always been about connection—connection to each other, to our values, and to our greater purpose. As we move forward, I encourage all of us to strengthen our connection to our Blue Lodges. We must be visible, supportive, and enthusiastic ambassadors of the Scottish Rite. There are Master Masons in our lodges looking for the next step in their Masonic journey, and we can offer them something profound. In the Scottish Rite, we extend the lessons of the Craft, build lifelong friendships, and engage in meaningful work that inspires us to grow.
This year, I ask each of you to take on this simple but powerful task: spread the word. Invite your brothers to join us at our Valley. Encourage them to connect with the broader Masonic community here in Orange County, beyond their own lodge walls. Remind them that the Scottish Rite is a place where they can deepen their understanding of Freemasonry, meet new brothers, and contribute to something larger than themselves.
We are building something extraordinary here—an Orange County Valley where tradition and class meet growth and progress. Each of you plays a role in that vision, and together we will achieve it. I look forward to this year with excitement and gratitude, knowing that the best is yet to come.
