Strategic Direction
Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus
Chartered on October 16, 1923, the Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus is a nonprofit fraternal organization of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (A.A.S.R.) of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction (S.J.), U.S.A. The Scottish Rite Center is the primary facility of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus in Columbus, Georgia and is owned and maintained by the organization's members. In 1932, the Valley of Columbus purchased the original two-story building that dates to the 1880s. In 1954, the Valley purchased an adjoining building and moved the original two-story building 13 feet forward to make space for a new addition towards the building's rear. The rear portion now houses the auditorium, with stage, the equipment and storage room, the dining room, kitchen, utility room, and restrooms. Two of the upstairs rooms in the old house were remodeled and used in the past for offices and Blue Lodge "Coaching" rooms. Four larger rooms and a smaller room have been left unfinished and used primarily for storage.
Strategy
This Strategic Plan outlines the Valley's strategic direction and goals for the ensuing year. Key Tactical Elements of the plan include member recruitment, engagement, retention and preservation, philanthropy (RiteCare), operations, the College of Freemasonry and more. If you have not yet reviewed the plan, please visit the button labeled Strategic Plan provided here.
Also, the Valley of Columbus’ strategic plan (StratPlan) Implementation Process and Expectations is a document used to communicate the Valley's strategic goals, the actions needed to achieve those goals, and all the other critical elements developed during the planning process. If you have not reviewed the Valley’s strategic plan guide, please visit the button labeled StratPlan Implementation provided here.
Scottish Rite Creed
"Human progress is our cause, liberty of thought our supreme wish, freedom of conscience our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights to all people, everywhere our ultimate goal."
Mission Statement
The mission of the Valley of Columbus is to provide an environment that supports its members to become better men and Freemasons by teaching and living the principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth, while emulating the highest social, moral, and spiritual values, most especially fellowship, compassion, and dedication to God, Family, Community, Country, and each other.
Vision Statement
The vision of the Valley is to be an active, energized Masonic organization with increasing membership; obtaining and maintaining financial strength and stability; and to be respected by other Masonic organizations and the public at large for its ideals, values, philanthropy, and the positive contribution it makes to its members and the communities in which they live. The Valley will deliver against its Mission by:
Exemplifying its principles and values of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity and Truth via the 29 Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.
By being “the College of Freemasonry” through programs of instruction in Masonic principles and values, history of Freemasonry and historical events affecting the Craft, esoteric wisdom, and other educational instruction for the betterment of our members.
By working for the betterment of the communities that our members live in via the support of the Scottish Rite philanthropies of RiteCare and Educational Scholarships.
By providing an environment of fellowship and programs that build brotherly love and affection amongst the members, their spouses, their families and guests.
By providing leadership and betterment opportunities to its members via the Valley support in the Knights or Saint Andrew, Valley officer service, committee participation, and program team work.
By providing the tools needed by our members to be successful in life through leadership opportunities, team participation, Masonic education, philanthropic program support and spiritual building through Masonic esoteric teaching.
By endeavoring, always, to inspire brotherly love, faith, unity and zeal amongst our brethren and to those around us.