CONDENSED HISTORY OF THE
ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE
VALLEY OF STEUBENVILLE
STEUBENVILLE, OHIO 43952

Freemasonry made its appearance in this part of the Ohio Valley in the early part of the Nineteenth Century.

One hundred years after the formation of the Grand Lodge of England, the Grand Lodge of Ohio granted a Charter to Steubenville Lodge #45 on January 24, 1820.This Lodge is still in existence and its first Worshipful Master was Pelig Mason.

     Afterwards, two more Lodges were formed in Steubenville- the Meridian and Evergreen- although neither of them are in existence at the present time.

 Pilgrim Lodge #691 was chartered on October 16, 1924 and is still active today. Its first Worshipful Master was Ill. Brother Paul R. Bowles, 33°. 

     Scottish Rite Masonry was founded in the Valley of Steubenville in April 1902 with the formation of Carson Lodge of Perfection (named for Ill. Brother Enock Terry Carson, 33°, Deputy for the State of Ohio, 1867-1894). Membership consisted of 12 Brothers. New Scottish Rite Petitions were voted on at that time and 33 candidates were accepted and witnessed the 14°.

     At the Session of Supreme Council in September 1902, a Charter dated September 18, 1902 was granted and on December 12, 1902, in an impressive ceremony held in Steubenville, Carson Lodge of Perfection was constituted. At the Session of Supreme Council in September 1903, Charters dated September 17, 1903 were granted to Cutler Council, Princes of Jerusalem, and Drummond Chapter of Rose Croix.