Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I'm not a member of the Scottish Rite. Will I be able to join the Valley of the Firelands as a new member?

A: All Master Masons in good standing are invited to join the Valley of the Firelands. Fill out our Petition fully, sign it and have two Firelands Members countersign it. The link to the Petition is here.

Q: What is the cost of a plural Membership?

A: The Plural Membership Fee is $150.00 the first year, in addition to your Primary Valley dues. After the first year, the annual dues for the Valley of the Firelands is $100.

Q: I'm a life member of an existing Valley. Can I transfer my life membership to the Valley of the Firelands?

A: Unfortunately not. A plural membership would be the best option if you wished to participate in the Valley of the Firelands. Plural Members have a "Primary Membership" with a Valley, and it is your choice to designate either of the Valleys.

Q: Will I be required to remain a plural member paying dues to two Valleys in the future?

A: No. A plural members can decide if he wishes to remain a plural member or demit to The Valley of The Firelands from his former Valley. To transfer your membership to The Valley of The Firelands, submit a Demit / Affiliation Form.

Q: Can I stay a plural member but change my primary Valley to The Valley of The Firelands?

A. Yes. To change your primary Valley to The Valley of The Firelands, submit a Change Primary Valley / Demit Form.

Q: I hold a demit from another Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Valley. May I Petition to join the Valley of the Firelands? 

A: Yes. 

Q. I want to join The Valley of The Firelands, but my membership lapsed some time ago and I'm NPD. How can I reaffiliate to The Valley of the Firelands?

A. This can be done, but the process and the amount due will depend on the arrangements that are made with the Valley where your membership must be reinstated. To start this process, submit a Restore / Demit / Affiliate Form.

Q: What do I receive for the $150.00 initiation fee?

A: The short answer is "regalia," including a Prayer Cap, Lapel Pin, 14th degree ring, and other items denoting fraternal and personal growth. Note that $50 of the initiation fee is a one-time new member charge required by and paid to the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. The "Why Join" and "Valley Concept" pages explain key ideas behind the Valley of the Firelands and how they can help you become the type of Scottish Rite man you wish to be. 

Q: Will it be possible to participate as an officer in the Valley of the Firelands or participate in degree portrayals?

A: The Valley of The Firelands has the four bodies of a Northern Masonic Jurisdiction – Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley: Lodge of Perfection, Council of Princes of Jerusalem, Chapter of Rose Croix, and Consistory. The top three positions of each body are elected. The remaining positions in each Body are determined by the Board and elected officers. All officers have well-defined roles and goals and are selected and advanced by merit. Members can participate in degree portrayals by making their desire known to the officers of the body that portrays the degree.

Q: When will the Valley of the Firelands hold its meetings and where?

A: The Valley of the Firelands generally holds at least one social, educational, or degree meeting each month, and occasionally two or more in a month. Navigate to the Events Calendar page of the Valley Website to find the details for upcoming meetings.