Founded on October 12, 1883, the Scottish Rite Valley of Oakland is one of the city’s leading social and educational organizations. Its membership has included prominent individuals such as Supreme Court Justice and California Governor Earl Warren; Oakland Mayor and California Governor George Pardee; and US Representative and Oakland Tribune publisher Joseph Knowland.

The Oakland Valley was the second body of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry to be established in California. Affixed to its first charter are two prolific Scottish Rite Masons’ signatures: Illustrious Albert G. Mackey, 33° as Grand Secretary-General, and Illustrious Albert Pike, 33° as Sovereign Grand Commander.

With its awe-inspiring neo-Classical temple on the banks of Lake Merritt in Oakland, California, the building serves as a testimony to the organization’s influence and prestige in the Oakland community.