We are excited to announce the newest elected officers of the Valley of Portland, Maine, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. During our Annual Meeting this past May, we gathered to elect three exceptional men who go above and beyond the ideals of the Brotherhood. Below you will find more about their history and the new roles they are taking on. Join us in congratulating them in their new roles as Head of Body!
Jody J. Hersey was elected Thrice Potent Master of Yates Lodge of Perfection. Thrice Potent Master is the presiding officer of one of four coordinate Bodies that exist in Scottish Rite in The Valley of Portland, Maine. Born in Exeter, New Hampshire, he now lives in Falmouth with his wife Tracie. In 2010 he served as Master in 2014 after being raised in Triangle Lodge #1, Portland. He is also affiliated with Casco Lodge #36, Yarmouth, and served as Master there in 2015. In Grand Lodge, he served as Grand Sword Bearer in 2016 & 2017 and District Educational Representative of the 17th District in 2018 & 2019. Jody joined the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Portland, Maine in 2012.
Dr. Paul F. Poulin was elected Sovereign Prince of Portland Council Princes of Jerusalem. A Council of Princes of Jerusalem has the responsibility to confer the 15°-16° which are referred to as “historical degrees.” These degrees explore the conflicts and politics in the rebuilding of the Temple of Solomon. Born in Burlington, Vermont he now lives in York with his wife Kim. Raised in Dunlap Lodge #47, Biddeford in 1979, he served as Master in 1999 & 2019. He is also affiliated with St. Aspinquid Lodge #198 in York. Paul joined the Scottish Rite in the Valley of the Androscoggin in 1990 and affiliated with the Valley of Portland, Maine in 2009, serving as Thrice Potent Master of Yates Lodge of Perfection in 2006 & 2007. Paul is also a Past Potentate of Kora Shrine in Lewiston.
Brian S. Jackson was elected Most Wise Master of Dunlap Chapter of Rose Croix. A Chapter of Rose Croix has the responsibility to confer the 17° – 18° which are referred to as the “philosophical degrees.” Both degrees use the Book of Life to advance the concept of avoiding the mistakes of the past. Born in Portland, Maine he now lives in Portland with his wife Cathy. Raised in Deering Lodge #183, Portland in 2010, he served as Master in 2019. Brian joined the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Portland, Maine in 2010.
Donald W. Pratt was elected Commander-In-Chief of Maine Consistory for a second year. A Consistory has the responsibility to confer the 19° – 32°. These degrees demonstrate the challenges of social and moral conflicts. Born in Lewiston, Maine he now lives in South China with his wife Betsy. Raised in Dirigo Lodge #104, Weeks Mills in 2002, he served as Master in 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013 & 2014. In Grand Lodge, he served as Grand Junior Deacon in 2014 & 2015 and Junior Grand Warden in 2016. Don joined the Scottish Rite in the Valley of August in 2008 serving as Thrice Potent Master of Kennebec Valley Lodge of Perfection in 2014 & 2015.
We look forward to their continued growth in the Brotherhood as they take on the responsibilities of their new roles, enhancing the communities in which they live by teaching and emulating the principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth, while actively embracing high social, moral, and spiritual values, including fellowship, compassion, and dedication to God, family, and country.
