OUR MISSION
It is the mission of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, to improve its members and enhance 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.
What is Scottish Rite Masonry?
About Scottish Rite Masonry
and the Valley of Portland
Scottish Rite Masonry is an empowering fraternity that powerfully expands you beyond your own Masonic lodge. As Sovereign Grand Commander David A. Glattly has said: “It opens up the door for brotherhood with other lodges. It helps you learn more and become a better person. It EXPLODES your ability in Freemasonry and brotherhood.”
Your local Scottish Rite organization is called a “Valley.” The Valley of Portland (Maine) confers the 4th through 32nd degrees in degree-conferring meetings. The Scottish Rite is sometimes called the “University of Freemasonry” because it helps members explore the philosophy, history, religions, ethics, and ultimate truths that guide Freemasons’ lives.
A.A.S.R. Bodies
(Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite,
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction)
Each Valley has up to four Scottish Rite bodies; each body confers a specific set of degrees. These degrees teach the moral codes of a Mason. The Valley of Portland Scottish Rite bodies include:
Maine Council of Deliberation
Yates Lodge of Perfection
The first portion of the Scottish Rite system of degrees is called The Lodge of Perfection. This series of degrees is referred to as The Ineffable Degrees. The word “ineffable” comes from the Latin ineffibilis, meaning something that should not be spoken.Portland Council of Princes of Jerusalem
The two historical degrees conferred in a Council Princes of Jerusalem cover the period from 538 to 516 B.C., and deal with persons and events connected with the end of the Babylonian captivity of Israel, the return of some of the captives of Jerusalem, and the rebuilding of the temple.Dunlap Chapter of Rose Croix
The degrees conferred by the Chapter of Knights of Rose Croix are known as the Philosophical Degrees, as they do not use historical or Biblical scenes to convey their lessons. The two degrees are designed to encourage a Scottish Rite Mason to examine his own life, and to find and apply the major truths outlined in the Bible.Maine Consistory
The Consistory Degrees are very different from all the preceding degrees. They attempt to illustrate the creation of the ideal balance between the spiritual and the temporal.Maine Council of Deliberation Officers
Deputy for Maine – Ill. Jeffry A. Simonton, 33°
Active for Maine – Ill. Alan R. Heath, 33°
Active for Maine – Ill. A. James Ross, 33°
Deputy Representative – A. Paul Williams, 32°
Secretary – Michael J. Chambers, 32° (secretary@valleyofportland.org)
Treasurer – Ill. James N. Edwards, 33°
The Portland Masonic Temple
Built in 1911 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, The Portland Masonic Temple has been re-imagined and reborn as one of New England’s premiere event spaces, right in the heart of Portland. Evoking a rich history, the stately building has been a meeting place for some of Maine’s most famous Masons, including Governors, Supreme Court Justices, Attorneys General, Naval Commanders, and International Diplomats.
Children’s Dyslexia Center of Portland
Millions of school children with dyslexia endure heartbreaking frustration and demoralization each and every day. For more than two decades, the Scottish Rite Masons, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, have been national leaders in the effort to help these children and their families overcome the painful obstacles of dyslexia. Here in Maine, we actively support the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Portland, whose staff tirelessly works to help children achieve normal, fully functional lives.
For information on charities supported by the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, please click here.