You’re probably heard his name your whole life: Mark Twain. (Real name: Samuel Langhorne Clemens.) But did you know that the famously independent, crusty, deep-thinking Mark Twain was a Freemason—one who greatly admired and helped to promote the values of the Brotherhood through his world-famous books and other writings? Early Ties to Freemasonry World-famous for […]
Articles
How Maine Values Intersect with Freemason Values
From Abolitionist editor Elijah Lovejoy … to Civil War General Joshua Chamberlain … to revered U.S. Senator Margaret Chase Smith … Maine values have shown themselves throughout history to be virtually synonymous with integrity and a deep-seated commitment to ethical conduct. So how do Maine values specifically intersect with Freemason values? Let’s take a moment […]
How Freemasons Can Help Unite a Divided World
Look all around you, and you’ll see a very troubled, divided world. But amid all that, we as Freemasons have been called to be very different. We have been called to be “Men who unite and not those who divide.” So how can we, as Freemasons, do our part—and more—to help unite a divided world? […]
Why Movie Star John Wayne was a Freemason
When you think “John Wayne,” you think “Famous Hollywood Actor.” You think “The Ultimate Cowboy.” You think “Red-White-and-True-Blue Patriot.” But did you know he also was a very devoted Freemason? Let’s take a moment to see why. Humble Roots in Iowa and California Born in Winterset, Iowa, on May 26, 1907, the man the world […]
How Women Can Benefit from All-Male Freemasonry
Let’s take a moment to focus on the Freemasonry Mission Statement spotlighted on the Valley of Portland’s website. It reads that our mission is “to improve [our] members and enhance the communities in which [we] live by teaching and emulating the principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth, while actively embracing high social, moral, […]
Debunking 5 Common Myths about Freemasons
If you ask us, “What is the most frustrating thing Freemasons have to deal with?” many of us will reply, “All the myths and misinformation out there about Freemasonry.” The fact is, ever since Freemasonry was formally founded at the Grand Lodge of England in 1717, Masons have had to deal with a host of […]
Why 15 U.S. Presidents Were Freemasons
It’s a pretty amazing historical fact: Even though our U.S. presidents came from very different backgrounds and stations in life, nearly 1 out of 3 of them shared one important thing in common: they were Freemasons. What drew these outstanding American leaders—these 15 presidents—to Freemasonry? What values did they embrace as Freemasons that empowered their […]
Service to Seniors: How Freemasons Can Build Generational Bonds
Here’s a quick, one-question Pop Quiz for you: In the U.S., which state is the “oldest” in terms of the median age of its citizens? If you guessed “Maine,” give yourself an A+. Because the median age of folks in Maine is 45.1 years, and more than 1 in 5 of us is 65 or […]
How Freemasons Can Help Neighbors During Maine’s Long Winter
Let’s call it “The Opportunity You May Not Have Seen.” Because the fact is, Maine’s long winter—which often brings challenges and perhaps a headache or two—also offers Freemasons an excellent opportunity to live one of our core values: to help others, to help neighbors. And this is especially true if your neighbors are older … […]
Maine Scottish Rite 2025 Winter Retreat/ Couples weekend
January 24-26 Friday Night Pizza at the Rockport Masonic Center 361 Main St Rockport 5-8pm and then Hospitality at the Samoset Suite. Saturday couples explore the area. Room Rates between $149-$169 + $20 resort fee King or Queens, garden/partial ocean views. 207-594-2511 to book rooms. One- or two-night option is available, book your room with […]
