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Valley of Portland

Valley of Portland, Maine to Hold Scottish Rite “Feast of Tishri” Ceremony November 6

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Valley of Portland, Maine to Hold Scottish Rite “Feast of Tishri” Ceremony November 6

The Valley of Portland, Maine will be holding a “Feast of Tishri” in early November to honor Maine’s newest 33° Honorary Members of the Supreme Council, who were coroneted this past August in Cleveland, Ohio. The Feast is a seven-course banquet, consisting of seven toasts, similar to that of a Table Lodge of Instruction, although this event is semi-public with all “our ladies” welcome. 

Here are the key details you’ll need:

When:  Saturday, November 6, beginning at 5 p.m.

Where:  The Kora Shrine Center, 11 Sabattus Street, Lewiston, Maine.

Cost:   $10 per person.

Dress:   Business suit or jacket and tie, along with “decorations.” 

Reservation Information & Deadline:  

Please make reservations through Your Home Valley Secretary or Bradford D. Blake, 33°, by Thursday, October 28th.

Email: secretary@valleyofportland.org

Phone: +1-207-772-7711

About the Feast of Tishri

The original Feast of Tishri is described in the book of Leviticus, in which the Lord speaks unto Moses, saying that on the 15th day of the month of Tishri of the Hebrew Civil Calendar, “Ye shall have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord.” Thus, the Feast of Tishri is the Hebrew equivalent of our Thanksgiving holiday and harvest festivals. The origin and significance of the Feast of Tishri make it the most Scottish Rite of festivals.

No other occasion epitomizes the character and purpose of the Feast of Tishri more wholly than the dedication of King Solomon’s Temple. The rich legend of the Temple’s dedication, celebrated during the Feast of Tishri, is an essential part of the Scottish Rite 14th Degree. By observing the Feast of Tishri, Scottish Rite Masons share the fraternal spirit, and reaffirm our dedication to human concord and the brotherhood of all men. As Brothers, we resolve to build, as King Solomon did, peace for all mankind.

Thank you for your continued support of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. It is our belief and hope to continue to help those who most need it strive for greater heights. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, November 6, at this Feast of Tishri ceremony!

Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?

Additional information about the Valley of Portland, Maine is available at our new website. Interested in learning more about local events? Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date and informed about upcoming events.

New brothers interested in completing the application process can do so by filling out the online application here. 

Valley of Portland Scottish Rite of Maine Grand Master’s Class

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The Illustrious and Most Worshipful Brother, Richard M. Nadeau, 33°, Grand Master of Maine, will be honored with a Grand Master’s One Day Class Reunion in October at the Portland Masonic Temple. This event is unique in that it will allow participants to complete five degrees in one day in the brotherhood and become a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.

This course will include the 4°, which is the first degree a Mason should receive to continue forward. Because of this, we encourage any new members seeking to join to participate in this event. Help continue to grow the brotherhood and educate others on our beliefs and values by leading them through these five degrees with others on a similar journey. 

Below are the five degrees that will be completed over the course of this one day class:

 4° – Builder – A Master Mason seeks divine guidance and will be exemplified by the Valley of Augusta.

Core Values: Reverence for God, Integrity and Service.

Brothers grow together in the Scottish Rite.

13° – Master of the Ninth Arch – The degree dramatizes the danger encountered as men search for the lost word and will be exemplified by the Valley of Rockland.

Core Values: Reverence for God.

We learn that difficulties and dangers should not deter us from pursuing moral perfection and ethical improvement.

16° – Prince of Jerusalem – The Court of King Darius contemplates what motivates man and will be exemplified by the Valley of the Androscoggin during Lunch.

Core Values: Reverence for God.

We learn that devotion to truth surpasses secular motivations.

25° – Master of Achievement – Dramatizing events in the life of Brother Benjamin Franklin, this degree shows us that an industrious life benefits not only ourselves but also humanity and will be exemplified by the Valley of Bangor.

Core Values: Devotion to Country and Service.

32° – Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret – As the culmination of Scottish Rite Masonry, this degree celebrates the triumph of individual integrity and our obligation to serve humanity and will be exemplified by the Valley of Portland and the Valley of the Androscoggin.

Core Values: Devotion to Country and Service.

Join us following the awarding of the Degrees for a social hour that will include a cash bar and banquet. We encourage all to attend and please ask that you make reservations for lunch and/or the reception and banquet by Friday, October 15th. 

Where: Portland Masonic Temple (Use the Chestnut Street Entrance)

415 Congress St, Portland, Maine

When: October 23, 2021. 

Please plan to arrive early for Candidate Registration from 8:30-9:45 AM. The Degree Work will begin promptly at 10:00 AM.

How: On-line and paper Candidate Applications and Degree Fees must be received by the Home Valley Secretary by Friday, October 15th.

Home Valley Secretary Bradford D. Blake, 33° Email: secretary@valleyofportland.org Phone: +1 207-772-7711

Who: Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Brotherhood and all others interested in joining. 

Additional Valley information is available at: https://scottishritenmj.org/valleys/maine. New brothers interested in completing the application process can do so by filling out this application online: https://scottishritenmj.org.

Thank you for your continued support of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. It is our belief and hope to continue to help those who most need it strive for greater heights. We look forward to seeing you on Friday, October 15th for this great opportunity and event! 

Interested in learning more about local events? Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date and informed about upcoming events. 

Valley of Portland Supports Students with Educational Scholarships

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Despite the hardships and difficulties we are facing due to COVID-19 in 2021, the Society continues to make an impact for students and assist in their dreams of achieving a higher education. This year, the Scottish Rite awarded a total of $99,600.00; the Arnold Veague Scholarship Fund awarded $85,000.00 and the Leon Abbott Scholarship Fund awarded $14,600.00 in Maine. 

A total of forty-one students were awarded Scholarships comprising thirty-seven Veague Scholarship recipients ranging from $500 to $2,000, four Abbott Scholarship recipients of $3,650, and $20,000 to the Portland and Bangor Children’s Dyslexia Centers each. Of those forty-one students awarded, eleven were from the Valley of Portland!

These Scholarship programs help high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students currently enrolled at an accredited college or university pursue their dream of obtaining a trade or accredited college or university degree. One of the main goals of the Brotherhood is to support those who seek to grow and improve themselves so that they might make their family, friends, and community a better place. By supporting educational goals, we are supporting the bright and promising youth of the future. Learn more about the Scholarships below: 

The Abbott Scholarship Program: Named for Leon M. Abbott, Sovereign Grand Commander from 1921 to 1932, the Abbott Scholarship Program provides financial support for the continuing undergraduate and graduate education of Scottish Rite Masons, family members of Scottish Rite Masons and members of Masonic Youth Groups including (but not limited to) the Order of DeMolay, Job’s Daughters International and The International Order of Rainbow for Girls.

The Veague Scholarship has the same requirements, however, only Maine children are eligible. 

Interested in applying for future Scholarships with the Scottish Rite Mason of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction? Read more about our eligibility requirements below: 

Scholarship program:

  • A Scottish Rite Mason of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction who is in good standing.
  • A student related (by blood or legal means) to a current or deceased member of the Scottish Rite in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
  • A member of a Masonic sponsored youth group located within the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (Examples include DeMolay International, Job’s Daughters, Order of Rainbow for Girls)
  • To be considered for an Abbott or Veague Scholarship, applicants must meet one of the following qualifications (please note that local Valleys may have more strict GPA requirements):
    • A high school senior, currently accepted at an accredited trade school who has attained a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
    • A high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student currently enrolled at an accredited college or university.
  • Leon M. Abbott Scholarship Application should be submitted to the local Valley of the sponsoring Scottish Rite Mason. The application deadline is April 1st of each year. Please reach out to the Secretary of said Valley. You can find applicable contact information here. 

When an application is filled out, the applicant is able to apply for both scholarships, however, only one scholarship can be awarded to each applicant. If you have any questions while reviewing or filling out the application, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

We encourage each and all to learn more about the Brotherhood and consider applying for next year’s Scholarships. Mark your calendars for April 1st to ensure you do not miss the deadline! For more information on this scholarship and the charities the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction supports, click here.

Thank you for your continued support of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. It is our belief and hope to continue to help those who most need it strive for greater heights.

Valley of Portland Makes a Difference in their Local Community

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The Valley of Portland makes it a priority to support their local community through fundraising and donation-based contributions to local nonprofits. As Scottish Rite Masons, one of the core values we strive to exemplify is Service to Humanity. Through the work of our Charities, our members are able to make a meaningful difference in their communities and the lives of others.

Over the years, we have supported large and small charities alike like the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Portland, the Grand Almoner’s Fund, Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, Leon M. Abbott Scholarships and the Membership Education Fund, in addition to smaller local community organizations that strive to bring good, growth and education to Maine and beyond. 

For over two decades, the Scottish Rite Masons, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, have been national leaders in the effort to help children and their families overcome the painful obstacles of dyslexia. Through our continued support to the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in Portland and Bangor this year, we were able to total donations over $50,000. These Centers teach children with dyslexia how to read at no cost to their families. Since 2002, the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Portland has helped over 318 children in the Southern Maine area discover the gift of reading, opening them up to a world of opportunities that once seemed unattainable. The Center has also trained over 77 local educators in the best-practice approaches to teaching reading skills.

To continue to support children with education and discovery, we made a donation of $500 to the new Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine that was just built and recently opened in Portland. They strive to be an indispensable community resource devoted to children’s continued development and learning. We value their dedication to relationships, and ability to work together with parents, caregivers and diverse partners to build a foundation of educational support for children and families across Maine.

In addition to supporting children locally, we also believe in joining to help with the fight against hunger in our communities. The Wayside Food Programs of Portland and the York County Shelter Programs Food Pantry are two such organizations that strive to address hunger, food waste and poverty through volunteer-driven programming and collaborative, cross-industry network partners in Southern Maine. To continue to support their important mission, we made a $500 donation to both programs. They, like us, believe that the health and vibrancy of our community heavily depend on the physical, social and economic well-being of all members that live and work in our neighborhoods and towns. To learn more about these organizations and how you can become involved and make a difference, visit their websites today. 

We encourage each and all to learn more about local charities and nonprofits to see how we can continue to support the important work they do and give back through donations and voluntarism. For more information on charities supported by the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, please click here.

Thank you for your continued support of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. We are excited to continue to reach higher, find truth, grow our Brotherhood and care for our members and community. 

Valley of Portland Announces Newest Elected Officers

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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.

Valley of Portland Announces the Launch of New Website

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We are excited to announce the launch of our new website for the Valley of Portland, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Our new website supports the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry’s mission to improve its members through teaching and emulating principles of brotherly love, tolerance, charity, and truth. Here you can also learn more about the 32° SR Masonry, which includes the history of the degrees conferred to our members as they grow and evolve with the Brotherhood. 

There are many improvements we are excited about on our site that will help to support and educate our members and the community we serve. Some improvements include: 

  • The ability for members to now pay their dues with ease online.
  • A member portal that members can access at any time by logging into the website. 
  • A way for interested parties to easily read through, apply, and submit their application to become a part of the Brotherhood.

In addition, you can visit our website to learn more about upcoming events. We encourage members to frequently check back to stay up to date on current events and outings as we jump into summer. You can learn more about any Valley of Portland events here. 

In addition, announcements and news-related articles will be published on our website to share information and increase awareness surrounding the good work of the Valley of Portland. Some of the charities we support include the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Portland and the Grand Almoner’s Fund.  For more information on charities supported by the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, please click here.

Lastly, and most importantly, we encourage you to subscribe to our monthly email newsletter to receive updates on events, news, and insider information about the Valley of Portland, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Our email newsletter is the easiest way to stay involved and remain an active member of our community. 

Thank you for your continued support of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. We are excited to continue to reach higher, find truth, care for our members, and grow our Brotherhood.