Valley of Portland

Some things just go together naturally. Take, for example, the state motto of Maine (“Dirigo”) and Freemasonry. “Dirigo” is a Latin word meaning “I lead.” And being an honorable leader—someone who steps up for your family and community—is a core part of being a Mason.

So how did Maine and Freemasonry first come together? Where were the first Masonic lodges in Maine, and who were some of the great early members of the brotherhood here? Let’s take a moment to explore this.

The Grand Lodge of Maine is Born

As you’ll remember from your history classes, Maine was part of Massachusetts until 1820. In that year, as part of The Missouri Compromise, Maine entered the Union as the 23rd state. Shortly thereafter, “The Grand Lodge of Maine”—explicitly named that—was born. But the roots of Freemasonry in Maine actually predated that by decades. The first Lodge in Maine (then Massachusetts) was chartered in 1762 in Portland. Other Lodges were soon formed in Machias in 1778, in Wiscasset in 1792, in Castine in 1794, and in Hallowell in 1796. In fact, by the time “The Grand Lodge of Maine” was founded shortly after Maine statehood, there were 31 Lodges across the state. By 1870, there were 154 Lodges and more than 14,000 members.

Early Freemason Leaders in Maine

 During the 18th and early 19th centuries, there were many great Mainer Masons, but three are especially noteworthy. The first was William King (1768–1852), who was not only the first Governor of Maine but also its first Grand Master in 1820. Prior to serving as Governor, King had been a tireless advocate for Maine statehood.

The second great early Maine Mason of note is Simon Greenleaf (1783–1853), who became known as “The Father of Maine Masonry.” Thanks to Greenleaf, the Grand Lodge was founded. He served under William King as Deputy Grand Master and later Grand Master, while also helping to establish Harvard University’s School of Law, where he served as a distinguished professor for many years. The Grand Lodge of Maine’s second highest award for “Unusual Contribution to Masonry,” is named in Greenleaf’s honor.

Congressman, House Speaker, Grand Master

Finally, there is Maine Congressman and Maine Speaker of the House, Josiah Hayden Drummond (1827–1902), who served as the 21st Grand Master from 1860–1862. During his time as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence from 1865 to 1902, Drummond’s writing became known “most potent in shaping the policy of Masonry throughout the world.” Today, The Josiah Hayden Drummond Award—the highest Masonic award given by the Grand Lodge of Maine for “Outstanding Proficiency in the Knowledge of Freemasonry and Distinguished Service”—pays tribute to Drummond’s exemplary leadership in the brotherhood.

Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?

Additional information about the Valley of Portland can be found on the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite website and on our membership page. Interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed about upcoming events.

New brothers interested in joining the Valley of Portland can do so by completing this online application.

From Scottie Pippen to Arnold Palmer to Ty Cobb, some of the world’s greatest athletes have been Masons. Let’s take a moment to look at some other great Mason athletes, and how the values of the Brotherhood were reflected in their personal character.

Shaquille O’Neal

A big man with a big heart, “Shaq” is not only an NBA legend but also a long-time patron and supporter of youth programs and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, providing charity uplift to the poor and disadvantaged in society. In the aftermath of the Great Recession’s housing crisis, Shaq helped homeowners by buying their mortgages and offering better terms. It was for these charitable efforts—as well as for his excellence in the NBA—that Brother O’Neal was made a Master Mason “at sight”—a rare and exclusive honor.

John Elway

An NFL Hall of Famer who won back-to-back Super Bowls (1998 and 1999), John Elway is proudly involved as a Brother of South Denver Lodge No. 93 in Denver, Colorado. John chose to retire from football when he was still at the top of his game, transitioning to life as an admired community leader and General Manager of the Denver Broncos. The passing of John’s father and sister in 2001 and 2002, respectively, had a major impact on his life, and he has since devoted even more time to “giving back” to his community through his service as a Mason.

Tim Horton

Now known for his chain of world-famous coffee and doughnut shops, Tim Horton was one of the greatest NHL defensemen of all-time, winning four Stanley Cups and being a First-Team All-Star three times. A member of Kroy Lodge No. 676 in Toronto, Tim was known for his strength and competitiveness on the ice, but also for his kindness and compassion off it. His Tim Hortons Foundation has raised millions of dollars for a wide range of charities serving youth and others in need.

Sugar Ray Robinson

It’s not every boxer who is hailed by Muhammad Ali as “the king, the master, my idol,” but that was Sugar Ray Robinson. A Brother of the Joppa Lodge #55 PHA in New York City, Sugar Ray was the world welterweight champion for five years—winning 91 fights in a row—then became world middleweight title. Known as a Brother of great kindness and compassion, Ray donated generously to charities, and established the Sugar Ray Robinson Youth Foundation to help underprivileged youth stay on a positive pathway throughout life.

Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?

Additional information about the Valley of Portland can be found on the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite website and on our membership page. Interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed about upcoming events.

New brothers interested in joining the Valley of Portland can do so by completing this online application.

In December 1867, Edward Holland Caldwell (1844-1872) of Mobile, Alabama, received the fourteenth degree at the newly established Mobile Lodge of Perfection #1. The following year he received the eighteenth degree, and later, the thirty-second degree. Caldwell’s handsome jewels for the eighteenth and thirty-second degrees survive and are now part of the collection of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Crafted of silver and cut-glass stones, Caldwell’s jewels were formed in the shape of symbols associated with the eighteenth and thirty-second degrees. The eighteenth-degree jewel is in the shape of a compass topped with a crown. Within the compass is a cross highlighted with red stones and a pelican feeding seven chicks. Caldwell’s thirty-second degree jewel is in the shape of a crown on top of a cross, with arms of equal length and leaves or a wreath between the arms. At the center of the cross is the number 32 reverse-painted on glass in gold and black. On the back side of the jewel, at the center of the cross, two crossed swords are reverse-painted on glass in black and gold.

Before he took his Scottish Rite degrees, Caldwell likely became a Mason in Mobile Lodge #40, the largest Masonic lodge in Alabama, in the 1860s. He later joined Athelstan Lodge #369.

In 1868, when he took the eighteenth degree, he was the father of two young sons and involved in a local business. Caldwell and Emil Oscar Zadek (1848-1908) owned Zadek & Caldwell, Importers and Manufacturers of Fine Jewelry, opening it circa 1866. The firm advertised “handsome jewelry of every description. Also watches, silver ware, plated ware, opera glasses, etc.,” for customers in search of “an elegant article at reasonable prices.” Zadek was, according to the local newspaper, an accomplished craftsman who was not “surpassed in Mobile as a gold or silver smith.” Caldwell’s Scottish Rite jewels are not marked with the name of the manufacturer, so it is not known if his firm produced them in Mobile, or if Caldwell obtained them from another source.

Caldwell had grown up in New Orleans, the son of the remarkably successful actor, theater owner, and entrepreneur, James Henry Caldwell (1793-1863). As a young student, Edward Caldwell attended Spring Hill College in Mobile from 1856-1857. Only a few years after Caldwell joined with Zadek in the jewelry business, his business and circumstances changed dramatically when his older brother died. In 1870 Edward Caldwell inherited a large estate and his brother’s position as president of the Mobile Gas Light and Coke Company. The firm had been founded by the brothers’ father.

Caldwell’s time as the head of the Mobile Gas Light and Coke Company was short-lived. He died just two years later while visiting New York City. An obituary in a New Orleans newspaper lauded Caldwell as “noted among his friends for the geniality of his disposition and his boundless liberality.” The writer also described Caldwell’s philanthropy, observing that “no call for charity” made to him was unnoticed. All appeals to him, the writer continued, received “a cheerful response” from Caldwell.

As a sign of respect, when Edward Caldwell’s body arrived from New York, area Freemasons escorted it to the depot in New Orleans before it was put on a train to Mobile, where Caldwell was later buried. Caldwell’s two handsome Scottish Rite jewels serve as a reminder of his involvement in Freemasonry and speak to his pride in his association with the fraternity.

Want to see Edward Caldwell’s impressive Scottish Rite jewels for yourself? The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library in Lexington, Massachusetts is located just two hours from Portland, and welcomes school, adult, and community groups. Visit www.srmml.org for more details.

Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?

Additional information about the Valley of Portland can be found on the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite website and on our membership page. Interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed about upcoming events.

New brothers interested in joining the Valley of Portland can do so by completing this online application.

 

By Hillary Anderson Stelling

Director of Collections and Exhibitions

Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Lexington, Massachusetts

It’s a pretty impressive line-up. When we speak about Masons in Colonial America, we’re talking about some of the greatest Americans who ever lived. Men like George Washington … Benjamin Franklin … Thomas Jefferson … and Paul Revere. But how and why did Freemasonry come to North America in the first place?

A Scotsman in New Jersey

As it turns out, Freemasonry came to North America early in our history because it was such a “natural fit” for the type of thought that was powerfully circulating around the American settlers. Coming out of the Reformation in Europe, Freemasonry was the first widespread organization to espouse religious toleration and liberty—precious principles that we now think of as “American principles.” So in 1682, when Scotsman John Skene came to New Jersey, he was one of thousands of settlers who brought those values with him. And he soon became recognized as the first Freemason resident of America.

Rapid Spread Through the Colonies

After that—and with the passionate work of Skene and many others—Freemasonry began its steady ascent in America. In 1733, Henry Price, the Provincial Grand Master over all of North America for the Grand Lodge of England, granted a charter to a group of Boston Freemasons. This lodge was later named St. John’s Lodge and was the first duly constituted lodge in America. Then, between 1733 and 1737, the Grand Lodge in England warranted Provincial Grand Lodges in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. Thus, fully 40 years before the Revolutionary War, Freemasonry was firmly entrenching itself in America.

Unexpected Impact of Masonic Ideals

In that very young America, Masonic ideals powerfully took flight—sometimes in unexpected ways. In 1775—just before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War and fully 85 years before the Civil War—a British garrison granted local freemen of color the right to affiliate as Masons under the banner of African Lodge No. 1, a.k.a. Prince Hall Masonry. The order’s founder, Prince Hall, a freed slave, became America’s first African-American named a Grand Master. And under his leadership, African Lodge No. 1 became the first Black-led abolitionist movement in American history.

Religious Tolerance and Freedom

When we look at the grand sweep of thought in early America, we see that our Founding Fathers were rejecting a European past in which one all-powerful authority controlled everything from religion to personal expression. So it’s not hard to see why Masonic values often were inextricable from American values. Consider, for example, one of the greatest symbols associated with Freemasonry: the Great Seal of the United States, which we see on the back of our one-dollar bills. And consider how much its Masonic motto was part of the dream of America: Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum, which means “God Smiles on Our New Order of the Ages.”

Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?

Additional information about the Valley of Portland can be found on the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite website and on our membership page. Interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed about upcoming events.

New brothers interested in joining the Valley of Portland can do so by completing this online application.

Outside of the Masonic brotherhood, there is great confusion—and often great misinformation—about what Freemasons believe about Jesus. So what do Masons actually believe? Who do Masons say Jesus was, and why is that important? Let’s take a moment to answer these important spiritual questions.

Was Jesus “Merely a Man”?

One of the very unfortunate pieces of misinformation that has circulated regarding Freemasons and Jesus is that Freemasons somehow wish to “put down” or deride Jesus by saying he was “merely a man.” This simply could not be further from the truth. As Freemason Henry Clausen noted in his Clausen’s Commentaries on Morals and Dogma, “We do not say to Christians that Christ was a mere man, whose life’s story is only a revival of similar older [pagan] stories. To do any of these things would be irreverent. We utter no such words.”

Instead, as the noted Masonic leader Jim Shaw wrote, Masonic doctrine maintains that, “Jesus was one of the ‘exemplars,’ one of the great men of the past.” The Masonic scholar Albert Pike put a finer point on it, asserting that Jesus was “a great teacher of morality.” In fact, Pike and other Masonic writers have noted the great overlap between spiritual principles taught by Jesus and those taught by Freemasonry. These include belief in a God who is the Supreme Being of the Universe, plus an embrace of love, charity, tolerance of others, and helping those who are less fortunate.      

Can Christians Be Masons?

Despite having ethics, morality, and brotherhood at its core, Freemasonry is not a religion. So if you happen to be a Christian—and also believe that other human beings are your brothers and sisters, no matter their religious beliefs—there is no reason why you cannot be a Mason. In fact, through history there have been millions of Christians who were Masons. These brothers have concluded that Freemasonry and Christianity are compatible because they have many values in common.

An Important Final Point

In the New Testament (James 2:14–17, NIV), it says: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

For millions of Christians around the world, this is a core aspect of their faith—a faith that calls them to actively and lovingly reach out and help those in need. And guess what? That’s a huge part of Freemasonry, too.

Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?

Additional information about the Valley of Portland can be found on the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite website and on our membership page. Interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed about upcoming events.

New brothers interested in joining the Valley of Portland can do so by completing this online application.

Here’s how you become an American hero: You come from Midwest stock and are known all your life as quiet and reserved. At the age of just 25 in 1927, you become the first person to ever fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean—with virtually no navigation equipment—in a plane, The Spirit of St. Louis, described as “little more than a fuel tank with wings.” For your astonishing achievement, you are awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. military award. You are Charles Lindbergh, and you are so All-American that you eventually will be played by beloved actor Jimmy Stewart in the 1957 film about your amazing flight, The Spirit of St. Louis.

And a Masonic Award, Too

For all the accolades Charles Lindbergh received after his historic flight, none meant more to him than the Masonic Riddick Award. This was a medal awarded annually by the Grand Lodge of Missouri to the local Freemason who, during the preceding twelve months, had rendered the most conspicuous constructive service to his Country, State, or Community. Those who offered the award knew Lindbergh was a devoted 32nd-degree Freemason who had worn a Masonic square and compass pin on his famous flight and that The Spirit of St. Louis had been adorned with a Masonic emblem.   

Masonic Values Lindbergh Believed In

Freemasonry is not a religion, and our members come from many faiths. We believe in a Supreme Being who created the universe, but we do not engage in religious dogma or intolerance toward others. That spiritual stance fit Charles Lindbergh to a T. Though not a conventional Christian, he was fascinated by Jesus as a moral philosopher and spent an enormous amount of time reading and studying the Bible. During World War II, when Lindbergh was secretly deployed by the U.S. government to the South Pacific, space limitations permitted him to take only one book along. He chose the New Testament. If anyone had asked him, “Do you embrace the Masonic principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth?” his answer would have been an emphatic “Yes.”

The Best American Values, Too

As an American trailblazer who was also a Mason, Charles Lindbergh stood in a long line that included Davy Crockett, Lewis and Clark, and astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin. Like them, Lindbergh stood for qualities and values that were seen as “core American,” including independence, self-reliance, courage, and perseverance. At a time (1927) when the West was won and most folks thought of “the frontier” as being past, Lindbergh showed there was another kind of frontier to explore—one involving science and technology.

Like many other great men, Charles Lindbergh came to Freemasonry before coming to greatness. It’s fair to assume that a crucial part of what uplifted Lindbergh’s tiny plane—in the largest sense—was the spiritual and ethical values its pilot had learned as a Mason.     

Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?

Additional information about the Valley of Portland can be found on the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite website and on our membership page. Interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed about upcoming events.

New brothers interested in joining the Valley of Portland can do so by completing this online application.

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I wish there were a clear introduction to Freemasonry … one that would deepen my own understanding and that I could share with others?” Well, here it is. Hailed by the readers of Fraternal Review magazine as one of the “10 Best Masonic Books of the Millennium,” Freemasons for Dummies is the perfect go-to guide for everyone from prospective Masons to those who have been involved in the brotherhood for years.

Answering the Questions, Unraveling the Mysteries

An international best-seller now in its third edition, Freemasons for Dummies takes readers through the Masonic lodge door, clearly explaining the meanings behind the rituals, rites, and symbols of the organization. It also sheds clear light on nearly 3,000 years of Masonic history, including famous Freemasons in American and world history, along with the relationship of the Masons to related groups like Knights Templar, Scottish Rite, Order of Eastern Star, and the Shriners.

As they go through the book, readers discover:

• What it takes to become a Mason, and what you can expect when you join;

• The basic beliefs and philosophies of Masons, including how we contribute to charity and to the community;

• How Lodges are organized and what goes on during Masonic ceremonies;

• The origins behind some of the wild myths and conspiracy theories surrounding Freemasonry. and how to debunk them;

• Much more.
  

Acclaim for Freemason for Dummies:

“Highly recommended, especially for the new Mason.”

— Jim Tresner, Scottish Rite Journal

 

“I recommend you buy a couple of copies because the first one will be dog-eared in no time.”

—  Stephen Dafoe, Author of Nobly Born

 

“The very best one-volume book on the general background of Freemasonry that I have ever read.”

–Bil Vassily, Grand Lodge of New York

 

“The best thing that has happened to Freemasonry in many a moon.”

–Ralph Herbald, PM, Southern California Research Lodge

About the Author

International best-selling author Christopher L. Hodapp is a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and the Public Relations and Marketing Director for the Grand Lodge F&AM of Indiana. Since 2009 he has been on the Board of the Masonic Library & Museum of Indiana, and serves as its Associate Director and Treasurer.

 

Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?

Additional information about the Valley of Portland can be found on the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite website and on our membership page. Interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed about upcoming events.

New brothers interested in joining the Valley of Portland can do so by completing this online application.

Take a moment to ask yourself: “Who do I know who is a good role model?” Do you think of your dad? Your mother? A beloved grandparent, uncle, or aunt? Or do you think of Masons throughout history such as George Washington, whose life was the very embodiment of integrity?

No matter who you think of, notice one of the most important things about a good role model: that their life is not only a blessing to those around them, but that it continues to “rain down” as a blessing from one generation to the next.

The “Good Role Model” Checklist

As Masons, we ground our lives on the bedrock value of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth. Like building a sturdy foundation for your house, these values powerfully propel your life as a good role model. Following is a checklist of characteristics of a good role model. Which of these traits applies to you? Which do you need to work on?

You Embody High Moral Values

The developmental psychologist Marilyn Price-Mitchell, who studies the effects of role models on young people, has reported that children greatly value and respect those who practice what they preach. Specifically, Ms. Price-Mitchell has shown that young people develop and strengthen their own positive values when they have role models who behave ethically and honestly.

You are Respectful

To be a good role model, you must show respect for others, even when that may be difficult. By demonstrating selflessness and a “small-d democratic,” tolerant view of people who are different from you, you earn the admiration of others. Research shows that young people appreciate being treated with respect, and look up to those who treat others in that manner.

You are Hardworking

Good role models envision goals, commit to them, and work hard to achieve them. They persevere when they encounter life’s inevitable obstacles along the way. Even if they are not Olympic athletes or famous singers or political leaders, their passion is keenly observed by young people and others, and it inspires others to work hard to achieve their own goals and dreams.

You Exude Confidence (But Not Arrogance)

A good role model has a healthy appreciation of his or her own accomplishments, based on healthy self-respect. Without coming across as cocky or arrogant, they are able to acknowledge their achievements and share their skills. They exude a quiet pride in who they are because who they are is based solidly on values that others are inspired to emulate.

You are Optimistic​ and Positive

No one with a pessimistic, “Debbie Downer” view of life is going to inspire positive development in others. You inspire young people and others around you when you demonstrate an upbeat, optimistic outlook on life. This isn’t a matter of “wearing rose-tinted glasses”; it’s about having the character and courage to remain positive even when faced with setbacks. Those around you notice this—and their lives are enriched and empowered by your being a good role model in that moment of challenge.

Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?

Additional information about the Valley of Portland can be found on the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite website and on our membership page. Interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed about upcoming events.

New brothers interested in joining the Valley of Portland can do so by completing this online application.

As we go through the very special and cherished Christmas season, let’s pause for a few moments to reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas for Masons. What is the relationship between Christmas and Freemasonry? What affirmed values does our brotherhood share with the Christmas story and with the teachings of Jesus? Let’s consider . . .

A Values-Centered Brotherhood

When you visit the Valley of Portland’s website, you’ll see our values spotlighted front-and-center. As Masons, we are profoundly committed to living a life devoted to Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth. But Freemasonry is not a religion. We welcome people of all faiths and beliefs, as long as you have a monotheistic belief in a supreme being.

Having said that, we, as Masons, should see very clearly a kinship between Christmas and Freemasonry. After all, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, who devoted his life to teaching very specific lessons about how we should deal with our fellow man and woman. These lessons concerned love, tolerance, justice, hope, and kindness. Hmmm … sound familiar?

A Life Serving Others

Christmas and Freemasonry are also similar in the way Masons advocate a life of service to others. Just as we give presents to others on Christmas morning—presents that symbolize our deep love for family, friends, and others—so too do we Masons offer the gift of service to others throughout the year. When you see a Mason serving his fellow man and community, you see a man “walking the talk” of love and kindness, just as Jesus did. In that way, Christmas represents the birth of a man and movement that have profoundly influenced the way Masons see the world.

The Christmas Spirit, All Year ’Round

When we think of the Christmas spirit, and how it can touch and transform our world, we might think of Ebenezer Scrooge, who, in Dickens’ famous A Christmas Carol, moves from the darkness of cynicism and cruelty to the light of kindness and mercy. In a similar way, the Christmas holiday—arriving each near the shortest day of the year but as days gradually lengthen—represents the world’s profound movement from spiritual darkness to light. That “light” is the tolerance, justice, hope, and kindness embraced by Jesus—and also by the Masonic brotherhood. We learn these lessons so well in our Masonic meetings and activities that we instinctively act in the same manner when we go out into the world. In that way, in our charitable activities and in so many other, smaller yet meaningful ways, we seek to live a values-centered life that empowers and uplifts not only ourselves but the those around us.

In that very profound way, Christmas and Freemasonry are solidly connected. Because Masons seek to live in the spirit of love and generosity—the Christmas spirit—all year ’round.

 

Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?

Additional information about the Valley of Portland can be found on the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite website and on our membership page. Interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed about upcoming events.

New brothers interested in joining the Valley of Portland can do so by completing this online application.

As Masons, we are deeply and profoundly committed to living a values-based life—one devoted to Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth. And if you are one of the more than 6,000 members of the Maine Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, your membership is based on a Masonic affiliation or  relationship, and you hold a similar belief in God, and a desire to engage in self-improvement and to acquire additional  knowledge. 

So how should your values impact your relationships with women? Why do those values require treating women respectfully? In a nutshell, it is because women were created by God just as you were, and because the women in your life—your mother, grandmother, wife, girlfriend, sister, friend—will deepen and enrich your life as only a woman can if you know how to nurture and respect her. Let’s take a moment to look at 5 specifics of treating women with respect …

Get Good at “Active Listening”

As we mentioned in a recent blog, engaging in “active listening” is one of the most powerful ways to demonstrate respect for others. This goes doubly for your relationships with women. Quite simply, treating women with respect starts with listening to her—listening with your ears, heart, and mind. This is particularly critical if she is being vulnerable with you, or sharing something particularly important to her.

Value Her Opinions

Paying special attention to—and factoring in—what your wife, girlfriend, sister, etc., says about small and large things in your life is another powerful means of treating women with respect. By making a conscious effort to value her opinions, you’ll make her feel “seen and heard.” That, in turn, shows that you value and respect her.

Make Her Feel Secure

Do your best to make women feel emotionally and physically secure around you. Don’t ever lapse into disrespectful “mind games” or into doing such things as flirting with other women just to make your wife or girlfriend feel jealous. By treating a woman respectfully, you make it much easier for her to give all she has to your relationship.

Be Honest with Her

No matter what type of relationship you have with a woman, you should always bring honesty to the table. By being scrupulously honest with her, you are demonstrating to her that you understand she deserves to be treated with integrity and respect. And this will go both ways: She’ll also respect YOU more.  

Always Speak Respectfully

At all times, be mindful of your choice of words. This will be especially important if you’re having a disagreement with a woman. You have, of course, every right to voice your opinion, but that should NEVER include using demeaning words directed at the woman. In fact, try to rid yourself of those problematic words irrespective of whether you are arguing or not. You’ll find that treating women with respect becomes noticeably easier when you free yourself of the kind of regressive and/or misogynistic thinking that those words spring from.

 

Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?

Additional information about the Valley of Portland can be found on the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite website and on our membership page. Interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed about upcoming events.

New brothers interested in joining the Valley of Portland can do so by completing this online application.