Annoucement

New Election of Officers

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The Annual Meeting of Yates Lodge of Perfection, Portland Council Princes of Jerusalem, Dunlap Chapter of Rose Croix, and Maine Consistory will be held at the Portland Masonic Temple, 415 Congress Street, Portland on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 7:00 PM for the consideration of the Reports of the Officers and several Committees, the Election and Installation of Officers, and such other business as may regularly come before the meeting.

Under the Election of Officers, it is worth noting that we will be electing a new Valley Secretary.  After sixteen and a half years, Brad will be retiring.  Interviews were held, and Brother Michael Chambers has accepted the position of Valley Secretary.

Also, Brethren, you should know that effective June 1st, the Secretary’s Office will be returning back to the Masonic Temple at 415 Congress Street in Portland.  The telephone number will remain 207-772-7711, and the Secretary’s email address will remain secretary@valleyofportland.org.

So when you are in Town, stop in and meet your NEW Secretary, Brother Michael Chambers!!

Interested in taking an active part in your Scottish Rite Valley?

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DEGREE WORK

The Valley of Portland will be showing the videos of the 17° “Knight of the East and West” along with the 24° “Brother of the Forest” on April 16, 2022 at the Portland Masonic Temple, 415 Congress Street in Portland.  (Please use the Chestnut Street Entrance.)

Candidate Registration will begin at 1:00 PM and the Degree Presentations will begin at 2:00 PM

Dinner will be served at 4:30 PM by Deering Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.  (Reservations required)

 

HELP WANTED

If you have ever considered taking an active part in your Scottish Rite Valley, now is the time.

It takes manpower and teamwork to put on our Degrees in the Scottish Rite Auditorium.

 

We had hoped to put on the 24th Degree with a LIVE Cast, but that did not come to fruition for the need of Cast Members.

Our “Master of Robes” will be retiring after our Consistory Degree in May.  He is responsible for getting out and putting away our Degree Costumes, along with making sure that they are cleaned when needed, keeping inventory by Degree and letting us know when new ones need to be ordered.  Now would be the time to work with him in learning the job, if you would be interested.  More than one performing this service to the Valley would be GREAT.

 

We are always in need of more Stage Assistants to get the Drops down and the Props out for the Degrees.  The more Assistance we have the faster the changeover time is between Degrees and the less time those witnessing the Degrees have to wait.

 

How about helping with Make-up?  You must have noticed that our Cast Members are made up with wigs and beards and they need assistance in getting them on.  

 

All of these positions need to be filled for our Valley to be successful and grow.  Many of our members are trying to get their Passports filled and are asking for us to put on some of the Degrees that they have not been able to witness.  In performing these tasks, you can imagine the Fellowship and Comradery that is experienced.  So as you can see, not all Degree work in the Scottish Rite is ritual.

 

Finally, at this time we also have an opening in the Line of Officers in Yates Lodge of Perfection.  If you think you might be interested in taking an Officer in the Scottish Rite, please contact the Valley Secretary.

Year in Review: The Valley of Portland, 2021

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Year in Review: The Valley of Portland, 2021

Here at the Valley of Portland, we are proud to serve southern Maine as part of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. In this capacity, we join with our Scottish Rite Masonic brothers nationwide in our commitment to enhance our members’ lives and the lives of others by teaching and emulating the principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth.

In what specific ways did we do this throughout 2021?  How did our activities reflect our embrace of deep values such as fellowship, compassion, and dedication to God, family, and country?

An Exciting and Pivotal Year

To offer you a Year in Review assessment that we hope will be concise and enriching, let’s focus on a few key topics, as illuminated by blogs we posted throughout 2021:

New Website

On June 4, we enthusiastically announced in a blog post the launch of our new website. We told you about all the specific improvements offered by the site, including how it would more effectively help us support and educate our members, and better serve the community as a whole.

Events

Special Scholarships Luncheon

On Saturday, June 26, the Valley of Portland held a special luncheon and presented scholarship checks to five students in attendance. For more information about how the Valley of Portland positively impacts the lives of students through scholarships, please see below.

Grand Master’s One-Day Class Reunion

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

“Feast of Tishri”

Throughout 2021, the Valley of Portland held its regular stated meetings, as well as special meetings to mark distinctive occasions. On Saturday, November 6, we held a “Feast of Tishri” 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. It was held at the Kora Shrine Center in Lewiston.

Festival of Trees Fundraiser
for Portland Children’s Dyslexia Center

After our kick-off Gala on Thursday, December 2, we participated in and ardently supported our 1st annual Festival of Trees Fundraiser to benefit the Portland Children’s Dyslexia Center. The event was from Friday, December 3, through Sunday, December 5. Held at the Portland Masonic Temple at 415 Congress Street, this distinctive fundraiser continued the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction’s 25-year-long passionate commitment to helping children regain confidence and self-esteem through proven methods of reading instruction, tutoring, and dyslexia remediation.

Additional Charitable Donations to Our Local Community

To continue our support of local children’s education, we offered a donation of $500 to Portland’s new Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. We value the organization’s dedication to relationships, and their ability to work together with parents, caregivers, and diverse partners to build a foundation of educational support for children and families across Maine.

We also stepped up in the fight against hunger and food-insecurity. To help two southern-Maine-based nonprofits in this critical effort, we offered $500 donations each to the Wayside Food Programs of Portland and to the York County Shelter Programs Food Pantry.

Empowering Scholarships

The Valley of Portland ardently believes in helping students achieve their dream of achieving a life-enhancing higher education. This year, the Scottish Rite awarded a total of $99,600 in this effort. The Arnold Veague Scholarship Fund awarded $85,000 and the Leon Abbott Scholarship Fund awarded $14,600 in Maine. A total of 41 students were awarded scholarships: 37 received Veague Scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000; four received Abbott Scholarship of $3,650; and $20,000 each was awarded to the Portland and Bangor Children’s Dyslexia Centers. Of the 41 students receiving scholarships, 11 were from the Valley of Portland!

Why You Should Consider Membership in the Valley of Portland

Do you want to embody noble values and truly make a difference in your community? Do you want to “walk the talk” in a way that spreads brotherly love, tolerance, charity, and truth-telling?  We invite you to visit our website and discover the rich benefits of membership in the Valley of Portland. New brothers interested in completing the application process can do so by filling out the online application here.

You’re Invited to the Portland Children’s Dyslexia Center’s Festival of Trees

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Portland Children’s Dyslexia Center Festival of Trees Fundraiser 

The Valley of Portland is honored to announce we will be participating and supporting the 1st annual Festival of Trees Fundraiser to benefit the Portland Children’s Dyslexia Center. This exceptional fundraiser continues the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction’s 25-year-long passionate commitment to helping children regain confidence and self-esteem through proven methods of reading instruction, tutoring, and dyslexia remediation.

Important Note

The Portland Children’s Dyslexia Center is actively seeking tree sponsors, donations, and other forms of support, to maximize the positive impact of this important fundraiser. So why should you sponsor a tree?  Here’s why! Aside from knowing you’ve empowered a child’s life for the better, sponsorship showcases you or your company.  Rich benefits include advertising, marketing flyers, excellent exposure at the festival, social-media and email-generated marketing exposure, a tax deduction, and more.

Please consider lending your support!  Here are the key details you’ll need. 

Setup Dates:   Monday, November 29 through Thursday, December 2

Kick-off Gala Date: Thursday, December 2 (the night before the festival’s opening); hours TBA. Sponsors and volunteers only.

Festival of Trees Dates/Hours: Friday, December 3, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  / Saturday, December 4, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  / Sunday, December 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location:   Portland Masonic Temple, 415 Congress Street, Portland

How to Support the Fundraiser:  Become a tree sponsor! Sponsors bring and decorate their own tree, and each sponsor covers the cost of decorations and labor for their tree. Each tree will be raffled off, with a value of at least $300 per tree. Winners of the tree drawings will be announced at the closing of the festival, on Sunday, December 5, at 5 p.m.

Admission Fee: $2; FREE for children under 12

Raffle Ticket Prices: $2 each or 6 for $10.

Contact Information for Sponsors: To sponsor the Festival of Trees and support the Portland Children’s Dyslexia Center, contact Peg at 207-773-4949 or email portland@cdcinc.org.

About the Portland Children’s Dyslexia Center

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. With more than 40 Dyslexia Centers in 13 states, the Children’s Dyslexia Centers tackle the challenge of dyslexia head-on, by providing free tutoring for children with dyslexia and by training a growing cadre of highly skilled and dedicated tutors. View website. 

About the Valley of Portland, Maine

Additional information about the Valley of Portland is available at our new website and subscribe to our email newsletter. 

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

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 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.