Saturday October 21,2023 8:00 AM Check-in
Portland Masonic Temple
415 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101
Degrees TBD
Events
Annual Meeting
Thursday May 25,2023 7:00 PM
Portland Masonic Temple
415 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101
Annual Meting of the Valley of Portland with Annual Report, Election and Installation of Officers. We will be meeting in the 5th floor conference room.
Stated Meeting – Valley of Portland, ME
The Quarterly 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 Friday, October 7, 2022, at 7:00 PM for the consideration of the Reports of the Officers and several Committees, and such other business as may regularly come before the meeting.
415 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101
(Use the Chestnut Street Entrance)
Contract the Secretary Michael Chambers with any question. 207-772-7711
Valley of Portland Holds Annual Abbott Scholarship Luncheon
The Valley of Portland, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, held its annual Leon M. Abbott Scholarship luncheon on June 18 at the Masonic Temple in Portland. This year we were pleased to offer scholarships to 18 very deserving local students, totaling $24,200.
Applications for annual Leon M. Abbott Scholarships are due by April 1 each year. Members, their children, and their grandchildren are eligible for these scholarships, and they may apply each year they attend college.
Pictured above at this year’s luncheon are recipients Courtney Jackson–Gordon College; Kayla Jackson–University of New Hampshire; Kyle Fairfield– Rensselaer Institute; Lauren Johnson–Clark University; Margaret Boislard–the University of Maine at Farmington; and Jack Simonton–Wentworth University.
The officers in the picture are Maine Consistory: Ill. Claire V. Tusch 33°; First Lieutenant Commander, Rose Croix; Brian S Jackson–Most Wise Master, Lodge of Perfection; Jody J. Hersey–Thrice Potent Master, Princes of Jerusalem; Paul F. Poulin – Sovereign Prince. Brother Edward “Andy” Caron, Jr. received his scholarship at our June 25 Degree.
A big THANK YOU to all members who helped set up and clean up after the event!
REMINDER—Valley Secretary’s Office Has Returned to the Masonic Temple
Just a reminder that, as of this past June 1, the Valley Secretary’s Office has returned to the Masonic Temple at 415 Congress Street in Portland. The telephone number remains 207-772-7711 and the secretary’s email address remains secretary@valleyofportland.org.
Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?
Additional information about the Valley of Portland is available here and on our website. Interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated and informed about upcoming events.
New brothers interested in completing the application can do so by filling out the online application here.
Valley of Portland Announces Rescheduled Consistory Spring Reunion, June 25
The Valley of Portland, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, is pleased to announce the rescheduled Maine Consistory Spring Reunion on Saturday, June 25. The Consistory Degrees illustrate the creation of the ideal balance between the spiritual and the temporal. Please note that you MUST register in advance for this enriching, invaluable degree work. Here is the information you will need to attend and benefit from this important upcoming event:
32° Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret
31° Will be shown at 2:00 digital in the 5th Floor conference room.
When: Saturday, June 25, 2022
(Candidate Registration from 2 to 3 p.m.; Degree Work at 3 p.m.)
Where: Portland Masonic Temple, 415 Congress Street, Portland, Maine
(Please use the Chestnut Street Entrance.)
Ladies Program: During the Degree Work, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Social Hour: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with cash bar
FREE Evening Banquet: 6:30 p.m., with Our Ladies
Easy Advance Registration (Required)
You MUST register by Friday, June 17, if you plan to attend the banquet. And please be sure to let us know if your Lady will be joining you. There is no charge for the meal, but we guarantee our count and must pay for it. Unfortunately, we cannot provide meals for those who do not register in advance.
To make reservations for the FREE banquet for you or you and your Lady, please call Secretary Michael J Chambers, 32°, at (207) 772-7711 by Friday, June 17,
or send an email to Secretary@ValleyofPortland.org.
Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?
Additional information about the Valley of Portland is available here and on our website. Interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated and informed about upcoming events.
New brothers interested in completing the application can do so by filling out the online application here.
Valley of Portland Announces Maine Consistory Spring Reunion, May 14
The Valley of Portland, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, is pleased to announce the Maine Consistory Spring Reunion, coming on Saturday, May 14. The Consistory Degrees attempt to illustrate the creation of the ideal balance between the spiritual and the temporal. Please note that you MUST register in advance for this enriching, invaluable degree work. Here is the information you will need to attend and benefit from this important upcoming event:
32° Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret
When: Saturday, May 14, 2022
(Candidate Registration from 2 to 3 p.m.; Degree Work at 3 p.m.)
Where: Portland Masonic Temple, 415 Congress Street, Portland, Maine.
(Please use the Chestnut Street Entrance.)
Ladies Program: During the degree work, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Social Hour: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with cash bar
FREE Evening Banquet: 6:30 p.m., with Our Ladies.
EASY ADVANCE REGISTRATION
(REQUIRED)
You MUST register in advance if you plan to attend the banquet. And please be sure to let us know if your Lady will be joining you. There is no charge for the meal, but we guarantee our count and must pay for it. Unfortunately, we cannot provide meals for those who do not register in advance.
How to Make Banquet Reservations:
To make reservations for the FREE banquet for you or you and your Lady, please contact Secretary Bradford D. Blake, 33°, at (207) 772-7711 at your earliest convenience, or send email to Secretary@ValleyofPortland.org.
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Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?
Additional information about the Valley of Portland is available here and at our website here. 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 Opening of 2022 Abbott and Veague Scholarships-Application Process
Valley of Portland Announces Opening of 2022 Abbott and Veague Scholarships-Application Process
The Valley of Portland announces that the application process for The Leon M. Abbott Scholarship and The Arnold Veague Scholarship is now open. Eligible candidates may access scholarship applications online from now through April 1, 2022 here.
Once applications are filled out, they must be “snail-mailed” to the Home Valley Secretary at the following address:
Bradford D. Blake, Secretary
Portland Masonic Temple
415 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101
Despite the pandemic-related hardships experienced throughout 2021, the Valley of Portland Scottish Rite Masons continue to positively impact the lives of students, assisting them in their dreams of achieving a higher education via a trade or accredited college or university degree. In 2021, the Scottish Rite awarded a total of $99,600 in scholarship funds to local students. The Leon M. Abbott Scholarship awarded $14,600 and The Arnold Veague Scholarship Fund awarded $85,000.
One of the main goals of the Scottish Rite Masons 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.
More About The Leon M. Abbott Scholarship and Arnold Veague Scholarship:
Named for Leon M. Abbott, Sovereign Grand Commander from 1921 to 1932, The Leon M. Abbott Scholarship provides financial support for the continuing undergraduate and graduate education of Scottish Rite Masons, Scottish Rite Mason family members, and members of Masonic Youth Groups, including (but not limited to) the Order of DeMolay, Job’s Daughters International, and The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.
The Arnold Veague Scholarship, named for Arnold L. Veague of Bangor, has the same requirements, except that only Maine children are eligible.
Scholarship Program Application Process:
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for scholarships from the Valley of Portland (Scottish Rite Masons of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction), please first read our eligibility requirements. You are eligible to apply if you are:
- 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, such as DeMolay International, Job’s Daughters, or Order of the Rainbow for Girls.
Scholastic Qualifications:
To be considered for The Leon M. Abbott Scholarship or The Arnold Veague Scholarship, applicants must meet one of the following qualifications. You must be:
- 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;
or
- A high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student currently enrolled at an accredited college or university.
Where to Apply:
Your application for The Leon M. Abbott Scholarship or The Arnold Veague Scholarship 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 the Valley of Portland or to your local Valley. You can find applicable contact information here.
When you apply, you will be able to apply for both scholarships. However, only one scholarship will be awarded to each scholarship recipient. If you have any questions while reviewing or filling out your application, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Access scholarship applications Here.
Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?
Additional information about the Valley of Portland is available here and at our new website here. 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.
Year in Review: The Valley of Portland, 2021
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
