From Abolitionist editor Elijah Lovejoy … to Civil War General Joshua Chamberlain … to revered U.S. Senator Margaret Chase Smith … Maine values have shown themselves throughout history to be virtually synonymous with integrity and a deep-seated commitment to ethical conduct. So how do Maine values specifically intersect with Freemason values? Let’s take a moment to explore this.
Common Ground & Grounding
Maine values and the values of Freemasonry share common ground in emphasizing individual betterment, community service, and ethical conduct. Freemasonry’s core tenets of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth perfectly overlap with Maine’s emphasis on neighborliness, helping those in need, and constant striving for honesty and integrity. Furthermore—in the great New England tradition—both Mainers and Freemasons place particular value on education, leadership, and personal growth.
Brotherly Love
Maine culture, like Freemasonry, also place a strong emphasis on supporting one’s community, one’s neighbors—particularly those less fortunate. For Freemasons, “Brotherly Love” is not just a catch-phrase; it’s something you actually live, by providing fellowship, charity, and assistance to fellow members and the wider community. Similarly, Maine’s strong sense of community and neighborly spirit foster a culture of helping others and looking out for one another.
Charitable Giving
Freemasons are dedicated to charitable giving and helping those in need, a value aligned with Maine’s long-standing commitment to supporting its communities. The Scottish Rite supports Dyslexia Centers, providing resources and assistance to children with learning differences. Freemasonry as a whole provides aid and assistance to those who are challenged, suffering, or in distress.
Truth
Both Freemason values and Maine values are all about integrity, honesty, and a commitment to truth in all dealings. Freemasons are encouraged to pursue knowledge, strive for personal improvement, and live by a code of ethics. This aligns with Maine’s reputation for being a state where people are known for their straightforwardness and honesty.
Education & Personal Growth
Freemasonry encourages its members to pursue self-improvement through education and self-reflection, a value echoed in Maine’s emphasis on lifelong learning and personal development.
Leadership
Freemasonry provides opportunities for leadership development within its organization, and Maine’s history includes strong leaders who have shaped our state’s identity.
Final Thoughts
As many of us learned during our school days, the state motto of Maine is “Dirigo,” a Latin phrase meaning “I direct” or “I lead.” For Freemasons, particularly those here in the Pine Tree State, “I lead” can and should have a particular resonance. It calls us to lead ourselves and others to higher moral ground, to a personal integrity that can benefit each and every person around us.
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