We hear these questions all the time: Is Freemasonry a religion? Is it somehow related to Christianity? How do Freemasons view Christmas? If you are reading this Valley of Portland blog, you likely know that no, Freemasonry is not a religion. We warmly welcome men of many different faiths and beliefs into our Brotherhood. We…

When you think of Thanksgiving, do you think immediately of Freemasonry?  Maybe not? Well, it turns out you should! Because two Freemasons—including U.S. President and Freemason George Washington—had a huge impact on the American version of the Thanksgiving holiday we celebrate today. In fact, President Washington and one of his Brothers in Freemasonry, Brother Elias…

You’ve probably heard it your entire life: “Man up,” people say. Or “Act like a man.” Statements like these reflect a “Guy Code” that society often imposes on men, reflecting unspoken rules you are supposed to follow. But how much do these “rules” reflect healthy masculinity—as opposed to the “toxic” kind? And how can Freemasons…

It’s a fascinating question: What is the connection of music and musicians to personal character and values? And why have there been so many great American musicians who were also great Freemason musicians? Let’s take a moment to shine the concert spotlight on this intriguing and rarely explored topic. The Musician  / Mason Connection Psychologists…

If you’re like most American men, you probably remember that very important life lesson you learned from your dad. The lesson about Truth. Your dad likely said something like, “Be truthful, son. Don’t lie. A man’s word should be as good as his bond.” In this way, you learned that Truth is foundational to personal…

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…

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…

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…

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…