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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 ….

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…

 As Masons, we are crystal-clear—and deeply passionate—about our moral values. Go to our Valley of Portland website and you’ll see it plainly laid out: “We believe in teaching and emulating the principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth.” And though we often don’t think specifically about listening skills in this connection, the fact is…