At the Valley of Portland, we often speak about “making good men better”. While this journey begins with internal reflection and the study of our degrees, its most profound expression is found in how we serve others. As Scottish Rite Masons, our core value of Service to Humanity is not just a sentiment; it is […]
Community Service
Patriots’ Day and the Masonic Tradition: Service, Duty, and Devotion to Country
Each April, Patriots’ Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the founding principles of our nation—principles grounded in courage, sacrifice, and a commitment to the greater good. Observed throughout Maine and Massachusetts, the day commemorates the opening battles of the American Revolution and honors those who answered the call to serve their communities and their […]
How Freemasons Can Battle Food Insecurity in Maine
It’s a troubling statistic—especially as Thanksgiving nears: As you read these words, more than 180,000 Mainers are struggling to put food on the table. In fact, food insecurity in Maine has become such a serious problem that it now impacts 1 in 5 Maine children. How can Freemasons in central and southern Maine put our […]
How Freemasons Can Be Especially Kind to Children at Halloween
If you’re like most Freemasons—or Americans, for that matter—you probably have very warm memories of Halloween. Fun and funny costumes. Trick-or-treating with friends. Community parties attended by pretend-ghosts, Spider Man, or Barbie. But for some children, Halloween can be a challenge, as they struggle with shyness around others or fear of scary costumes. So how […]
How Maine Values Intersect with Freemason Values
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 […]
Service to Seniors: How Freemasons Can Build Generational Bonds
Here’s a quick, one-question Pop Quiz for you: In the U.S., which state is the “oldest” in terms of the median age of its citizens? If you guessed “Maine,” give yourself an A+. Because the median age of folks in Maine is 45.1 years, and more than 1 in 5 of us is 65 or […]
How Freemasons Can Help Neighbors During Maine’s Long Winter
Let’s call it “The Opportunity You May Not Have Seen.” Because the fact is, Maine’s long winter—which often brings challenges and perhaps a headache or two—also offers Freemasons an excellent opportunity to live one of our core values: to help others, to help neighbors. And this is especially true if your neighbors are older … […]
Great Mason Athletes of the 20th and 21st Centuries
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 […]
Why Maine Men Should Become Masons
When you think of “Maine men,” what do you think of? The stereotype might be a guy with a northern New England accent, wearing a plaid shirt and expertly handling a lobster roll. But it goes way beyond that. Maine men come from a distinctive culture—with a distinctive set of values—that makes them perfectly suited […]
Why Masonic Values Lead to Charitable Giving
In the Gospel of Mark (12:28), a scribe asks Jesus, “What is the most important commandment?” Jesus answers: “You shall love your God.” But then—very importantly—Jesus says there is a related commandment that is also of utmost importance: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” How do Masonic values help bring power and impact to this teaching? […]
