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 […]
Freemasonry
Maine Boys Need Mentors, Not Just Messages
Boys hear a lot of messages about who they are supposed to become. Be strong. Be respectful. Be confident. Be independent. Be kind. Be a leader. Be yourself. Those are good words, but words alone are not enough. Boys need to see what good men look like in real life. They need fathers, grandfathers, coaches, […]
Understanding the 32 Degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry
To the general public, the “32 degrees” of Scottish Rite Masonry can sound mysterious. To a Mason, they are better understood as a continued journey of learning. The first three degrees of Masonry are received in the Blue Lodge: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. The Scottish Rite does not replace those degrees. It […]
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 […]
Symbolism as a Language of Light: Preserving Masonic Meaning Through History
From the earliest days of Freemasonry, symbolism has served as a language—one that teaches, challenges, and inspires without relying solely on words. Within the Scottish Rite, Masonic symbolism continues to shape the journey of learning, helping members reflect on timeless principles such as integrity, justice, tolerance, service, and reverence. But these symbols are not abstract […]
Why the Road Still Calls: Continuing the Masonic Journey Through the Scottish Rite
Why the Road Still Calls For many men, becoming a Master Mason represents a significant milestone—one marked by learning, achievement, and a deeper understanding of the Craft. Yet for some, even at this stage, there remains a quiet sense that the journey is not complete. The road still calls, inviting further reflection, growth, and discovery. […]
What Freemasons Mean by “Making Good Men Better”
As a new year begins, many of us naturally pause to reflect—on who we are, what we value, and how we might continue to grow in the months ahead. Within Freemasonry, this spirit of reflection is not reserved for a particular season. It is central to the Craft itself and is captured in a phrase […]
What Freemasons Should Know about the Historical Jesus
You’ve heard about him your entire life. You may even worship him as the Son of God and/or as someone whose world-famous teachings you seek to follow. But have you ever wondered specifically about Jesus’ time here on earth? Well, historians have for centuries, and they have come to some fascinating conclusions that can enrich […]
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 […]
