• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
FAQ
LOG IN
Valley of Portland logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Membership
  • 32º SR Masonry™
    • Yates Lodge of Perfection
    • Portland Council Princes of Jerusalem
    • Dunlap Chapter of Rose Croix
    • Maine Consistory
  • Events
  • Articles
  • Contact

Masonic Education

Why Is the Scottish Rite Called the University of Freemasonry?

August 26, 2026 by Valley of Portland

Why Is the Scottish Rite Called the University of Freemasonry?

Freemasonry begins in the Blue Lodge, where a man receives the first three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. These degrees teach foundational lessons about character, responsibility, faith, service, and the work of becoming a better man. For many Masons, becoming a Master Mason is not the end of the journey. It is […]

Filed Under: Scottish Rite Education Tagged With: Blue Lodge, Brotherhood, Lifelong Learning, Masonic Degrees, Masonic Education, Masonic Philosophy, Masonic Symbolism, Masonic Values, Master Mason, Personal Growth, Scottish Rite Degrees, Scottish Rite Masonry, University of Freemasonry, Valley of Portland

Understanding the 32 Degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry

May 12, 2026 by Valley of Portland

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 […]

Filed Under: Masonic Values & Leadership Tagged With: 32 Degrees, Freemasonry, Lodge of Perfection, Maine Consistory, Masonic Education, Princes of Jerusalem, Rose Croix, Scottish Rite Degrees, Scottish Rite Masonry, Valley of Portland

Symbolism as a Language of Light: Preserving Masonic Meaning Through History

March 8, 2026 by Valley of Portland

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 […]

Filed Under: Masonic History & Tradition Tagged With: Freemasonry, Light in Freemasonry, Masonic Education, Masonic History, Masonic Philosophy, Masonic Symbolism, Masonic Symbols, Masonic Traditions, Scottish Rite Masonry, Valley of Portland

What Freemasons Mean by “Making Good Men Better”

January 11, 2026 by Valley of Portland

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 […]

Filed Under: Masonic Values & Leadership Tagged With: Brotherhood, Character Development, Freemasonry, Leadership, Making Good Men Better, Masonic Education, Masonic Values, Personal Growth, Scottish Rite Masonry, Valley of Portland

What Freemasons Should Know about the Historical Jesus

December 8, 2025 by Valley of Portland

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 […]

Filed Under: Masonic History & Tradition Tagged With: Freemasonry, Historical Context, Historical Jesus, Masonic Education, Masonic History, Masonic Philosophy, Masonic Traditions, Religion and Freemasonry, Scottish Rite Masonry, Valley of Portland

Debunking 5 Common Myths about Freemasons

April 7, 2025 by Valley of Portland

If you ask us, “What is the most frustrating thing Freemasons have to deal with?” many of us will reply, “All the myths and misinformation out there about Freemasonry.” The fact is, ever since Freemasonry was formally founded at the Grand Lodge of England in 1717, Masons have had to deal with a host of […]

Filed Under: Scottish Rite Education Tagged With: Freemasonry, Freemasonry Facts, Freemasonry Myths, Masonic Education, Masonic History, Masonic Misconceptions, Masonic Symbols, Religion and Freemasonry, Scottish Rite Masonry, Valley of Portland

What Do Freemasons Teach About Jesus?

April 1, 2024 by Valley of Portland

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 […]

Filed Under: Scottish Rite Education Tagged With: Albert Pike, Charity, Christianity and Freemasonry, Freemasonry, Henry Clausen, Jesus and Freemasonry, Jim Shaw, Masonic Beliefs, Masonic Education, Masonic Values, Religion and Freemasonry, Scottish Rite Masonry, Tolerance, Valley of Portland

5-Minute Book Review: “Freemasons for Dummies”

February 5, 2024 by Valley of Portland

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 […]

Filed Under: Scottish Rite Education Tagged With: Christopher Hodapp, Freemasonry, Freemasons for Dummies, Masonic Books, Masonic Education, Masonic History, Masonic Membership, Masonic Ritual, Masonic Symbols, Scottish Rite Masonry, Valley of Portland

Best Freemasonry Podcasts and Blogs

February 8, 2023 by Valley of Portland

If you’re like most Masons, you feel you are on an earthly and spiritual journey to become everything you can be as a man, a friend, a family member, and a member of your community. How can you deepen and enrich your understanding of that journey—and your place within it? One of the most appealing […]

Filed Under: Charity & Community, Scottish Rite Education Tagged With: Freemasonry, Freemasonry Podcasts, Masonic Blogs, Masonic Education, Masonic History, Masonic Learning, Masonic Philosophy, Masonic Resources, Scottish Rite Masonry, Valley of Portland

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Why Is the Scottish Rite Called the University of Freemasonry? August 26, 2026
  • The Power of Purpose: How Your Charity Transforms Our Maine Communities July 20, 2026
  • Maine Boys Need Mentors, Not Just Messages June 9, 2026
  • Understanding the 32 Degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry May 12, 2026
  • Patriots’ Day and the Masonic Tradition: Service, Duty, and Devotion to Country April 1, 2026

Categories

  • Charity & Community (13)
  • Masonic History & Tradition (14)
  • Masonic Values & Leadership (24)
  • Member Annoucements (16)
  • Scottish Rite Education (6)
  • Valley of Portland News (2)

Topics

32nd Degree Abbott Scholarship American Revolution Brotherhood Brotherly Love Character Development Charity Community Giving Community Service Education Support Famous Freemasons Freemasonry Giving Back Integrity Leadership Maine Communities Maine Consistory Maine Students Masonic Charity Masonic Degrees Masonic Education Masonic Events Masonic History Masonic Leadership Masonic Philosophy Masonic Symbols Masonic Traditions Masonic Values Mentorship Personal Growth Personal Responsibility Portland Masonic Temple Respect Scottish Rite Degrees Scottish Rite Masonry Scottish Rite Reunion Service to Humanity Spring Reunion Student Scholarships Tolerance Truth Valley Leadership Valley of Portland Yates Lodge of Perfection Youth Education
MEMBER LOGIN(opens in new tab)
MEMBER REGISTRATION(opens in new tab)
Membership Application(opens in new tab)

Copyright © 2022 Valley of Portland, ME . All Rights Reserved.