It’s a pretty amazing historical fact: Even though our U.S. presidents came from very different backgrounds and stations in life, nearly 1 out of 3 of them shared one important thing in common: they were Freemasons. What drew these outstanding American leaders—these 15 presidents—to Freemasonry? What values did they embrace as Freemasons that empowered their […]
Masonic Values
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 … […]
What Christmas Means to Freemasons
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 […]
The Surprising Connection of Freemasonry to Thanksgiving
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 […]
What is Healthy Masculinity … and How Can Freemasons Achieve It?
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 […]
Great American Freemason Musicians
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 […]
Why Truth is So Important to Freemasons
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 […]
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 […]
What Do Freemasons Teach About Jesus?
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 […]
