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 […]
Masonic Values
Are You a Good Role Model? A Checklist for Masons
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 […]
Christmas and Freemasonry: Exploring the Deeper Meaning
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 . […]
Treating Women Respectfully: Thoughts for Masons & Order of the Eastern Star
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 […]
Values-Based Listening Skills for Masons
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 […]
How to Promote Freemasonry to Friends and Other Prospects
It’s one of the tougher challenges we face: How can we successfully promote Freemasonry to others? How can we most effectively communicate to others the deep enrichment we receive by being brothers—and the enrichment we bring to others in our community? Let’s take a couple of minutes to shine light on a few of the […]
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? […]
Why Mentoring Young Men Through DeMolay, etc. MATTERS
Today, young men are often described as being “in crisis.” During the past 50 years, at exactly the same time when women have made massive advancements, young men have been falling behind. This is true not because women’s success comes at young men’s expense, but because young men are facing new and very serious challenges. […]
What Does Masonic “Dedication to God” Look Like?
Although Freemasonry is not a religion, Masons are a very “God-centered” brotherhood. If you go to the Mission Statement on the Valley of Portland’s website, you’ll see that Masons ground their lives by passionately embracing “dedication to God, family, and country.” What does this Masonic dedication to God “look like”? What impact does it have? […]
