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 to becoming Masons. What is that culture? And why does it so perfectly serve as a foundation for Maine men to become Masons? Let’s take a couple of minutes to explore this.
Thinking for Ourselves
In a world where we are bombarded by social media, cable TV, and all manner of things designed to get us to “think like the group,” the best Maine men and Masons refuse to go along for the ride. We take pride in thinking for ourselves—whether it’s to elect a Governor or U.S. Senator who is NOT a Democrat or Republican (as we’ve done numerous times)—or to elect FAR more women to important political positions, and to have done it far earlier than most other states. (Exhibit A: Margaret Chase Smith).
Thinking for yourself means daring to resist tribalism and all the toxic elements it can bring into a society, including intolerance, disrespect for others, and a refusal to “walk a mile in the other man’s moccasins.” In this way, thinking for yourself is a foundational value that perfectly aligns with the values of Masons and their affirmation of brotherly love, kindness, and honor.
Uplifting and Empowering Our Neighbors & Our Communities
Maine men come from a centuries-old culture that “walks the talk” regarding genuinely manly, courageous, loving serving to those less fortunate. Have you heard of Elijah Lovejoy—who was born in Albion, Maine, graduated from what is now Colby College, and wrote passionate anti-slavery editorials in the 1830s that were admired by people like Abraham Lincoln? Or how about Harold Alfond—who organized the first private foundation in Maine and who, between 1950 and 2003 alone, contributed more than $100 million to charitable causes across Maine? Lovejoy and Alfond are merely two examples—out of thousands we could mention—that illustrate how the best Maine men build their lives on a firm foundation of loving, manly service to others. In that way, they are perfectly suited to becoming Masons, who raise more than $2.6 million EVERY DAY worldwide to help those in need.
Maine Men, Masons: Cut from the Same Cloth
The distinctive culture of Maine, and its great impact on shaping Maine men, puts a firm foundation under a man’s life here. Day in and day out, the culture imparts to Maine men the old-fashioned yet timeless values of love, brotherhood, and “the need to help those in need.” Is it any wonder that Maine men and Masons are so often on the same wave-length, and that Maine men are so perfectly suited to the “love in action” values of Masons?
Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?
Additional information about the Valley of Portland is available here and at our website here. Interested in learning more about local events? Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date and informed about upcoming events.
New brothers interested in completing the application process can do so by filling out the online application here.
