York Rite

Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity. For three centuries, it has beckoned men of good character to its ranks. It has no regard for differences in race, color, creed or station in life. Using traditions and implements of antiquity, it seeks to inspire its members to live by the tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

While the moral philosophy of Freemasonry is founded upon religious principles, it is not a religion nor a substitute for one. It does not solicit membership but welcomes men who have good morals and who profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Any man sincerely desirous of serving humanity only needs to ask a member in order to receive a petition for membership.

From 1619 to 1820, Maine was a District of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In 1762, the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Grand Lodge of England (now the United Grand Lodge of England) issued a charter to form a lodge in Falmouth (said lodge later moving to Portland) at the request of a number of Masons living in the area. In 1819, the people of Maine voted to withdraw from Massachusetts and form a separate State. The Maine Lodges (there were 31 at the time, active and thriving) then met in convention and voted to follow suit and form their own Grand Lodge when the separation should take place. Maine joined the Union as the 23rd State on March 15, 1820 and the Grand Lodge of Maine came into being on June 1 following. It was consecrated by the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire on June 24, 1820 with William King, the first (and serving) Governor of Maine installed into the office of Grand Master.

The Grand Lodge of Maine is pleased to have you visit its web site and encourages you to look at our other official web sites: Maine Masonry Today and the Maine Masonic College.