CHAPTER XXII
The Appendant and Concordant Rites in Maine, 1945 - 1970.
Freemasonry is a living thing. It may best be likened to a giant tree, its roots buried deep in the soil of antiquity, its massive trunk the great body of Ancient Craft Masonry as taught and practiced by regular Grand Lodges throughout the world, its graceful branches those appendant and concordant bodies in which are conferred the additional degrees belonging to the York, Scottish and Swedish Rites of Freemasonry. These branches are living parts of the living tree, and add greatly to the beauty and symmetry of the whole. In this chapter, we will see what the last quarter century has brought to the concordant Masonic Bodies in the State of Maine.
Reginald F. Berry Past Grand High Priest
I
The York or American Rite.
(a) The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Maine.
The oldest and largest of the concordant bodies in this State is the Grand Chapter of Maine, Royal Arch Masons, which was established in 1821 and which has shared the fortunes of our Grand Lodge throughout its long and eventful history. This body is a constituent of the General Grand Chapter, International, formerly known as the General Grand Chapter of the United States, which dates from 1798.
M. E. Reginald F. Berry was serving as Grand High Priest when our 1945 History was written, and presided over the 1946 Convocation. Since that time, the following Most Excellent Companions have presided over our Grand Chapter:
| 1946 | Allen L. Curtis | 1958 | Nelson B. Camick |
| 1947 | Allen L. Curtis | 1959 | Ira D. Turner |
| 1948 | Ralph T. Scott | 1960 | Charles R. Leavitt |
| 1949 | Adin L. Hopkins | 1961 | George H. Winter, Jr. |
| 1950 | I. James Merry | 1962 | Benjamin Butler |
| 1951 | Frederick C. Lounder | 1963 | Horace A. Pratt |
| 1952 | Clyde French | 1964 | Linwood E. Temple |
| 1953 | Aubrey L. Burbank | 1965 | Raymond W. Cunningham |
| 1954 | Earle D. Webster | 1966 | George E. Pushard |
| 1955 | Orvis W. Bonney | 1967 | Robley C. Wilson |
| 1956 | Russell O. Spencer | 1968 | Millard A. Whitney |
| 1957 | Roger W. Staples | 1969 | Carroll W. Keene |
Maine has been well represented at the Triennial Convocations of the General Grand Chapter. Fifteen delegates from our State attended the postponed session held in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1946, thirteen were present at the New York City Triennial in 1948, twelve at that held in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1951, thirteen at that held in Ashville, North Carolina, in 1954, eight at that held in Sun Valley, Idaho, in 1957, twelve at that held in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1960, ten at that held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1963, and fourteen at that held in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1966. For many years, arrangements for rail transportation to and from these meetings have been made by M. E. Reginald F. Berry, an ardent rail fan and an authority in the field of railroad passenger transportation. On some of these journeys, interesting side trips were made to points of scenic or historic interest, which added greatly to the enjoyment of the delegates and their ladies.
Since 1945, two Past Grand High Priests of Maine have served as officers of the General Grand Chapter, M. E. Reginald F. Berry as General Grand Master of the Second Veil, and M. E. Benjamin W. Ela as General Grand Master of the Third Veil. M. E. Companions John M. Littlefield, David L. Wilson, Convers E. Leach, Reginald F. Berry, Benjamin W. Ela, Roger W. Staples, Aubrey L. Burbank, Ovis W. Bonney and Earle D. Webster have served on committees of the General Grand Chapter.
On five occasions, the Grand Chapter of Maine has been visited by the General Grand High Priest. M. E. Earl E. Dusenberry made such a visit in 1949, M. E. J. Luther Jordan in 1959, M. E. William F. Clark in 1964 and 1965, and M. E. Sprague Carter in 1969.
Since its adoption in 1951, the General Grand Chapter's Distinguished Service Medal has been awarded to the following Maine Companions: George W. Hoxie, Edwin F. Robinson, William J. Ricker, Linwood E. Temple, Charles L. Boman, Joseph W. Hoit, Thomas H. Hooper, Ersley L. Goldsmith, Frank W. Simmons, Harold L. Ames, Lee C. Smith, Harold S. Pratt, the Rev. Robert P. Frazier, Daniel J. Foley, Floyd M. Kimball, Myron E. Savage, Orvin V Drew and William P. Hurd.
Three new chapters were constituted in 1947—Maine, No. 73, at Kittery, Mosaic, No. 74, at Lincoln, and Penobscot, No. 75, at Hampden. Attendance at the the Kittery constitution was 227, while more than 300 Masons and their ladies were present at the Hampden ceremonial, which was the first semi-public constitution of a Royal Arch Chapter to be held in Maine. The officers of all three chapters were installed by M. E. Reginald F. Berry, assisted by M. E. John M. Littlefield and M. E. Benjamin W. Ela. Another new chapter, Lubec, No. 76, Lubec, was constituted in 1951.
An outstanding Capitular event occured on February 10, 1948, when a Class Exaltation was held in Portland, at which the Royal Arch degree was conferred upon a class of 68 candidates in the presence of approximately 500 companions.
A new revision of the Grand Chapter Constitution, By-Laws, and General Regulations, compiled by M. E. Henry R. Gillis, was adopted in 1949.
M. E. Convers E. Leach retired as Grand Secretary in 1956, and was elected Grand Secretary Emeritus ad vitam. M. E. Earle D. Webster succeeded him as Grand Secretary.
In 1958, the Grand Chapter adopted an official twenty-year service button. This was produced by the Grand Chapter, and made available for distribution by subordinate chapters to qualified companions.
In recent years, the Grand Chapter has co-operated with the other York Rite bodies in holding joint meetings for the conferral of all York Rite degrees, and in other promotional activities. It has held a series of Area Meetings, and has continued its traditional method of ritualistic instruction. The custom of wearing a red pocket handkerchief as a symbol of Chapter membership was introduced in 1965, achieved immediate popularity, and is now generally practiced in this Jurisdiction.
At the 1967 Convocation, an enthusiastic welcome was extended to M. E. Henry R. Gillis, then in his ninety-seventh year.
The establishment of four new chapters has already been mentioned. On the other hand, changing local conditions and shifting population patterns have caused casualties among our constituent chapters. One chapter has surrendered its charter, while five consolidations have taken place. Grand Chapter membership increased steadily until 1954, in which year an all-time membership high of 13,000 was reached. Since then, annual membership losses have been recorded.
There are now 66 working chapters in the State of Maine, with a combined membership of 10,371. The largest chapter is Garfield Chapter at Caribou, with 468 members.
M. E. Carroll W. Keene, a former Grand Master of our Grand Lodge, now serves as Most Excellent Grand High Priest. M. E. Earle D. Webster still serves as Grand Secretary.
* * * * * *
Maine Council, Order of High Priesthood, holds its annual meetings in connection with the annual convocations of the Grand Chapter. At these meetings, those Excellent Companions who have been elected to preside over Royal Arch Chapters are solemnly received, anointed, consecrated and set apart for the high responsibility of High Priesthood. A special copy of the Holy Bible, suitably inscribed, is presented to each candidate at the time of his consecration. Since 1945, 888 candidates have been anointed. The beauty of this ceremonial makes it highly valued by all who have been privileged to participate therein.
Since 1945, the following companions have served as President of this body:
| Homer W. Lothrop | Merton L. Leech |
| Arthur W. Stockbridge | Albion B. Ricker |
| Clarence L. McCann | Charles H. Hodgkins |
| Charles W. Leonard | Raymond W. Cunningham |
| William H. Coburn | Stanley A. Snow |
| Reginald F. Berry | James H. Doyle |
For some years, it has been the pleasure and privilege of Maine Council to present a Past Grand High Priest's apron to each holder of that high office.
The present membership of Maine Council is 1,004.
M. E. and Rev. Aubrey L. Burbank now serves as President of this Council, M. E. Earle D. Webster as its Recorder.
The writer of this history acknowledges with thanks the assistance given him by M. E. Reginald F. Berry in the preparation of this section.
(b) The Grand Council of Maine, Royal and Select Masters.
The Cryptic Rite continues to command the love and loyalty of those who have been privileged to receive its beautiful degrees. In Maine, this Rite is governed by the Grand Council of Maine, Royal and Select Masters, which was organized in 1854-55. This body is a constituent of the General Grand Council, International, originally known as the General Grand Council of the United States, and of which M. P. Josiah H. Drummond of Maine was the first General Grand Master.
Since 1945, when M. I. Charles H. Hodgkins served in that capacity, the following Most Illustrious Companions have served as Grand Master of our Grand Council:
| 1946 | Benjamin Butler | 1958 | Harold W. Kelley |
| 1947 | John L. Tewksbury | 1959 | Frank L. Bourke |
| 1948 | Earle D. Webster | 1960 | Merton E. Leech |
| 1949 | Homer W. Lothrop | 1961 | Orvis W. Bonney |
| 1950 | Benjamin W. Ela | 1962 | Harold A. Carman |
| 1951 | Reginald F. Berry | 1963 | W. Leeman Oxton |
| 1952 | Gerald York | 1964 | Roger W. Staples |
| 1953 | Charles M. Durland | 1965 | Nelson B. Camick |
| 1954 | Floyd E. Anderson | 1966 | Robert L. Travis |
| 1955 | George J. Lackedy | 1967 | Stanley A. Snow |
| 1956 | Harvey A. Allen | 1968 | Victor N. Greene |
| 1957 | Harold E. Pratt | 1969 | Roland L. Schreiter |
The Triennial Assemblies of the General Grand Council are held in connection with the Triennial Convocations of the General Grand Chapter. Great honor came to Maine at the Triennial Assembly held in New York City in 1948, when Past Grand Master John M. Littlefield of Maine was elected to the great office of Most Puissant General Grand Master, thus becoming the first Maine Freemason since Josiah H. Drummond to serve at the head of a National Masonic Body. He served with distinction for a three-year term, and presided over the Triennial Assembly held in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1951.
On October 4, 1948, a State of Maine Dinner, honoring M. P. John M. Littlefield, was held in the Pennsylvania Hotel in New York City, presided over by M. I. Earle D. Webster, Grand Master of the Grand Council of Maine. Thirteen Jurisdictions were represented.
The following Maine Companions have served on committees of the General Grand Council: Convers E. Leach, Reginald F. Berry, Earle D. Webster, Frank L. Bourke and John M. Littlefield. M. I. Earle D. Webster is currently serving as Chairman of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, while M. P. John M. Littlefield serves as a member of the Committee on Cryptic Jurisprudence.
M. P. John M. Littlefield paid official visits to our Grand Council in 1949, 1950 and 1951. Similar visits were made by M. P. John B. Phelps in 1958, M. P. Donald B. Boudeman in 1965, and M. P. C. Ellwood Smyrk in 1968.
In 1947, Grand Master Benjamin Butler established the "Butler Plaque", for largest percentage gain in membership each year until one council wins three years in succession, when it becomes the permanent property of that council. This plaque was won in 1947 by King Solomon's Council, No. 1, Belfast, in 1948 and 1949 by St. Croix Council, No. 11, Calais, and in 1950, 1951 and 1952 by Aroostook Council, No. 16, Presque Isle.
Beginning in 1948, the Grand Council of Maine has been active in York Rite co-operation, taking part in Tri-State Northern New England Cryptic Rite Festivals, and in General Assemblies and District Assemblies held in conjunction with the Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery.
The Centennial of our Grand Council was celebrated at a special assembly held in Kora Temple, Lewiston, on October 16, 1954. M. I. Floyd E. Anderson, Grand Master, presided, and welcomed 275 representatives from all of the 17 Councils in Maine and guests from Grand Councils in New England and Eastern Canada and from the Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery of Maine. In the afternoon, the degrees of Royal, Select, and Super-Excellent Master were conferred upon a class of 99 candidates. The centennial banquet, served to more than 600 companions and their ladies, was followed by an appropriate program and an address by M. I. and Rev. Henry F. Collins, Past Grand Master and present Grand Recorder in South Carolina.
Our Grand Council contributed $750.00 towards the completion of the Cryptic Room in the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. On February 22, 1960, Grand Master Frank L. Bourke deposited in this room an engraved plaque honoring the two sons of Maine who have achieved the highest honors in Cryptic Masonry—M. P. Josiah Hayden Drummond and M. P. John Milton Littlefield.
The Order of the Silver Trowel of Maine, open to companions who have been elected to preside over Councils of Royal and Select Masters, was organized on May 4, 1966, with Ill. Ralph M. Wentworth as its first Thrice Illustrious Master.
During the period covered by this revision, no new charters have been granted, no charters have been surrendered, and no consolidations have taken place.
There are now 17 councils on the Grand Council roll, with a total membership of 3,642. The largest council is Bangor Council, No. 5, with a membership of 408.
M. I. Roland L. Schreiter now serves as Grand Master of our Grand Conuncil. M. I. Earle D. Webster still serves as Grand Recorder.
(c) The Grand Commandery, Knights Templar, of the State of Maine.
"The Soldiery of the Temple, the Knighthood of the Cross, the Brotherhood of Christian Chivalry", as a former Grand Master of Knights Templar once described this Order, continues to fill its honored and unique place in the Masonic life of our State. The Grand Commandery of Maine, organized in 1852, is a constituent of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar for the United States of America, and is always well represented at the Triennial Conclaves of that distinguished body.
Sir Knight Paul R. Baird served our Grand Commandery as its Right Eminent Grand Commander in 1945. Since that time, the following Sir Knights have filled that important post:
| 1946 | Walter P. Morse | 1958 | Albert W. Hoffses |
| 1947 | William D. Talbot | 1959 | Wilder D. Carr |
| 1948 | Harold V. Bickmore | 1960 | Kenneth M. Ritchie |
| 1949 | Cony A. Duncan | 1961 | James H. Smith |
| 1950 | Harold A. Carman | 1962 | Robert L. Travis |
| 1951 | Charles W. Leonard | 1963 | Willard H. Doell |
| 1952 | Albert T. Utterstrom | 1964 | Kendrick J. Chapman |
| 1953 | Alton L. Johnson, Sr. | 1965 | Frank L. Bourke |
| 1954 | Alexander A. LaFleur | 1966 | Charles H. Peterson |
| 1955 | Nelson B. Camick | 1967 | George E. Berry |
| 1956 | Winston R. Jagger | 1968 | Willard A. Vincent |
| 1957 | I. Ray Libby | 1969 | Charles L. Hamm |
Tragedy came to our Grand Commandery in 1957, when Grand Commander I. Ray Libby died in office. He was succeeded by his Deputy, V. E. Sir Albert W. Hoffses, who also served as Grand Commander in 1958.
Two Past Grand Commanders of Maine have served as officers of the Grand Encampment. R. E. Sir Harold A. Carman served as Department Commander of the Northern Department from 1952 to 1955, while R. E. Sir Frank L. Bourke served as Department Commander of the North Atlantic Department from 1967 to 1970. This is actually the same command, only the name having been changed. Past Grand Commanders Albert T. Utterstrom and Frank L. Bourke have served on Grand Encampment committees.
Harold A. Carman
Frank L. Bourke
On two occasions, Most Eminent Grand Masters of the Grand Encampment have visited the Grand Commandery of Maine, M. E. Sir John Temple Rice in 1948 and M. E. Sir Wilber Marion Brucker in 1966.
The Centennial of our Grand Commandery was fittingly observed on June 20-21, 1952. It began with a reception, dinner and entertainment at the Eastland Hotel, attended by 200 Sir Knights and their ladies, with guests from the other York Rite bodies in Maine and from neighboring Grand Commanderies. The Grand Encampment was officially represented by its Grand Junior Warden, Sir Knight Ansel A. Packard.
The formal observance was held in the Portland Masonic Temple on the morning of June 21. A civic welcome was extended by Sir Knight Leon T. Webber, City Clerk of Portland. Sir Knight Ansel A. Packard brought the official greetings of the Grand Encampment. An historical address was delivered by the R. E. and Rev. David L. Wilson, L.H.D., Past Grand Commander. Following these exercises a parade was formed, with Sir Knight and Colonel Alexander A. LaFleur, Grand Generalissimo, as its Grand Marshal. Accompanied by several bands, 1,600 Sir Knights marched through the principal streets of the city to the Portland Exposition Building, where a delightful banquet was served, followed by high grade Vaudeville entertainment. While these events were in progress, the ladies were entertained at the Poland Spring House. Suitable souvenirs were presented to all in attendance at these exercises.
In recent years, the Grand Commandery has participated in numerous York Rite Festivals and similar joint meetings with the other York Rite bodies. The traditional Templar Christmas Observance in all Commanderies continues to be an outstanding feature in the Masonic life of our State. Public Church attendance on Easter Sunday is another time-honored custom. The Grand Commandery field day on or about St. John the Baptist's Day in June is always one of the outstanding events of the Masonic year. The Grand Commandery Educational Loan Foundation of Maine continues to render a worthwhile service to the young people of our State.
During the period covered by this revision, one consolidation has taken place.
There are now 23 commanderies in our State, with a total membership of 5,373. The largest Commandery is St. John's Commandery, No. 3, Bangor, with 767 members.
Sir Knight Charles L. Hamm is presently serving as Grand Commander. Sir Knight Earle D. Webster still presides over the Grand Recorder's desk.
II
The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
The bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite within the District of Maine acknowledge and yield allegiance to the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the thirty-third and last degree for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, whose See is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The local administrative body of the Rite in this State is Maine Council of Deliberation, of which the Supreme Council's Deputy for Maine is automatically the Illustrious Commander-in-Chief. This body is composed of all members of the Supreme Council accredited to Maine, the principal officers of all subordinate bodies of the Rite, and the past presiding officers of such bodies.
Ill. Frank C. Allen, 33°, served the Supreme Council as its Deputy for Maine from 1930 to 1957, when he retired and was elected an Emeritus Member of the Supreme Council. In 1948, Ill. Bro. Allen had received our Grand Lodge's Josiah Hayden Drummond Medal from the hands of Grand Master Carroll W. Keene. Ill. Bro. Edward W. Wheeler, 33°, served as Deputy for a single year, being succeeded as such in 1958 by Ill. Donald S. Higgins, 33°, who has since given outstanding and effective leadership to the Rite. In 1964, Grand Master Raymond M. Rideout, Sr., conferred upon him the Simon Greenleaf Medal of the Grand Lodge of Maine.
Great honor came to Maine through the distinguished services of Ill. Edward W. Wheeler, 33°, as Grand Minister of State and later as Grand Lieutenant Commander of the Northern Supreme Council.
Donald S. Higgins
In the absence of the Sovereign Grand Commander from the Country, he served as Acting Sovereign Grand Commander, and was officially received as such at our Grand Lodge communication in 1960. His great services to the Rite won for him an award of the coveted Gourgas Medal, the highest honor within the gift of our Supreme Council. When Ill. Bro. Wheeler died in 1963, the eulogy at his funeral was delivered by Ill. George E. Bushnell, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Supreme Council.
On June 17, 1960, Maine Council of Deliberation established an "Award for Meritorious Service", to be conferred upon members who, by reason of meritorious service in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, shall be worthy of such recognition. This award is made annually upon joint nominations submitted in writing by the presiding officers of bodies in each Valley, and upon the recommendation of the Council's own Committee on Awards. The award is limited to one member each year from each Valley in the District. The beautiful jewel of this award is presented by the Illustrious Deputy for Maine or his representative. Since its establishment, this coveted award has been conferred upon some of the hardest-working and most devoted members of the Rite.
Maine Consistory celebrated its centennial in 1962. At this rendezvous, an unusually large class of candidates received the Consistory degrees. This event was honored by the presence of Ill. George E. Bushnell, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, who delivered the principal address.
By direction of the Sovereign Grand Commander, Maine bodies of the Rite commemorated three important anniversaries in the year 1967—the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the first symbolic Grand Lodge, now the United Grand Lodge of England, in 1717; the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the first Lodge of Perfection in what is now the United States at Albany, New York, in 1767; and the 100th anniversary of the happy union of 1867, which ended an unfortunate schism in the ranks of our Supreme Council and which saw the election of Ill. Josiah Hayden Drummond, 33°, as Sovereign Grand Commander for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
Appropriately enough, our present Sovereign Grand Commander, Ill. George Adelbert Newbury, 33°, paid an official visit to Maine in 1967. He was the guest speaker at our Grand Lodge banquet, and also spoke at our Grand Lodge session. He received the Josiah Hayden Drummond Medal for Distinguished Service to Freemasonry from the hands of Grand Master M. Donald Gardner.
An event unique in the history of Maine Freemasonry occurred on August 26, 1967, when, by special dispensation from the Sovereign Grand Commander, a special meeting of the Supreme Council was held in the Masonic Temple at Augusta. Ill. Donald S. Higgins, 33°, Deputy for Maine, presided as acting Sovereign Grand Commander; Ill. Clark D. Chapman, 33°, Active for Maine, served as acting Grand Lieutenant Commander; and Ill. George B. Ward, 33°, Active for New Hampshire, served as acting Grand Minister of State. Prayers were offered by Ill. and Rev. Aubrey L. Burbank, 33°, Associate Prior of Maine Council of Deliberation. The thirty-third and last degree was conferred in a most solemn and impressive manner upon Bro. Ralph John Pollard, who had been elected by the Supreme Council to receive this honor but whose physical condition would have made the long journey to Pittsburgh a matter of considerable difficulty for many people. Thirteen Honorary Members of the Supreme Council were present to witness the conferral of this degree.
Maine Council of Deliberation makes an annual contribution towards the work of the Order of DeMolay in Maine. Its 1967 convocation saw the establishment of the Alexander A. LaFleur DeMolay College Scholarship Fund. Ill. Bro. and Colonel Alexander A. LaFleur, 33°, made an initial cash gift to establish this fund, with provision for future personal contributions. He also offered to match contributions made by others, up to the amount of $1,000, provided that such contributions are not in excess of $10.00 each. A modest fund-raising campaign, headed by Ill. Raymond M. Rideout, Sr., 33°, met with a very gratifying response. The first scholarship from this fund was awarded at the 1968 convocation, the recipient being Mr. David Carl Meyers, a fine young man from Orono, now studying for the Christian Ministry. In October of 1968, the Scottish Rite bodies in the Valley of Augusta made a contribution of $1,000 to the DeMolay and Pine Tree Youth Foundation, of which Ill. Donald S. Higgins serves as Vice President. At its 1969 convocation, the Council of Deliberation itself made an extremely generous gift to this Foundation.
Maine members of the Scottish Rite give loyal support to the Benevolent Foundation of the Supreme Council, the 1968 contributions amounting to $5,143.20.
There are within the District of Maine five Lodges of Perfection, 14°, five Councils of Princess of Jerusalem, 16°, and five Chapters of Rose Croix, 18°, located in the Valleys of Portland, Lewiston-Auburn, Bangor, Augusta and Rockland. Maine Consistory, 32°, located in Portland, serves the entire State.
The several Valleys usually hold annual "Fellowship Nights", open to all Master Masons. In a few instances, the ladies have also been invited. A fine supper is followed by an interesting and instructive program, and a qualified speaker tells of what the Scottish Rite has to offer. Some of these meetings have been outstanding events.
One of the real high-lights of the Scottish Rite year is the traditional Maundy Thursday observance held annually by all Chapters of Rose Croix. Ladies and invited guests attend this ceremony, which includes an impressive ritualistic commemoration of the Last Supper, with communion, a beautiful memorial service honoring those Knights of Rose Croix who have passed away during the year, a sermon by some outstanding clergyman, and the traditional presentation of roses to all in attendance.
The annual rendezvous of Maine Consistory is usually the best attended Masonic meeting of the year. Afternoon degree work is followed by a splendid banquet, often attended by more than 1,000 brethren. Evening degree work always concludes with an impressive presentation of the thirty-second degree. The Consistory degrees selected for presentation each year are put on by degree teams from the several Valleys in the District.
During the period covered by this revision, the following Illustrious Brethren have served as Commander-in-Chief of Maine Consistory:
| Kenneth Colman Allen | 1946 - | 1949 |
| Albert Thomas Utterstrom | 1949 - | 1952 |
| Clarence Arthur Brown | 1952 - | 1953 |
| Frank Owen Stephens | 1953 - | 1955 |
| Raymond Snow McCubrey | 1955 - | 1958 |
| Franklin Glacier Hinckley | 1958 - | 1961 |
| Donald Edwin Wallace | 1961 - | 1964 |
| M. Donald Gardner | 1964 - | 1967 |
| Leon Melville Sanborn | 1967 - |
Since 1965, Maine Consistory has published an official "Bulletin", which is mailed to the entire membership. Ill. M. Donald Gardner, 33°, serves as editor of this fine periodical.
It is interesting to note that the following Past Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of Maine have also received the thirty-third degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite: M. W. and Ill. Bros. Clark D. Chapman, Active for Maine, John M. Littlefield, Raymond M. Rideout, Sr., Charles E. Crossland, Aubrey L. Burbank, Carroll W. Keene, M. Donald Gardner, Ralph J. Pollard, Leon M. Sanborn, Paul L. Powers, Wallace H. Campbell, and Ervin E. J. Lander.
Maine is always well represented at the annual meetings of the Supreme Council. A "Maine Dinner", with our Illustrious Deputy as host, is always a feature of these sessions.
Maine has now two Active Members of the Supreme Council— Ill. Donald Shackley Higgins, 33°, and Ill. Clark Drummond Chapman, 33°, both of whom fill important committee assignments in the Supreme Council.
During the period covered by this revision, the Scottish Rite in Maine has flourished, a 1945 membership of 4,487 having increased to our present figure of 7,794.
Ill. Donald S. Higgins, 33°, now serves as Illustrious Commander-in-Chief of Maine Council of Deliberation. Ill. Earle D. Webster, 33°, still functions as Secretary of this body.
III
Associated and Affiliated Groups.
In addition to the recognized Masonic Bodies mentioned above, there are also various non-Masonic groups which are closely associated with Freemasonry in the public eye, either by reason of Masonic sponsorship or because they are composed entirely of Master Masons or of Master Masons and their near female relatives. These bodies are not living parts of the living Masonic tree mentioned at the beginning of this chapter, but may best be likened to the balls of mistletoe and streamers of Spanish moss which we find attached to certain oaks, and which certainly add to the outward appearance of the host tree. Of these numerous groups, there are three which we feel to be worthy of especial mention in this history.
(a) The Order of the Eastern Star.
This Order, founded in 1850, is composed of Master Masons, their wives, widows, mothers, sisters and daughters. In Maine, this Order is privileged to meet in our Masonic Temples. In our 1945 history, we paid a deserved tribute to the many services which chapters of this Order have rendered to Masonic lodges in our State. During the past twenty-five years, these services have been continued. Most of our Masonic suppers are served by the ladies of the Eastern Star, and many instances have been reported in which Star Chapters have financed major repairs on Masonic properties, have purchased new kitchen and dining-room equipment, have redecorated Masonic apartments, have laid wall-to-wall carpeting in Masonic lodge rooms, have re-upholstered lodge furniture, have contributed to lodge building funds, and have purchased pianos and electric organs which are available for use by our lodges. Needless to say, these contributions to the well-being of the Craft are much appreciated by the Freemasons of Maine.
In its own right, this Order makes a major contribution to the social, cultural and spiritual life of those communities in which its chapters are located. Many of its chapters render an outstanding service to youth by sponsoring local assemblies of the Order of Rainbow for Girls. Latest figures indicate that there are now 2,991 Rainbow Girls in the State of Maine, working under adult supervision furnished by our Eastern Star chapters. Mrs. Gertrude Powers, the wife of Past Grand Master Paul L. Powers, serves as Supreme Deputy of the Order of Rainbow for Girls in Maine.
At the Grand Chapter session in 1969, it was reported that Grand Chapter scholarships amounting to $5,088 had been awarded during the past year to seven Maine students, all studying for the ministry.
The Grand Chapter of Maine, Order of the Eastern Star, now has 180 constituent chapters, with a combined membership of 32,309.. Mrs. Anne E. Stein of Brunswick now serves as Worthy Grand Matron, Bro. Embert C. Buck of Portland as Worthy Grand Patron. Mrs. Agnes H. Swett of Wells serves as Grand Secretary.
(b) Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
This Order, founded in 1872 by Bro. and Dr. Walter M. Fleming of New York, is not itself a Masonic body, but is composed entirely of either Knights Templar or thirty-second degree Freemasons, and has often been described as "the playground of Masonry". Prior to 1922, it was principally known for the fine bands and colorful marching units which participated in its picturesque street parades, and for the spirit of uninhibited fun and frolic which prevailed at its conventions. Since that date, however, its great humanitarian charities, the Shriners' Hospitals for Crippled Children and Burns Institutes, have won the respect and admiration of society at large, causing even the traditional enemies of Freemasonry to speak well of the Shrine and its good work for suffering humanity. The fun and frolic continue, but are now overshadowed by its great charitable program.
This Order is represented in Maine by two local units—Kora Temple of Lewiston, with a membership of 4,306, and Anah Temple of Bangor, with 2,755 members. Both of these Temples have loyally supported the charities of the Imperial Council. Since 1922, Kora Temple has paid in excess of $640,000 in hospital assessments and hospital life memberships, along with many other direct contributions and donations. In the same period, contributions by Anah Temple amounted to approximately $297,144. This is a record in which the Shriners of Maine can take justifiable pride.
Both of these Temples are noted for their fine musical and marching units and for their colorful ceremonials. When Noble Paul L. Powers served as Potentate of Kora Temple, he held an outdoor ceremonial on the sands of the "Desert of Maine" in Freeport. To make things even more realistic, live camels were imported for this occasion!
The annual Circus performances held in our larger cities under Shrine sponsorship not only serve as efficient fund-raising projects but also render a real community service by providing wholesome entertainment for the public in general and for the children in particular.
Noble Herbert K. Seymour is presently serving as Potentate of Kora Temple, while Noble Lloyd O. Coffin serves Anah Temple in the same capacity. Noble Paul L. Powers serves the Imperial Council's Committee on Masonic Relations as its Chairman for Maine.
(c) International Order of DeMolay.
This Order, founded in 1919 by Bro. Frank S. Land of Missouri, is open to the sons of Master Masons and their personal friends, between the ages of fourteen and twenty years. Chapters of this Order are invariably sponsored by some responsible Masonic group, and the necessary adult leadership is always furnished by members of the Masonic Fraternity. These Chapters are usually permitted to meet in Masonic apartments.
This Order teaches such fundamental virtues as personal honor, integrity and morality, love and respect for parents, an appreciation of education, respect and reverence for religion, obedience to the law, patriotism and loyalty to Country. It assists in the building of character and in the development of leadership ability. In times like these, when our young people are so exposed to the teachings of false philosophies, to the allurements of vice and immorality, and to the current trends towards lawlessness, violence, disregard for constituted authority, disbelief in God and disloyalty to the Government, the importance of such an organization as DeMolay can hardly be over-estimated.
The Grand Lodge of Maine now authorizes and encourages its subordinate lodges to sponsor chapters of this Order, and makes an annual appropriation for the advancement of DeMolay activities in Maine. M. W. and Rev. Aubrey L. Burbank serves as Chairman of our Grand Lodge Committee on DeMolay.
There are now 32 Chapters of the Order of DeMolay in our State. Bro. Robert S. Gass serves this Order as its Executive Officer in Maine. He is assisted by an Executive Committee, of which R. W. John A. Baird is Chairman. R. W. Lewis E. Newell supervises DeMolay activities in the northern part of our State. M. W. Paul L. Powers is presently serving as an Active Member of the Supreme Council of the International Order of DeMolay. Bros. Gass, Baird, Newell and Powers represent DeMolay on the Board of Trustees of the new DeMolay and Pine Tree Youth Foundation.
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