2025 Ceremony of Remembrance & Renewal
Tuesday, March 4th, 2025
At the Scottish Rite Temple of Portland
This Ceremony, traditionally held near the vernal equinox, is observed annually by the Scottish Rite members around the world. At this event we remember and honor our Brethren who have passed to the Celestial Lodge in the past year. We commemorate with dignity the divine origin of humankind and the rebirth of nature from winter to spring. This is considered an obligatory ceremony for all Portland Valley Scottish Rite members.
The Lux et Tenebris, Light and Darkness—our ancient ritual of Tenebrae, “Extinguishing of Lights,” represents the polar opposites of life. Light-dark. Good-evil. Hope-fear. Total darkness illustrates chaos and evil increasing to such points to cause no hope, no salvation, no rekindling of life. The light illustrates order out of chaos and the idea that if we kindle the fires within ourselves faith, hope, and charity will never die. Darkness must yield to light. Tyranny will fall to freedom and equality. Order and truth will ever conquer chaos and evil.
This event is open to the Family of our members who passed in the last year, all Masons of any Degree, and their invited friends and family. It is not open to the general public.
Schedule March 4th, 2025:
Doors open at 5:30 pm
Dinner at 6:15 pm
Program begins at 7:00 pm