The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Florida, Inc.
What Is A Blue Lodge?
Many men having an interest in Freemasonry may ask what is a blue lodge? A Blue Lodge is what we as Freemasons call a Symbolic Lodge. Those who have set the precedents for Masonry classified it to be a lodge of symbolism because it contains the essential symbolism of the three degrees needed to advance man to a higher state of consciousness and elevate him to the higher degrees of Freemasonry. In these three degrees, brothers are transformed from rough ashlars to perfect stones to fit into the house of the lord. At the building of King Solomon's Temple every stone had to be perfected before allowing it to be placed in God's Holy Sanctuary.
This is of course the great doctrine philosophically taught to all nations through symbolism. Man is of course rough in his ways, thoughts, and deeds. He must be worked on to become better fit mentally, spiritually, and morally so that God will see him fit to enter the kingdom of heaven.
The Blue lodge offers man the necessary working tools to better his life and help those around him become better. Freemasonry is crafted to "Make Good Men Better". It does not matter what race, creed, or religion. Freemasonry offers to all the ability to improve in all areas of life. It is pertinent to suggest that every Mason should at some point in his life work to "Square the Circle"; to embody the whole of the heavenly essence here on earth in the physical body of man.
1st Degree
1st Degree Symbolism
When an entering Mason is newly made and the lodge is revealed to him, he discovers the representation of the world from whence comes the wonders of nature which we are led to contemplate the great mysteries of God, whereby we worship him for his mighty and wondrous works. We are moved to exercise the moral and social...
2nd Degree
2nd Degree Symbolism
The fellowcraft's degree is one of great importance as it bestows upon us the light of the scientific instructions and philosophical lectures handed down to us from the brethren who have long gone before us. This degree symbolizes the mysteries that God, in all his glory and splendor, bestowed upon man wonderful faculties to provide his fellow creatures the welfare...
2nd Degree
3rd Degree Symbolism
Symbolism of all three degrees are of great antiquity but, the symbolism of the 3rd degree is a culmination of all that is taught in the proceeding degrees to impress upon the candidates mind the fact that he is now becoming a perfect ashlar. In the third degree, we are taught the great doctrine of the immortality of the soul. This of course has been taught in all philosophies around the globe...
Why Is It Called A Blue Lodge?
Throughout the ages, the ancients have always conceived heaven and the spirit of man to correspond with the color blue. According to ancient esoteric philosophy, blue is also considered the true and sacred color of the sun. From the days of antiquity till now, blue has become an indispensable color denoting friendship and benevolence. It instructs us that as Masons, in our minds, friendship and benevolence should always remain the virtues that are expansive as the blue arch of heaven and that we should always practice them daily.
Because the color blue has been referenced fifty (50) times in the Volume of Sacred Law (Bible), to denote the spirit of God, our fist three degrees are labeled blue lodge. We find the following in Exodus:
“And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet
as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were
the body of heaven in his clearness.” – Exodus 24:10
Based on the above mentioned scripture, we find it pertinent to say that we rely solely on the Deity in our in rituals and everyday lives to guide our steps and keep us grounded in what we believe. We are true blue and stand firm on the square of truth. Truth and plain dealings are our objectives.