| True and Forever Blue |
| By David A. Roach, W. M., Solomon Lodge , No. 221 |
| Under the reign of William III (1688-1694), blue was adopted as the favorite color of the Craft. Blue is the color of truth and fidelity; the emblem of universal friendship and benevolence. (Ref. Masonry Defined, by E. R. Johnson) |
One of the veils of the Jewish tabernacle was blue, where, Josephus says, it represented the
element of air. The Hebrew word for blue or purple blue was tekelet, a word whose singular reference
is to the symbolic character of the color, derived from a root signifying perfection. To medieval
Christians blue was a symbol of immortality, eternal truth, fidelity, hope, and constancy.
In the 19th Degree of the Scottish Rite it is symbolic of mildness, fidelity, and gentleness. In the
Degree of Grand Master of the Symbolic Lodges, blue and yellow refer to the appearance of
Jehovah God to Moses on Mount Sinai in clouds of azure and gold. And in the 24th Degree of the
Scottish Rite it refers to our removal from this tabernacle of clay to "that house not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens." It symbolizes heaven itself and the seat of our celestial
tabernacle. (Ref. Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia)
The blue in the American flag and the Christian flag is also a symbol of heaven. The term "True
Blue" has been used to describe someone that is truthful and full of honor and integrity. The
character of a man that is true blue is unquestionable. His character is one that could be described
as true to the attributes that make him heavenly or heaven bound. He is true to God and man. True
to his family and friends. True to his church and to his nation.
element of air. The Hebrew word for blue or purple blue was tekelet, a word whose singular reference
is to the symbolic character of the color, derived from a root signifying perfection. To medieval
Christians blue was a symbol of immortality, eternal truth, fidelity, hope, and constancy.
In the 19th Degree of the Scottish Rite it is symbolic of mildness, fidelity, and gentleness. In the
Degree of Grand Master of the Symbolic Lodges, blue and yellow refer to the appearance of
Jehovah God to Moses on Mount Sinai in clouds of azure and gold. And in the 24th Degree of the
Scottish Rite it refers to our removal from this tabernacle of clay to "that house not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens." It symbolizes heaven itself and the seat of our celestial
tabernacle. (Ref. Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia)
The blue in the American flag and the Christian flag is also a symbol of heaven. The term "True
Blue" has been used to describe someone that is truthful and full of honor and integrity. The
character of a man that is true blue is unquestionable. His character is one that could be described
as true to the attributes that make him heavenly or heaven bound. He is true to God and man. True
to his family and friends. True to his church and to his nation.
In the society that we live in today words such as truth, integrity, honor, fidelity, hope, and
righteousness (or perfection) seem to be viewed as foolish terms and outdated in their importance.
But in the Blue Lodge, which stresses the importance of keeping our mind and body as pure and
spotless as the lambskin apron, these terms are not only wise and necessary but primary in their
importance to a good and meaningful life.
If a man cannot be trusted to tell the truth, he cannot be trusted at all. Relationships with such a
person are impossible. No one can ever feel close to anyone who distances himself from others by
telling lies. He erects a wall with every lie until he is held in a prison of mistrust made of his own
design. He is destructive to himself and to all that he comes in contact with. Until he changes, he can
never be accepted and welcomed into any circle. His life becomes meaningless as a result of his
destructive tongue. God doesn't give vain commandments. They are warnings against self-
destruction.
The beginning of all healthy worthwhile relationships is truthfulness and trust. The Blue Lodge
chose the color blue as one of two of its most significant colors. The other color is white which stands
for purity and innocence. These colors used as symbols together stand for purity of truth, the results
of which is purity of conscience.
righteousness (or perfection) seem to be viewed as foolish terms and outdated in their importance.
But in the Blue Lodge, which stresses the importance of keeping our mind and body as pure and
spotless as the lambskin apron, these terms are not only wise and necessary but primary in their
importance to a good and meaningful life.
If a man cannot be trusted to tell the truth, he cannot be trusted at all. Relationships with such a
person are impossible. No one can ever feel close to anyone who distances himself from others by
telling lies. He erects a wall with every lie until he is held in a prison of mistrust made of his own
design. He is destructive to himself and to all that he comes in contact with. Until he changes, he can
never be accepted and welcomed into any circle. His life becomes meaningless as a result of his
destructive tongue. God doesn't give vain commandments. They are warnings against self-
destruction.
The beginning of all healthy worthwhile relationships is truthfulness and trust. The Blue Lodge
chose the color blue as one of two of its most significant colors. The other color is white which stands
for purity and innocence. These colors used as symbols together stand for purity of truth, the results
of which is purity of conscience.
It's easy to feel at home in a Lodge where men can be trusted. There is a certain peace when men
meet on the same level and live by the same code of integrity. It's not hard to talk and fellowship with
those that you can trust to have your best interest at heart. There are men there who wouldn't dare
cause harm to you or your family, but would rather offer their protection and help without question or
complaint. I've met such men in all of the Lodges that I've visited. I've never been let down by the lack
of hospitality and good nature in a Lodge that I've visited. Most Freemasons have a common bond
that reaches deeper than their obligations.
meet on the same level and live by the same code of integrity. It's not hard to talk and fellowship with
those that you can trust to have your best interest at heart. There are men there who wouldn't dare
cause harm to you or your family, but would rather offer their protection and help without question or
complaint. I've met such men in all of the Lodges that I've visited. I've never been let down by the lack
of hospitality and good nature in a Lodge that I've visited. Most Freemasons have a common bond
that reaches deeper than their obligations.
I am confident in a majority of the brothers that I have met in our Lodges. I know that they are good
men trying to become better men. The older brothers of the Lodges that I am a member of are
humble, kind, and true. I have no doubt that the Blue Lodge has had a profound effect on them. I can
see the warmth in their eyes. Through the gentle smiles on wrinkled and war torn faces I have the
assurance that they always have our best interest in mind. I can rely on their counsel. I am
comfortable with their fellowship. I hope to live up to their example.
There may be members that think they are too old to make a difference in their Lodge. Your
testimony of life and experience is a great treasure to your Lodge. That alone makes you invaluable.
There may be some younger members that think that the Lodge is outdated or old-fashioned and too
old for them. If you are wise, you will learn from the instruction of those who have lived a full life and
are here to testify to the mistakes made by men through the ages. All members of a Lodge are on
the same level in their value to its existence and operation. The older men may need help through
the door or up the stairs, but their advice for you may help you to open doors which will enable you to
advance up the stairs of life. Never underestimate your value to your Lodge.
As our nation becomes more perverse, the need for true-blue men becomes greater. There has to
be a place where men can meet and learn how to be tolerant of other men. There has to be a place
where men who need guidance and direction can get it without worrying about doctrinal or political
prejudices and persecutions. That place is the Blue Lodge. Men can meet in peace there. There is a
kindness and peace in the true Blue Lodge.
men trying to become better men. The older brothers of the Lodges that I am a member of are
humble, kind, and true. I have no doubt that the Blue Lodge has had a profound effect on them. I can
see the warmth in their eyes. Through the gentle smiles on wrinkled and war torn faces I have the
assurance that they always have our best interest in mind. I can rely on their counsel. I am
comfortable with their fellowship. I hope to live up to their example.
There may be members that think they are too old to make a difference in their Lodge. Your
testimony of life and experience is a great treasure to your Lodge. That alone makes you invaluable.
There may be some younger members that think that the Lodge is outdated or old-fashioned and too
old for them. If you are wise, you will learn from the instruction of those who have lived a full life and
are here to testify to the mistakes made by men through the ages. All members of a Lodge are on
the same level in their value to its existence and operation. The older men may need help through
the door or up the stairs, but their advice for you may help you to open doors which will enable you to
advance up the stairs of life. Never underestimate your value to your Lodge.
As our nation becomes more perverse, the need for true-blue men becomes greater. There has to
be a place where men can meet and learn how to be tolerant of other men. There has to be a place
where men who need guidance and direction can get it without worrying about doctrinal or political
prejudices and persecutions. That place is the Blue Lodge. Men can meet in peace there. There is a
kindness and peace in the true Blue Lodge.
There are members that refuse to go to Lodge because they are angry with a brother who
frequents the Lodge. They believe that they are living up to the tenant that they should never sit in a
Lodge with a brother that they are angry with. That's not the purpose of that tenant. You may not be
able to sit in one meeting with a brother if you are angry with him, but before the next meeting you
should be over your anger and settle your differences through mutual forgiveness and respect. Most
situations arise over misunderstandings or mis-communications. Wouldn't it be a shame to be at
odds with a brother for a decade or so over something that might have been settled in a short
moment by the truth?
If you believe that the brother has wronged you, get an impartial brother or the Master of the Lodge
to go with you to that brother and attempt to settle the matter. And above all things remember that
God expects you to forgive others if you want God to forgive you time and again. Peter asked Christ
"how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Seven times?" Christ responded
"seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-22) and then He told a most interesting parable about
forgiveness.
If the brother has truly wronged you and will not accept the fact and apologize, take actions in the
Lodge through the proper channels so that further instances between him and you or another
brother can be avoided. Make sure that it is a problem that merits action. If the Master of the Lodge
has wronged you and refuses to account, go to the Deputy Grand Master or Grand Master for
advice. Never look at your Lodge as "their Lodge or his Lodge". Your Lodge belongs to you as much
as it does to any member. All members meet on the same level and have the same rights in the
Lodge. Sometimes the only way to promote peace is to remove or reprove the obstacle to that
peace. Don't shy away from doing what's right for the Lodge. If things don't go your way through this
action, don't worry, there is a God in heaven that will handle the matter if it isn't handled correctly by
those He put in power in the Lodge. Pray for the good of the Order and have faith that He will handle
it.
frequents the Lodge. They believe that they are living up to the tenant that they should never sit in a
Lodge with a brother that they are angry with. That's not the purpose of that tenant. You may not be
able to sit in one meeting with a brother if you are angry with him, but before the next meeting you
should be over your anger and settle your differences through mutual forgiveness and respect. Most
situations arise over misunderstandings or mis-communications. Wouldn't it be a shame to be at
odds with a brother for a decade or so over something that might have been settled in a short
moment by the truth?
If you believe that the brother has wronged you, get an impartial brother or the Master of the Lodge
to go with you to that brother and attempt to settle the matter. And above all things remember that
God expects you to forgive others if you want God to forgive you time and again. Peter asked Christ
"how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Seven times?" Christ responded
"seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-22) and then He told a most interesting parable about
forgiveness.
If the brother has truly wronged you and will not accept the fact and apologize, take actions in the
Lodge through the proper channels so that further instances between him and you or another
brother can be avoided. Make sure that it is a problem that merits action. If the Master of the Lodge
has wronged you and refuses to account, go to the Deputy Grand Master or Grand Master for
advice. Never look at your Lodge as "their Lodge or his Lodge". Your Lodge belongs to you as much
as it does to any member. All members meet on the same level and have the same rights in the
Lodge. Sometimes the only way to promote peace is to remove or reprove the obstacle to that
peace. Don't shy away from doing what's right for the Lodge. If things don't go your way through this
action, don't worry, there is a God in heaven that will handle the matter if it isn't handled correctly by
those He put in power in the Lodge. Pray for the good of the Order and have faith that He will handle
it.
"Therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility,
meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a
complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these
things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to
which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Colossians 3:12-15)
meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a
complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these
things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to
which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Colossians 3:12-15)
No Blue Lodge is perfect. However, through the teachings and design of the workings in the Lodge,
imperfections can be overcome. Don't vacate your Lodge because of a misunderstanding or
disagreement. Give it a chance to work itself out. Don't give up on Freemasonry because of the
imperfections of some of its membership. Work in your Lodge and the kinks will be straightened out
with time. Be hard headed enough not to give in to vain disputes.
Freemasonry evolved through a world torn by religious and political tragedy. The Masonic Lodge
became a place of refuge where the members could meet and learn to get along with people who
might disagree with them about dogmas or politics outside the Lodge. They were resigned to peaceful
conversations about moral values, enlightenment, and the things that all good men who desire to do
good things could agree on. It is a universal brotherhood in that a Mason can visit a Lodge anywhere
in the world and feel welcome. Every Freemason in the world is under the same obligation. We are
not universal in our religious beliefs or politics but have agreed to put those differences aside for the
sake of benevolence for the human race and peace in the Lodge.
John Milton (1608-1674) and John Locke (1632-1704) were prominent Christian authors who
greatly influenced the founding fathers of our nation. Since the first Grand Lodge was formed in
1717, it seems likely that they had a great influence on Freemasonry as well.
imperfections can be overcome. Don't vacate your Lodge because of a misunderstanding or
disagreement. Give it a chance to work itself out. Don't give up on Freemasonry because of the
imperfections of some of its membership. Work in your Lodge and the kinks will be straightened out
with time. Be hard headed enough not to give in to vain disputes.
Freemasonry evolved through a world torn by religious and political tragedy. The Masonic Lodge
became a place of refuge where the members could meet and learn to get along with people who
might disagree with them about dogmas or politics outside the Lodge. They were resigned to peaceful
conversations about moral values, enlightenment, and the things that all good men who desire to do
good things could agree on. It is a universal brotherhood in that a Mason can visit a Lodge anywhere
in the world and feel welcome. Every Freemason in the world is under the same obligation. We are
not universal in our religious beliefs or politics but have agreed to put those differences aside for the
sake of benevolence for the human race and peace in the Lodge.
John Milton (1608-1674) and John Locke (1632-1704) were prominent Christian authors who
greatly influenced the founding fathers of our nation. Since the first Grand Lodge was formed in
1717, it seems likely that they had a great influence on Freemasonry as well.
This article appeared in the October 2001 issue of "The Louisiana Freemason"
magazine. To view articles like it, please click on the lamp.
magazine. To view articles like it, please click on the lamp.
Puritan John Milton said, "Let Truth and Falsehood grapple; who ever knew Truth put to the worse
in free and open encounter? She needs no policies, nor strategems, nor licensings to make her
victorious - Give her but room." He and John Locke believed that if religions were placed on the same
level, Christianity would prevail. When Christians forced their religion on others, they committed a
"great offence to Almighty God and great scandal to the true religion we profess." (John Locke) Locke
believed that only unforced religious commitment could be true commitment. (Ref. Never Before In
History, America's Inspired Birth, By Gary Amos and Richard Gardiner)
Do you bring discouragement to your Lodge or peace; argument and strife or encouragement and
comfort? You are just as responsible for the attitude in your Lodge as the next member is. On that
point we are truly all on the same level. Let's keep our Lodge true, forever Blue and as delightful to
the membership as possible. God bless our fraternity and keep it steadfast in due performance.
in free and open encounter? She needs no policies, nor strategems, nor licensings to make her
victorious - Give her but room." He and John Locke believed that if religions were placed on the same
level, Christianity would prevail. When Christians forced their religion on others, they committed a
"great offence to Almighty God and great scandal to the true religion we profess." (John Locke) Locke
believed that only unforced religious commitment could be true commitment. (Ref. Never Before In
History, America's Inspired Birth, By Gary Amos and Richard Gardiner)
Do you bring discouragement to your Lodge or peace; argument and strife or encouragement and
comfort? You are just as responsible for the attitude in your Lodge as the next member is. On that
point we are truly all on the same level. Let's keep our Lodge true, forever Blue and as delightful to
the membership as possible. God bless our fraternity and keep it steadfast in due performance.