History Of Blue Lodge — Bangor, Maine

The Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, and often referred to as the "Blue Lodge" is the foundation of all the orders within the Masonic Family. It represents Freemasonry, itself, from which all other recognized Masonic organizations have arisen. It is the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization. It has no regard for differences in a person's race, color, creed or station in life. Its history and traditions date from antiquity. It has two purposes: first to inspire its members to live by the tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, and, second, to join its members in the endeavor to build a world where justice, equality, and compassion shine forth in the happiness of all human kind.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.

When a man asks to join a Masonic Lodge, he enters into an opportunity for personal development, character building, and the acquisition of leadership capacities. Through his Masonic journey and his association which his brethren provide, a mason learns the skill and finds the understanding with which he can enhance his community and strengthen his family.

Much of the structure of the Masonic Fraternity is modeled on the medieval guilds of stone masons who constructed the magnificent cathedrals in Europe during the middle ages.

Similarly, a great deal of modern Freemasonry's moral symbolism draws from the art and science of these builders. Much the same as these master workmen labored to build an expression of a community’s faith, so Freemasons today labor within their communities to make them a finer place to live.While our earliest Masonic documents date from the close of the thirteenth century, present Masonic practice and structure emerged some three hundred years ago when lodges of masons began to accept men of prominence and learning who were not stone masons. In 1717, four lodges in England met and formed the first Grand Lodge with a Grand Master at its head. When Maine became a state in 1820, the lodges within its borders formed the Grand Lodge of Maine and elected Maine's first governor, William King, as the first Grand Master. Today there are 193 lodges in Maine, with a total membership of approximately 28,000 Freemasons.

Since 1762 when the first lodge was formed in Maine, Freemasons have been active in promoting education, supporting stronger communities and practicing charity. This proud tradition continues through a wide range of community betterment programs, through drug abuse prevention, scholarships, out-reach efforts to the sick and needy, and a child identification program. Perhaps the civic service of Freemasonry to our communities is in no place more clearly evident than the laying of the cornerstones of public buildings. In this ceremony, Freemasonry reminds itself and all citizens of the moral convictions and dedication to others which are necessary to any well ordered and compassionate society.