Blue Lodges of the Albemarle

By Paul Vincent, Collections Assistant

In the realm of Freemasonry, a “blue lodge” is the masonic body in which the organization’s first three, fundamental degrees are conferred. The Albemarle region of North Carolina includes roughly three dozen Masonic blue lodges—not necessarily the buildings or meeting spaces themselves, which Masons refer to as temples or halls—where brethren join in fellowship not only for personal enrichment but also to benefit the communities in which they live and work.

NORTH CAROLINA LODGE (BAHNSON) MANUAL, ca. 1892. Lodge manual owned by Brother Joseph H. Jarvis of Mattamuskeet Lodge No. 328. The Bahnson Manual contains instructive content Masons use for both ritual degree work, as well as lodge business.

Hyde County

Masons in the Albemarle contribute earnestly—in time, in effort, and in monetary donations—fostering care and compassion for the people and institutions they serve, even your Museum of the Albemarle. In exchange, MOA gratefully acknowledges those charitable works with an exhibit titled Blue Lodges of the Albemarle.

Blue Lodges offers a glimpse into the fraternity and its rich history in the Albemarle with a modest collection of Masonic implements and memorabilia that includes revered symbols in Freemasonry, like the white leather apron and Holy Bible. An elegantly handcrafted lodge master’s chair, identical to the one built by renowned colonial cabinetmaker and Freemason Benjamin Bucktrout, will also be on view.

Masons strive to give unconditionally, without expecting praise or profit. Discover some of their exceptional significance with a visit to Blue Lodges of the Albemarle at the Museum of the Albemarle.