Black and white balls

Equipment

Who would have guessed that a phrase in common usage comes from the ancient rituals of Freemasonry? The expression ‘to be blackballed’ which means to be rejected or excluded, stems from a Masonic voting ritual. When a new person sought membership, every member at the Lodge voted by selecting and placing a white ball or a black ball in the wooden box. If there was even one black ball, the person was rejected.

Available at:

Boyup Brook Museum

A secret society

In many towns the list of historic buildings includes the local Masonic Lodge. The Freemasons were exclusively male, non-Catholic and often with significant influence on the ‘goings-on’ in the town...

Address:

25 Cailes Street (previously Jayes Rd)
Boyup Brook WA 6244
Australia

Tel:

(08) 9765 1444

Email:

johnwalsh@westnet.com.au

Open Hours

Wed, Thurs & Fri 10am - 3pm; or by appointment.

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Temple knocker

At a Masonic meeting, the rituals start before you even enter the Temple. This brass knocker is symbolic in its design and the way it was used. Three knocks were required from the Mason seeking...

Masonic symbols

Within this three-sided pyramid are the symbols which relate to stonemasonry, the group’s foundation. The items relating to what is known as the ‘second degree’ include a small metal upright ruler...