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

Open Hours

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

Also open the first Saturday of each month 10am - 12 noon.

More from the Boyup Brook Museum

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...

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...

While you're in the area

Filter
Sunnyhurst Chalets
Accommodation
Sunnyhurst Chalets
Sunnyhurst Chalets is a family-owned rural retreat, set amongst the...
10 Doust Street, Bridgetown, WA 6255
Sunnyhurst Winery
Food and Drink
Sunnyhurst Winery
Stroll through beautiful gardens with 600 heritage roses and be welcomed...
Lot 16 Doust Street, Bridgetown, WA 6255
Bridgedale
Attraction
Bridgedale
Bridgedale is a fine example of how 19th century farming properties were...
Hampton Street, Bridgetown, WA 6255
Curlew Estate
Food and Drink
Curlew Estate
A boutique winery, known for its artisan, whole bunch pressed Shiraz, made...
Mayanup, Mayanup, WA 6244