Sally, I think I can answer your question concerning black-balling. Joe or another Mason (Billy or others) will correct me if I'm wrong on this.

It comes from the fact that to be a Mason, you must ask to join (they do not recruit) the fraternity. The prospective Mason is interviewed and, I believe, reports back to their Lodge. The membership of the Lodge votes by secret ballot - that of a voting box with both white and black balls which each voter can pick up and drop into the box. One black ball in the final count = no membership.

Is that about right, guys?

Penny