Building upon the square: Freemasons in Ballarat and surrounding districts

Freemasonry has long been the subject of historical intrigue. Members of the fraternal organisation were among the first free settlers in the Victorian colony, working as miners, publicans, politicians, religious leaders, and of course, stonemasons. These early masons were influential in the establishment of the region’s townships.

Some Brethren arrived having been already initiated in their motherland, while others became Freemasons following their journey to the Victorian goldfields. Drawing from the Ballarat Masonic Archives and other lodge records, Dr Samantha Fabry will introduce key Freemason figures connected to Ballarat’s early Lodges.

Dr Samantha Fabry is the Archives & Collections Manager for Freemasons Victoria. She is responsible for the FMV Library, Archives and Museum Collection and supporting Lodges throughout Victoria. Her doctorate, completed at the University of Leicester in England, focused on World Heritage Museums, collections and the 1972 World Heritage Convention.

Image: Digitally restored portrait of VWBro. Reverend Israel Morris Goldreich, c1885. Source: Ballarat Masonic Centre Collection.

Reverend Israel Morris Goldreich was a member of multiple Lodges in Tasmania, Melbourne, Ballarat and Buninyong. He was also the Rabbi of the Ballarat Synagogue for 37 years between 1868 until his death in 1905.

Please note: unfortunately Robyn Annear is unable to present the upcoming Talking History as scheduled. We are excited to welcome Ballarat local, Dr Samantha Fabry in her place. We hope to see Robyn back in 2027.