| Q… | Is this connected with Masonry? |
| A… | Only in that our membership is restricted to exclusively to Master Masons. |
| Q… | What are its purposes? |
| A… | To
bring a quality of SYMPATHY and GOOD FELLOWSHIP into life, not only to
member Prophets, but to everybody. An atmosphere of good, clean fun and
frolic prevails at all times. |
| Q… | Fun and frolic? |
| A… | Yes, indeed! But there is a serious side, the prompting of a social conscience, which concentrates on a basic charity. |
| Q… | When did it start, and where? |
| A… | In
1889, at Hamilton, New York. It sprang from a series of informal
meetings, where Master Masons gathered for relaxation and laughs. |
| Q… | Who started the idea? |
| A… | LeRoy
Fairchield of Hamilton, Lodge No. 120, F. & A. M. It was unofficial
until September 10, 1889, when the organization was formed. |
| Q… | What was the organization called originally? |
| A… | It
was called the "Fairchild Deviltry Committee," and at the first meeting
it was decided to restrict membership to Master Masons in good standing. |
| Q… | What is the formal name of the Grotto? |
| A… | The Grotto is formally known as the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm. |
| Q… | How did it become an important international organization? |
| A… | It
grew immensely popular, because those who entered the Enchanted Realm .
. . were enchanted . . . and said so. Letters poured in from Master
Masons everywhere. There was an instantaneous realization that here was
an idea which could bring joy into life. There are about 201 Grottoes
in the United States and Canada. |
| Q. | When was the name adopted? |
| A. | On
June 13, 1890, the Supreme Council of the Mystic Order of Veiled
Prophets of the Enchanted Realm was founded. Since then it has brought
merriment and GOOD FELLOWSHIP into the lives of many thousands of
Master Masons. |
| Q… | Will you tell me more? |
| A… | Yes.
It is a social organization for Master Masons only, with an emphasis on
the Blue Lodge field. The organization has nothing whatsoever to do
with symbolic Craft Masonry. |
| Q… | Is there a ritual? |
| A… | Perhaps the most spectacular, colorful and elaborate ritual seen anywhere. |
| Q… | Is there some sort of philosophy—a basic idea? |
| A… | Yes,
it isn't all gaiety, fun and frolic. There is a solemn, serious motif.
The lesson it teaches invokes the precept of the Golden Rule,
translated into two words, GOOD FELLOWSHIP. A spiritual uplift results,
a keener love for life and laughter, a strengthened optimism. |
| Q… | Did you say something about the Prophets sponsoring a charity? |
| A… | I
did. Members of the Supreme Council began, as their International
Humanitarian Objective, aid to the Cerebral Palsy Child, a charitable
trust. It is directed by the Humanitarian Foundation of the Supreme
Council, M.O.V.P.E.R. Funds are given annually to the United Cerebral
Palsy Research and Educational Foundation. Many millions have been
contributed by the Grottoes to Cerebral Palsy and other philanthropic
charities, projects and organizations. |
| Q… | Are the Lodges called "Grottoes"? |
| A… | They
are, and you should also know that many Grand Masters and Past Grand
Masters, Governors of States, Ex-Governors, a Past President of the
United States, and numerous civic leaders are Prophets. |
| Q… | How often do the grottoes meet? |
| A… | The
Prophets, who receive a black fez with their membership, meet once a
month, with a ceremonial twice a year. Our international conventions
present spectacular parades that are viewed and enjoyed by thousands. |
| Q… | What will I gain by joining the Grotto? |
| A… | Worthwhile
charitable effort . . . a pervading and exhilarating sense of GOOD
FELLOWSHIP; a ready smile and the hand of friendship. The last
advantage is a guarantee of high entertainment, genuine fun, and happy
realization. |
|
|
Welcome to the Grottoes of North America