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[accordion title=”Question: Is it related to Masonry?” visible=”yes”]

Answer: Only in that our membership is restricted exclusively to Master Masons.

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[accordion title=”Question: What is its purpose?”]

Answer: 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.

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[accordion title=”Question: Fun and frolic?”]

Answer: Yes, indeed! However, there is a serious side: the prompting of a social conscience which concentrates on a basic charity.

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[accordion title=”Question: When and where did it start?”]

Answer: In 1889, at Hamilton, New York. It sprang from a series of informal meetings, where Master Masons gathered for relaxation and laughs.

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[accordion title=”Question: Who started the idea?”]

Answer: LeRoy Fairchild of Hamilton Lodge No. 120, F. & A.M. It was unofficial until September 10, 1889, when the organization was formed.

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[accordion title=”Question: What was the organization called originally?”]

Answer: It was called the “Fairchild Deviltry Committee” and at the first meeting it was decided to restrict membership to Master Masons in good standing.

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[accordion title=”Question: What is the formal name of the Grotto?”]

Answer: The Grotto is formally known as the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm.

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[accordion title=”Question: How did it become an important international organization?”]

Answer: 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 over 200 Grottoes in the United States and Canada.

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[accordion title=”Question: When was the name adopted?”]

Answer: On June 13, 1890, the Supreme Council of the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm was founded. Ever since then, it has brought merriment and GOOD FELLOWSHIP into the lives of many thousands of Master Masons.

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[accordion title=”Question: Will you tell me more?”]

Answer: Yes. It is a social organization for only Master Masons with an emphasis on the traditions of the Blue Lodge. The organization has nothing whatsoever to do with Symbolic Craft Masonry.

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[accordion title=”Question: Is there a ritual?”]

Answer: Perhaps the most spectacular, colorful and elaborate ritual seen anywhere.

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[accordion title=”Question: Is there some sort of philosophy—a basic idea?”]

Answer: 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.

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[accordion title=”Question: Did you say something about the Prophets sponsoring a charity?”]

Answer: I did. Members of the Supreme Council created a charitable trust which established the International Humanitarian Objective to aid children with Cerebral Palsy. It is overseen 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. Millions of dollars have been contributed by the Grottoes to Cerebral Palsy and other philanthropic charities, projects and organizations.

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[accordion title=”Question: Are the Lodges called ‘Grottoes’?”]

Answer: They are. Many Grand Masters and Past Grand Masters, Governors of States, Ex-Governors, Past Presidents of the United States and numerous civic leaders are Prophets.

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[accordion title=”Question: How often do the Grottoes meet?”]

Answer: The Prophets meet once a month and have a ceremonial twice a year.

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[accordion title=”Question: What will I gain by joining the Grotto?”]

Answer: The satisfaction of contributing to a worthwhile charitable effort, a pervading and exhilarating sense of GOOD FELLOWSHIP and the hand of friendship. The last advantage is a guarantee of entertainment, genuine fun and merriment.

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If you are a Master Mason in good standing. You can—and should—become a Prophet in the Grotto. Accept the three great gifts which await you . . . a sense of mystery . . . laughter . . . and fraternal GOOD FELLOWSHIP.