Why?...When?...Who?...What?...

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:  When was the name adopted?

A:  On June 12, 1890, the Supreme Council of the Mystic Order 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 to do with symbolic Craft Masonry.

Q:  What was the organization called originally?

A:  It was called the "Fairchild 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 immediately 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 167 Grottoes in the United States and Canada.

Q:  Is there a ritual?

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

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 objectives, Aid to the Cerebral Palsy Child, a charitable trust. It is directed by the Humanitarian Foundation of the Supreme Council, M.O.V.P.A.R. Funds are given annually to the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Education Foundation. Over one million dollars has been contributed to date. Many millions have been contributed locally by the Grottoes to Cerebral Palsy and other philanthropic charities, projects and organizations. The new program, the GROTTOES of  North America has undertaken, is to furnish direct and immediate dental care to physically and mentally handicapped children, regardless of race, color, or creed. This project is recognized throughout the Realm as a worthy humanitarian effort. In order to promote this project and to aid the GROTTOES in raising money for their local humanitarian efforts, the Humanitarian Foundation of the M.O.V.P.A.R. has designed and produced stamps, which are sold by GROTTO members.

Q:  Are the Lodges called "GROTTOES"?

A:  They are, among GROTTO members are many Grand Masters and Past Grand Masters, Governors, Ex-Governors of the various states, numerous other Government officials, and Masonic civic leaders. Four Past Presidents of the United States have been members of the Order: Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Gerald Ford.

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 hundreds.

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 relaxation.