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The
Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted
Realm, whose subordinate bodies are the Grottoes,
is an organization by and for Master Masons.
While not connected with Masonry proper, its membership
is restricted absolutely and exclusively to Master
Masons in good standing. Although it is
primarily an organization for good wholesome fun
and frolic, it also has its serious side. Its
slogan is GOOD FELLOWSHIP, and in contact with
our fellowman, this principle is exemplified to
a marked degree.
For
some years prior to 1889, several members of Hamilton
Lodge N0. 120, F.& A.M., at Hamilton, New
York, sought relaxation from the sterner duties
of life by holding occasional informal meetings
for fun and good fellowship. The chief spirit
in the fun was LeRoy Fairchild, and in the summer
of 1889, he and a devoted band of followers discovered
the Enchanted Realm in which, upon entering with
song and laughter, they and their successors found
a rich heritage. The first meeting of this
organization was held on the 10th day of September,
1889. It was decided at this meeting that
the membership of the organization should be confined
to Master Masons in good standing.
It
seemed to be the height of their ambition to perpetrate
jokes upon each other. After a meeting of
Cyrus Chapter #50, held in the fall of 1886, seventeen
members planned for conferring the Royal Arch
Degree. This evolved into monthly meetings.
There were many tales of jokes and high
jinks played on each other. They did not
hold their meetings at the Lodge, but rather more
informal locations. There were minutes kept,
and the changing locations were identified by
a lighted red railroad lantern.
A
ritual was written and they began to take in new
members. Many distinguished Masons entered
the Enchanted Realm and returned pleased and charmed
by its brilliancy. The Order could no longer
be confined to one locality and, in response to
imperative requests that were not to be denied,
on the 13th of June, 1890, the "F.D.C."
duly founded and established the Supreme Council
of the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the
Enchanted Realm. The seven Founders
were pillars of their communities, The Chief Founder
was LeRoy Fairchid, a store owner. Adon
N Smith, a store owner and Bank President, his
brother Sidney D Smith, a local politician was
Grand Secretary for over 25 years. William
Eaton was the last US Navy Commadore. General
William M West served as Aide to a NY Governor
and was a local Bank President. George Beal
held many positions in his village, and was Post
Master under President Grover Cleveland.
Dr John McGregory was a Madison University Professor
for 46 years and served as Grand Monarch in 1908.
It
is a social organization for the Master Masons,
and all such are welcome to our Enchanted Realm.
It encourages renewed interest in the Blue
Lodge field with its activities and attendance.
While it is not, and makes no claim to
be a part of, Symbolic Craft Masonry, we ever
bear in mind that our membership is composed entirely
of Master Masons.
The
ritual is original and unique. The spectacular
ceremonial requires a cast of thirty (30) or more
and offers unlimited opportunities in stage activities
and stunt performance. Its proper rendition
requires a large stage, elaborate costumes, and
stage settings. It is mysterious, startling
and spectacular with a Persian atmosphere.
While pervaded with a spirit of wholesome fun,
it teaches a serious lesson which lingers with
the initiate, instilling in him a spirit of optimism,
a kindly feeling for his brother man, and an impression
of GOOD FELLOWSHIP, which is something devoutly
to be desired.
Through
the years many Grottoes were chartered in the
United States and Canada. Membership has
included Masons from all walks of life and luminaries,
including: Presidents: Warren G Harding, Franklin
D Roosevelt, Harry S Truman and Gerald R Ford.
The Founders created a highly engaging,
successful environment for all Prophets and a
Fraternal Organization that has moved from one
century to another, yet another, with the strongest
feelings of Good Fellowship among its members.
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