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History of the
Grottoes of North America, M.O.V.P.E.R.
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. The did not hold their meetings at the Lodge,
but rather more informal locations. There were minutes kept and
changing locations were marked 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
NY Governor and was a local Bank President. George Beal held
many positions in the 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 Mason 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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