The Grotto

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 in no way 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 have 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.

The idea of the Order proved immediately attractive. 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.

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. 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.

That the Grotto occupies a legitimate place and is doing a wonderful work cannot be denied. It extends the hand of Good Fellowship to all Master Masons, having a smile for all and a frown for none. In June 1949, at its Supreme Council Session, the delegates adopted a resolution to establish a national charitable program, which was to be named the Humanitarian Foundation. In 1951, their first project was "Aid for the Cerebral Palsy Child". In 1953 they adopted the Enchanted Lantern to represent contributions made. For each $50 tax-deductible donation, a certificate, receipt and emblem are issued. From 1953 to 1970 the main thrust of the charitable trust was the Cerebral Palsy child. Grotto members became involved with their local United Cerebral Palsy chapters and in 1957, the first annual $25,000 contribution was made to United cerebral Palsy research.

In 1969 the Humanitarian Foundation Trustees, realizing that the momentum from the 1950's to 1960's had turned into a steamroller across North America and again, reorganized and expanded their scope, by adopting the Dentistry for the Handicapped Child. In 1969 they met and agreed the Grotto would establish a dental clinic for the handicapped at Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

In 1973, the Extension Program of the Dentistry for the Handicapped began, when the Trustees realized many children who did not live in the Chicago area could be treated locally and at less cost and without the burden of traveling and housing for the parent and child. In 1987 Medical College of Ohio also became a national treatment center.
Today the Humanitarian Foundation, not only remembers the "forgotten child" (cerebral palsy) with the annual contribution to research, but combines a unique partnership with qualified dentists throughout the United States and Canada. The program is designed to help special children, under the age of 18, receive the best dental care possible. Those handicaps covered by the program are:

1 - Cerebral Palsy
2 - Muscular Dystrophy
3 - Mentally Challenged (covers from profound to 2 years delayed, but must
be clarified by the child's physician or physician referred psychologist.)
4 - Myasthenia Gravis

If treatment is authorized prior to the 18th birthday, treatment will be completed. Medicaid/Medical Card patients are not covered by the program, as the Grotto is the secondary carrier, and you can not bill after Medicaid has been issued.

In June 1998, at the Supreme Council Session, the Humanitarian Foundation Trustees announced that the Charitable Trust Fund was now in excess of $17,000,000 and growing. Only the interest generated from the trust can be used to cover the cost of these programs.

Members generate the money that is placed in the trust, along with their family and friends though the Enchanted Lantern program but also the Gifts, Wills and Bequests Programs. The Gifts, Wills and Bequests program handles the gifts and estate contributions given by members and friends, that want to continue helping these "special children" long after they are gone. With the Enchanted Lantern Program and the Gifts, Wills and Bequests Committee, it is our hope the Foundation will grow even larger, so we can continue to help put smiles on the faces of these "special children".