While it is as Prophets we open the portals of the Enchanted Realm to Master Masons, we are none the less loyal to Masonry. We carry with us the solemn lessons we have learned within the Lodge and we are guided by the precepts of Masonry while we revel in the good cheer of the Prophets.

The Order of Veiled Prophets, while proclaiming the loyalty of its members to Masonry, makes no pretense of being a Masonic Order, nor does it claim to confer a Masonic degree. Its membership is exclusively Masonic and its purpose is to supply the element of pain such a way that work and play will be blended without marring the solid beauty of Masonry. The Grotto is said to be essentially Masonic in character.

The requirements for membership in the Order of Veiled Prophets is that a man must first be a Master Mason in good standing, and that he must continue to maintain his good standing in the Blue Lodge in order to retain his standing in the Order. In no way does the Grotto infringe upon the rights and ceremonies of Masonry or of any other Order.

The Grotto leads it votaries through an Enchanted Realm where the spirit of mirth touches the hearts and evolves cheerful companionship, in joy of which they are brought near together in helpful sympathy, which is none the less true because the eye beams with delight and laughter goes with a Prophet's greeting when hand clasps hand in its mystic fellowship.

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. The symbol adpoted to represent the Grotto is the Enchanted Lantern .The fund began with $65 in contributions. As of today members, their families, friends, co-workers and fellow Master Masons have made contributions to the Trust which exceeds $18,000,000. The interest from that trust is used to support our programs: Dental Care of Children with Special Needs and a yearly $30,000 contributions to United Cerebral Palsy Research. Yearly, the Dental program pays over $500,000 in dental care for children who qualified for our program. Starting in the year 2003, the program will expand due to a joint venture with Special Olympics, Special Smiles Program.

Local Grottoes will be working with the local Special Olympic events, helping the Dentists screen the athletes for dental problems. The dental program is then able to financially help those who qualify, with followup dental treatment. If you would like to be a part of these programs, and would like to make a contribution to the Grottoes of North America to continue to help put smiles on these very special children, no matter what the size, please click here, and print the Enchanted Lantern Request form, forward the form and your contribution to the address listed. We all thank you.

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 again reorganized and expanded their scope, by adopting the Dental Care for Children with Special Needs. In 1969 they met and agreed the Grotto would establish a dental clinic for the children with special needs at Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

In 1973, the Extension Program of the Dental Care for Children with Special Needs began when the Trustees realized many children, who did not live in the Chicago area, could be treated locally at less cost and without the burden of travel and housing for the parent and child. In 1987 Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, Ohio and in 2000 Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas became National Treatment Centers.

Today the Humanitarian Foundation,not only remembers the "forgotten child" (child with 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 these children with special needs, under the age of 18, receive the best dental care possible.

The afflictions covered by the program are:

1 - Cerebral Palsy
2 - Muscular Dystrophy
3 - Mentally Challenged (covers from profound to 2 years overall delayed, but must be clarified by the child's physician or licensed psychologist.)
4 - Dental Care for Organ Transplant Children

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

In June 2000, at the Supreme Council Session, the Humanitarian Foundation Trustees announced that the Charitable Trust Fund was now in excess of $20,000,000 and growing. Only the interest generated from the trust can be used to cover the cost of these programs.

Members generate the money placed in the trust, along with their family and friends though the Enchanted Lantern Program or through the Gifts, Wills and Bequests Program. The Gifts, Wills and Bequests program handle 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 reach out to help put smiles on the faces of these children with special needs.

The man who comes to the Grotto had his Masonic origin in a Blue Lodge, where he was taught to reverence the name of GOD, and to pray for guidance. He came on through the Degrees where his knowledge of the dignity of Masonry was expanded, and the GROTTO was provided for him as a place where he might join with his Brothers in letting human instincts for fun, pleasure, and amusement have sway.

The GROTTO was not and is not given to Masons as a place for exercising practices that would not be tolerated in the Masonic Bodies, or which are taboo among gentlemen. The GROTTO stands for all of Masonry and for wholesomeness in life. It stands for letting in the sunshine on discouragement, grief, and woe, it would substitute hope for despair at all times.

Without the formalities that attend the Degrees in Masonry, it brings members in close fraternal touch, and it breeds confidence between wearers of the FEZ. The Grotto has always been made up of men in every community, men whom you are glad to know, men who travel by preference on the sunny side of the street, and who play a fair game all the time. They hit the ball hard in business and pleasure, but they know when the brakes should be applied. They sow in kindness, to reap in FRIENDSHIP and GOOD FELLOWSHIP. The Grotto is the playground for Master Masons. When playtime is over there, we go back to the world as MASONS, charged to maintain a "Good Report" among our fellows.

Membership in the GROTTO gives us the right to wear its emblem and to participate in its good works as well as its pleasures. It give us an opportunity to know the finest fellows on earth, and we should guard well this privilege.


Islam Grotto and Aut Mori Monarchs with Fall 2008 Induction Class.
Left to Right: Richard Arlott, Robert Ruff, Kevin Todd (Aut Mori new prohet), Alfred A. Camus, Joe (Woodey) Humansky (Aut Mori Monarch), Mike Trojan (Monarch), David G. Rasch, Mark Sedlemeyer, Craig F. Kern, Harry Karl Klose, and Ryan C. Davidson.




















Monarch with Class Honoree, John Munro.


Officers and Prophets from Aut Mori Grotto

An open sesame for fun and a fuller life for the whole family, including enjoyment of beautiful ceremonials, installations, circus events, family picnics, pilgrimages to near and far places, football and baseball games, plus big parades.

The opportunity to meet with your fellow Prophets - many of whom are professional, business, and civic leaders - and to make lasting friendships.

Being a Grotto member enables you the opportunity of sharing in two great humanitarian projects - Cerebral Palsy Research and Dental Care for Children with Special Needs. Every Master Mason, because he is eligible to become a member of the Grotto, can join in the humanitarian work which the Grotto is so fervently sponsoring.

The right to associate yourself with other Grottoes - one of which is near your home. To participate in such social affairs as theatre parties, dinner dances, nights at the races, sweetheart dances, and local functions.

The right to wear the Grotto Fez and Grotto Pin, identifying yourself as a member of the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm - also known as the Grottoes of North America - the greatest fraternal order a Master Mason can join.

A welcome to visit any of the Grottoes throughout the United States and Canada. Thousands of Prophets are proud to wear the Black Fez and Mokanna pin.

The Grotto gives you the choice of joining many units or clubs - clowns, bands, pipe bands, horse units, marching units, cast & stage crew, string bands, motor corps, drum corps, past monarch's club, past masters of blue lodge club, and choral groups.

Belonging to the Grotto gives you the opportunity of wearing a colorful uniform and permits you the privilege of participating in Grotto parades.

Prophets have reached the zenith of attainment when they have learned to express their principles of Masonry as "doing good for others."

JOINING

ISLAM GROTTO No. 35 was formed in Pittsburgh, Pa. back on September 27, 1911 with Esteemed Prophet Jesse K. Seright serving as 1st Monarch. Its original location was on the North Side of Pittsburgh in the 800 block of Allegheny Ave. where a Burger King now sits. The Grottoe's Hall is now located on Cemetary Lane, in Ross Twp. (see home page for directions). It has been a growing and well established organization for brother Masons in the surrounding area ever since its inception over 90 years ago.
WHERE CAN I JOIN , YOU SAY?. KEEP READING.

Among Grotto members are many Grand Masters and Past Grand Masters, Governors and ex-Governors of the various States, numerous other Government officials and Masonic civic leaders. Four Presidents of the United States have been members of the Order: Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and Gerald R. Ford. It extends the hand of Good Fellowship to all Master Masons, having a smile for all and a frown for none.


MEMBERSHIP

Click the picture here on the left to open an Excel petition or on the right for a PDF petition for membership in the grotto. Print it out, fill it out, and send the grotto e-mail to inform us of your interest. Be sure to include in the e-mail, that you express interest in joining, have the petition, and leave your phone number for someone to contact you. You will then recieve notification on what to do next. Thats all! We hope to talk to you soon.

FOR ANY QUESTIONS ON JOINING, MAIL, OR GREETINGS CLICK HERE Where do you wish to travel now? © Copyright Islam Grotto