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The Ohio Grotto Association (OGA) had its first state convention in the year 1924. Although much of the early history appears to have been lost, it flourishes today. The association consists of all Grottoes in Ohio and several in the surrounding states, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky.

The purpose of the association is to coordinate the various activities of the member Grottoes and to encourage visitation from one Grotto to the others. Also to supply communication to all the Grottoes in the realm to help bring them closer together.

Each year members attend two one-day zone conferences. The first Saturday in February and the first Saturday in May as well as a four-day state convention which may be called at any time. Usually in August. The location of the zone and state convention varies from year to year. Usually the Grotto that holds the second Zone Conference in May is where the State Convention will be held.

We wear the black fez with the red tassel and use the symbol of the head of an ancient Persian ruler picked only for their appeal in the early 1900's. There is no connection to any religious or political groups in existence today.

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 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.

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The Grottoes of North America is a Masonic affiliated body that has been in existence since the late 1880's. Since the late 1940's we have been helping children who suffer from the devastating effects of Cerebral Palsy. In the process of serving cerebral palsy children it became evident that there was a significant need in the special needs community for assistance with pediatric dental care.

In 1970 we adopted Special Needs Dentistry as an additional charitable project. Currently we work through clinics and local doctors to care for the dentistry needs of children who suffer from a wide variety of developmental and physical disabilities.

In 2000 we expanded our program once again to assist pediatric organ transplant patients, ensuring that their mouths are cavity and infection free prior to surgery. Children must be pre-qualified for coverage prior to treatment. Please visit our Supreme Council Website at www.scgrotto.com for additional information regarding covered conditions.

If you know of a child who's family could use our assistance in covering the cost of their dental care; or it you would like more information regarding how to join a Grotto in Ohio (or an other state) please feel free to send an Email to the mail box on the front page or give me a call @ 440-946-2334.

The Grotto - Why and What it is:
M.O.V.P.E.R. - Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm

Mystic ------Expressing a sense comprehensible only to those of high intelligence.
Order -------A rank, grade, or class of community or society.
Veiled -------Enveloped, invested, enshrouded, hidden.
Prophets ----Foretelling future events, predictors, foretellers.
Enchanted --Under a magical quality, delighted in a high degree.
Realm ------ Royal jurisdiction, or extent of government.