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Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm

In spite of its name, the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm is not an occult or mystical organization, but entirely a fellowship association for Master Masons. The order was created in 1889 by LeRoy Fairchild and members of a Masonic lodge in Hamilton, New York. It grew out of an expressed desire of lodge members for diversions from the mundane concerns. Meeting for the first time in September of 1889, the order was originally known as the Fairchild Deviltry Committee. The idea proved a popular one, and the next year, members of the growing organization formally instituted the Supreme Council of the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm. From the beginning, membership was limited to Master Masons in good standing.

In spite of its major membership requirement, the order is not formally connected to any particular Masonic organization and does not engage in Masonic rituals. It does encourage the members' participation in their lodge, but the rituals and activities of the order are strictly for fun. The unique ritual of the order is an elaborately staged production that amid its humor offers lessons in optimism, brotherhood, and the benefits of fellowship.

Order chapters are known as grottoes, a number of which are found across North America. New members receive a fez, a distinctive pin, and a membership card, which will admit a member to any grotto in North America. Members of the order can be recognized by their wearing of the pin in their everyday life. The order's supreme council may be contacted at 1696 Brice Rd., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068. Its Internet page is found at http://members.tripod.com/%7Ebelagrotto/GrottoH.htm.