The man who
comes to the Grotto has his Masonic origin in a Blue Lodge, where he was taught
to revere 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 kindness, reap
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.
Membership requires that a Prophet recommend and vouch for the Master Mason who seeks membership.