The third Grotto to be organized by the Supreme Council was Lalla Rookh Grotto (April 22, 1892), with
the following charter officers:
George F. Loder, Monarch (who served 7 years);
William H. Whiting, Chief Justice;
Charles H. McChesney, Secretary.
The Grotto continued to meet monthly until 1899, when it became dormant. It was reorganized (February 16, 1901) with
the following officers:
Charles M. Colton, Monarch;
James H. Beebe, Chief Justice;
Walter H. Tobey, Treasurer ;
Morley B. Turpin, Secretary.
Since then the Grotto has met regularly to the present day.
The Present home of the Grotto is 979 Bay Road Webser NY 14580
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In the first few years, Lalla Rookh Grotto, rented their
meeting place from the Shrine. The Rochester Masons had met in various location through the years.
They were meeting in "Consistory Hall " where the old Odd Fellows Temple was, and in more recent years the Capital Theater
stood. After a disasterous fire, (1892), the bodies met for a time in "Masonic Hall" on the top floor of the Chappell
Block on Exchange Street near Main until their building was restored. A second fire (1900) did much greater damage.
They then met in the quarters of Damascus Temple, in the old Reynolds Arcade, until the Masonic Temple on Clinton Ave. North
was completed (1903). The next move was to The Masonic Temple Main and Prince Street, in Rochester (1928 to 2002).
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Prophet George
F. Loder, a Charter Member, was the first Monarch serving for seven years. He was active in the Supreme Council, serving
for a number of years. George was Grand Monarch in 1900-1901, bringing the Supreme Sessions to Rochester
in a one day meeting on October 13, 1901.
A Lieutenant
in the Civil War, Loder later owned the Loder Manufacturing Company in Rochester,
selling Fezzes and costumes to both Shrines and Grottoes. He was the first Potentate of Damascus Temple, serving 28 years
and Imperial Deputy Potentate.
Through the years he faithfully came to the Grotto Meetings and served as
an officer.
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