It all started out simply enough, in the small village of Hamilton in central New York State. The members of Hamilton Masonic Lodge #120 were of the same generation. Many were imbued with a love of fun. It seemed to be the height of their ambition to perpetrate jokes upon on each other. After a meeting of Cyrus Chapter #50, held early in the fall of 1886 Seventeen members planned for conferring of the Royal Arch Degree.

They called themselves "Fairchild Deviltry Committee." This evolved into monthly meetings. There were many tales of jokes and high jinks played upon each other. They did not hold their meetings at the Lodge, but rather the rear of stores. There were minutes kept and changing locations were marked by a lighted red railroad lantern

A ritual was written and they began to take in new members, 146 in nine months. On June 13, 1890, they organized a National Organization, the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, or Grotto. The seven Founders were all Pillars of the Communities, each very involved with Village affairs and serving in various Village Offices. The Chief Founder was LeRoy Fairchild, a store owner.

The others were just as capable, and highly regarded. Adon N. Smith store owner and Bank President. His brother Sidney D. Smith was Grand Secretary for over 25 years.

Wm. C. Eaton was the last U.S. Navy Commodor. General William M. West served as Aide to N. Y. State Governor, and was Local Bank President for many years. George Beal held many position in the Village, and was appointed Post Master by President Grover Cleveland. Dr. John F McGregor a Madison University Professor for 46 years. He served as Grand Monarch in 1908.

The Twelfth Annual Sessions held on November 13th 1901 in Rochester, N.Y. was attended by four Grottos. Through the years many Grottoes were chartered in the United States and Canada. 

Membership has included Masons from all walks of life and luminaries including tile Presidents Warren Q. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and Gerald Ford.

The Founders created a highly engaging, successful environment for all Prophets and a Fraternal Organization that has moved from one century to another, yet another with the strongest feelings of Good Fellowship among its members.