The man who comes to the Grotto had his Masonic origin in a Blue Lodge, where he was taught to reverence 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 its way.
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 in kindness, to reap in 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 gives us an opportunity to know the finest fellows on earth, and we should guard well this privilege.
