The Grotto or Mystic Order of the Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm began in New York state in 1890. Several groups of Royal Arch Masons were practicing for a degree and found they enjoyed the fellowship of their fellow masons, and from that evolved Grotto.
The Illini Grotto began from similar origins in 2022 at an Illinois State Royal Arch meeting from some brothers discussing the need for greater fellowship among masons in central Illinois, and that led to the creation of the Illini Grotto
Illini Grotto was officially created in April 2023 at the Illinois State Grotto Association annual meeting in Peoria, Illinois by then Grand Monarch Michael Tomascin.
From that point we have hosted a shrimp boil, a pool tournament, gone to local Oktoberfests, tailgated UIUC games, role played at meetings, co-held meetings with local High Twelve and Shriners clubs, and enjoyed greater friendship and fellowship. Our local members live in Decatur, Champaign, and Effingham areas, though we have members further out in Chicago and the East Coast. Our members are alums, current and retired employees, and fans of the U of I. Any mason in good standing is welcome to join Illini, and alums are always welcome. Within a year we have hit 26 members and look only toward growth, and the future of masonic friendship in central Illinois and wherever Illini fans live.