Pro. Seth Anthony, Monarch of Ubar Grotto, had initially planned to make his retiring speech at the upcoming Installation. However, the more he thought about, the more he realized that he needed to take a step back that day and let the new Monarch shine like the special little snow flake he is. So, rather than address the crowd that day, he sent out his final remarks as Monarch. They are published here for all to read and so that all may be recognized for their support.
Good Day Prophets,
I’ve been long awaiting this day – not because I dislike being your Monarch, but rather because I’m so proud of what Ubar Grotto has become. Eighteen months ago Ubar Grotto was founded in what can only be described as a well organized but hastily executed institution ceremony. That day is still carved into my memory, as it was on Saturday, July 23, 2011, that we showed Pennsylvania Masonry that it’s okay to have fun.
We have built Ubar Grotto from the ground up, Prophets. We have taken literally nothing and turned it into the fastest growing Masonic body in the Commonwealth. We’ve demonstrated the need for an organization for Master Masons to come together in a new way. As a group, we made conscious decisions about how our Grotto would be run. We revel in the concept of men being together, as men. Do we drink – yes! Do we smoke – yes! But, that’s not what defines manhood and that’s certainly not what defines us.
What defines Ubar Grotto is the spirit of sympathy and good fellowship that we come together with. Over the last year and a half we have accomplished much. We’ve made ourselves known at Autumn Day. We’ve sponsored a premier league of Roller Derby Girls. Why? Because we believe that if men can have groups for their interests, women should have the same opportunity. We’ve given money to scholarship funds, the Humanitarian Foundation, and other worthwhile groups. As Prophets, we dedicated ourselves to a cleaner Commonwealth, adopting a highway to show our care for our community. We’ve partied in penthouses in the greatest city on earth and performed Grotto ritual on a stage that played host to some of the most famous actors in the world. Together, we banded to care for a Prophet whose condition degraded, proving that our bond is more than just a monthly meeting. Our members have flown high – participating actively in their Blue Lodges, the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, and more. Yet, 18 months ago, we didn’t exist.
That, my friends – and I say that with sincere and heart felt meaning – is the real success of Ubar Grotto. Today, I have a fraternal bond with more than 70 men, all of which I’d trust without question. Ubar is named for the city of pillars, once lost in the Arabian Desert. Together, we’ve formed a new “city of pillars” here in Central Pennsylvania. Our city of Masonic pillars is built on solid ground with the care of Hiram and under the watchful eye of our Great Architect. I know that I could lean on each of you in a time of need, as a pillar of Masonic integrity, and that you would always respond.
As I end my term as Monarch, I want you to take note. In all of the things I’ve just described, there was no mention of “I” or “me.” Ubar Grotto is bigger than the Monarch and is certainly more profound than anything I could say or do. It is not now, nor shall it ever be a cult of personality. Today, I feel like a proud parent, watching my child ride their bike for the first time without me beside them. I’ve done the best job I can at guiding our group, but it’s time for George to grab the handle bars, spin the peddles, and go forth into the world, teetering precariously until he finds his balance, which he soon will. For, you see, today is the proudest moment of my Grotto career – seeing Ubar succeed without me at the helm.
Thank you for your support and dedication throughout the last year and half Prophets, I know I couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks to Delco Grotto, our Mother Grotto, for their support and kindness throughout the year. I also want to thank the Prophets of Azim Grotto for their hospitality during the term. The fraternal connection that we have built with them is fantastic and I look forward to more trips to the City!
I hope you’ll support George as much as you’ve supported me, all in an effort to make the city of Ubar stand tall on the horizon, showing the world what the true meaning of Sympathy and Good Fellowship is.
Yours in sympathy and Good Fellowship,
Pro. Seth C. Anthony, PM
Ubar Grotto, MOVPER 