About The Grotto

The Grotto, officially known as the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (M.O.V.P.E.R.), is a Masonic-affiliated organization that offers Master Masons a space for fun, fellowship, and relaxation—a more lighthearted complement to the serious and solemn work done in regular Masonic lodges.

At its core, the Grotto is a social and charitable organization. It was founded in 1889 by Leroy Fairchild and a group of Master Masons who wanted to create a fraternity where Masons could bond, unwind, and enjoy each other’s company outside the formal structure of lodge meetings.

• Membership is open only to Master Masons in good standing.
   
• It blends mystical themes, Middle Eastern-style pageantry, and humor to create a unique and engaging experience.
   
• Its motto is "Good Fellowship", reflecting its focus on building strong friendships and enjoying life together.
   
• The organization is structured into local groups called Grottoes, each with its own identity and leadership, but all following a common set of traditions and rituals.
   
• The Grotto's charity work centers on its Humanitarian Foundation, which helps fund dental care for children with special needs, particularly those with developmental disabilities.
   

The Grotto exists to remind Masons that it’s okay to laugh, celebrate, and find joy in each other’s company—while still living by the ethical and moral principles of Freemasonry. It balances the solemn with the silly, the symbolic with the social.

In short, the Grotto is where Master Masons go to kick back, build bonds, and do good, all while wearing a black fez and sharing a smile.

 Leroy Fairchild was a key figure in the founding of the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (M.O.V.P.E.R.), often simply known as the Grotto. A dedicated Master Mason from Hamilton, New York, Fairchild envisioned an organization that would offer Master Masons a space for fellowship, fun, and relaxation beyond the formalities of traditional Masonic lodges. In 1889, his vision came to life with the establishment of the first Grotto, Mokanna Grotto, named after the legendary "Veiled Prophet." The Grotto quickly gained popularity for its light-hearted, fraternal atmosphere, whimsical rituals, and philanthropic efforts, particularly its long-standing support of dental care for children with special needs. Fairchild’s initiative laid the foundation for a unique Masonic-affiliated body focused on camaraderie and joy, reflecting the motto, “Good Fellowship.” 

Grotto membership means being part of a fun and fellowship-focused organization for Master Masons. The Grotto—formally the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (M.O.V.P.E.R.)—offers a more relaxed and social experience compared to traditional Masonic bodies, while still upholding Masonic values of brotherhood, charity, and integrity.

Membership in the Grotto gives Masons a chance to:

• Enjoy camaraderie in a more informal and humorous setting.
   
• Participate in unique rituals and events with a playful, mystical theme centered around the legend of the Veiled Prophet.
   
• Engage in charitable work, especially the Grotto’s signature cause: helping children with special needs receive dental care.
   
• Form deeper bonds with fellow Masons from different lodges, often through dinners, parades, conventions, and social outings.
   

In essence, Grotto membership means you're still a dedicated Mason—but you're also in on the joke and enjoy having a good time while doing good.

The Grotto, while lighter in tone than traditional Masonic bodies, still carries meaningful lessons and values. At its core, the Grotto teaches:

The central theme of the Grotto is fellowship. Members are encouraged to build genuine friendships, enjoy time together, and support one another. It emphasizes that Masonic life can include fun, laughter, and light-heartedness—without losing sight of deeper values.

The Grotto promotes tolerance and understanding among people of different backgrounds, opinions, and beliefs. This is reflected in the teachings and the overall atmosphere, where diversity of thought is respected and encouraged.

The Grotto teaches compassion through its commitment to charitable work, especially its Humanitarian Foundation, which provides dental care for children with special needs. This reflects the principle of doing good for others, especially the vulnerable.

Though playful in presentation, the Grotto draws from mystical symbolism and legend—particularly the story of Al Mokanna, the "Veiled Prophet." This allegory reminds members to look beyond appearances and to seek truth, wisdom, and meaning even in the light-hearted.

Above all, the Grotto teaches that while Masonic work is serious and honorable, there is also great value in balance—in making space for joy, humor, and personal connection within the Masonic journey.

So, in short: the Grotto teaches that being a good Mason also means being a good friend, having a good laugh, and doing good in the world.

The fez is a big deal in the Grotto. It’s not just a hat; it’s a symbol of identity, tradition, and a little playful mystique.

The Grotto fez is a distinctive black felt hat, shaped like a truncated cone (just like other Masonic fezzes), but it's unique to the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (M.O.V.P.E.R.). It represents membership in the Grotto and is typically worn at Grotto meetings, ceremonial events, parades, and other functions.

• Color: Traditionally black, setting it apart from the red fezzes used in groups like the Shriners.
   
• Emblem: The front of the fez usually features the image of Al Mokanna, the "Veiled Prophet of Khorasan," a legendary figure symbolizing hidden truth and mystery.
   
• Name: It typically includes the name of the member’s local Grotto embroidered on it.
   
• Tassel: Most Grotto fezzes have a tassel, often black or sometimes color-coded depending on rank or role within the organization.
   

• Brotherhood: Wearing the fez is a public and ceremonial display of membership and unity with fellow Prophets (as Grotto members are called).
   
• Tradition: It connects members to the founding ideals and the whimsical, mystical theme of the Grotto.
   
• Pride: Members often wear their fez with pride at Grotto events, parades, or gatherings, and it’s a great conversation starter.
   

So when you see a Grotto member wearing a black fez with that veiled face on the front—you’re looking at someone who knows how to blend Masonic values, mysticism, and good fellowship all in one neat, fez-topped package.

 The Enchanted Lantern—one of the most meaningful and beloved symbols in the Grotto. It’s more than just a charming name; it represents the heart of the Grotto’s charitable mission, especially the care and compassion extended to children with special needs.

The Enchanted Lantern is a symbol of donation and support for the Grotto Humanitarian Foundation, which helps fund dental care for children with developmental disabilities. When a Prophet or supporter donates a set amount (often around $50, though this can vary), they receive an actual Enchanted Lantern pin or emblem in recognition.

• Charity: At its core, the Enchanted Lantern represents the light of kindness, shining into the lives of children and families in need.
   
• Honor: Owning one signifies that the bearer has contributed directly to a noble cause and is committed to living the Grotto’s principles.
   
• Recognition: Many Grottoes honor those who receive the lantern with a small ceremony or acknowledgment, and some members proudly wear their lantern pins on their fezzes or regalia.
   

Just like a lantern lights the way through the darkness, the Enchanted Lantern symbolizes hope, healing, and guidance—especially for children who might otherwise go without necessary dental care. It reflects the Grotto’s lighter tone, but with a deeply serious commitment to making a real impact.

In the world of the Grotto, the Enchanted Lantern glows with both fraternal spirit and humanitarian purpose. It’s one of those beautiful traditions that blends the whimsical with the wonderful—and reminds everyone that laughter and love go hand in hand.