The Grotto was founded in the summer of 1889 to organize and hold informal meetings for fun and good fellowship. At the meeting of September 10, 1889, the group called the “Fairchild Deviltry Committee” restrict membership to Master Masons in good standing.
The idea of the Order proved to be attractive, and many Masons joined. In response to requests, other groups were formed in other areas, and on June 13, 1890, the former “Fairchild Deviltry Committee” duly established and formed the Supreme Council, Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm. Its purpose was to add in greater measure to the Masonic fraternal spirit the charm of radiant cheerfulness and to maintain within the fraternity an impetus of royal good fellowship.
It is a social organization for Master Masons, and as such, all Master Masons are welcome to join. It encourages renewed interest in the Blue Lodges, though it makes no claim to be a part of Symbolic Craft Masonry.
Members are distinguished by a black fez with a red tassel and a Mokanna head in the middle.
For more information at the Florida State Grotto Association, Click Here.
Grotto Members with a patient from the mobile therapy unit of the Florida Society for Crippled Children in Tallahassee, Florida, March 5, 1957
Credit photos: State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory
