About the Grotto
Masonry proper, is all work… solemn, serious and sublime work… there is not and never should be a line of light and frivolous from the first step as we enter the outer courts, to the last in the Holy of Holies of its Mystic Temple. Truth, everlasting and unchanging, is the foundation on which it is erected and on this basis its votaries by bonds of brotherhood which are mutually helpful and beneficent.
While it is as Prophets we open the portals of the Enchanted Realm to Master Masons, we are none the less loyal to Masonry. We carry with us the solemn lessons we have learned within the Lodge and we are guided by the precepts of Masonry while we revel in the good cheer of the Prophets.
The Order of Veiled Prophets, while proclaiming the loyalty of its members to Masonry, makes no pretense of being a Masonic Order, nor does it claim to confer a Masonic degree. Its membership is exclusively Masonic and its purpose is to supply the element of play such a way that work and play will be blended without marring the solid beauty of Masonry. The Grotto is said to be essentially Masonic in character.
The requirements for membership in the Order of Veiled Prophets is that a man must first be a Master Mason in good standing, and that he must continue to maintain his good standing in the Blue Lodge in order to retain his standing in the Order. In no way does the Grotto infringe upon the rights and ceremonies of Masonry or of any other Order.
The Grotto leads it votaries through an Enchanted Realm where the spirit of mirth touches the hearts and evolves cheerful companionship, in joy of which they are brought near together in helpful sympathy, which is none the less true because the eye beams with delight and laughter goes with a Prophet’s greeting when hand clasps hand in its mystic fellowship.
History of the Grotto
For some years prior to 1889, several members of Hamilton Lodge N0. 120, F.&A.M., at Hamilton, New York, sought relaxation from the sterner duties of life by holding occasional informal meetings for fun and good fellowship. The chief spirit in the fun was Leroy Fairchild, and in the summer of 1889, he and a devoted band of followers discovered the Enchanted Realm in which, upon entering with song and laughter, they and their successors found a rich heritage. The first meeting of this organization was held on the 10th day of September, 1889. It was decided at this meeting that the membership of the organization should be confined to Master Masons in good standing.
The Twelve Commandments of the Grotto
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To draw the Master Masons of different Lodges into closer and more friendly relations.
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To create and maintain a spirit of fraternity among us.
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To discountenance jealousy, enmity and ill feeling.
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To teach us that we are not only members of one Blue Lodge, but belong to the fraternity at large.
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That there are good Masons outside of our own Blue Lodge and they are worthy friends and companions.
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To build up and strengthen the character and individuality of the Mason, and to teach, recognize and develop the principles of Masonry outside the Lodge room.
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To teach that a Mason is not judged by his actual appearance or worldly wealth.
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The Grotto meets all Masons on the level, not figuratively, but actually and teaches that Masons are brothers on the street as well as in the Lodge room.
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That Masonry must not be used as a means of advancing the material interest of any man.
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To get out of the rut into which we too often fall.
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To forget our cares, for there is good in all of us.
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The Grotto is a social organization for Master Masons.
Grottoes International
Grottoes International is the overseeing body of all Grottoes, led by the Grand Monarch and supported by officers in the Grand Line. As of 2025, there are 170 Grottoes across the United States and in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Panama. Grotto is growing, with new Grottoes being chartered each year.
