The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, also known as M.O.V.P.E.R. or The Grotto, is an appendant body in Freemasonry.
(M.O.V.P.E.R.) is a social organization for Master Masons. It encourages renewed interest in the Blue Lodges and the study of its deeper teachings though it makes no claim to be a part of Symbolic Craft Masonry.
Members are distinguished by a black fez with a red tassel, sometimes with a Mokanna head in the middle. A Monarch (President of a single grotto), wears a black Fez with a purple tassel, while a Grand Monarch (President of the Order) wears a black Fez with a Gold tassel. All other Grand Officers wear a black Fez with a Silver tassel.
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History
M.O.V.P.E.R. was founded in the summer of 1889 by LeRoy Fairchild and other members of Hamilton Lodge #120 in Hamilton, New York. They organized gentlemen meetings for discussing the deeper meanings of Blue Lodge. At their meeting on September 10, 1889, they decided to call the group the “Fairchild Deviltry Committee” and 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 officially "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 and study the Blue Lodge degrees". It encourages renewed interest in the Blue Lodges, though it makes no claim to be a part of Symbolic Craft Masonry.
For a few years the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm had no official emblem. Eventually, the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets were permitted to wear an emblem that set them apart from others and a black Fez head covering was selected with a Mokanna Head in the center, giving the name of the Grotto.
From 1902 onward, the Supreme Council would transfer power to elected officers on a yearly basis.
The minutes of the February 26, 1903 meeting of Azim Grotto, Bronx, New York states:
“Prophet Charles E. Lansing, Past Potent Monarch, after some preliminary remarks, descriptive thereto, presented to those present, a drawing in color of a headgear appropriate for the Order. The same was received with favor and by motion, regularly made and seconded and carried, it was unanimously decided to adopt and wear them on serious and other appropriate occasions.”
In the minutes of October 29, 1903, it is recorded: “The Potent Monarch reported that the Fez worn by our members was, at the Annual Session of the Supreme Council help at Hamilton, New York on October 20, adopted as the official headgear for all Prophets of the Realm.”
The Chelminar Grotto, situated in Yakima, Washington, was established in 1921 and continues to be operational to this day. On the other hand, the Zafar Grotto, located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, stands as one of the largest Grottoes in the nation, boasting a membership of over 350 individuals. While many Grottoes intentionally maintain a smaller membership to foster a sense of close-knit fellowship, this selective approach occasionally draws criticism for perceived elitism from other Masons.
The Veiled Prophet
Commodore W.C. Eaton expressed that the M.O.V.P.E.R order should be the most secret of secret orders, which resulted in the Mokanna emblem being adopted to represent the veil of secrecy.
The choice of emblem and ritual of the Grotto is based on a 1817 poem by Thomas Moore, titled "Lalla Rookh." The novella features the eponymous Lalla Rookh,who embarks on a journey to wed a distant prince she has never met and meets a traveling storyteller who tells the princess several stories. In the novella, the story of the "Veiled Prophet of Khorasan," is told.
Exploration of the historical narrative surrounding the Grotto organization necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its emblematic figure, Mokanna and its historical counterpart. Their emblem is based on an enigmatic figure of the 8th century known as Al-Muqanna, whose epithet translates from Arabic as "the Veiled One." Al-Muqanna's espoused the radical teachings of Abu Muslim of Khorasan. Following Abu Muslim's tragic demise, Al-Muqanna, established a religious sect based on the notion that Abu was a reincarnation of the Divine, and upon his passing, this divine mantle was passed on to Muqanna. This earned Al-Muqanna the antipathy of more conventional religious adherents.
The contemporary ritual of the Grotto organization loosely draws inspiration from Moore's narrative, but with distinct Masonic embellishments along the way. It is imperative to acknowledge that each Grotto branch may impart its unique interpretation of the story.
Philosophy
M.O.V.P.E.R. is guided by a philosophy that is deeply rooted in the concept of "Good Fellowship", a principle that mirrors the essence of the Golden Rule.
"Good Fellowship" represents a spirit of camaraderie, unity, and shared joy, as well as the core tenements of the Golden Rule.
While The Grotto is often seen as a journey filled with joy, fun, and frolic, they also recognize a solemn and serious motif beneath this surface of gaiety. This motif is not an abstract concept, but a tangible philosophy that shapes our actions and perceptions. As members of the Grotto, individuals are encouraged to adopt this philosophy. It serves as a guiding light in their journey, leading them to find joy in shared experiences, treat others with kindness and respect, and embrace life with laughter and optimism.