M.O.V.P.E.R.
(Grotto) Bookends
and Other Artifacts
Here
is a vintage set of cast iron bookends with
a bronze/brass finish. They depict a certain Prophet who is a member of
the M.O.V.P.E.R. (Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm).
They stand 5 1/2 inches tall and 4 7/8 inches across. Together they weigh 3
1/2 lbs. They are in great condition, with old green felt on the bottom,
and a very nice patina.
Grotto Jewel
Grotto Fluted Pitchers
The front of this beautiful Flute Pitcher
pictures a lovely woman wearing a hat. Gold accents on handle, around lip,
and on base. This pitcher was made by the Thos.
Maddock's Sons, Co., of Trenton, N.J. and measures 11 1/8 inches tall and
approx. 4 inches in diameter at the base.
Back has the Grotto logo, surrounded with:
"Twentieth Annual Session, June 1909, Supreme Council. M.O.V.P.E.R., Worcester,
Mass." on the reverse.
A special "Thank you" to Brother
Fred Lowstetter of Texas who discovered this rare Fluted Pitcher and submitted the
pictures of it to our museum!
The front of this beautiful Flute Pitcher pictures a scene of brother George
Washington in a winter military scene. Gold accents on handle, around lip, and
on base. This
pitcher was made by the Thos. Maddock's Sons, Co., of Trenton, N.J. and measures
11 1/8 inches tall and approx. 4 inches in diameter at the base. Back
has the Grotto logo, surrounded with: "Twentieth
Annual Session, June 1909,
Supreme Council. M.O.V.P.E.R., Worcester, Mass." on the reverse.
A special "Thank you" to Brother
Fred Lowstetter of Texas who discovered this rare Fluted Pitcher and submitted the
pictures of it to our museum!
1926 Grotto 37th Supreme
Council Session Ashtray
This piece is an ashtray - 5” across and a gold tone. Pressed
into front is “Grotto, 37thSupreme Council Session, MOVPER,
Alhambra Grotto, Our Home,
St. Louis, June 15-16-17, 1926. Piece is in perfect condition – no
issues whatsoever.
A special "Thank you" to Brother
Fred Lowstetter of Texas for sharing pictures of Grotto artifacts from his
personal Masonic collection!
History
of the Grotto
The
Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, whose subordinate
bodies are the Grottoes, is an organization by and for Master Masons.
While in no way connected with Masonry proper, its membership is restricted
absolutely and exclusively to Master Masons in good standing. Although
it is primarily an organization for good wholesome fun and frolic, it also has
its serious side. Its slogan is "Good Fellowship", and in
contact with our fellowman, this principle is exemplified to a marked degree.
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 have 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 idea of the Order proved
immediately attractive. Many distinguished Masons entered the Enchanted
Realm and returned pleased and charmed by its brilliancy. The Order could no
longer be confined to one locality and in response to imperative requests that
were not to be denied, on the 13th of June, 1890, the "F.D.C." duly
founded and established the Supreme Council of the Mystic Order of Veiled
Prophets of the Enchanted Realm.
It is a social organization for
the Master Mason and all such are welcome to our Enchanted Realm. It
encourages renewed interest in the Blue Lodge, its activities and
attendance. While it is not and makes no claim to be a part of Symbolic
Craft Masonry, they ever bear in mind that their membership is composed
entirely of Master Masons.
The ritual is original and
unique. The spectacular ceremonial requires a cast of thirty (30) or
more and offers unlimited opportunities in stage activities and stunt
performance. Its proper rendition requires a large stage, elaborate
costumes, and stage settings. It is mysterious, startling and
spectacular with a Persian atmosphere. While pervaded with a spirit of
wholesome fun, it teaches a serious lesson which lingers with the initiate,
instilling in him a spirit of optimism, a kindly feeling for his brother man,
and an impression of GOOD FELLOWSHIP, which is something devoutly to be
desired.
That the Grotto occupies a
legitimate place and is doing a wonderful work cannot be denied. It extends
the hand of Good Fellowship to all Master Masons, having a smile for all and a
frown for none.
In
June 1949, at its Supreme Council Session, the delegates adopted a resolution
to establish a national charitable program, which was to be named the
Humanitarian Foundation. In 1951, their first project was "Aid for the
Cerebral Palsy Child". In 1953 they adopted the Enchanted Lantern to
represent contributions made. For each $50 tax-deductible donation, a
certificate, receipt and emblem are issued. From 1953 to 1970 the main thrust
of the charitable trust was the Cerebral Palsy child.
In 1969 the Humanitarian Foundation
Trustees expanded their scope, by adopting the Dental Care for Children with
Special Needs. They met and agreed the Grotto would establish a dental
clinic for the children with special needs at the Illinois Masonic Medical
Center. In 1987, the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, Ohio and
in 2000 the Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas became National
Treatment Centers.
Today
the Humanitarian Foundation, not only remembers the "forgotten
child" (child with cerebral palsy) with the annual contribution to
research, but combines a unique partnership with qualified dentists throughout
the United States and Canada. The program is designed to help these children
with special needs, under the age of 18, receive the best dental care
possible.
Their
Supreme Council Grotto operates a website here: http://www.scgrotto.com/index.html
