The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, whose subordinate bodies are 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. Its' slogan is GOODFELLOWSHIP and in contact with our fellow man, this principle is exemplified to a marked degree.
For some years prior to 1889, several members of Hamilton Lodge #120, F&AM at Hamilton, New York, sought relaxation from the sterner duties of life by holding occasional informal meetings for fun and Goodfellowship.
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 the organization was held on September 10, 1889, and it was named after the leader, "the Fairchild Deviltry Committee". It was decided at this first meeting that membership would be restricted 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.
The order could no longer be confined to any one locality and responded to imperative requests that were not to be denied. On June 13, 1890, the Fairchild Deviltry Committee duly founded 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. It encourages active participation in the Blue Lodge. While it is NOT and makes no claim to be a part of symbolic Craft Masonry, our membership continues to be composed ENTIRELY of Master Masons only!
Our ritual is original and unique. A full-form ritual presentation takes over thirty (30) men to put on, with intricate stage settings and Persian costumes. While pervaded with fun and laughter, the ritual teaches a valuable lesson which lingers with the initiate, instilling in him a spirit of optimism, a kindly feeling for his fellow man, and an impression of GOOD FELLOWSHIP which is something devoutly to be desired.
In 1949, The members of the Supreme Council adopted as their International Humanitarian Objective, Aid to the Cerebral Palsy Child. A charitable trust known as the Humanitarian Foundation of the Supreme Council, MOVPER, with a board of Trustees, administers this trust. Each and every Prophet throughout the Realm contributes one dollar yearly to this Humanitarian Foundation. Besides Cerebral Palsy, the other main thrust of Grotto charity is the Dentistry for the Handicapped Program.
This program is designed to be simple, yet powerful. Parents of children who are afflicted with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy or Down's Syndrome and who are age 19 or younger simply submit an application for the program. On approval, which is based solely on the child's needs, and not the financial circumstances of the parents, all dental work for the child is paid for by the program. On the local level, the program is overseen by one of our members who carries the designation "Doctor of Smiles". Donations may be made to the program through the Grotto Secretary. Members may work out a "payment" plan as well., and the Enchanted Lantern makes an excellent gift for any Grotto Member (It is also tax deductible).
That the Grotto occupies a legitimate place and does wonderful work cannot be denied. It extends the hand of Goodfellowship to all Master Masons, having a smile for all, and a frown for none.
The Grotto is unofficially known as "The Master Mason's Playground", as compared to the solemnity of the Blue Lodge. By virtue of the nature of the Masonic Lodge, it should be and IS very serious. Conversely, the Grotto should be and IS our outlet for fun and mischief. It also brings together Master Masons of many different lodges and backgrounds.
Among Grotto members are numerous Grand Masters and Past Grand Masters. State Governors and many other government officials, civic leaders, past and present, and clergy are also members. Four Presidents of the United States, Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman (who was also Grand Master of Masons of Missouri) and Gerald R. Ford, have been members of the order.
On the local level, our late friend and brother M.W. Harold D. Elliott, 2nd was a member of Al-Time Grotto and, with the help of numerous brethren from his staff, started "Yalomed" Grotto, which met for some years in Princeton. In addition, M.W. Brothers Morgan T. Morris, Harold F. Jennings and Earl F. Sutton are all members of Al-Time Grotto. Other local PGMs with affiliations with Al-Time Grotto were MW E. Walter Parsons and MW William Davies. Many other New Jersey Masons, within and without Grand Lodge are proud of their affiliation with the Grotto.
Al-Time Grotto. M.O.V.P.E.R. was instituted December 17, 1921 at Atlantic City, New Jersey and chartered by the Supreme Council, MOVPER, June 23, 1922. Al-Time met from its inception until 1981 in the Masonic Temple, Atlantic City.
Al-Time Grotto now meets on the first Friday monthly, except July and August, 8PM at Trinity Masonic Temple, 563 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County, NJ. Requests for additional information/petitions may be directed to Past Monarch Bruce Harbison, Secretary, 171 4th Ave., Estell Manor, NJ 08319.