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Edwin P. Simpson Papers

Date range: 1919 - 1962

Creator: Edwin P. Simpson

Abstract: This collection consists of the personal and fraternal papers of Brother Edwin P. Simpson, member of Thomas Talbot Masonic Lodge of Billerica and Past Monarch of Mer-I-Mak Grotto of Lowell. The collection includes newspaper clippings, administrative records, newsletters, and correspondence related to Mer-I-Mak Grotto. This collection also includes material regarding the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (M.O.V.P.E.R.) generally, along with an assortment of newsletters and print materials from Blue Lodge and Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Materials date from 1919 -1962.

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Scope & Content

This collection consists of the personal and fraternal papers of Brother Edwin P. Simpson, member of Thomas Talbot Masonic Lodge of Billerica and Past Monarch of Mer-I-Mak Grotto of Lowell. The collection includes newspaper clippings, administrative records, newsletters, and correspondence related to Mer-I-Mak Grotto. This collection also includes material related to the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (M.O.V.P.E.R.) generally along with an assortment of newsletters and print materials from Blue Lodge and Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Materials date from 1919 -1962 and are arranged in 3 series.

Series 1. Mer-I-Mak Grotto, 1949 – 1957, includes newspaper articles related to Mer-I-Mak Grotto formation and later activities, administrative records such as membership lists, and official correspondence. Of note are a complete series of Mer-I-Mak monthly newsletters titled “Antics”, collected from 1951-1956. This series is arranged by type.

Series 2. M.O.V.P.E.R, 1950 – 1955, includes print informational materials on M.O.V.P.E.R generally, as well as official communications from the national M.O.V.P.E.R. body. This series is arranged by type.

Series 3. Other Masonic Papers, 1919 – 1963, includes assorted Thomas Talbot Lodge and Lowell Scottish Rite Valley monthly communications, and other miscellaneous Masonic items belonging to Simpson. Of note is the bound 1930 Thomas Talbot Lodge bylaws with lodge history and membership list included. This series is arranged by type.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged alphabetically by item type.

Biographical Note

Edwin Phineas Simpson was born on April 4, 1896, in Billerica, Massachusetts. A veteran of the World War I, Simpson worked as a chief engineer for Proctor Lumber Company and served 17 years on the Town of Billerica’s board of assessors. In 1919 he was initiated an Entered Apprentice of Thomas Talbot Lodge A.F.&A.M. and raised to the degree of Master Mason that same year. In 1949, Simpson became a Prophet of M.O.V.P.E.R and along with other Freemasons in the greater Lowell area, he chartered the Mer-I-Mak Grotto. Simpson led the group as Monarch in 1949, 1950, and 1951 and was a significant presence in Mer-I-Mak as the Grotto’s first Past Monarch, remaining an active member until his death in 1957. He was also a 32^nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner, and charter member of American Legion Post 116

Historical Note:

The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (M.O.V.P.E.R.) was established in 1889 in Hamilton, New York as an appendant body of Freemasonry. M.O.V.P.E.R. is a purely social Masonic organization modeled in much the same way as Shriners International. Organized into individual chapters called Grottos, M.O.V.P.E.R. served as the “blue collar” alternative to the Shrine, given the latter organization’s high membership fees and requirement that applicants be members of other masonic appendant bodies. In recent years they have become less prevalent as Shriners International lowered their requirements for membership. Despite this, M.O.V.P.E.R remains an active appendant body that has robust charity focused on providing dental care to children.

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access.

Subject Headings

Billerica (Mass.) -- History.

Freemasonry.

Freemasonry -- Massachusetts -- History.

Freemasonry -- Massachusetts -- Lodges.

Lowell (Mass.) -- History.

Simpson, Edwin P – 1896 – 1957.

Inventory

Series 1. Mer-I-Mak Grotto, 1949 – 1957

Container	Description	Date
Box 1, Folder 1	Correspondence: re: Mer-I-Mak Grotto bylaw changes, 1955 – 1956	1955-1956
Box 1, Folder 2	Correspondence: re: Past Monarch Night, 1955	1955
Box 1, Folder 3	Financial Records: re: Mer-I-Mak Grotto finances; includes auditing and account slips, 1953 – 1954	1953 – 1954
Box 1, Folder 4	Invitation: re: Mer-I-Mak Grotto’s “Spring Ceremonial,” 1951	1951
Box 1, Folder 5	List: Membership lists for first 100 members of Mer-I-Mak Grotto, 1950	1950
Box 1, Folder 6	List: Officer list for Mer-I-Mak Grotto, n.d.	n.d.
Box 1, Folder 7	Manuscript: “To belong to the Grotto…” by Edwin P. Simpson, n.d.	n.d.
Box 1, Folder 8	Name Badge: Edwin P. Simpson with Past Monarch title, n.d.	n.d.
Box 1, Folder 9	Newsletters: “Antics.” Includes 31 of Mer-I-Mak Grotto’s monthly newsletters, 1951-1956	1951-1956
Box 1, Folder 10	Newspaper: clippings re: Mer-I-Mak Grotto newspaper history, 1949 – 1957.	1949-1957
Box 1, Folder 11	Print: “A Brief History of Mer-I-Mak Grotto.” Includes description of Grotto's initial charter and explanation of M.O.V.P.E.R., circa 1950.	Circa 1950
Box 1, Folder 12	Print: “The First Ladies Night of Mer-I-Mak Grotto.” Circa 1950.	Circa 1950