Category: History and Trivia

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

From the Second Degree

During our Degree Day, someone commented that they wished more people could hear the words from the Degree Work. We continue to share them.

Above all, God is a Shepherd, and His people are the sheep of His pasture. You have, therefore, an adorable Pattern in your high and holy duties. To keep in safety those within the fold, and to reclaim the wandering—be your sacred charge. Be patient with the wayward, carefully instruct the erring, diligently seek and bring back the straying and those that are cast out. [Chaplain to the candidates]

I hesitate to use the word “trivial” in conjunction with the Ritual, but I have an interesting note about the Chaplain’s instruction. It is one of the rare exceptions where reference is made to Christ and the New Testament. In the previous paragraph, the Chaplain references Abel who “offered the first acceptable sacrifice,” as well as the “Shepherds at Bethlehem.” The position of shepherd is, then, “ancient and honorable.”

This is another place where I wish we could pause the ritual to explore in depth why the Chaplain compares God to a Shepherd and His people to sheep. The suggestion that the shepherd is an “adorable” pattern deserves thought. “Adorable” in this context doesn’t mean “cute.” The word comes from the Latin word adorare (to worship or ask in prayer). It therefore also sets a high standard that isn’t limited to animals.

It’s also tempting to think the pattern applies to other members, particularly if we think the flock is limited to Grangers. But it doesn’t take too much divergent thinking to see how following the shepherd pattern could be the basis of our contribution to our communities. Remember, the master/president’s challenge when closing the Grange meeting. “Let us be quiet, peaceful citizens, feeding the hungry…”

The most admirable quality of a shepherd is a profound commitment to protecting, guiding, and caring for the flock. While I will not claim to know what the original degree writers were thinking, the Ritual as a whole is not limited to fraternalistic instruction. The Ritual more accurately describes a way of life that embraces much, much more.

The role of a patron (one who provides support) might well resemble the role of a shepherd. When I demonstrate the shepherd’s hook during our dictionary presentations, I introduce third graders to the idea that leadership isn’t a title or position; it’s a way of thinking and living. “When you help a classmate with their work, you’re being a shepherd and a leader…”

When I think of what a shepherd does, a familiar verse comes to mind.

The Lord is my Shepherd: I shall not want.
 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Can we do that at least to some degree for each other?

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-seventh edition of the 2023 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://wboomsma.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

From the Second Degree

During our Degree Day, someone commented that they wished more people could hear the words from the Degree Work. We continue to share them.

“My friends, the person who has been speaking to you is that worst of enemies to progress—Ignorance, attended by his companions, Sloth and Superstition. Give them no heed if you hope to advance.” [Assistant Steward to the candidates]

On their way to the Overseer, the Steward halts the candidates, but he is not carrying his staff. That’s significant because he is not acting as the Steward. He represents ignorance, sloth, and superstition. This significance is easily overlooked because the Steward stops them to offer good advice. You wouldn’t expect that from ignorance, so the Assistant Steward wants to make sure the candidates “get it.”

We’re going a bit deep here. Let’s look closely at the Assistant Steward’s explanation.

The focus is on ignorance. Ignorance is a noun that means a lack of knowledge, information, or understanding about a particular subject. It is not a synonym for “stupid.” When I work with kids and they say, “I don’t know,” I require them to add “yet.” I don’t know yet. To progress, we must recognize and correct our ignorance.

The word “sloth” also means laziness or a strong dislike of work and physical effort. In traditional Christian teachings, sloth is listed as one of the seven deadly sins. In common usage, it includes apathy and mental laziness. As the Assistant Steward suggests, this often accompanies ignorance. “I don’t know, and I don’t care.”

Superstition is an irrational belief or practice not based on reason, science, or facts, often connected to magic, fate, or good and bad luck. We often think of things like a broken mirror bringing bad luck, but superstition can be much more subtle. Biases can be thought of as superstitions: beliefs not based on facts or reason. Sometimes we are not even conscious of them. (That sounds a bit like ignorance! Sometimes we are ignorant of them.)

This planned interruption in the Second Degree is brief, but powerful. I almost wish the Assistant Steward would say to the candidates, “We’re going to stand here and think about this for a while.” Or maybe, “Let’s go sit down and think about this for a while.”

The interruption begins with the Steward asking where the candidates are going. The Assistant Steward doesn’t say, “We’re headed to the Overseer.” The reply is “We are traveling in search of light and knowledge.”

My friends, whither are you going?

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-seventh edition of the 2023 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://wboomsma.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

From the Second Degree

During our Degree Day, someone commented that they wished more people could hear the words from the Degree Work. We continue to share them.

“…constantly study the book of Nature.” [Lecturer to the candidates]

These six words are perhaps a concise summary of the lessons learned in the Ritual of the Degrees. The book of nature doesn’t just have value to farmers–that is one reason the ritual remains and the Grange Way of Life still has application. While we think of a book as a set of printed pages those pages represent knowledge. In today’s society, that knowledge is distributed in various forms. Ultimately, a “book” is vehicle for conveying information.

The founders of the Grange saw nature as a book, a vehicle for conveying information. Almost all the “the Ritual” encourages us to learn the many lessons Nature offers. Immediately after encouraging the candidates to “study the book of Nature,” the lecturer explains “Learn from it the truths which may remind us of the immense greatness of God, and our own littleness—of His blessings, and the obligations they impose upon us.” This is one of many places during the Ritual of the Degrees I often long for a pause so we can fully digest the thought. It is unfortunate that candidates are whisked away to the chaplain. But the chaplain makes a gallant attempt to keep the candidates focused by immediately referencing the book of nature. “…the springing seed teaches us to increase in goodness and the growing trees to aspire after higher and broader knowledge.”

From a writer’s perspective, those are two powerful metaphors. Many have heard the two questions sometimes asked that draw on that metaphor. “How many seeds are there in an apple?” illustrates that counting them isn’t too difficult. The second question suggests a much bigger challenge. “How many apples are there in a seed?” If we work these thoughts into the Ritual, the springing seed teaches us to increase in goodness and just as one apple seed may produce endless trees and countless apples, the increase in goodness is likewise unlimited. (Thus sayeth the book of Nature.)

Of the husbandman (we are, of course, Patrons of Husbandry), the chaplain explains, “In no other occupation does a man’s daily labor bring him into such close companionship with the Great Creator as in the cultivation of the soil.” But before you object that you are not a farmer, let’s remember that we are dealing with symbols, metaphors, and the book of Nature. If you’re struggling with that, get a cup of potting soil and plant a seed in it. It’s a simple but powerful way to learn about growth.

I have “edited” the actual Ritual and left out a lot. In practice, we might breeze through these two lessons in five to ten minutes or less. You could rightfully feel cheated because beneath the words there are serious, ponderable concepts and lessons. We’ve only scratched the surface. In spite of that, let’s fast forward to a few minutes later when the master uses the visual aid of a few kernels of corn.

“We are now to teach you how to plant the seed. Behold these inanimate kernels of corn! But the germ has life—the future plant is there. We loosen the soil—we bury (plant) the seed; and in so doing impress upon our minds the truth of the immortality of the soul. There is no object in which, to appearance, life and death border so closely together as in the grains of seed buried in the earth; but when life seems extinct, a fuller and richer existence begins anew. From this little seed we have, first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. So with the mind, when duly nourished with Faith and Hope. But be not deceived! Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

It might help if you are, but I don’t think you have to be a farmer to “get” this. The book of Nature is for everyone! It’s not particularly catchy, but we could offer the slogan, “We’re Grangers; we learn from the book of Nature.”

I could challenge lecturers to develop a presentation about “learning from the book of Nature.” Much of the script has already been written. You learned it during the Ritual of the Degrees, right?

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-seventh edition of the 2023 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://wboomsma.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

From the First Degree

During our Degree Day, someone commented that they wished more people could hear the words from the Degree Work. We continue to share them.

In the First Degree, the Overseer explains to the candidates:

“I greet these Sisters as worthy members of our Order. Man and woman are the educators of youth and co-students through life; therefore both must acquire knowledge and wisdom. Education adds the greatest charm to woman; it is a companion of which no misfortune can deprive her, a friend no enemy can alienate, an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity. In this Degree—your Spring season in our Order—begin anew the acquisition of knowledge.”

Grange members are often rightfully proud of the early history of our order regarding women, pointing out that the Grange was the first fraternal organization to grant female members equal standing and the right to vote on Grange matters. It is significant that the Grange’s structure included leadership positions that could be held only by women.

When the Overseer greets the “sisters” (female candidates) during the First Degree, we can see that the greeting is actually not about women. It’s about education. In fact, after the initial greeting, the Overseer points out that both “Man and woman are the educators of youth and co-students through life” and “both must acquire knowledge and wisdom.” It’s a clear recognition of equality in opportunity and responsibility.

So why does the Overseer specifically address the sisters? It seems the Overseer is acknowledging the reality of the historical differences between men and women. In less formal language, “Sisters, the Grange is about improvement. Your place in the Grange and society includes a challenge to enjoy the opportunities and benefits of acquiring knowledge. If you read our Declaration of Purposes, you’ll see that an important one is ‘To champion full equality and leadership opportunities for women and youth, and to promote high ideals of citizenship.’ Historically, you may have been viewed as a companion. The Grange expects more of you and from you.”

That’s not a political statement, and there’s no need to make it so. Since the Declaration of Purposes mentions youth, the Overseer could just as easily be addressing them.

“I greet these youth as worthy members of our order. You must acquire knowledge and wisdom. Education is a companion of which no misfortune can deprive you, a friend no enemy can alienate, an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity. In this Degree–your Spring season in our order–begin anew the acquisition of knowledge.”

Contemplation is difficult while experiencing the Degrees. When I’m acting as Overseer during a Degree Day, I’m always tempted to include, “Think about this,” with a forced pause. The only thing worse than not thinking (and learning; the Degrees are lessons) is pursuing a knee-jerk reaction.

Some will argue that the reference to sisters could be removed. The more important question is: should the reference be removed? When we think about it, maybe not. It actually makes sense and is kinda nice that the Overseer singles out the sisters for this lesson.

That doesn’t mean it’s a lesson limited to sisters. The Grange way of life works for all.

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-seventh edition of the 2023 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://wboomsma.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

From the First Degree

During our recent Degree Day, someone commented that they wished more people could hear the words from the Degree Work. We continue to share them.

In the First Degree, the Overseer explains to the candidates:

“I exhibit to you now a memorandum book, a knife, and a pencil. Note down the new and useful ideas that come to you that they be not lost; for new ideas are the material with which progress is made. The knife is used to prune a straggling branch, to cut off the nests of insects, or to cut a plant whose nature you may wish to study. In your intercourse with your fellow beings, correct an error kindly and with the smooth edge of affection, and do not bruise a wound you wish to heal.”

The ongoing references to agriculture and farming may be obvious to most. And, while these visual aids may seem a bit dated, they remain appropriate. “Record new and useful ideas in your smartphone…”When I am filling the Overseer’s role, I often take the liberty of changing the word “intercourse” to “dealings” and repeating the last sentence with emphasis. “In your dealings  with your fellow beings, correct an error kindly and with the smooth edge of affection, and do not bruise a wound you wish to heal.” It’s powerful advice. Read it again. “In your dealings with your fellow beings, correct an error kindly and with the smooth edge of affection, and do not bruise a wound you wish to heal.”

Of course, it’s not limited to correcting errors. Patrons of Husbandry should be known for treating others kindly. In simple form, it means to be gentle and considerate. While shopping recently, I was passing a woman riding one of those electric shopping carts. She dropped a credit card, and I said, “I’ll get that for you,” and did. A child caught up to us. After thanking me, the shopper (Grandma?) said to the child, “He helped me. You’re supposed to be helping me.”

Read that last sentence from the Overseer again. “Do not bruise a wound you wish to heal.” Grandma’s response wasn’t especially mean, but did she “bruise the wound she wished to heal?”

As it happened, I had noticed the child a few seconds earlier, stretched on tiptoe, trying to reach something on a high shelf for someone else in their shopping party. I redirected Grandma’s directions. “I almost stopped to help you get that item on the top shelf but you did it yourself.” I was tempted to add, “Being kind and helpful isn’t always easy, but it’s always good.”

By the way, before the Degree Police come after me, I think it’s okay to occasionally expand or emphasize aspects of the teachings of the Ritual. Yes, there are some hazards, and I’m not suggesting long editorial comments. In this example, I’m suggesting deliberately repeating one sentence. We need to guard against robotic repetition of the written words. Remember, the Degrees are ultimately about learning.

In the same conversation with the candidates, the Overseer concludes, “In this Degree—your Spring season in our Order—begin anew the acquisition of knowledge.”

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-seventh edition of the 2023 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://wboomsma.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

From the First Degree

During our recent Degree Day, someone commented that they wished more people could hear the words from the Degree Work. For the next few issues, we’ll be sharing some of them!

Early in the First Degree, the Overseer explains to the candidates:

“Friends, the Grange is a great fraternity, and the lessons of its ritual are expressed by the use of symbols drawn from the field, the farm and the farm home. The first four Degrees of our Order are based upon the seasons of the year, each conveying its appropriate lesson. You are about to enter the mysteries of the First Degree, symbolic of springtime on the farm, when all Nature is bursting into newness of life. The wild flowers are making the woods and the hills glorious with their beauty; orchards are in bloom, and the air is redolent with their perfume; plowing the fields has begun and soon the sower will go forth to sow.

Additional Laborers and Maids are needed for work in field and household, and we accept you as willing workers, now in waiting for the tasks to which you will be assigned: For in our fraternity there is work for all, and the idler has no place among Patrons of Husbandry.”

Of course, the idea is to do more than simply hear (read) the words. With this, we have the opportunity to digest those words. It was not an accident that the Degree Work starts with the spring season, “when all Nature is bursting into newness of life.” Joining the Grange is also about newness in our lives as we commit to live differently, in accordance with the “precepts of our order.”  There is work to be done on our farms, our communities, and ourselves. Joining the Grange was never meant to be a passive experience, and the “idler has no place among Patrons of Husbandry.”

Another advantage of reading and absorbing these words is that we’re allowed to drift off into visualization. We can take the time to see what the overseer is describing. Imagine standing at the gate to a farm, ready to enter and become responsible for what happens on it. There is no sense of dread. Perhaps some anxiety and tension, but a deep sense of excitement and possibility.

As the Lecturer accepts the candidates’ applications (signets), he explains, “An honest man is the noblest work of God… The first and highest object of our Order is to develop a  better and higher manhood and womanhood.” That’s not just something we do to and for others. It’s something we do to and for ourselves.

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-seventh edition of the 2023 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://wboomsma.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.