2025 151st State Convention

We will post information as it becomes available. You may also check with your Subordinate Grange’s secretary or Pomona Grange.

Table Of Contents
  1. Deadlines
  2. Registration
  3. Convention Hotel Information
  4. Basic Schedule
  5. Documents and Forms
  6. Frequently Asked Questions

Deadlines

  • August 15, 2025, any and all resolutions must be submitted.
  • September 15, 2025, Annual Reports are due from Officers, Directors, and Committee Chairs. Please send the webmaster a copy of the Annual Report!
  • October 1, 2025, Meal reservations and payments are due at MSG Headquarters.
  • October 1, 2025, Program Books are due at the office! Please send a copy of Program Books to the webmaster.
  • October 1, 2025, Delegate Registration Forms are due at State Headquarters. (As long as requirements have been met, it is possible to register at the session, but pre-registering ensures badges are ready.

Registration

Note that delegates must be registered by your Subordinate or Pomona Grange Secretary. Non-delegates are welcome to attend and can speak to resolutions with the permission of the delegate body. Non-delegates do not need to register to attend!

Convention Hotel Information

The Session is being held at the Black Bear Inn, 4 Godfrey Drive, Orono (Exit 193 off I-95). The hotel number is 207-866-7120.

Please note that a list of alternative hotel options is included in the 2025 State Session Information/Forms Packet.

Basic Schedule

Greetings from National President

Note this is subject to change.

Friday, October 17, 2025

  • 11:00 a.m. Opening and business.
  • 11:30 a.m. State Master’s Address.
  • 12:00 Lunch – on your own.
  • 1:30 p.m. Memorial Service.
  • 2:30 Speaker National Grange Representative, Kathy Gibson, Lady Assistant Steward.
  •  3:00 p.m. resolution work begins.
  • 6:00 p.m. Banquet Buffet by Jeff’s Catering here in the hotel downstairs in the Kineo Ballroom. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance $40.00 each before October 1.
  • 6:00 p.m. Banquet followed by Award Presentations.*

Saturday, October 18, 2025

  • 8:30 a.m. Opening in the Fourth Degree, acceptance of reports and budget, full election of officers, with resolutions mixed in with election, discussion, or workshop.
  • 12:00 Lunch – on your own.   
  • 1:30 p.m. Call back to order.
  • 1:45 p.m. Conferral of the Sixth Degree.**

*Tickets must be purchased in advance.

**$10 fee for Sixth Degree Candidates. Note that candidates must have completed the Fifth Degree Ritual or Fifth Degree Obligation to be eligible.

Documents and Forms

Documents and forms in this section will be added as they become available. Note that annual reports for 2024-25 will also be posted on the Program Books and Information Page as they are made available.

  • 2025 State Session Information/Forms Packet includes schedule, hotels, frequently asked questions, and the form for meal reservations.
  • 2025 State Session Meals Reservation Form is the form required to make your meal reservations. (It is included in the packet but also listed separately for your convenience if that’s all you need.) Note there are two forms per page.
  • The 2024 MSG Convention Journal of Proceedings is a complete summary of last year’s convention and might be helpful background material for delegates.
  • 150th Anniversary Moments in History includes information about the Grange’s development in Maine.

Annual Reports

Program Books

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers provided MSG Master/President Sherry Harriman

What will be required of me to be admitted to the meeting/session?

Any Grange member may attend the session. Business is conducted in the Fourth Degree. You will need the Outer Gate password, the Fourth Degree annual word, and the degree word. (You are entitled to receive the passwords from the Master of your Grange when your dues are paid for the current year.) Business is conducted in the Fourth Degree.  To be admitted for the Sixth Degree opening Friday morning, you must also have the Fifth and Sixth Degree words.  If you are unfamiliar with the process and what the passwords are, contact your Master or other members of your Grange. Any Grange member may attend the session.

What if I arrive late?

You will give the passwords at the Gate (door) then you will be admitted to the hall and take a seat.  You may be asked to wait a couple of minutes to be allowed in, such as when the Flag is being presented or retired. Then you may enter and be seated. (You do not need to salute the Overseer on entering or leaving the meeting.)

Who may vote at the Annual State Grange Session?

The Delegates are those members selected by vote of the Subordinate or Pomona Granges to represent their Grange and vote on the issues. The Grange dues must be paid up to date at the time of the State session in order for your delegates to be entitled to vote. Each Grange may send two people as delegates, most often the delegates are the Master and Spouse (or other designated person if Master is unmarried) of the Grange. If the Master and spouse cannot attend the session, others are chosen by the Grange in their place. In addition, each Grange may select two alternates, also.  The names of the two delegates and two alternates must be registered with the State Grange Secretary on a form provided.  No other persons may be substituted to vote as delegates if they are not on the registration form. 

Who may be elected to a State Office?

Any Grange member who is in good standing (dues paid up to date in their own Grange) may be elected to any State Office. During the election process, a voting delegate must present the name of the prospective person for that particular office.  All the voting delegates then vote on their choice, by written ballot, from the names presented or by writing another name on the ballot.

What is the attire for the session?

There is no definite attire requirement for session for delegates or other attendees but business casual would be appropriate.  Officers and Deputies are required to wear suits and dresses.

How do I receive the Sixth Degree on Saturday?

To receive the Sixth Degree, you must be a Fifth Degree — Pomona member in good standing, previously Initiated or Obligated in the Fifth Degree, have the Fourth and Fifth Degree passwords and your Sixth Degree application to get into the meeting on Saturday.  You may sign up for the Sixth Degree at the registration table anytime after the session opens. You will pay a one-time $10.00 fee per person. (We do accept cash or checks made out to Maine State Grange).  Session attire business casual.  You may be asked to be a marching candidate, wear comfortable shoes.  

What is the attire for the session?

There is no definite attire requirement for session for delegates or other attendees but business casual would be appropriate.  Officers and Deputies are required to wear suits and dresses. Banquet attire gowns/long dresses and suits if you choose to but are not required.

Do I have to attend the Session to attend the meals?

You may attend the meals without attending other parts of session but you must purchase your ticket(s) in advance. Non-members may also attend but must purchase their ticket(s) in advance.  Deadline date for meal reservations is Oct. 1.  No exceptions.

May I attend the awards presentation without attending the banquet or attending session?

Yes, you may attend the awards and not attend any other portion of the session or banquet. No password required.  Awards will be presented in the meeting room after the banquet at approximately 7:30 pm.

2 thoughts on “2025 151st State Convention”

    1. There are no “crafting” events at State Convention, but many local Granges do! If you’d like to find a Grange near you, you can use the online directory or send an email and we’ll be happy to help!

      Reply

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