Tag: Grange Heritage

Exploring Traditions – October, 2026

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.

From the Deacon’s Bench

By Clay Collins, Guest Columnist
207 837-0564

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”                

  Philippians 2:3-4

Halloween is rapidly upon us, the weather is quickly changing (right now it is like a roller coaster). If you are not already raking your leaves and getting your snow removal equipment ready, you had better get started! Don’t be like me. I have a ‘honey-do list of projects I have to do before snow flies!

 While you are getting ready for winter, remember at least two things. The first take things easy. Don’t hurry so that you hurt yourself. Slow and easy wins the race (usually). The second is to remember your friends, neighbors, relatives, acquaintances, even strangers who might not be as fortunate as you.  

They might not be as nimble as you or have the equipment or know how to do some things as you do. They might have other talents that you do not possess to do a task. Combine your talents, and you might be surprised at what you might be able to accomplish.

Until the next time, remember, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.”

Benediction: Gracious and patient Father of us all, bless those who need help and those of us who offer help to others. Teach us that e all have different talents that can be helpful to others.  Amen. 

Thought for the month:

“Love much, laugh often, live well.”

While Chaplain Christine is burdened with technology challenges, she has invited Past MSG Chaplain Clay to share some spiritual thoughts with our Grange Flock.

Grange History Revealed Locally

Dave and Kathy Gowen of Highland Lake Grange offer a synopsis of how the Grange carries out its mission.

In March, the Cumberland Historical Society invited Kathy and Dave Gowen to share the Grange’s history with members and guests. The Town of Cumberland’s YouTube channel hosts the recorded presentation. Kathy and Dave covered the National Grange’s origins and some basic Grange concepts, then used the history of Highland Lake Grange as the basis for the rest of the presentation. Towards the end of the presentation, viewers will learn about some of the many community connections Highland Lake Grange maintains.

Dave and Kathy are rightfully proud of this opportunity and the resulting presentation. The presentation could serve as a template for other Granges to use in their own efforts to reach out to local historical societies and other groups.

Watch the Presentation on YouTube

Exploring Traditions – September, 2026

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.

From the Deacon’s Bench

By Clay Collins, Guest Columnist
207 837-0564

Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”                   

  Ephesians 6:10-11

Happy Fall! The time of year when summer vacations are coming to a close, and the children are getting ready to start school. Whatever it is, from school or a new career, it will be a challenge.

During this new challenge, we will make mistakes. When we do make a mistake, I hope we will stop and observe the situation for what it is. Try to discover if anyone was at fault or if the incident was truly faultless.

No matter who was at fault (if anyone), do be sensible and kind. Step back, take a deep breath, and be kind. Kindness solved more problems than anger.

Until the next time, remember, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.”

Benediction: Gracious Father, bless those who sin against us. Give us the strength to overcome anger wherever or whatever it may be. Help us to forgive quickly, and not hold grudges.   Amen. 

Thought for the month:

“None of us sit high enough to look down on anybody.”

While Chaplain Christine is burdened with technology challenges, she has invited Past MSG Chaplain Clay to share some spiritual thoughts with our Grange Flock.

Grange Heirloom – September 2026

Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Rituals and Declaration of Purposes.

Use the icons below to share this Grange Heirloom on social media and help others understand what the Grange stands for! If this heirloom has a particular meaning for you, click the “leave a comment” link at the left and share your comment with us!

For additional information and resources regarding the Heirloom Program, visit the Heirloom Resource Page on the Maine State Grange Website.

Victor Grange’s Curtain Restored

Check out this story by WABI TV5. Another historic curtain has been restored and preserved, this one hangs at the Victor Grange Hall in Fairview, Maine. (Click the text link, not the photo!)

Exploring Traditions – August, 2026

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.

From the Deacon’s Bench

By Clay Collins, Guest Columnist
207 837-0564

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

  Ephesians 6:10-11

Here we are, the middle of the beautiful, hot, humid, lazy, hazy days of summer. Right where we said we wanted to be last winter! You remember those cold, blistery days when we were all huddled around the old “cook stove”.

I trust you all are having a fantastic time enjoying all there is to do in this wonderful state of ours. Before we know it, the children will be back in school, and the temperature will be dropping like a “lead balloon,” and the heating bills will be showing up. I apologize for being a “gloomy Gus”

Before I end this for another month, I want to remind you that the month of August is “International Peace Month”, and it is observed throughout the month of August. It was founded on August 16, 1926, at the Fifth International Democratic Peace Conference in Rheims, France, to reflect on the devastation of World War One and to promote global cooperation

It was created by 4,000 pacifists from 30 countries to study international peace work and to prevent future global conflicts. (It doesn’t seem to be working very well today!).

We might not be able to do very much on the global front, but we can do something in our own town and neighborhoods. Whenever a conflict arises, don’t just bull your way into the situation. First, try talking, trying to defuse the situation. I have noticed that cool heads are a lot better than a fiery temper with a lot of shouting.

Until the next time, remember, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.”

Benediction: Gracious Father, help us to remember that it doesn’t take a hot temper and loud voices to settle disagreements, but calm, cool minds and friendly attitudes to calm angry situations.  Amen

Thought for the month:

“Bless the food before us, the family beside us, and the love between us.”

While Chaplain Christine is burdened with technology challenges, she has invited Past MSG Chaplain Clay to share some spiritual thoughts with our Grange Flock.

Grange Heirloom – August 2026

Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Rituals and Declaration of Purposes.

Use the icons below to share this Grange Heirloom on social media and help others understand what the Grange stands for! If this heirloom has a particular meaning for you, click the “leave a comment” link at the left and share your comment with us!

For additional information and resources regarding the Heirloom Program, visit the Heirloom Resource Page on the Maine State Grange Website.