Blogs

During this time of year in our Grange life we tend to look at some of the major accomplishments of the organization on a national scale since its inception in 1867. A couple of the better known standouts include the Granger Laws, which laid the groundwork for the Interstate Commerce Commission, and Rural Free Delivery. Both of these events changed the direction of government and commerce at that time, with their influence continuing to this day. While these are significant and important, I would submit that the thousands upon thousands of activities and events that have taken place down through the years on local levels, helping people in need, raising awareness to community problems, contributing to community betterment, and working to create better educational opportunities, just to name a few, constitutes the real "heartbeat" of the organization.

 This is also a good time to reflect on how we got to where we are, and what it will take to continue positive impact into the future. Oliver Hudson Kelley, the undisputed prime mover of the Grange, was nothing short of a radical, and the organization he proposed was designed to address and rectify the significant social and economic problems of a rapidly changing society, healing from the ravages of the Civil War. In order to accomplish this, the organization was designed to be prudent with the times, designed like other flourishing organizations. Thus, it was created as a fraternity. While negative criticism has been leveled at fraternal societies from various sources down through the years, that fact remains that organizations thus styled are around for the long haul, as opposed to "single issue" groups that many times disappear about as fast as they appear.

 In today's world we see many of the same situations that existed in Kelley's day. Technology is advancing at a fact pace, and one only has to read the newspaper or watch TV to realize that social disorder is rapidly rising, even in communities thought to be immune. Economic problems dog many segments of our society, even though the economy as a whole is good. One difference though, seems to be the reluctance on the part of a greater percentage of the population to get involved to make things better. The tremendous satisfaction of a long term group accomplishment has been replaced with the instant gratification of computer games and/or entertainment programs; and, increased employment demands take a toll as well, even among those willing to participate.

In an attempt to stay with changing times and attitudes, the Grange has streamlined its path to membership and modified other aspects of it's structure, while at the same time maintaining the tried and true character and underlying philosophy that defines its uniqueness. When it comes to the outworking of this philosophy, that being the betterment of manhood and womanhood and doing what we can to improve our communities, its just not going to happen without cooperative effort and time spent. The rewards are worth it, not only with the personal satisfaction of a completed task, but also with the knowledge that something has been accomplished that far bigger than ones self.

Al Fine

Almost. According to the calendar it is still about a week away, and we all fully realize that even though the season officially changes, severe winter weather can still arrive in full furry. It just can’t hang around as long.

Spring is a time of renewal. As the snow cover recedes we look for indications that daffodils, crocus and other early flowers are poking their new stems from the earth, buds forming and fattening on trees and bushes, and grass gradually turning greener. The season has its influence inside the house as well, as "spring cleaning" removes the vestiges of winter clutter from our homes, as witnessed by the overflowing trash bins lined up along the street at this time of year. Moving into the personal realm, this season frequently encourages spiritual and emotional renewal as well. The longer daylight hours, the signs of Nature’s renewal everywhere we look, encourages us, if no more than subconsciously, to make a few positive changes.

As the underlying philosophy of the Grange is rooted in agriculture, and thus by extension nature itself, the seasons of the year are given special attention with applications drawn from them to apply to our personal lives. We are called upon to think of spring in terms of faith. Each year we expect that as winter yields to spring the growth season will begin, because it always has been that way. However, there is still at least a small amount of faith involved trusting that it will continue in that mode. On the personal side, even though we all have varying amounts of history behind us, which can assist in determining our future, when it comes to an absolute knowledge of it, we all are walking as if we were blindfolded. The only navigation instrument available to us, is faith.

History gives us many examples of men and women who, guided by pure faith, have accomplished great things. In relation to the Grange, one of our founders, Oliver Hudson Kelley, would be an outstanding example, but there have been and continue to be many others who, guided by the faith that what they were doing was the right thing to do, have made significant impacts on their communities, states, and nation. Let us work together, with a united faith that we can have a positive impact on our local community, our greater community, while at the same time receiving the satisfaction of witnessing our own faith in action.

Al Fine