Elizabethtown Area Grange Celebrates Silver Anniversary

State Master Betsy Huber presents
Ron Shaffer with his Past Master's pin

MOUNT JOY, Pa. – The members of Elizabethtown Area Grange #2076 had something special to celebrate at their December meeting, 25 years of serving the agricultural interests and community needs of northwestern Lancaster County. The local Grange celebrated its accomplishments at The Gathering Place restaurant in Mount Joy on December 20.

“For more than a quarter of a century, our Grange has played an important role in making our community a better place to live,” said Elizabethtown Grange Master Matt Espenshade. “From promoting agriculture and education to lobbying in Harrisburg, our members have taken an active role.”

Elizabethtown Grange was formed in 1982, when then State Master Charles Wismer challenged the members of Fulton Grange #66, in lower Lancaster County, to establish another Grange, according to charter member and first Master Kenneth Myer. Elizabethtown was selected because the members believed there was enough farmer interest to achieve the required number of members for chartering. As Myer shared his memories of the early days of the Elizabethtown Grange, he also challenged the audience to recruit new members.
Meyer said his family was familiar with the Grange because of participation in the former Ephrata Grange, when the family farmed in that area. Myer and his mother, Sara, were presented the Silver Sheaf award, a citation from the National Grange for 25 years of continuous membership.

Myer and Ron Shaffer were presented past-master pins by State Master Betsy Huber, and commended for their years of service in leading the organization.

Sara and Kenneth Myer, center, were honored for 25 years of Grange membership. Master Matt Espenshade is on left and State Grange Secretary Sandy Witmer is on right

Sen. Mike Brubaker presents a citation commemorating Elizabethtown Grange's 25th anniversary to Kenneth Myer and Matt Espenshade

State Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Brubaker (R-36) presented a citation from the Pennsylvania Senate, congratulating the members for Elizabethtown Grange’s achievements.

“Elizabethtown Grange has developed a strong reputation for the highest quality of service since its inception. By steady adherence to the principles of fairness, reliability, and integrity, it has become a leader in the community,” said Brubaker.

The citation was sponsored by Brubaker and Sen. Michael Folmer (R-48), both members of Elizabethtown Grange.

Espenshade summarized the key for Grange’s future success by quoting from a book titled The Grange: Friend of the Farmer: “To those who find their pleasure in doing something for the common good, the Grange provides an instrument both effective and satisfying. Through the Grange we have an opportunity to give, and the more we give the more we gain”.

The Elizabethtown Grange is a family-oriented fraternal organization dedicated to the promotion of agriculture and rural life through community service, grass roots legislation, and fellowship. For more information please contact Matt Espenshade, Master, at 717-361-2844.