Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 8.djvu/850

 830 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

With high vision and consecrated service this organization, under the direction of the state agricultural schools, is now attempting to bring together in harmonious action the various forces engaged in the betterment of rural life. The Grange, the farmers' clubs, the school, and the church are asked to co-operate in each county and state institute. This year there was a joint meeting of the Michigan Farmers' Institute and the Michigan Political Science Association ; and the theme of the gathering was the unification of the forces engaged in the amelioration of rural life. The inspiration in such a presentation of the forces of life must have been seen in the remarks of Mr. C. D. Smith, one of the leaders of the movement :

More than one citizen long past middle life and living in an isolated com- munity came to me at the close of the institute, and, almost in tears, expressed his gratitude that there had been revealed to him aspects of his own life that had theretofore been withheld from him.

No presentation of the movements for the amelioration of the rural community would be complete without an account of the Hesperia movement. On the principle that " no organiza- tion, no extension movement, university or otherwise, will prove adequate to the social, civic, intellectual, and spiritual life of rural life, since the force that socializes must be in the midst of the community must be a part of its very life," a movement having its origin in Hesperia, Mich., is on foot to erect a build- ing in every community in which may be developed to a high degree the complete life of the community. This new move- ment is not intended to supplant any of the other organizations of rural life ; it is to be simply a bond to draw them together in closer communion, sympathy, and love for the amelioration of the community life. In this building the different organizations may meet and give free expression to their activities. Here these activities will find united expression in a "big meeting" once a year. The evening sessions will be reserved for speakers of state and national reputation ; and the day sessions, for addresses and discussions upon subjects pertaining to home, school, farm, church, and civic life. On Sunday a union serv- ice emphasizes the place of the church as a spiritual factor in