LABOR DAY

From the beginning, the Methodist movement has focused particular attention on the concerns of workers. Justice, dignity and equality for workers are an integral part of our social teachings and heritage. Methodists have been a part of the labor movement throughout history, committed to fairness and justice in the workplace.

When John Wesley, one of the founders of the Methodist movement, began his ministry in rapidly industrializing England, there was no “labor movement” the way we understand it today. But Wesley preached to and cared for coal miners and other oppressed workers, opposed slavery, and advocated for protecting people from dangerous working conditions.

After Wesley died, his followers continued to address injustices affecting working people, helping to create early British labor unions based on the structure of the Methodist societies.

In the United States, Methodists were among the first supporters of the labor movement. Both lay and clergy members played leadership roles in supporting garment workers, textile workers, farm workers, and factory workers and advocating passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the National Labor Relations Act.

In the early 20th century the church worked to end child labor and adopted the first Social Creed in 1908. The Social Creed dealt exclusively with labor practices. In the 1950s, during the U.S. civil rights movement, Methodists fought for fair wages and better working conditions.

“The church proclaims, “Throughout Scripture, God commands us to treat workers with respect, dignity, and fairness. Exploitation or underpayment of workers is incompatible with Christ’s commandment to love our neighbor — a love that extends to all persons in all places, including the workplace.” (Book of Resolutions).

A FEW FACTS ABOUT LABOR DAY:

How was Labor Day started?

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. Following the deaths of 13 workers during the Pullman Strike in June of 1894, President Grover Cleveland put reconciliation with the labor movement as a top political priority and Labor Day became a federal holiday.

Who invented Labor Day?

Peter J. McGuire, a carpenter and labor union leader, was the person who came up with the idea for Labor Day. He thought American workers should be honored with their own day. He proposed his idea to New York’s Central Labor Union early in 1882, and they thought the holiday was a good idea, too.

The road to success in the workplace requires persistence, passion and commitment. You have demonstrated that you have all three and more. You are the reason we celebrate Labor Day.

Sometimes, it may seem like the world takes your efforts for granted. It may seem like you are inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, but I want you to know that you are valued and the work you do is much appreciated. Have a peaceful Labor Day!

GRANDPARENT’S DAY

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

The roots of Grandparents Day go back to 1956 and a West Virginia mother named Marian McQuade. While helping to organize a community celebration for those over 80, she became aware of the many nursing home residents who were forgotten by their families. She wanted a holiday to bring attention to these forgotten individuals and to honor all grandparents. In 1973, West Virginia became the first state to have such a day. McQuade and others then shifted their efforts to the national level, achieving success in 1978. It was in 1979 that President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the first Sunday after Labor Day each year as National Grandparents Day (September was chosen to signify the “autumn” years of life).

It was initiated at the grassroots level by West Virginian Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, with the behind-the-scenes support of her husband Joseph L. McQuade. They had 15 children, 43 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. After being married for over 60 years, Mr. McQuade passed away in 2001. Mrs. McQuade passed away in 2008.

Grandparents Day is a national holiday or observance, celebrated each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, although it is not classified as a federal holiday. The purpose of the holiday, as stated in the preamble to the statute, is “to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”

We Celebrate Our Service Family