Paul P Harris founder
of Rotary was born in Racine Wisconsin, USA on 19 April 1868.
He received the bachelor of physical culture and LL.D. degrees
from the University of Vermont and the LL.B degree from the
University of lowa.
His work and extensive travels
in America and Europe broadened his vision and formed his
philosophy in the early extension of Rotary.
In 1896 he set up his law
practice in Chicago, and in 1900 first formulated his plan
for a club for businessmen that would promote friendship and
fellowship.
With three good friends,
he formed the first Club in 1905 and named it “Rotary”
because its members met in rotation in their places of works.
Membership grew rapidly and when Paul Harris became the club’s
third president, he strove to extend Rotary to other cities.
The second club was founded
in San Francisco in 1908 and by 1910, there were 16 clubs
and they decided and formed the National Association of Rotary
Clubs. After clubs were formed in Canada and Great Britain,
the name was changed in 1912 to the international Association
of Rotary Clubs. Ten years later, the name was shortened to
Rotary International. Paul Harris was the first president
of both the National Association and Rotary International.
When Paul Harris passed away
on 27 January 1947, he was president emeritus of Rotary International.
There were two further stages
that evolved. One was an additional motto, “Service
Above Self” The other was the acceptance of one object
of Rotary one Word, SERVICE,
through four main avenues of activity.
(1) The development of acquaintance
(Club and Programme Service).
(2) The maintenance of high
ethical standards in business and professions (Vocational
Service), and the 4 way-test
(3) The application of high moral standards in personal and
community life (Community and
Youth Service);
(4) The advancement of international
understanding (International Service)
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