By Gari Voss
On Friday, April 26, 2024, the Allegan Rotary, No. 1709. District 6360 celebrated its 100th year. Originally established as a men’s service club with the motto Service Above Self, it began installing women. The group became an integral part of the Allegan area as it determined then met community needs.
When past and present Rotarians gathered at the Silo behind The Grill House to music by “EC Does It” = Dean Michaels and Greg Howard. Master of Ceremony Larry Ladenburger welcomed Patrick White who shared reflections.
White began with a reflection of Paul P. Harris who founded Rotary International. Young Mr. Harris worked to overcome rejection by his parents, questionable decision making as a youth, an education that required a number of jumpstarts, and a variety of careers until he set out his law shingle in Chicago.
It was in Chicago in 1905 when Harris’ desire to develop friendship and fellowship led he to establish the Rotary Club of Chicago. The club of “likeminded men” fulfilled Harris’ need for friendship. Rotary was chosen to indicate that there would be a rotation in members’ offices. From Chicago, the Club spread to other large cities and abroad.
In 1919, Allen Frink, a member of the Kalamazoo Rotary, spent time determining if Allegan was a good place to begin a Rotary Club. On March 24, 1924, the Allegan Rotary Club was organized with Dr. J. H. VanNess as president. The membership included businessmen and professionals across the community.
White shared, “In the early years of the Club, fellow Rotarian Ethol Stone (the same who established the Allegan Community Foundation) suggested establishing the Pot O’ Gold with the proceeds initially used to purchase War Bonds, and following the war these funds were directed to Allegan Hospital.”
During his reflection, White likened the giving of Rotarians to those who put something in the plate each time it passes by. This has meant that Allegan has benefited from the efforts of these men and women over time because they believed in “service before self”.
Rotary Clubs use a 4-Way litmus Test when making decisions. The questions are a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide – personally and professionally.
“Of the things we think, say, or do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”
White continued, “This past decade has played havoc on participation in service clubs, volunteerism, church attendance, and the list goes on. Perhaps as we look back a bit this evening celebrating the past accomplishments of Allegan Rotary, we need to also look forward and recapture a vision for new ways we can serve our community. To paraphrase the scriptures, ‘Without a vision, our club will perish’.”
Going forward, “Our club has been a forward-thinking organization. It has been said that one has a better view of life by looking through the front window rather than glancing at the rearview mirror.” White believes, “We are a patriotic club and a praying club – I pray we will soar on the wings like eagles; run and not grow weary; walk and not be faint – for there is still work to be done in our community!”
Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary can contact Pam Armstrong at parmstrong@alleganlibrary.org.
