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History Committee

Senior Editor Calum Thomson

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Our four RGHF features "What Paul Harris Said," "Frank Talk Gems," "Our Foundation Newsletter," and "Why I am a Rotarian," are emailed once each month. Get your free copy www.historycomment.org

What Paul Harris Said for August 2008

Today, the 10th of August, 2008, happens to be the 51st anniversary of Rotary Club of Port of Spain, 1957, the First Club of Trinidad and Tobago. Just ten years following the death of Rotary founder Paul P. Harris. It was nearly 40 years after the first non English speaking club in Havana Cuba. At the time, Harris questioned whether Rotary could overcome language barriers. However, Rotary prevailed, as evidenced in this, the last article of his life, in The Rotarian, by Paul Harris:


“Almost contemporaneously, l started a campaign for Rotary Clubs in other cities. Most of the membership considered it a vagary beyond the bounds of reason. So, I went forward alone, but with the sympathy of all. It is a matter of history how Club Number Two was organized in San Francisco, how Rotary went across the Canadian border to Winnipeg and eventually across the sea to the British Isles, where it became an influence throughout the length and breadth of Britain. Cuba came in, and, eventually, Rotary spanned the world.” Paul P. Harris, The Rotarian, late 1946, published shortly after his death.

http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/twoscore.htm 

There are those today who suggest that Harris’ bright light dimmed toward the end of his life. This article was, to my mind, as sharp as any in his 79 years.

It might be useful for all Rotarians in every club to realize that Paul was apposed in his early plans to expand Rotary. If you believe in something and have the passion to carry it out, it’s very likely that you’ll encounter resistance, but take courage from the founder of Rotary. Read his books, letters, articles, and messages at www.whatpaulharriswrote.org 
Paul mentions Club Number Two. In November they will celebrate 100 years.
http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/clubs/cities/clubs/02sanfrancisco.htm 

Yes, the story of Rotary will have to be written again and again.
Yours in Rotary History,
Jack Selway, Founder/CEO
RGHF www.rghf.org (Rotary Global History Fellowship)

 

What Paul Harris Said

- July 13 2008

“Why should a man (or woman) continue to strive for more wealth after (s)he has acquired reasonable sufficiency?
The money quest is largely habit, is it not? ‑or is it a disease? Whatever it may be it has a deadly grip.
There is a growing number of men (and women), however, who possess sufficient character to enable them to master their own destinies, to turn abruptly in their tracks when the time comes to give up the pursuit of the almighty dollar and devote themselves to their second business: attention to the world's needs.
The larger this number becomes the easier it will be for others to follow. The progress of civilization depends upon these men (and women) of character.”

Paul P Harris’ message to the RI Convention in Los Angeles 1922 (read more here http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/conventions/1922/index.htm )

 

There are now close to 1.1 million Paul Harris Fellows in the world today. These men and women have indeed devoted themselves to the attention of the world’s needs by raising over one billion dollars for The Rotary Foundation since 1957. Is it not right that we have used the Founder of Rotary’s name to recognize these worthy men and women because our Paul Harris Fellows reflect the thoughts and hopes of Paul Harris himself?

It is a truly wonderful honor to be named as a Paul Harris Fellow; to accept that pin and medallion which contains the image of Paul Harris. Yet for all of us, and I mean ALL of us, it is only the beginning of a journey – a journey to even greater commitment to donating our excess dollars to helping others. Is that not what Paul Harris is talking about here?

How many of us have enjoyed the even greater pleasure of naming someone we love as a Paul Harris Fellow? Recently, I had such a privilege. When we name someone as a Paul Harris Fellow, we honor that person and honor the name and memory of our Founder. As a Rotarian, there is no greater feeling  than to present the pin and medal to someone special.

Rotarians are indeed men and women of character who devote themselves to giving service and their excess dollars to helping our fellow human beings. Paul Harris would be so proud of the Paul Harris Fellowship – our most successful fund development tool.

Let's make 2008/09 the best year ever for giving to The Rotary Foundation and giving in the name of Paul Harris.

You can read more about the Paul Harris Fellowship by Past RI President Cliff Dochterman by clicking on this link -  http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/1992dochterman/phf.htm

Calum Thomson
RGHF Chairman 2006/07
Rotary Club of Longniddry and District
D-1020, Scotland
calthomson@aol.com

What Paul Harris Said
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org
Sunday 15 June 2008

Recently, WPHS presented the history of the 1922 Los Angeles convention of Rotary International.

Now many of us in RGHF are at the 2008 convention; From LA, we’ll look back at the second convention in LA. http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/conventions/1962/index.htm

At that convention, the 53rd, there were over 22,000 in attendance. The theme of the convention was “Communication for Understanding.” Rotary founder Paul Harris had been gone, from this life, for over 15 years, but this is something that Paul wrote about “understanding” just before he died.

“The Rotary way works! But Rotary has no patent on it, for it is but the Golden Rule in action. Any person, any nation, can apply it by displacing negative hatred and fear with goodwill based upon understanding. Peace among nations is not impossible of attainment; they can find peace if they will.” Paul P. Harris, 1946, “Fear and Hate Must Go.” www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/1946fear.htm

Paul Harris wrote about understanding in over 100 articles found at www.whatpaulharriswrote.org It might have been the keystone of his philosophy. His grandfather, Howard Harris, taught young Paul to seek understanding, tolerance, and peace with all people. It is an important part of Rotary today. This reminder and the reading of all of Harris’ works will no doubt inspire new leaders of Rotary.

We’ll see you in LA at the House of Friendship booth #166 all this week.

http://www.rotaryhistoryfellowship.org/rghf/activities/2008losangeles/index.htm

Yours in Rotary History,
Jack Selway, Founder/CEO
founder@rotaryhistoryfellowship.org
RGHF (Rotary Global History Fellowship) www.rghf.org


New articles at RGHF www.recentposts.org
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What Paul Harris Said

www.whatpaulharrissaid.org


What Paul Harris Said
Sunday 13 April 2008


FIRST***HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PAUL HARRIS, WHO WOULD HAVE BEEN 140 YEARS OLD ON THE 19TH OF APRIL THIS YEAR.*** this reminder from past Rotary Global History Fellowship Chairman Matts Ingemanson. By coincidence for even numbers, March 17th was the 120 anniversary of the death of Howard Harris. Who, you ask? Paul’s grandfather who steered him on his “Road to Rotary.”

The 1922 Convention of Rotary was the first of what will soon be three (3) conventions in Los Angeles, California USA. It was also the site of a major change in our name, from the “International Association of Rotary Clubs” to “Rotary International. At this like you can visit all the LA conventions, including the one we’ll be attending in just two months. www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/conventions/1922/. Just over 6,000 were in attendance.

Rotary founder Paul Harris sent this message:

“Today, a wireless message may be flashed around the world in less time than it took the man of the bloody club to get a thought through his own stupid brain.

The extraordinary significance of recent electrical discoveries will be eclipsed by others yet to come. Time and space have been wiped out as factors in the opposition of man's communion with his fellow men.” Paul P. Harris, 1922, in his message to the first LA convention.

www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/1922friendship.htm

And now today, Rotary Global History Fellowship and all Rotarians can send messages in a way that might have amazed Harris, or might not have. The more I read his works, the more I’m certain that he would not have been surprised at anything today. Except that I believe he would have hoped that we would have achieved world peace by now. We’re trying, Paul, we’re really trying.

Yours in Rotary History,
Jack Selway, Founder & Executive Vice President
Rotary Global History Fellowship (RGHF)
founder@rotaryhistoryfellowship.org

2008 Convention Update www.rotary2008.com

New articles at RGHF www.recentposts.org
 

What Paul Harris Said

March 30 2008

 

“Love is mightier than hate. Give it one half the advertising that hate has had and there will be no more war”.

The Rotarian magazine, February 1924
 Read the full article at http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/1924_2opinion.htm

As Paul Harris would observe if he were alive today, it is so sad  that the world’s media largely ignore our successful club projects that change peoples lives for the better and concentrate on the negative violence that plagues the planet.

That is why Rotary clubs ought to establish a public relations committee within the club. It is a crying shame that the public along with so many Rotarians are not fully aware of all the wonderful and inspiring projects that Rotary is engaged in each and every day all over the world.

In my personal music collection there is a wonderful lyric that proclaims “If you are willing to change the world, let love be your energy”. It seems to me that Rotary is like an ever-ready battery that can provide all the love that we need for the whole world – and the good news is that there is an unlimited supply amongst Rotarians.

Please tell your stories to the world and advertise ‘love’ as first suggested by Paul Harris.

Calum Thomson
calthomson@aol.com
RGHF Chairman 2006/07
Rotary Club of Longniddry & District
District 1020
Scotland

What Paul Harris Said
March 9, 2008

www.whatpaulharrissaid.org

In his message to the International Convention in Toronto 1942

What Paul Harris Said

March 9 2008


“The grandest opportunity to serve humanity is directly before us.

Let us remember that it is always darkest just before dawn. These are the before daylight hours. Let us fervently hope that when the sun does rise it will usher in a day of unprecedented glory - the day of the brotherhood of man."

See the full article at http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/library/conventions/1942toronto.htm

As Paul Harris tells us, a world of goodwill and peace provides Rotarians with countless opportunities to serve.

Paul Harris described himself in numerous articles as a Rotary ambassador of goodwill. During his many travels around the world, he would share his dream of a more peaceful world with everyone he met. Harris’ optimism came from his love of his fellow mankind and his certain knowledge that Rotary will always remain an organization that looks forward and never dwells on past achievements.

It is no surprise that our Rotary International President Wilf Wilkinson places so much emphasis on the power of the Rotary International Convention. It is the convention that brings Rotary ambassadors of goodwill from all over the world together in friendship and fellowship. It is a truly inspiring and motivating experience to discover the power of Rotary INTERNATIONAL.

Calum Thomson
calthomson@aol.com
RGHF Chairman 2006/07
Rotary Club of Longniddry & District
District 1020
Scotland

2008 Convention Update www.rotary2008.com

Register for the 2008 RGHF breakfast https://www.sporg.com/servlet/IndRegister?orgID=972&viewType=1

What Paul Harris Said

February 10 2008

In 13 Days Rotarians around the world will mark the 103rd anniversary of the first gathering of four men, who went on to create Rotary as we know it today. Rotary Global History Fellowship has for nearly eight years been bringing Rotary’s History to life. Today, our feature “What Paul Harris Said,” reminds all of us that we are imperfect humans. We all make mistakes, but if we move forward and continue to seek world peace and understanding, we will make progress.

 Paul Harris, founder of Rotary made very few mistakes, but one that is still in print is interesting since it involves Rotary #5, the Rotary Club of Los Angeles, where Rotary’s 99th convention will be held.

In “This Rotarian Age” Harris refers to LA as the fourth club, he later wrote a correction.  “Early in the year 1908, Manuel Munoz, a member of the Chicago club, was prevailed upon to carry the message to San Francisco. He pledged himself to interest some suitable resident of the city of the Golden Gate in the organization of a club. In Homer Wood, a young lawyer, he found the right man. Homer not only organized a club in his own city, but in conjunction with other friends organized clubs number three in Oakland, and number four in Los Angeles. “Paul Harris, 1935 “This Rotarian Age.” Page 77 http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/library/rotarianage/rotarianage.htm  

So, if you make a mistake, shake it off. Remember that 50% of the initial four men, quickly dropped out of Rotary. Another footnote to history is that SF#2, Rotary Club of San Francisco will, this November, be only the second club to reach 100 years. Visit their booth in Los Angeles to learn more. And we hope to see many of you at our annual RGHF Breakfast in LA.

Yours in Rotary History,

Jack Selway, Founder, Rotary Global History Fellowship (RGHF)
Member: Rotary eClub of the Southwest USA

What Paul Harris Said

What Paul Harris Said
January 13, 2008

www.whatpaulharrissaid.org

In his message to the International Convention in Los Angeles 1922

"Rotary is the door to friendship. Let us throw it open to every people."

See the full article at http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/conventions/1922/index.htm

In these few words to the Convention of some 84 years ago, Paul Harris summed up a new era of international Rotary. It was at the LA Convention of 1922, that the term ROTARY INTERNATIONAL was formally recognized.

Today as we again prepare to meet in the same city in June, remember these words. At the International Convention, Rotarians from all over the world get the unique opportunity to meet and share ideas; to inspire and be inspired; and to build new and ever lasting friendships.

But before then, let us reflect on Paul Harris’ simple words. Let them guide us to work toward renewing and expanding this mass organization that each of us belongs to and loves. Why can’t we find men and women from every profession and every land, from every culture and from every background – a Rotary world OPEN TO EVERY PERSON?

See you in Los Angeles.

Calum Thomson
RGHF Chairman 2006/07
Rotary Club of Longniddry & District
District 1020
Scotland
 
 

The contents of this website, our electronic features and newsletters have been researched, collected, compiled, and written by Rotarians.

RGHF Mission: As an effort to serve others, RGHF accumulates and preserves the complete history, values and philosophy of the Rotary movement, as well as encourages others to do the same at every level of the Rotary movement, and publishes those histories, values and philosophies on the internet, as well as other forms of media as expedient. 17 March 2003, amended 20 December 2007, Rotary Global History Fellowship Board of Directors.

This fellowship is not an agency of, or controlled by, Rotary International, but is affiliated with individual Rotary districts, clubs, other Rotary organizations and enjoys the support of Rotarians, clubs, districts, and zones world-wide. The views and opinions expressed on this website are not necessarily the collective views and opinions of Rotary International or all Rotarians. Rotary International is not responsible for any content and accepts no liability therefore. © 2000-2008 RGHF (Rotary Global History Fellowship)