The founder of Rotary, Paul Harris, was born on 19 April 1868 so we toasted his birthday at our meeting on 24 April, along with two club members.
Our Youth Committee arrived at the last Club Council with a presentation produced by AI. So, to show them that us “oldies” can also embrace new technology we asked Gemini AI to produce a talk on Paul Harris. Read on to hear all about this remarkable man ...
Thank you for the opportunity to speak briefly about a remarkable individual, Paul Harris, and the extraordinary organization he founded, Rotary International.
Paul Harris was born on 19 April 1868 in Racine, Wisconsin, USA.
Imagine Chicago at the turn of the 20th century – a bustling, rapidly growing metropolis. Amidst this change, a young lawyer named Paul P. Harris arrived, seeking connection and community. He observed a fading sense of camaraderie among professionals in the city, a stark contrast to the close-knit spirit he remembered from his upbringing in a small Vermont town.
Driven by a desire to recreate that fellowship, Harris gathered three acquaintances – a coal dealer, a mining engineer, and a merchant tailor. On February 23, 1905, in a small office in downtown Chicago, the first Rotary Club was formed. The name "Rotary" came from their initial practice of rotating meeting locations among members' businesses, fostering both fellowship and a better understanding of each other's vocations.
Initially conceived as a social and networking group, Rotary soon evolved beyond its original purpose. Paul Harris and the early Rotarians recognized a shared desire to contribute to their community. This nascent spirit of service took hold, and in 1907, the Rotary Club of Chicago undertook its first public service project – advocating for the installation of public restrooms in the city. This marked a pivotal moment, transforming Rotary into the world's first service club.
Under Paul Harris's guidance and vision, Rotary began to expand. Clubs sprang up in other cities across the United States and then internationally, with the first overseas club established in Winnipeg, Canada. Harris's dream of a global fellowship dedicated to service was taking shape. In 1922, the organization officially adopted the name Rotary International, a testament to its growing worldwide presence.
Paul Harris served as Rotary's third president and later as President Emeritus, remaining a guiding force behind the organization's development. He instilled the core values that continue to define Rotary today: fellowship, integrity, diversity, service, and leadership. His belief in "Service Above Self" became, and remains, Rotary's principal motto, encapsulating the commitment of Rotarians to humanitarian work and making a positive impact in the world.
When Paul Harris passed away in 1947, Rotary had grown into a significant international force. His legacy lives on through the millions of Rotarians worldwide who embody his vision. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition, established in his honour, celebrates individuals who have made substantial contributions to The Rotary Foundation, supporting its vital work in areas such as polio eradication, peace promotion, disease prevention, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and community economic development.
In conclusion, Paul Harris was more than just the founder of an organization; he was a visionary who recognized the power of connection and the potential for collective action to create a better world. His foundational principles continue to inspire Rotarians to make a tangible difference in their communities and across the globe, a testament to the enduring impact of one man's desire for fellowship and service.