The Orange, Texas USA Rotary Club was admitted to Rotary International on 1 June 1919. Its first President was H.J.L. Stark. Mr. Stark, together with other influential members of the City of Orange, believed that the community would benefit from being a part of the service and humanitarian efforts of the national organization. Club meetings were initially held in the Holland Hotel in downtown Orange, and other locations have been utilized over the years. Over the next few decades, the Orange Rotary Club grew both in numbers and in its influence within the larger Rotary community. Mr. Stark provided leadership at the State of Texas regional level, and eventually served as a Director and Vice-President of Rotary International. Club members have effectively contributed their time and talents at the District level, including District Governors J. Neal Miller (1960-1961), Barney Morris (1982-1983) and Jim Stelly (1988-1989). Rotary's presence continued to grow in Orange County with the addition of two new Clubs sponsored by the Orange Club. The Vidor, Texas USA Rotary Club was chartered in 1970, and the Bridge City, Texas USA Rotary Club was chartered in 1974. The three Orange County Clubs provide full coverage for Rotary activity in the different communities within the county. During Rotary's Centennial Year of 1 July 2004 -
30 June 2005, the Orange Club is home to over 100 Rotarians who carry out Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self." That motto is put into practice within the Four Avenues of Service. Club Service includes providing for informative and interesting meeting programs, encouraging the growth in numbers and participation of Club members, and ensuring good communications within and outside of the Club. Community Service activities include awarding scholarships for local high school students, and providing financial and volunteer support for other community groups, such as literacy outreach and food for needy persons. Vocational Service recognizes persons who have made significant achievements in their business or professions. International Service involves the local Club in a variety of service programs sponsored by Rotary International, such as the Group Student Exchange, Ambassadorial Scholarships, and the Rotary Foundation. The Rotary Club of Orange, Texas USA is proud of its heritage and looks forward to meeting the opportunities and challenges that future years might bring as its members continue to put "Service Above Self" in their personal or business environments.
Centennial President Alan Sanders
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