The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1921-06-02
SERVICE ABOVE SELF

1t ever the true Rotary spirit has found prac
teal expression through any one particular individ
ual in Lakeland, that person is Alfred J. Fiol
worthy, secretary of the Lakeland Chamber Of
Commerce who has just rendered his resignation
to the board of directors of that organization. If
Mr. HoIworthy holds to his present intention and
inclination it means that he will retire from those
active duties that have been Of such material
advantage in advancing Lakeland's best interests.
These duties are always CT most exacting nature,
entailing physical and mental strain ihat sooner
OF later has It's effect on the strongest con
slituticns Herein lies the real reason for the
desire on Mr. Folworthys parj TO retire from
such strenuous routine and, III fast, his phy>i-
cian has repeatedly told him such course IS
absolutely imperative if he expects to longer con
tnue participation In HES problems and activities.
From actual observation his must be said that
with Secretary Howorlhy the principle has ever
been before him Of giving hc best in him for the
city In all the arduous work Of the Chamber of
Commerce he has Of course been the one en- whom
has fallen the greater part of the detail and it
has meant long hours. neglect of personal COM
fort and even health. There has never been any
Sinking any spnit OF sclf-seeking, any suggestion
of endeavoring to advance personal interests at
the expense Of the city he loves so well and has
served so faithfully None know this better thar
the members of the board Of directors whose de-
csons naturally have guided the destin;cs Of the
commerce bodies and have been put into effect
through the office Of the secretary and the various
committees.
In his work he has had practically the unani-
nous support of the people of Lakeland True,
here, as in all towns, there are few who, lacking
IN themselves the qualities which inspire respect
and confidence, are jealous of those who are doing
the things to which those qualities are essential.
Their enrnity is d compliment which Mr. IIol-
worthy has Won Ii is he final stamp on the ex,
cellence Of his cwn character and the value of his
services.
l say hai he alone has made the Chamber
of Commerce the splendid organization which it
is. would be 10 overlook the services of the ether
pubhc-spirited citizens who have co-operatad with
him and worked night and day for the upbulding
Vi L-dhtldild Dut II Is no eXdggSrauOn 10 say that
In every good thing Lakeland has secured, his
efforts have been active and effective. He has
worked in perfect harmony with all other forces
engaged in the up-building CT the city He has
stood, quietly and uncomplainingy, on the firing
line, where the onslaught of all the agencies of
retrogression have been heaviest. With the in
stncts Of the high-toned gentlemen he has sensed
unerringy the distinction between envious criticism
and constructive suggestion, contemptuously ignor-
ing the former but ever lending a willing ear to
the latter
A little reflection will convince one how far
short are the rewards for such service either from
a material OF sentimental ndpoint This is
equally true with regard 10 any public Office He
who serves the public will always he open 10
criticism and it is il pity that human kind Is moi
more charitable in its views and inclinatlons for,
after all IS said and ccnc. the best reward ,a;
can come TO Us is contained IN the nord; Of the
Savior who said: Well done good and faithful
servant" So ;hos2 uho 5n9w aad appreciate
what Mr.. Noteworthy has done during The nine