Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-04-15

/ responsible positions in this city and
vicinity. and these men take Rotary
seriously. To be elected president
of this club is a greater honor than
will come to most members of this
club in their lifetime. You are the
choice not only of the directors. but
| of every member as well. You were
chosen
First. because we believe you are
fitted in character to honorably rep
resent us in this community and dis
trict.
Second. because we believe you
have the keenress of mind to con-
duct our meetings with pep, interest
and profit.
Third. we believe you represent
the real spirit of Rotary-friendli-
ness and service.
II must also remind you that you
are to be president of this club
while Waterville is the Rotary cap
ital city of the 31st District, a re-
sponsibility not to be lightly accept
ed: but I can pledge to you the loyal
backing and support of every Water
vile Rotarian.
What then shall we expect of
you?
First, that you will so plan our
meetings that we may have a rea-
soIable amount Of song, spice and
fun. Some relaxation does US good
and keeps us young; but If correct
~ understand these men, they count
these meetings most worthwhile.
which they leave with firmer pur-
pose to live less for self and more for
service.
"Our work for education is very
= -
tention.
"Our opportunity and duty to
work with boys cannot be overesti-
mated. We hope you will push it.
"Our work for crippled and I'M
der-privileged children will pay
great dividends. We are sure you
will not see this lag. But there is
a need for which you as president
can lead this club to perform a serv-
ice, which far transcends all other
needs.
"There exists all over the world
today a great unrest-a spirit of dis
trust and suspicion of doubt and
envy-of class unfriendliness and ha-
tired. This spirit strives to divide
men of different color into hostile
camps, to make enemies of men of
different races. It creeps into our
politics and our social affairs; it dis
rupts our business relations and
worst of all it strives to poison our
religious life and thought, making
enemies of those who are the sons
OF the same Heavenly Father, and
who by every reason under Heaven,
should be Friends and Brothers.
Nineteen hundred years ago there
came into this world A Great Light"
(which lighteth every man that COM
eth into the world" and that Light
shown on and clearly lighted that
straight and narrow way that lead
eth unto life," and the name of that
way was Peace not war, Trust not
suspicion, Friendliness not distrust,
Love not hatred, Service not selfish
ness. In that path there walked a
Voice, and that Voice said, "All things
whatsoever We would that men should
for this is the law" 1t said, bear
We one anothers burdens and so fulfil
the law of Christ" 1t said, LET him
who is greatest among you serve" 1t
invited all men from every where to
walk together in that path that
leadeth unto both life," both here and
and hereafter. Men Of every color
every race-every political group
Of every station in life-of every re-
ligious faith.
Nineteen years ago, Rotary had its
beginning in Chicago. These first
Rotarians, thank God, planned for
better than they knew, for they seiz-
ed that torch of Light and raising it.
on high. have caused its rays to pen
citrate far deeper than before, into
thousands of lives. Rotary is carry
ing this Light of friendship and SER
vice around the world, to tighten men
of every color, race and creed-mak-
ing of all men brothers. understands
ing believing in each other; teaching
In each other; teaching the lessons
men must learn and practice, If this
world is ever to become a place of
joy, instead of sorrow-of service in
stead of selfishness.
President Tom-if you will lead
us to further spread this friendly
Light throughout this community,
you will have done a service far be-
yond the price of finest gold"