In 1905, Paul Harris, a young lawyer in Chicago, experiencing the loneliness of a newcomer to a big city, wanted to become acquainted with individuals in other businesses and professions. From this beginning, they invited others to meet with them, and began to rotate the meetings among each others’ offices. From this “rotation” came the name Rotary. Their number soon became too great to meet in ea
ch others’ offices and a lunch club was formed. This initiative quickly spread beyond Chicago, and just 19 years later, on December 2, 1924 our first Columbus Rotary Club members met. Our club was officially chartered by Rotary International on January 20, 1925 and included 21 members representing Columbus area professions and businesses. Today, approximately 100 members from local businesses, non-profits, and government continue to grow the Rotary tradition by joining together for weekly (Monday) lunch meetings and fellowship. We also actively participate in Rotary efforts that make our community, our country, and our world a better place in which to live. Rotary is an organization of business and professional people pledged to uphold the highest ethical and moral standards. Rotarians believe that worldwide fellowship and peace can be achieved when business people unite with the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self." Rotary activities exemplify the charity and sacrifice that one would expect from people who believe that they have a responsibility to help others. Welcome to The Columbus Rotary Club, a group of people with a rich tradition of community service and leadership for Columbus, Indiana.
