Some time during the year 1919, thirty men from the town of Decatur and thirty men from the town of Albany met together for the avowed purpose of achieving the consolidation of those two warring and divisive municipalities. They cast about for an organization to serve as a vehicle for their efforts and after reviewing a number of forms of organizations and clubs, decided that Kiwanis International
, with its motto "We Build" was the organization most likely to be effective in their endeavor. Membership was originally limited to sixty men, thirty from Decatur and thirty from Albany. At times there was a waiting list for membership. When Kiwanis International discovered the sixty member limitation, some fifteen or twenty years later, they required the Decatur club to eliminate that requirement. Eventually in 1927, after tireless effort and Kiwanis influence in the state legislature, Decatur and Albany were united into the existing community of Decatur. It is safe to say that the consolidation was brought about by the Kiwanis Club of Decatur. The Club continues to abide by the motto "We Build". Many other activities have been engaged in by the Club with significant and beneficial results for the community. Kiwanis was the first of the service clubs to be organized in Decatur and continues to furnish leadership in all worthwhile community undertakings. It continues to be active today with its commitment to the Morgan County Youth Ranch and other youth projects. There is plenty of fun and fellowship, but service to humanity and building a better community are still our goals and aims.
