LATIN SECTION CHAIR, JOSE MESA (ZHEMA)

Brief histories of the "RotarioLatinAmerica" Clubs

Rotario Club of LIMA, The first club of Peru

Rotario International Distrito D4450

18 Julio 1920

Also a Part of History of Rotary in South America

Home Club of Fernando Carbajal, President of Rotary International 1942-1943 ( convention page)

President's home page

Rotary had rapidly begun to spread into South America by the year 1919 with the formation of the first Rotary Club in Uruguay. Within three short years it had reached Panama and Argentina before moves took place to create the first club in Peru.

The "Association of Rotary International," asked Alfonso Federico Pezet, to organize Rotary Clubs in Peru in consultation with the appointed Ambassador of Peru in the United States, Fernando Carbajal Segura, who later became President of Rotary International in1942

On July 14, 1920, the Central Committee of Rotary International confirmed the credentials of Don Fernando Carbajal Segura and appointed him as special envoy for the formation of a Rotary Club in Peru.

"Don Fernando" recognised the benefits of seeking assistance from James H. Roth who was considered the best connection for this purpose and who was then the acting U.S. Consul in Lima, and was known to be a very enthusiastic supporter of the ideals of Rotary.

On June 18, 1920, in the restaurant at the zoo, located in the Exposition Park, the twelve founders of the Rotary Club of Lima, met for lunch for the first time. 

The following charter members attended the first meeting - Cesar A. Coloma, Victor Andres Belaunde, William F. Montavon, Santiago Acuña, Charles F. Montavon, Carlos Arana Santamaria, Fernando Carbajal Segura, James H. Roth, Enrique Bianchi, Charles F. Hill, Cesar Wallach, John Alexander Mckay, and Mr. J. N. Griffiths.

Cesar A. Coloma was duly appointed the First President of the club and Fernando Carbajal was appointed the first Secretary. This was Carbajal's first involvement in Rotary and began a long association with this distinguished association of high ranking community members, culminating in his appointment as only the second South American President of Rotary International in 1942/43 year.

See also "Roth in Peru" for other Rotary Clubs initiated with assistance from James H. Roth.

Under Construction August 2008

Researched and posted by RGHF Webmaster, Greg Barlow