RGHF Rotary Global History

 

"Slowly, we seek to serve others, believing that history will encourage membership retention."

HISTORY●GLOBAL●DISTRICT●CLUB●MISSING●LIBRARY●HARRIS●PEACE●TRF●PHILOSOPHY●PRESIDENTS●CONVENTIONS●NEW●COMMITTEE●JOIN●email●FORUM●SEARCH●RGHF RGHF is not responsible for Google translation errors

HISTORY CALENDAR SECTION HOME Conventions of Rotary International THEMES
HOST CLUBS 50TH ANN. CENTENNIAL 1ST CONVENTION COMPLETE LIST DISCUSSION
COORDINATOR NEEDED COMMITTEE WHAT'S NEW? UPDATES
The 15th Convention - Toronto, June 16-20 with 9,173 in attendance

Guy Gundaker, Philadelphia, PA

See all Canadian Conventions
Over 1,500 Clubs were represented at the convention held at the Canadian National Exhibition Grounds attended by a record 9,173 delegates. By 1924, Rotary had soared past the 100,000 member mark and new countries such as Switzerland and Bermuda entered the Rotary family.

A "Rotary Day in the Churches" preceded the Convention proper with many of the Toronto churches participating with appropriate Rotary sermons read out by Rotary pastors. Toronto was an apt venue as its name is derived from the Huron Indian meaning "place of meeting". Rotary would return there in 1942.

The Good-will Pageant was a spectacular affair set on the banks of the majestic Lake Ontario. The 20,000 audience was entertained with a "tattoo" including military bands and highland dancers. The flags of the 28 Rotary countries were proudly displayed and amongst the songs that the enthralled company heard was "Abide With Me" and Robert Burns's "Comin Through the Rye". The pageant's climax involved a magnificent sunset fireworks display with, finally, the emblazoned words of Welcome - Rotary International displayed.

King George V sent a telegram of welcome to all Rotarians at the convention and paid tribute to the movement's work. Frank Littlefield, President of the Toronto Rotary Club welcomed fellow delegates to his city and told of how the Toronto Club had dreamed of this day for the twelve years of their existence.

As always, Emeritus President Paul Harris sent1 greetings to the gathering. He said: "Is there not prophetic significance in the fact that in this city, located as it is on the unfortified frontier between the United States of America and the Dominion of Canada, this great meeting is to be held?"


Rotary International President Guy Gundaker of Philadelphia, Pa spoke to the Convention on a theme of Business Methods and ended with a song written in his honour in October 1923. The song was composed by Lancaster, Pa Rotary Club members Martin M Harnish (lyrics) and Harry A Sykes (music) and sung live by Adam Z Moore.

I see the Flag of Rotary
From land to land unfurled;
I see a bond of hope and love
Binding a heartsick world.

Ten times thousand men each week
For high ideals join hands;
And then go forth to teach, to love
Those ideals throughout all lands.

'Tis ours to make a better world,
To sense, to love, to give;
To make our dream of dreams come true -
We've but one life to live.


The Presidency was handed on one of Paul Harris' many friends Everett W Hill of Oklahoma City.

 

 

1From 1912 to 1930 and often after that due to Paul Harris' health is was necessary for him only to send messages.

Photo upper left "1924 Convention in Session at the coliseum, Canadian National exhibition"

credit: Doug Rudman - Calum Thomson
1924-25 RI officers Message from The King Oldest/Newest Club Attendees
Some of the gatherings VIP's More worldly Rotarians The way we were.
 

Become a member of Rotary Global History for only $30 USD. Dues support internet, membership services, and convention costs. Click here to join!

RGHF Disclaimer  Privacy Policy  Usage Agreement

The contents of this website, our electronic features and newsletters have been researched, collected, compiled, and written by Rotarians.

RGHF Mission: As an effort to serve others, RGHF accumulates and preserves the complete history, values and philosophy of the Rotary movement, as well as encourages others to do the same at every level of the Rotary movement, and publishes those histories, values and philosophies on the internet, as well as other forms of media as expedient. 17 March 2003, amended 20 December 2007, Rotary Global History Board of Directors.

This fellowship is not an agency of, or controlled by, Rotary International, but is affiliated with individual Rotary districts, clubs, other Rotary organizations and enjoys the support of Rotarians, clubs, districts, and zones world-wide. The views and opinions expressed on this website are not necessarily the collective views and opinions of Rotary International or all Rotarians. Rotary International is not responsible for any content and accepts no liability therefore. © 2000-2008 RGHF (Rotary Global History)