 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"
|
