Texas Historical Commission marker honoring 100 years of service by the Temple Rotary Club was dedicated on July 15 at Jackson Park, 925 N. Fourth St.
“The marker celebrates and commemorates the first century of service for the Rotary Club of Temple,” Club President Thomas Sinkey said. “We are already working on our second century. The leadership of this Club over the past 100+ years and the strength of our membership has given the Rotary Club of Temple the solid foundation to build and serve others.”
The Club was established on April 19, 1921, when several Waco Rotarians met with 22 interested Temple men to formally organize. They coalesced under the leadership of Roy Campbell (1875-1952) and John B. Daniel Sr. (1877-1940) who served as the Club’s first president and vice president.
“We are a few years late with the celebration," Rotarian Rod Henry explained. "But there was a lot going on in 2021 and we considered what location would be best. Ultimately, we decided that the Rotary Fountain was the ideal spot.”
It was right, he said, because of the Club’s long association with the park. The marker was set on the south side of Rotary Fountain at the intersection of N. Fourth and E. Jackson streets.
The Club created the fountain, which resembles the Rotary Wheel or Mark of Excellence, in 1935 when they also funded landscaping and other Jackson Park improvements. The emblem was designed in 1905 by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear, who said it was to illustrate, “Civilization, Movement and Service work in action,” according to Rotary history.
The Rotary Club of Temple is still very much “in action.” It is committed to the idea of Service Above Self and works to support projects in Temple and around the world. Its regular local projects include a yearly scholarship award which traces its roots back to 1922, providing tours of colleges for undecided seniors, recognizing outstanding teachers, enhancing student excellence in education, and Books for the World.