The Rotary Club of Oxford’s 100th Anniversary Celebration will be a year-long event beginning in Rotary Year 2026, with a major event planned for April 25. The event will be at Ware Presbyterian Village, Vista Ridge Pavilion, from noon to 2 p.m. It will include luncheon, entertainment, and information about local community projects. The club will also be recognizing community leaders from the past and present. 

The Rotary International—the world’s first and largest nonprofit service organization—was founded on February 23, 1905, when Paul Harris met with three friends in Chicago to promote business fellowship. The name “Rotary” originated from the early practice of rotating meetings among members’ offices. 

The Rotary Club of Oxford was granted its charter on April 1, 1926. Its public launch followed on April 13, 1926, with a dinner at the Oxford Hotel. The club began with 17 members, and its first president was Charles C. Bear. 

In 1955, Rotary International adopted the Four-Way Test, conceived by Herbert J. Taylor. This ethical guide continues to shape Rotarians’ decisions in business, community, and personal affairs—Is it the truth?  Is it fair to all concerned?  Will it build goodwill and better friendships?   Will it be beneficial to all concerned?  

For a century, the Rotary Club of Oxford has played a vital role in the local community through both financial contributions and hands-on volunteer service. Among its many initiatives, the club has recognized high school seniors for community service for more than 50 years, provided quarterly financial support to local nonprofit organizations, supported the Oxford Neighborhood Services Center food pantry, managed the Oxford Rotary Children’s Circus for many years, led the design, funding, and construction of inclusive playground equipment at Oxford Memorial Park, a project valued at approximately $150,000, and contributed to Rotaplast International, supporting surgical care for children with cleft conditions in underserved countries.

Rotary’s global impact includes its landmark PolioPlus program, launched in 1985 to eradicate polio worldwide. Since then, cases have declined by more than 99 percent, bringing the world to the brink of eliminating the disease. The Rotary Club of Oxford has proudly supported this effort through significant contributions over the years. 

Today, Rotary International includes more than 1.2 million members in over 31,000 clubs across more than 165 countries. 

Locally, the Rotary Club of Oxford continues its commitment to service through partnerships with the Oxford Area School District, supporting Interact and EarlyAct programs, as well as a Rotaract club at Lincoln University. The club also participates in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, having hosted and sent students abroad for more than 70 years, with participants from countries including Brazil, Romania, and Germany. 
For reservations to the April 25 event, please call Jim McLeod at 610-256-5794. The ticket cost is $25 per person.