SMITHSBURG LIONS CLUB
The Smithsburg Lions Club was organized April 18, 1945 under the sponsorship of the Hagerstown Lions Club and the charter was presented May 23, 1945 with 28 charter members. The Charter Presentation Program was held in the Smithsburg Community Hall with the address by District Governor Rev. Donald F. Brake. Governor Brake presented the charter to Charter President Raymond R. Frey, Charles Town Lions Club President Therll W. Sinn presented vocal solos.
Lawrence B. Slater of Lions International Representative, aided and supervised as this young club took life and developed into one of the most active and benevolent clubs in District 22-W.
The formation and chartering of the Smithsburg Lions Club in 1945 came at a time that saw big changes not only in our country but also on a global basis. The war in Europe and the Pacific had just been completed and our soldiers were returning home. It was in this climate of global peace and rebuilding that the Lions saw a need to get involved and form groups that could not only help at home but, on a larger scale, wherever help was needed throughout the world.
The relationship between Lions Clubs International and the UN began after the end of World War II. In 1945, the same year the United Nations was founded, Lions founder Melvin Jones and Past International Presidents Fred W. Smith and D.A. Skeen were asked to help develop the non-governmental organization (NGO) charter for the new global organization. At the time, Lions Clubs International was already an established worldwide service organization. During the ensuing years, the two organizations have cooperated on many humanitarian ventures. Lions have provided aid and manpower for UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), WHO (World Health Organization), and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) projects.
Melvin Jones – Founder of Lions Clubs International
Melvin Jones was born on January 13, 1879 in Fort Thomas, Arizona, the son of a United States Army captain who commanded a troop of scouts. Later, his father was transferred and the family moved east. As a young man, Jones made his home in Chicago, Illinois, became associated with an insurance firm and in 1913 formed his own agency.
He soon joined the Business Circle, a businessmen's luncheon group, and was shortly elected secretary. This group was one of many at that time devoted solely to promoting the financial interests of their membership. Because of their limited appeal, they were destined to disappear. Melvin Jones, however, had other plans. "What if these men," he asked, "who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?" Thus, at his invitation, delegates from men's clubs met in Chicago to lay the groundwork for such an organization and on June 7, 1917, Lions Clubs International was born. It was stipulated that clubs were not to be social in nature nor were members permitted to promote their own business interests.
Lions are an international network of 1.3 million men and women in 205 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world.
