History of Lionism

Lions are men and women dedicated to serving those in need, whether in their own community or half-way around the world. In addition to humanitarian service, they enjoy fellowship and develop leadership skills.

Where it Began

Lions began in the United States in 1917 when a group of independent clubs responded to an idea presented to them by a young Chicago insurance agent, Melvin Jones. He believed that local business clubs should expand their horizons from purely professional concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world at large.

This was heralded as a departure from the trend current at that time of forming clubs basically with a commercial motive --Jones' own group was the Business Circle of Chicago. An organisational meeting was held at a local hotel on June 7, 1917, and from this meeting the organisation was born.

The association became "international" with the formation of the Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Lions Club in 1920. From that time on clubs were formed world-wide.

The Founder Melvin Jones

Founder Melvin Jones was the first acting secretary of the association, thus beginning an affiliation with Lions that only ended with his death. He served the association from 1917 until his death in 1961. Melvin Jones, who was born on January 13, 1879, in Fort Thomas, Arizona, is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois U.S.A.

First Convention

The first convention was held in Dallas, Texas, at the Adolphus Hotel, October 8 - 10, 1917. Thirty six delegates representing 22 clubs from nine states participated, approved the " Lion Clubs " designation, and elected Dr. William P. Woods of Indiana as their first president.

That first convention also began to define what the association was to become. A Constitution and By-laws were adopted, the colors of purple and gold approved, and a start was made on the Objects and Code of Ethics.

Name

The official name of " Lions " is " The International Association of Lions Clubs " or simply " Lions Clubs International " and was believed to be based on the following slogan
"LIBERTY INTELLIGENCE OUR NATIONS SAFETY"

Emblem

Consists of a gold letter " L " on a circular purple field. Bordering this is a circular gold area with two conventionalised lion profiles at either side facing away from the centre. The words " Lions " appear at the top and " International " at the bottom. Symbolically, the lions face both past and future - proud of the past and confident of the future.

It is the obligation of every Lion to wear and display this emblem with pride.

Colours

Purple and Gold
To Lions, Purple stands for loyalty to country, friends, one's self and the integrity of mind and heart. It is the traditional color of strength, courage and tireless dedication to a cause. Gold symbolises sincerity of purpose, liberality in judgement, purity in life and generosity in mind, heart and purse towards those in need.

Membership

Anyone of legal majority, good moral character and good reputation in the community may be granted membership in a duly authorised Lions Club. Membership is by invitation only.


Founding Members

William R Tresise


The first Australian Lions Club was formed in the northern NSW town of Lismore on July 1st, 1947, largely through the efforts of William R.Tresise. While serving as National President of Apex, and nearing 40, the compulsory retirement age of that organisation, Bill Tresise unsuccessfully urged the formation of a senior Apex movement.

A chance 1946 meeting in the US with a past International President of Lions (Fred Smith, from California) led quickly to interviews with Lions Past International President Ed Barry, of Arkansas, and then with the Secretary-General and Founder of the Lions Association, Melvin Jones, in Chicago. Tresise was appointed a provisional District Governor, with power to form Lions Clubs in his home country.

Bill operated a plaster and hardware business in his home town of Lismore. It was here that he called a meeting of business and professional men to hear the Lions story. An eloquent speaker, Bill Tresise soon convinced enough members to form the club. The first President, Jim Brown, proudly received the Club's official Charter in September of the same year. Melvin Jones cabled: " Congratulations to the 18th country to enter the International Association of Lions Clubs."


"Charter Night" Lismore Lions Club