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What is the Franklin Noon Rotary?

History of the Franklin Noon Rotary Club

The Franklin Noon Rotary Club was chartered on January 13, 1948, by Judge Jim Warren, with founding members including Dr. Harry Guffee, Rev. Henry Moberly, and Bill Miller. Shortly after its establishment, in the winter of 1948, the Club sought a meaningful fundraising project, and the idea of the Franklin Rodeo was born. Following months of dedicated work and prayer, the first Franklin Rodeo debuted in May 1949 and was a resounding success.

Since then, every member of the Franklin Noon Rotary Club has played a vital role in the planning and production of this cherished community event. Now, over seven decades later, the Franklin Noon Rotary Club continues to make a significant impact. The Club has proudly distributed more than $4 million to local charities and programs, fulfilling Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.”

To learn more about the Franklin Noon Rotary Club and its initiatives, visit our website at www.FranklinNoonRotary.com.

About Rotary International

"Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves."

– Paul P. Harris

Rotary International, a global organization of over 1.2 million members, began with the vision of Paul P. Harris. On February 23, 1905, Harris, a Chicago attorney, founded one of the world’s first service organizations—the Rotary Club of Chicago. The club served as a space where professionals from diverse backgrounds could come together to exchange ideas, form lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. The name “Rotary” reflects the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among members’ offices.

A Legacy of Service and Commitment

Rotary has not only witnessed some of the most significant events in modern history but has actively participated in shaping them. Three enduring principles define Rotary's legacy:

Global Presence: Just 16 years after its founding, Rotary had expanded to six continents. Today, Rotary operates as a truly international organization, collaborating both in-person and digitally to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Resilience Through Adversity: During World War II, Rotary clubs in countries such as Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, and Japan were forced to disband. Despite the risks, many members continued to meet informally. After the war, these Rotarians played a vital role in rebuilding their clubs and their nations.
Ongoing Commitment to Service: Rotary's fight against polio began in 1979 with a project to immunize six million children in the Philippines. Thanks to ongoing efforts, the number of polio-endemic countries dropped from 125 in 1988 to just three by 2012.

Rotary remains steadfast in its mission to promote “Service Above Self,” uniting people worldwide to create lasting change in their communities and beyond.