Rotary's First Theme

Guernsey

The first RI president to present a “Theme” to Rotarians during the International was S. Kenner Guernsy, RI President in 1947-48. His Theme was:  

“Enter to learn, go forth to serve.”

Rotarians at the International Assembly held in Quebec, 1948. 
Photo © Rotary International.


 

Note the sign over the entry door with the first “RI Theme” stated.
The International Assembly, is Rotary's annual event for governors-elect. It was first held in Chicago in 1919. Between 1928-1950, it was held before the convention, at a site near the convention city. It then moved to Lake Placid, New York, for more than 20 years. In recent years, it has been held in San Diego, California, USA. It's now held much earlier to allow incoming governors more time to prepare for their year as governor.

During the 1948-49 year RI president Agus S. Mitchell did not have a Theme. In 1949-50 President Percy Hodgson had more of a listing of Objectives, than a theme. That was followed in 1950-51 by Arthur Lagueux, Quebec, Canada, who listed a set of goals he wished to be followed.Presidents Frank S. Spain, Birmington, Alabama, 1951-52 and H. J. Brunnier, San Francisco, California, 1952-53 had no theme or goals as stated. President Joaquin Serratosa Cibils, Montevideo, Uruguay, 1953-54, presented a Theme “Rotary is Hope in Action”.

The first “Theme” and “Logo” combination was presented by PRI Herbert J. Taylor, the creator of the 4-way test, and RI President 1954-55. PRIP Herbert Taylor had a Theme of six objectives for Rotarians to follow. His Theme logo was a card to each Rotary Club President congratulating them on their election as President of their Club during that “Golden Anniversary Year” (50 years) and suggesting that they study the six goals that he had put forth. From that start, each incoming RI President has created a “Theme” and a “Logo.” That combination is presented to the incoming District Governors each year during the International Assembly.