Melvin Jones
Founder of Lions Clubs International

Melvin Jones was born January 13, 1879 at 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.

Jones eventually abandoned his insurance agency to devote himself full time to Lions at International Headquarters in Chicago. It was under his dynamic leadership that Lions Clubs earned the prestige necessary to attract civic-minded men.

The association's founder was also recognized as a leader outside the association. One of his greatest honors was in 1945 when he represented Lions Clubs International as a consultant in San Francisco, California, at the organization of the United Nations.

Melvin Jones, the man whose personal code, "You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else," became a guiding principle for public-spirited people the world over, died June 1, 1961, at 82 years of age.

One of the first tasks of the Directors of Lions International was to divide the U.S.A. into Districts for their organization and administration, and to appoint a District Governor over each.
In the first sectioning, there were nine districts, nationwide. Some parts of the country where there were no Lions Clubs had no districts at all. The first nine districts were created right along with the Association of Lions Clubs on June 7, 1917. Lionism spread rapidly, to even include states not attached to any district, and in some areas the number of Lions Clubs was too great for any one Governor to handle.

This makes Austin Founder Club the club with the longest continuous service in Lions Clubs International. 

In 1921 our entire nation was re-divided into seventeen districts and subsequently renumbered.
The original (1917) plan had the districts numbered geographically from the Pacific coast, with ascending numbers eastward. But in 1921 the district numbering revision set Illinois as the Lion's "Home District" and numbered Illinois as District #1. Since then, numbers were granted on the basis of a region's membership ranking. Texas, having the most clubs and members became District #2. Closely behind was Oklahoma (District #3). This was the method that all seventeen districts were renumbered. In general, the districts are organized along national, state and provincial lines. Where warranted by the number of clubs and Lions, districts can be broken down into sub-districts. In this case, the original district is called a multiple district.

In 1930 District 2 was sub-divided into five districts 2T, 2E, 2X, 2A, and 2S.

Currently there are 16 districts in the State of Texas: 2-T1, 2-T2, 2-T3, 2-E1, 2-E2, 2-X1,
2-X2, 2-X3, 2-A1, 2-A2, 2-A3, 2-S1, 2-S2, 2-S3, 2-S4, and 2-S5.

The district governor is elected by delegates from the clubs in the district at the district convention. Because of the importance of this office, district governors-elect from around the world gather just prior to the International Convention for a series of seminars designed to broaden their knowledge of the association and its programs. They then assume office at the close of the convention.

SHORT HISTORY OF LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL

1911   Dr. W.P. Woods of Indiana founded Royal Order of Lions 

1916   Or Changed name to “International Association of Lions” and relinquished charter to the "International Association of Lions Clubs.” 

            Melvin Jones, an insurance man & member of the Circle Club of Chicago had a vision of “What these men, who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambitions could accomplish were they put to work helping improve their communities.” He and his wife wrote hundreds of letters inviting others to join an international association of service clubs. 

1917   Melvin invited representatives of business clubs to meet in Chicago. A plaque, later found when the La Salle Hotel was demolished, stated “Lions International, Founded at the La Salle Hotel, Chicago, on June 17, 1917 — We Serve” The first convention and adoption of a Constitution and Bylaws, Objects and Ethics was held at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, TX on October 8, 1917. This has been recognized as the official birthday of Lions Clubs International by establishing October 8 as World Service Day every year. Nine states and 27 Clubs were represented at the first Convention. 

WWI   Efforts of Lions were devoted to Bonds and Books for Troops. During the influenza epidemic efforts were turned to health subjects. 

1925   Helen Keller addressed the Convention and challenged Lions to become “Knights of the Blind & Hearing Impaired.” Lionism and sight & hearing conservation have been synonymous ever since. 

1942   Dues were suspended for World War 11 soldiers while overseas. 

1975   LCIF established as the Lions outlet for Humanitarian & Disaster Relief. 

1982   Texas Lion E. J. “Ebb” Grindstaff elected President and started Drug Awareness and Diabetic Research & Awareness Programs. 

1987   Lions Clubs International Welcomes Women into Lions Clubs

Lions have been known worldwide for their service to those in need, not only the blind. Our organization has grown from the 27 clubs in 1917 to over 40,000 clubs in 200-some countries and over 1,400,000 members. Thousands of persons have been given a new life because the Lions provided guidance, love, and the material things which they never had or never had the thought of getting.  Eyeglasses, cataract operations, prophesies, scholarships, diabetic clinics, schools, home and hospitals are just a few of the things Lions have provided. It is a privilege to be a part of such an organization; yes
IT’S GREAT TO BE A LION.

THIS IS WHAT I AM

I was born in 1917 --  the International Charter is my birth certificate.
The bloodlines of the world run in my veins. I am many things and many people.

I remember communities where service to one’s fellowman was unknown when the challenge came
I answered, in community after community until today I am 44,772 clubs;
I am 1,374,457 living souls and the ghost of thousands who have lived and died just for me.

I am big; I sprawl to all corner of the world; 186 nations and geographic locations embrace my banner. I am in parts of the world throbbing with industry; I represent farms, forests, mountains and desert; I am in quiet villages and cities that never sleep; you can look at me and see the golden rule.

You can see in me the lights of Christmas and appreciate my yuletide baskets to the needy;
I am a leader dog; a white cane and business opportunity for the blind; I am a pair of glasses or an operation for the near blind — sight conservation is uppermost in my mind.

I am greatly interested in the schools and colleges in every nation; in churches where my people worship as they think best. I am a ballot dropped in a box; the roar of a crowd in a stadium and the voice of a choir in a cathedral; I am an editorial in a newspaper and a letter to a congressman because my slogan is Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation’s Safety.

Yes, I am a Lion and these are the things that I am. I was conceived in freedom and, God willing,
in freedom I will spend the rest of my days.

May I possess always the integrity, the courage and strength to keep Lionism unshackled, to remain a citadel of freedom, service, and a beacon of hope to all parts of the world for my motto is
“We Serve”.

Originally written many years ago by Dr. Harry E. Goddard of Kennett, Mo. Updated for accuracy of numbers as of September 30, 2001.