History of Lionism

In the early part of the 1900’s many business people in the United States, particularly in the larger cities, joined luncheon clubs. These clubs served as an avenue through which the members learned to know each other and to do business with their fellow club members.

In 1913, a successful insurance salesman in Chicago, Melvin Jones, met a business acquaintance who invited him to lunch, “to meet some of the boys”. These “boys” were members of the Business Circle of Chicago, a luncheon club. Jones enjoyed the fellowship, but thought what a waste it was that people with such ability, ambition, drive and intelligence could not direct their energies to improving their communities. The more he thought about it, the more the idea seemed possible and he began corresponding with other clubs throughout the United States. His idea, to form a National Association with community service as its aim, started to generate enthusiasm.

On June 7, 1917, delegates from luncheon clubs from various parts of the US met in Chicago. While their interest and personalities were diverse, the meeting went smoothly and there was a consensus to form an Association. There is little doubt that the group had some difficulty in the choice of a name.  Jones, ,ho had been nominated as Secretary, favoured that of the Lions Club of Indiana; the image of a noble beast with qualities of courage, strength, loyalty and action. A secret ballot was taken and the name “Association of Lions Clubs” was selected.

Lionism was born but, over two years, arguments continued to rename the organisation. Finally a delegate at the 1919 Convention said, “The name of Lions not only spells the king of beasts, typifying all the qualities we love to extol, but it is a combination of letters standing for the true meaning of citizenship, “Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nations Safety”. When he sat down the name, “Lions”, was permanently established.

The International Association motto, “We Serve” was adopted in 1950.

Clubs were formed throughout the world but it wasn’t until 1950 that the first club was chartered in the British Isles (London) and in 1961, Exeter became the first club in the South-West. Since the initial idea of Melvin Jones, the International Association of Lions Clubs has brought together hundreds of thousands of like-minded people, wishing to help those in need. Currently it is in 185 countries, with a membership of 1.4 million.