The Washington Rotary Club met Thursday evening at the Washington Yacht & Country Club in the Pamlico Room. President David McLawhorn called the meeting to order and Shannon Carter led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Music man Bartow Houston led the club in one verse of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and Russell Smith gave thanks for the meal. After a delicious meal of southern fried chicken, Tim Klugh gave an update on the Charlie Griffin Fishing Tournament scheduled for June. Sponsors are currently being sought for this project, which returns thousands of dollars back into our community through scholarships and gifts. Next on the agenda, Russell Smith was called upon to install the clubs newest member. Ed Lich and sponsor Bartow Houston came forward for the pinning. Russell explained the benefits and satisfaction achieved from serving others through Rotary. Ed received his Rotary lapel pin from Bartow and was welcomed with a hearty applause. The evening program, entitled “Early History of the Washington Rotary Club,” was presented by long-time Rotarian Bill Wall. Wall was fortunate enough to receive from a friend an original 1936-1937 handwritten roll book of the Washington Rotary Club. Our club roots indeed run deep. Among members on the documents roster were Bartow Houston Sr., father of current member Bartow Houston Jr., Junius Grimes, grandfather of current member Sam Grimes, and Zeno Edwards, grandfather of current member Zeno Edwards III. The club was strong from the very beginning and their heritage continues. They enjoyed weekly meetings and helping their community just as we do today. Interesting to note their weekly meals were 50 cents. After a fun and informative evening, the meeting closed with all reciting the Four Way Test of the Things We Think, Say and Do.