For the past eight decades, the Yazoo City Lions Club has served the local community from volunteerism to sight screenings. Their vision is clear, and they want others to see the potential in joining the historic civic club.
Membership has fluctuated over the years, but the club’s commitment to the local community has remained steady. From assisting people with sight or hearing problems to working with local youth, the club has answered the call to a number of local issues and causes. With its motto, “We Serve,” local Lions have done just that, serving Yazoo.
The Yazoo City Lions Club was granted its charter in 1940 with 48 members accepted on the roll. Dr. J.T. Grantham, a local chiropractor, was named the first president with Robert Green as second vice president, K.L White as third vice president, Frank Williams as secretary and Charles Middleton as treasurer. Taking care of the equipment and seeing that the dining room was ready for members and guests was A.B. Kelly, also known as the Lion Tamer. Lloyd Morris served as the Tail Twister, maintaining “order or disorder and fining members” who missed meetings.
The great Tinsley oil boom of 1939 sparked the idea of creating a local Lions Club chapter. A Lions Club organizer arrived in the area, which was receiving national recognition and prosperity with the discovery of oil in rural Yazoo County.
“It was right after oil was discovered here,” said Thomas Campbell, one of the charter members and first vice president. “Oil was discovered in Sept of 1939, and the town was growing. An organizer came through here, Mr. H.T. Miller. He contacted a group of people here in town, and we decided we would become members of the Lions Club and organize it.”
That charter was granted on Jan. 10, 1940.
The first Lions Club meeting was held on Jan. 18 in the basement of the First United Methodist Church. Food was served by the Women’s Missionary Society of Methodist Churches.
The first Charter Night celebration was attended by 140 people, including Col. J.W. Kennedy, district state governor. Dinner was given at the Elks Club, celebrating the first anniversary of the local organization.
“The Yazoo City Lions Club roared last night to the tune of air-raid sirens and bursting bombs,” a news article reads.
Dinner that evening was held in the grill room of the Elks Club, camouflaged to represent an air-raid shelter. Flags and other patriotic decorations lined the walls, and each guest wore a small American flag.
“It will be apparent that through concentrated efforts, you will be able to foster moves looking toward betterment of your community, your state, your nation,” Col. Kennedy said, during the Charter Night celebration. “Through Lionism, better feeling can be built on throughout the world.”
Later, the club would move to the Lamar Hotel and pay 75 cents for each meal.
During World War II, the club would meet at the Tenderloin Grill at Four Points. Meetings were cancelled for a time during the war because members thought the use of gasoline to drive to the meetings would be considered frivolous.
Eventually, the meetings were moved to the grill room at the Elks Club.
Today, the Yazoo City Lions Club is presided over by Dr. Dan McLeod. And although membership has decreased over the years, the mission remains solid…to serve.
Currently, the Lions Club assists citizens with vision needs, sponsors local youth initiatives, volunteers at various community functions and meets weekly to discuss club operations and fellowship with its roll of business and community leaders.
From bank employees to insurance agents to medical personnel to church leaders…the Lions Club is composed of a variety of professionals with the common goal of serving the Yazoo community.
Being a Lion is about leading by example, building relationships and improving the community through kindness and volunteerism. Worldwide, the Lions Club is 1.4 million caring men and women serving together so they can make a lasting impact and change more lives.
There are many benefits to becoming a Lion. There are over 48,000 Lions clubs around the world. Each is filled with people who have decided to take action and serve others. Lions form unique friendships and meaningful connections that can last a lifetime. The local club is also a great place to develop leadership skills and put them into action.
At the heart of every Lions Club, there is one constant: service. Giving time and energy to others is a successful way to help the community.
