History:

The move toward organizing a Rotary Club in Arkadelphia began early in 1919. The nation was not only in the throes of World War I, but suffering from a major flu epidemic. The Rotary Club, which at that time was growing popular in other parts of the nation, came up for discussion by these "three musketeers." They felt that a Rotary Club would be good for Arkadelphia, so there were other meetings to plan the organization of a club. The men learned that the Rotary motto is "Service Above Self", that its purpose was the general improvement of the community, and not to advance the welfare of a favored few who were to become charter members. The common denominator was and is "The Golden Rule."

The organization's records show that the Arkadelphia Rotary Club was first organized on September 16, 1919, and that it was received into full affiliation with Rotary International November 1, 1919, the date of the issuance of the club's charter. The Arkadelphia Rotary Club stands high among other Rotary Cubs in the state. It often engages in interclub meetings in its district. It has provided skits and acts at district get-togethers. The Rotary Club of Arkadelphia is a member of Rotary International District 6170.