"The history of Homewood Rotary is more than just the story of a service club; it's the history of a community."

Every Rotary Club in the world can trace its lineage at least indirectly back to 1905.  Paul Harris' singular idea sparked not just an organization, but a movement that now spans the globe, counting well over one million members on six continents.

Homewood joined that movement in its 31st year when Bill Michaels, Chicago Heights Rotarian and Governor of what was then District 40, suggested to Chuck Alexander and Sid Lee of the Harvey Club that they explore the possibilities of expansion into the growing town that sat astride the Illinois Central Railroad.  They, in turn, approached W.H. Taylor, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, and past president of the club in Harvard, Illinois.