About Lawrence Central Rotary

“Getting things done and having fun” describes the Rotary Club of Central Lawrence. Lawrence Central Rotary was formed and chartered in the spring of 2003. Ed and Jerry Samp are brothers who brought their vision of a new Rotary group located in historic downtown Lawrence to fruition. Our membership is small, right at 40 members, but growing.

To read an article in the Journal-World back from February of 2003 when Ed Samp announced the forming of the new club click HERE.  Our club is located in District #5710 and our club is #61504.

What is Rotary?

Rotary was born in 1905, the idea of attorney Paul Harris, who along with four of his business friends founded the first Rotary Club. Harris’ idea was that business leaders should meet periodically to enjoy camaraderie, and to enlarge their circle of business and professional acquaintances. The name “Rotary” derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among member’s offices. As Rotary grew, its mission expanded beyond serving the professional and social interests of Club members. Rotarians began pooling their resources and contributing their talents to help serve communities in need. The organization’s dedication to this ideal is best expressed in its principal motto: “Service Above Self.”

The Four-Way Test

From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians were concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. One of the world’s most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is The Four-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI president) when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy.

This 24-word test for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy. Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The Four-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways. It asks the following four questions:

Of the things we think, say or do:

1. Is it the Truth?

2. Is it Fair to all concerned?

3. Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?

4. Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?

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Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, will serve as President of Rotary International for 2026-2027 year, becoming the second African to lead the global membership organization.

During his one-year term, Babalola will focus on strengthening Rotary’s contribution to peacebuilding and supporting sustainable, community-led solutions that address local and global challenges and improve lives.

“Rotary gives people the opportunity not only to make a difference in their communities, but also to grow through meaningful relationships, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation of different perspectives,” said Babalola. “At a time when many societies face division and uncertainty, I believe Rotary has an important role to play in building understanding, advancing peace, and creating opportunities for communities to thrive. As president, I look forward to highlighting and strengthening that impact around the world.”

You can watch the speech about this year’s theme in the video below.