McKenzie Rotary Pays Homage to Ed Perkins

McKENZIE (June 17) — McKenzie Rotary along with the City of McKenzie paid homage to Reverend Dr. Ed Perkins. For 65 years, Perkins has been a member of the McKenzie Rotary Club.

In a proclamation provided by Mayor Ryan Griffin, Perkins was praised for his Rotary ideals of service above self, exemplified through volunteerism and numerous roles in the organization, including serving as club president in 1963-64 and district governor in 1980-81, and promoting integrity as a champion of the people.

Perkins shared his story of joining Rotary in 1960, which was facilitated by Bethel College President Roy Baker. He included how Rotary evolved from being an all-male organization to allowing women and African Americans. It was Perkins who sponsored the first female and African American members in District 6760.

Other Rotary recognitions include: appointed as the personal representative for Rotary International President, James Lacy, for the District 7850 Annual District Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire; awarded the Rotary District 6760 “Champion of Change Award”; awarded the Rotary International Presidents “Golden Century Citation”; member of the Paul Harris Society; recognized by the McKenzie Club for 50 years of perfect attendance; named Rotarian of the Year in 2014 and 2022; and one of the original and only remaining trustee of the “Fanny Baxter Moore Fund,” established 63 years ago in 1962.