The Rotary Club of Pass Christian began, The national Rotary organization had been in existence only 19 years since its founder Paul Harris and three friends met in Chicago to plan a service club composed of a variety of businesses and professions. In a similarly inspired occurrence, two local bankers, Tom Grayson of the Bank of Pass Christian and Ad Lang of Hancock Bank, were approached by the Lion's Club organizer about forming a chapter in the Pass. The two thought it was a grand idea, but were not familiar with the Lion's Club. Ad advanced the opinion that a lunch­eon club sounded like a good idea. They had, however, been hearing about the recently established Rotary Chapter that was doing well in Gulfport and decided they would investigate the Rotary movement. 

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After Grayson and Lang contacted the Gulfport Rotarians, they immediately went about organizing the Pass. Representatives from the Gulfport club were sent to an organizational meeting held at the Miramar Hotel Pavil­ion on April 21, 1924. The Pass citizens at the organizational meeting voted to organize a Rotary Club and applied for a club charter. Rotary International granted a charter in Pass Christian on May 5, 1924. The club's territory was defined to encompass the city and surrounding communities of Pass Christian Isles, Henderson Point, Delisle, Pineville and Cuevas. Today, it remains the oldest service club in the history of Pass Christian

 

Through out the over 100 years of service the Rotary Club of Pass Christian has:

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1930's:

Initiated the Doll and Toy fund which collaborates with local organizations in the identification of those chil­dren served in this project. Rotary members and volunteers, along with Pass Christian Walmart associates, gather at Walmart and shop for age appropriate gifts prior to Christmas. The toys are bagged and tagged. Parents are then noti­fied of the time and distribution center for pickup.  

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Chartered the Pass Christian Boy Scout troop in 1931 and provided Boy Scout hut for troop. In 2005, The Rotary Club of Pass Christian chose to restore the hut as its community service project to mark Rota­ry lnternational's 100th anniversary. A new roof was installed as well as flooring and other improvements. Just 90 days later, Hurricane Katrina destroyed the hut. The tidal surge lifted the hut, floated it over the tracks and crashed it into a building. A new Scout hut was always a topic of discussion. However, housing for those who were unable to secure help was a greater priority. The Rotary Club of Pass Christian, with an outpouring of donations from across the United States, built nearly 40 free homes for families. The Rotary Club of Pass Christian also coordinated several projects for War Memorial Park, the Pass Christian Library, playgrounds, and more. The new Scout hut was a lingering vision. This vision had to remain a vision and a goal because the municipal complex had been placed on the hut site. When the new City Hall Complex campus was built, the vision soon took form and was well on its way in becoming a reality with the area cleared and plans drawn. The club's final project on the Pass's road to recovery was a new scout hut. 

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1940's

Donated a tennis court (1945), "The Pass Christian Rotary Club have donated a tennis court to the Memorial Park. A crew of men are working on the park grounds making walks and getting ready to install playground equipment." (Tarpon Beacon, April 13, 1945) The site was the practice and competition venue for Pass Christian High School until the tennis complex was built on North Street. This site has served Pass Christian citizens and visitors well through the years. maintained a camp site on Menge Avenue, enjoyed fellowship while serving the community.

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1950's

Helped with the beautification of Pass Christian. Throughout its history, The Rotary Club of Pass Christian has spearheaded and participated in projects involving environmental awareness and beautification of Pass Christian. Projects have included projects at Pass Christian High School, Pass Christian City Hall and Library, War Memorial Park and Henderson Park'.

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1960's

Participated in Mardi Gras celebrations. During the late 1950s and early 1960s The Rotary Club of Pass Christian planned, decorated, and rode in the annual Mardi Gras parades. The club also adopted the Outstanding Citizen Recognition in 1963.

1970's

Hosted International Youth Day, collected tools for Africa and collected kitchen utensils for Honduras, "It was a first for the new and not yet opened Coast Coliseu–an official club meeting-and it was the Pass Christian Rotary Club that took the honor this past Tuesday. "After a tour of the entire facility, under the direction of Francis J. Hursey, Jr., a brief business meeting was held with Dayton Robinson, president, presiding. A vote of thanks was given Hursey for arranging and conducting the tour. Besides the 23 members at the meeting there were four guests. "Hursey confirmed that the Pass Rotary Club, although not the first group to tour the facility, was the first to hold an official meeting there."

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1980's

Hosted International Youth Day, formalized vocational programs. Awarded journalism award to Pass High senior for best type news story of composition; Provided vocational guidance and counseling for upper class students; Sponsored literacy program in teaching people to read. Sponsored charity golf tournament to benefit the Boy Scouts of America, presented $1,0000 check to the Pass Christian School District Adopt-A-School.

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1990's

Inducted first woman president in Southern District of Mississippi, Diane Havard; named first female Rotarian president. Donated $250 to defray expenses of "The Pass Christian Review" devoted to voter education, donated $5,000 to Pass Christian Library, recognized outstanding Pass Christian citizens, contributed to Tricentennial event, supported Rotarian W. Dayton Robinson in his process in becoming District Governor, held annual fund raiser to support its projects.

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2000's

Responded to the challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, built and dedicated 16 homes with Mennonite Disaster Service, 
built Potty in the Park, new restroom facilities in War Memorial Park spearheaded Extreme Make Over in the Park. Handicap-accessible playground and adult wellness track rebuilt playground at Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church, built basketball court at Mt. Zion, provided dump truck for Pass Christian Public Works; provided Pass Christian community trailer, available for community meetings, Rotary meetings, and Scout meetings. Replaced equipment and provided camper scholarship, Boy Scouts and Cubs sponsored literacy adult basic education & GED preparation classes, recognized outstanding Pass Christian citizens.

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In the 2010's, sponsored Rachel's Challenge at Pass Christian High and Middle Schools, "addresses the root causes of school violence, bullying, prejudice, and self-harm through student wellness programs that build connection, hope and resilience." tackled International Project-water well in Haiti, upgraded Robotics Program in Pass Christian School District, provided drones and supplied camera vests to the Pass Christian Police Department, dedicated John M. Parker tennis courts, adopted Henderson Park Tree Project, recognized outstanding Pass Christian citizens.

 

In the 2020's, initiated Paddle the Bay with a 5k as club fundraiser, continued Doll and Toy distribution. The successful Doll and Toy Fund provided gifts for 159 Pass Christian children ages 0-2 through 15+. continued support of Scout Troop 316, sponsored Rachel's Challenge at Pass Christian High School and Middle School, sponsored scholarships for three children at Boys and Girls Club, supported the Pass Christian School District's MakerSpace and Robotics programs, supported the Pass Christian Police Department with drones and kennels, sponsored scholarships for graduating Pass Christian High School seniors, honored one fallen American soldier from the Vietnam War by including his name on the War Memorial Park monument "dedicated in the memory of the men and ,, women of Pass Christian who gave their lives in the service of their country, supported LAD Project as 100th Year Celebration grant recipient.