The Organizational meeting of the Rotary Club of Southwest Abilene, Texas of thirty charter members was held on March 6, 1956 at noon in the Abilene Woman's Club with 45 members and guests present.

After the luncheon, Briggs Todd, acting Chairman presented Leroy Jennings, special representative of District Governor Arch Evans and Chairman of extension committee of Abilene Rotary Club

Chairman Leroy explained that it was necessary to adopt a constitution and By-laws and also to elect a slate of officers for the new club. He explained the standard constitution and By-laws of R.I. with changes suggested by the guiding committee of the club.

On a motion by Pat Brogan and seconded by Carroll Rogers, the suggested Constitution and By-laws were adopted by a standing vote.

J.W. Hooker, Chairman of a nominating committee presented a proposed slate of officers that his committee had chosen. He made the motion that this slate of officers be elected. This was seconded by Max Bowen. Chairman Leroy explained that any member was free to nominate others from the floor if he so desired. Pat Brogan moved that the nominations cease and that the proposed slate of officers be elected by acclimation. This was seconded and carried. The following slate of officers were then elected by standing vote -

President - Briggs Todd

Vice President - Harry Hobbs

Secretary/Treasurer - John Mayfield

Sgt at Arms - Rufus Starnes

Director - Virgil Musick

Director - Miles Monaghan

Director - George Page

The meeting was turned over to the new President Briggs Todd who introduced District Governor Arch Evans of Stephenville, Governor of 186th District of R.I.

Governor Arch spoke briefly, welcoming the club into Rotary, extended an invitation to the District Conference and offered help in any way possible to further the new club, also that he would try to obtain their charter as soon as possible.

Among the visitors introduced was District Governor Rigdon Edwards of Sweetwater, Governor of 183rd District.

President Briggs adjourned the meeting sharply at 1:30PM.