Kiwanis History
Kiwanis International was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. The organization was originally called the Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers. A year later, the name changed to Kiwanis, which was selected by the organization’s founders based on their understanding that the word was translatable to “we build” from the Algonquian Native American language family. That same year, Kiwanis became an international organization with the founding of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Initially focused on business networking, the organization changed its focus to service in 1919 — specifically service to children. Over the years, more clubs were created in the U.S. and Canada, and worldwide expansion was ultimately approved in the 1960s. Today, there are Kiwanis clubs in nearly 80 nations and geographic locations.
The Kiwanis Club of Lebanon IN was chartered in October of 1953.
The charter members were: R. Delue Akerman, Rev. Mark Anthony, G.A. Benigar, Robert Berry, Ned. C. Boatright, Charles H. Carr, Howard R. Cunningham, Paul Deer, Dr. Thomas L. Dillon, George L. Dryer, Wilbur French, Richard Fuller, Herbert Groninger, Stanley D. Hall, Robert Harman, Robert C. Hulse, Dr. C.G. Kern, Ray Kesner, Jewell Kincaid, Noble L. Martin, Robert McCann, Robert McCutcham, James McIntyre, Carl Miller, James W. Miller, Ralph W. Miller, Leonard A. Molholt, Wendell Morton, Maurice M. Neal, Paul R. Otterman, Allen Parr, Clifford C. Parr, C. Earl Potts, Robert W. Reynolds, J. Wilson Roberts, J. Harold Rush, J. Roger Shaw, Oscar F. Spotts, Paul O. Tauer, Jr., Robert W. Tribbett, Edwin Truitt, Dr. R. C. Walters, H. W. Walters, Dr. Charles O. Weddle and Joe F. Witt
Kiwanis Club of Lebanon Major Milestones
- In 1954, the Lebanon club kicked off the inaugural Lebanon Kiwanis Pancake Supper. Current Kiwanians continue the tradition of serving up thousands of pancakes and sausages to community members every April.
- In 2004, the club celebrated its 50th anniversary.
- In 2023, the club celebrated its 70th anniversary by partnering with the Lebanon Parks Department to install a new playground at Abner Longley Park. Learn more about this signature project HERE.
- In 2025, the Lebanon club launched a Club Satellite to expand our membership to community members who prefer the flexibility to attend monthly evening meetings. Learn more HERE.
The Kiwanis Club of Lebanon has started several community projects that have changed and grown over the years. Several of them have been adopted by other organizations with a larger capacity to handle the exponential growth of the project.
- Kiwanis Christmas Program - Past President Ken Campbell launched this project in 1996. It is now known as Shop with a Cop and is coordinated by Boone County Fraternal Order of Police. This program currently serves over two hundred children each year and continues to be financially supported by the Kiwanis Club of Lebanon.
- Back to School Supply Drive - Adopted by United Way of Central Indiana as the Boone County Backpack Attack from 2010 - 2019. During this time, the club donated backpacks and thumb drives and provided volunteers to assist with sorting of supplies, backpack assembly and day of activities.
- Backpack Buddies - Past President Amy Hammerle launched this project in 2006 and was eventually adopted by Gleaners Food Bank. In 2025, The Shalom House restarted the program at Hattie B. Stokes.
Kiwanis Club of Lebanon Notable Members:
- Congratulations to Jeff Wagner for receiving the 2024 Kiwanian of the Year award.
- Congratulations to Todd Byrd for receiving the 2023 Kiwanian of the Year award.