The world's first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, was formed on February 23, 1905 by Paul P. Harris, an attorney who wished to capture in a professional club the same friendly spirit he had in the small towns of his youth.  The Rotary name derives from the early practice of rotating meetings among members' offices.

Rotary's popularity spread, and within a decade, clubs were chartered from San Francisco to New York to Winnipeg, Canada.  By 1921, Rotary clubs had formed on six continents.  The organization adopted the Rotary International name a year later.

As Rotary grew, its mission expanded beyond serving club members' professional and social interests.  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 motto: Service Above Self.

Today, 1.2 million Rotarians belong to over 32,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.

FIRST.  The development of acquaintence as an opportunity for service.

SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society.

THIRD.the application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business and community life

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FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

The Four Avenues of Service are the philosophical and practical framework for the work of our Rotary club. They are Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, and International Service. This club will be active in each of the Four Avenues of Service through the work of its four standing committees.

• Membership: Recruits and retains members

• Public Relations: Provides the public with information about the Fort Mill Rotary Club and promotes the club’s service projects and activities.

• Club Administration: This committee conducts activities associated with the effective operation of the club.

• Service Projects: This committee develops and implements educational, humanitarian, and vocational projects that address the needs of its community and communities in other countries.