Kingsport Spirit

On December 11, 1923, the Kingsport Times made a historic gesture by dedicating its entire front page to honor the charter celebration of the Rotary Club of Kingsport. Among the founding members, J. Fred Johnson stands out as the visionary behind the term, “Kingsport Spirit”. Other charter members included Frank Cloud, who held the distinction of being Kingsport’s longest-serving city manager, and Allen Dryden, the renowned architect responsible for many of Kingsport’s iconic buildings and homes.

Rotary Club of Kingsport has remained steadfast in its commitment to the “Four Way Test”, a set of values that asks four essential questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Is it beneficial to all concerned? If you delve into J. Fred Johnson’s description of the Kingsport Spirit, you’ll discover remarkable similarities between the two.

Johnson described the Kingsport Spirit as, “underlying every step in the growth and development of Kingsport, from the days of its humblest beginnings until now” as “one of mutual helpfulness and a willingness to submerge selfish interests beneath the individual effort to assure the greater good for the greater number.”

Over the years, the Rotary Club and its dedicated Rotarians have left indelible marks on our beloved city. Eminent mayors from the recent past, such as Ruth Montgomery, Jeanette Blazier, and Dennis Phillips provided leadership that shaped our city’s financial, visionary, and strategic direction. Paul Montgomery, an active Rotarian, has taken on numerous roles, most recently as Alderman. The current Rotary president, Heather Cook, is a driving force behind numerous positive initiatives within our community.

In celebration of the Rotary Club’s centennial, it is only fitting that we pay tribute with a remarkable sculpture that celebrates the Kingsport Spirit and our everyday heroes. This sculpture honoring Everyday Heroes is planned for Brickyard Village, taking pride of place where Brickyard Park Drive, Cherokee Street, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive converge. It is a tribute to the indigenous, industrial, and African-American history of our city, and its design will incorporate elements of light and soaring birds reaching toward the sky, symbolizing our community’s bright and promising future.  

The Rotary Club of Kingsport led up to its 100th year with a past | present | future theme. Two years ago, they honored the past by recognizing club veterans and installing a kiosk at the Kingsport Veterans Memorial Park. During the centennial year, in addition to publishing a children’s book, the club is hosting youth-led programs, supporting youth organizations through service projects, and looks forward to starting an EarlyAct Club, a service club for elementary-aged youth, at a local elementary school.

The club is also celebrating its 10th year of supporting the Kingsport Clothing Closet, which is purchasing new clothes for students in Kingsport City Schools Homeless Education Program. Over the last 10 years, the club has donated over $40,000, built a space to house inventory, and clothed hundreds of students. Other recent service projects include supporting organizations such as Bays Mountain Park, Borden Park, Miracle Field, Isaiah 117 House, Second Harvest, SMILE Foster Closet, and many more.

As we approach the centennial birthday of the Rotary Club of Kingsport, we extend a warm invitation to the community. Join us on Sunday, November 5 at 4 p.m. for the Centennial Celebration at the Farmers Market as we come together to celebrate this remarkable milestone. Let’s commemorate a century of service, camaraderie, and the enduring Kingsport Spirit.

Jeff Fleming

Member, Rotary Club of Kingsport