Contemporary-Posthumously
1923-2003
Marvin Shackelford Ray was born in Omaha, Nebraska, educated in the public schools of Lansing, Michigan and earned degrees from Michigan State University, Wilberforce University, and Western Michigan University.
Professionally, Marvin worked as a college instructor at Lansing Community College and Alcorn State University, a Vice President of Research and Production at Liquid Glaze, Inc. and a Division Director for the State of Michigan. He married Carrie Juliet Washington and reared six children in the city of Lansing, Rossi Ray-Taylor, Karen Lynne Ray, Celestine Antoinette Ray Hart, Candi Kathryn Ray, Dawn Veronda Ray and Marvin S. Ray Jr.
Mr. Ray started writing poetry at about nine years of age and resumed writing in the sixties, enrolled in a writing class at LCC and in the early eighties joined the Lansing Poetry Club. He published in 2001, THE MOVING FINGER WRITES, A BOOK OF ORIGINAL POETRY, PRAYERS, AND ESSAYS.
Among the writings in his book are invocations presented for the Rotary Club of Lansing, Michigan and the invocation at the celebration of his high school’s 40th graduation anniversary in June 1982.
We have quoted one of Mr. Ray’s essays from THE MOVING FINGER WRITES.
WHAT ROTARY MEANS TO ME
Rotary suits “me. At first this might sound like an inane statement, nevertheless, I repeat “Rotary suits me.” I must confess that I’m leading you to the brink of an allegory.
The key word is “suit”. One of Rotary’s founders, Hiram Shorey, was a tailor. When one goes to the tailor or haberdasher for a new suit, several qualities are foremost in your mind. Let us examine a few of the more salient qualities: Material, Color, Fit, Style.
Of what kind of Material is Rotary made. Rotary is made of a fabric woven of men and women who are leaders and decision makers in their professions, businesses, and communities. Rotarians are industrious and forthright. This is excellent material from which to build a community. This material suits me fine.
When one considers suiting, Color is of prime importance. What color is Rotary? Rotary is woven from the threads of all colors of the human rainbow. Among the 1,270,000 plus members of Rotary Clubs worldwide, are men and women of every color united in a fellowship that spans the globe. Close examination of Rotary and Association with Rotarians reveal that the members are true blue…this color suits me just fine.
How does the Rotary suit Fit? I have found Rotarians to be cordial, cooperative, responsive, and interesting. The association with Rotarians is stimulating and pleasant. The Rotary classification system ensures a mixture of career interest and varied expertise. Rotary fits me well.
What about Style? I think the Rotary style is very attractive. Rotary is styled for service; service above self, Rotarians serve their club, their community, their country, their world, their God. Rotarians are committed to the welfare of their families and fellowship with other Rotarians. I like this style.
Paul Harris, Rotary’s founder, and the thousand of Rotarians who have followed, have taken the cloth of truth, stitched it with the thread of fairness, trimmed it with the buttons of goodwill and friendship, and tailored a garment that is beneficial to all concerned.
Yes – Rotary suits me just fine. I am confident it will suit you too.”
Article submitted by Mary Jane McGuire