One hundred years of service over self was celebrated in high style Thursday night.

Members of the Rotary Club of Vicksburg and city, county and state officials gathered for the club’s Centennial Gala at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

Rotary’s District Governor Bill Walker spoke, as did Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. Both congratulated Vicksburg Rotarians on the milestone.

In addition, Walker challenged the club to grow and to stay relevant.

“Millennials may not want to attend lunch meetings,” he said, urging the club to adapt to changing needs of future members.

Flaggs thanked club members for the work the club has done for the community since its beginning in December 1917.

Keynote speaker was Vicksburg’s own Delbert Hosemann, Mississippi secretary of state. Hosemann recounted stories of growing up in Vicksburg and interacting with Rotarians here, including delivering calendars as a youth for long-time Rotarian Edley Jones.

Hosemann also discussed Mississippi’s future and some of the ways the Vicksburg Warren School District is being an innovator in preparing students to meet the needs of employers of the future.

Following Hosemann’s address, gala-goers enjoyed dancing to the music of the Ben Shaw Band.

Allen Hudspeth, president of the Rotary Club of Vicksburg, said despite having to reschedule the event because of inclement weather earlier in the week, turnout was excellent.

“Based on attendance — and the many texts and emails I’ve gotten today — I think our membership really embraced the celebration. People have told me how much they enjoyed the evening,” Hudspeth said.

He particularly thanked Hosemann, who was called to fill in for Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant. Bryant was originally scheduled as keynote speaker, but when the gala had to be moved to Thursday night, Bryant was no longer available to attend.

“I think Delbert did an awesome job, particularly since he was called upon at the last minute. He put that awesome presentation together between Wednesday morning and Thursday night,” Hudspeth said.

Lynn Foley, who was recently named the Harry Gillespie Rotarian of the Year for 2017-2018, said the night was “amazing.”

Foley, who was president of the Rotary Club of Vicksburg during 2010-2011, said she felt special pride Thursday night.

“I felt so proud to be celebrating our Rotary Club’s 100th anniversary, and so proud to be a part of that group. I especially enjoyed seeing all of the photos and composites and other historic documents from our Rotary Club’s first 100 years.

“When I was president of Rotary, the district governor gathered us all together and opened his presentation by saying, ‘You all are the best of the best.’ That’s how I felt last (Thursday) night. I am so proud to be a Rotarian,” she said.

Rotarian J. Mack Varner said, despite the issue with having to reschedule because of the weather, “It couldn’t have been better.”

Varner, who grew up in Vicksburg and returned as an adult to practice law, said Rotary has a legacy of having outstanding members who are very involved in Vicksburg and the community.

“I think that everybody was in such a celebratory mood and were thrilled to be a part of the history of Rotary here and to commit to continue the legacy we have all inherited,” Varner said.