WHAT IS TORCH ALL ABOUT?

TORCHmembers are individuals with specialized expertise, often withadvanced education and degrees. Members have the unique opportunityto present learned papers and dissertations encompassing their ownspecialized field of expertise, and also a time to question, discussand challenge the facts, viewpoints, and opinions expressed.Discussion periods after the presentations are stimulating andilluminating. TORCH is neither a fraternity nor a union. It differsfrom the excellent service and professional clubs in method andpurpose. It is non-political, non-denominational, and not a fundraising organization. It is not permitted to sponsor any causes orpartisan movements. TORCH does not resolve its members intocommittees, champions no causes, and subscribes to no propaganda.

HISTORY

Fromancient times a torch has been a symbol of Light and Truth. It is thesame today. Torch International proudly uses the torch, with theaddition of a triangle -- a symbol of Deity -- recognizing the sourceof all intelligence, as its emblem.
TheTorch International organization was started in 1924 in Minneapolis.About seventy-five men gathered at the invitation o f William F.Bullock to discuss the possibility of a new professional group.Within three years, enough local clubs had been formed to warrant anational convention.
TheTorch Club of Boca Raton was chartered in 1975. The initialinspiration for the founding of Boca Raton Torch Club came from Dr.Fred R. Whaley, who had been a member of the Torch Club of Buffalo,New York. With the decision made to organize a chapter in Boca Raton,Dr. Whaley contacted his friends at Florida Atlantic University whogave him introductions to others they thought would be interested.Through other organizations, he found more eligible people. A chainreaction had begun. With twenty-five members, the charter meeting washeld on April 14, 1975.
TheClub is based on the idea of sharing professionalism. With manyprofessionals represented among its members, the sharing of ideas andinformation translates into enlightenment and continued growth.
Theobjective of Torch is to be educational. It does not promote orsupport causes. Invited speakers at monthly meetings in many cases donot just give the facts concerning their professions; they invitecontroversy in seeking the truth. While free discussion andexpression of opinions on any subject are encouraged, the one arenathe club refrains from entering is endorsement of any political,social, economic, or religious matter.
NorrisPaxton, a former president of the organization, once summed up theclub's purpose this way: "Torch offers its members a place whereactive minds can become more active, an intellectual rallying ground,a refreshing look at today's and tomorrow's world, and the enduringfriendships of kindred spirits."
Twicea year, the club published a magazine named THE TORCH. In it arepapers that have been presented by members at local clubs around thecountry. An editorial board chooses the diversified subjects so thatthere is something to interest everyone.
Itwas not until 1973 that the membership voted to include women. Thechallenge came from the club in Roanoke, Virginia, whose presidentwrote, "There is not sufficient reason for a club that stressesprofessional qualifications among its members to ban women who meetthose high standards.