The Lions Club of Barrie was chartered in 1931 by 25 thoughtful men who believed in their community. In Canada it was the great depression and soup kitchens were plentiful. Western Canada was parched by the most ravaging drought in the country's history. Canadians were singing God Save the King, and raising their water glasses to King George V.
An evening service organization, The Lions Club of Barrie was born. A charter member and chairman of the inaugural meeting on October 18, 1931 was Bill Bell, a High School Music Teacher.Twenty-five new members attended the charter night. It's the energies of a group of people directed toward common goals that have given the members of the Lions Club of Barrie that quiet fortitude that has carried them along the service club path for three quarters of a century. On July 4,1986 the club purchased the Embassy Hall which was renamed the Lions Hall. Since then a substantial amount of money has been raised through the hall rental for special occasions.
