MURFREESBORO – An event more than 50 years in the making occurred here Tuesday night.

Betz Blowe took the oath as President of the Murfreesboro Lions Club, making her the first woman to hold that office in the 50-year history of the service organization.

&uot;I want to thank the Lions for the opportunity to serve as President,&uot; Blowe said moments after taking the oath.

Blowe said she had enjoyed the years she served as a Lioness and then appreciated the opportunity to join the Lion’s Club several years ago.

&uot;It has given me warmth and pleasure to be a part of such a great organization,&uot; she said. &uot;Having the opportunity to be part of the Murfreesboro Lion’s Club was an even greater honor.

&uot;I hope I can serve in a great way to enhance this organization and keep it growing,&uot; she added.

Outgoing club president Henry Miller said he was sure Blowe’s leadership would be good for the club.

&uot;I know you’ll do a good job and we’ll do our best to work with you,&uot; Miller said. &uot;I know you’ll make a good president.&uot;

Lion’s Club District official Bud Miller swore in Blowe. He gave a short address, before administering the oath, about the Lion’s Club.

&uot;I am pleased and honored to be asked to serve in this capacity,&uot; he said. &uot;I appreciate being able to install officers for your club.&uot;

Miller said the history of the Lion’s Club was unprecedented and that the club started more than 80 years ago in Chicago, Illinois and has grown to 45,000 clubs in 200 countries worldwide.

&uot;You better believe we are a great club,&uot; Miller said. &uot;Our primary goal is to provide assistance to those who are less fortunate and to promote peaceful cooperation between all races, all religions and all ethnic groups.&uot;

He reminded the club of the motto, &uot;We serve&uot; that was adopted in 1954.

&uot;We truly serve,&uot; he said. &uot;Everything we do is designed to be service.&uot;

After talking about the pride and history of the Lion’s Club, Miller said, &uot;This is the pride and confidence we hope to instill in these officers tonight.&uot;

Several other officers were sworn in at Tuesday night’s meeting in Murfreesboro.

The new officers for the year include: first vice president Francis Holloman, second vice president Bob Hagerty, secretary Danny Blowe, treasurer James Britt and directors Bennie Dunn, Betty Parker, Buddy Woodard and James Britt.