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Support the Memorial that honors the founder of Lions International

Memorial Highlights

During your next visit, check out these features, both on the grounds and in the museum.

Melvin Jones' personal vest and items, as well as Presidential banners hung from the ceiling throughout the museum.

Historic photo albums and memorabilia on display.

The 50-foot spire backdropped by the Gila foothills.

Various plaques honoring clubs and individuals from around the world who support the Memorial.

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A Brief History

From humble beginnings as a club project to its status as an international shrine, the Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial honors the founder of Lions International, the world’s largest network of humanitarian service clubs. It honors Melvin Jones who served as the Lions International executive director from its inception in 1917 until his death in 1961.

Following his death, Lions of Arizona began work to create a permanent memorial. Dedicated in 1965, the Memorial has expanded to a four-acre, park-like destination with its iconic 50-foot spire, an adobe-style museum building, plus black-granite monument walls affixed with personalized plaques. Designated as an Arizona state historical site, the Memorial hosts events and activities including an annual rededication to Lions “Celebration” on the weekend closest to his birthday (January 13 of each year).

Support for the Memorial, its site operations, and expansion of its museum and historical exhibits is realized solely from donations, from Lions members, clubs and individuals who want to preserve Jones’ legacy and philosophy — “You can’t get very far until you start doing something for somebody else.” — which lives in the Lions motto ‘We Serve.’

Click here to view a short video that adds to the history of the Memorial.

Born in 1879 during the Indian Wars near Fort Thomas, Arizona Territory, young Melvin Jones learned early how vital is working together, pooling talents, energies and resources for survival and community success.

This was a time when the Indian Wars of the American West were savage and survival required working with friends and neighbors for mutual assistance …lessons he learned as a boy that assisted him as an adult in the equally savage world of business during the industrial revolution of the early 1900s.

As an adult in 1917, Melvin Jones joined with other successful businessmen in service to community. What developed is Lions International, the largest network of service clubs in the world with almost 1.4 million members in 220 countries. Focus areas are vision, diabetes, hunger, environment and childhood cancer.

While global in status and stature, Lions focus on local issues and service activities while maintaining Jones’ philosophy:

You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else

…a mantra that is central to Lions’ motto ‘We Serve.’

Jones served Lions International as its executive director and Secretary-General until his death in 1961. Lions of Arizona began work to create a permanent memorial to honor his leadership. In 1965, the Memorial was dedicated and further designated a Lions International shrine (1999), as well as an Arizona state historical site.

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