WHAT IS TORCH ALL ABOUT?

TORCH members are individuals with specialized expertise, often with advanced education and degrees. Members have the unique opportunity to present learned papers and dissertations encompassing their own specialized field of expertise, and also a time to question, discuss and challenge the facts, viewpoints, and opinions expressed. Discussion periods after the presentations are stimulating and illuminating. TORCH is neither a fraternity nor a union. It differs from the excellent service and professional clubs in method and purpose. It is non-political, non-denominational, and not a fund raising organization. It is not permitted to sponsor any causes or partisan movements. TORCH does not resolve its members into committees, champions no causes, and subscribes to no propaganda.

HISTORY

From ancient times a torch has been a symbol of Light and Truth. It is the same today. Torch International proudly uses the torch, with the addition of a triangle -- a symbol of Deity -- recognizing the source of all intelligence, as its emblem.
The Torch 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 a national convention.
The Torch Club of Boca Raton was chartered in 1975. The initial inspiration 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 who gave him introductions to others they thought would be interested. Through other organizations, he found more eligible people. A chain reaction had begun. With twenty-five members, the charter meeting was held on April 14, 1975.
The Club is based on the idea of sharing professionalism. With many professionals represented among its members, the sharing of ideas and information translates into enlightenment and continued growth.
The objective of Torch is to be educational. It does not promote or support causes. Invited speakers at monthly meetings in many cases do not just give the facts concerning their professions; they invite controversy in seeking the truth. While free discussion and expression of opinions on any subject are encouraged, the one arena the club refrains from entering is endorsement of any political, social, economic, or religious matter.
Norris Paxton, a former president of the organization, once summed up the club's purpose this way: "Torch offers its members a place where active minds can become more active, an intellectual rallying ground, a refreshing look at today's and tomorrow's world, and the enduring friendships of kindred spirits."
Twice a year, the club published a magazine named THE TORCH. In it are papers that have been presented by members at local clubs around the country. An editorial board chooses the diversified subjects so that there is something to interest everyone.
It was not until 1973 that the membership voted to include women. The challenge came from the club in Roanoke, Virginia, whose president wrote, "There is not sufficient reason for a club that stresses professional qualifications among its members to ban women who meet those high standards.