The Georgia-Carolina Council, Boy Scouts of America kicked off their centennial year this week in remembering the organizational meeting held on August 11, 1920 in downtown Augusta to form what was then known as the Augusta Council. The board minutes note that Augusta was one of the last important city in the south to employ a full time Scout executive. It was noted that Charleston and Little Rock also had not. 

Some 60 citizens from religious, educational, civic, commercial and other bodies were volunteered to serve on the first Scout Executive Council. Mr. Glen R Legwen was elected the first Council President. J. Hugh Conley was hired as the first Scout executive. In the past 100 years the council has had 16 Scout executives with J. Rucker Newberry serving the longest term from 1925 to 1944. Other notable members of that first board included E.C. Danforth, I.M. Fleming, Ar. Asbury Hull, Pierce Merry, A.H. Merry, Bowdre Phinizy, John Phinizy, and Marion Symms. 

There will be multiple events occurring in the coming twelve months to commemorate the Centennial Year including a Centennial Gala scheduled for March 2021. To learn more about Boy Scouts of America programs and the Georgia Carolina Council visit www.gacacouncil.org or contact the local Scout office at 706-733-5277.