In 1919, the year the Marshall RC was officially chartered, they began meeting downtown atop the Hotel Marshall when it was constructed in 1929. This was the hub of the vibrant city located just a block from the Harrison County Courthouse. In the late 1960’s the hotel closed and the club was forced to meet in various locations around town. After four decades, the vacant and dilapidated hotel was donated to East Texas Baptist University. ETBU quickly began a Capital campaign and raised funds to renovate the building. It now is called the Marshall Grand and is home to the ETBU College of Nursing which is ranked Number One in the State of Texas. Pictured: Marshall Rotary Club President Hannah Luce.
The eighth floor was left incomplete. This meeting space used to hold community and civic events, luncheons, and parties. It is the highest point in Harrison County.As ETBU began the process of raising funds to renovate this space, the Marshall RC made the initial signature donation of $20,000 as one of their Club Project Matching Grants. This led to many other donations from the community, alumni, and The Grand Hall was completed in early October of this year. The Marshall Rotary Club held their first meeting in The Grand Hall on October 14th and will continue to use this location for their weekly meetings. The Marshall RC is proud to partner with ETBU in making an impact in our community. Rotarians from across District 5830 will have the opportunity to see the space when it hosts the District Foundation Banquet in March 2022.
