More than a dozen Civitan officials from the state and international organization joined with nearly 75 local club members and guests to celebrate the anniversary.

“Fifty years — it’s unbelievable,” declared Don Bringle, a member of the local club.

Jim Mault topped the unbelievable list for visiting Civitan officials.

A charter member, Mault was on hand when the Qranite Quarry Club started the China Grove club in 1949. And he hasn’t missed a meeting since.

Wayne Mullis of Salisbury, the N.C. Civitan West Governor, praised Mault as a club builder, pointing out that he has helped fund three clubs.

He presented Mault a diamond tie tack for his 50-year attendance record. “It’s the first one I’ve ever seen,” said Mullis, as a host of Civitan officials nodded in agreement.

Mault’s wife, Kathleen, joined the applause and the standing ovation.

Before the evening was over, Mault got a plaque and a couple of standing ovations.

The Civitan International President-elect praised the club’s work and Mault’s contributions during his half century of service.

Randall Eckhoff of Mobile, Ala., spoke about the 50 years of the club and of Mault’s service. He reviewed the national eras that have come and gone, the presidents and the social changes in that 50 years.

Eckhoff said the “I Syndrome” of the 1980s is continuing, making it difficult to recruit new members into Civitan.

Eckhoff presented an International Foundation Award to William “Bill” Hauss, praising him for his fund-raising efforts.

Hauss also received the “Civitan of the Year” award and before the evening was over won one of the door prizes.

Marty Snow, president of the China Grove Civitans, lauded the Junior Civitan Club at South Rowan High School and introduced several members.

Among those was Jonathan Faggart, president of the South Rowan club. Faggart said the Civitans is “the club to be in” at South, with many students signing up early seeking to be admitted. The club currently has 109 members.

Bryan F. Bobo, an international director from South Carolina, lauded the half-century of service by the club and those who have been members.

“What would this community have been like without the club?” asked Bobo. “It’s amazing what can be accomplished through group action.”

Bill Fisher, president of the Granite Quarry Civitans, re-presented an updated charter to the China Grove club.

Snow presented Jim Soloman of the China Grove Little League a check for more than $5,500 to keep the program going, part of the club’s continuing commitment to the youth baseball organization.