The Chesterfield Club, a civic and social organization in Selma, will celebrate its 90th anniversary on Dec. 28.

The club began Nov. 9, 1926, with a purpose of linking Selma’s professional and entrepreneur African American men and has continued to grow over the last century. It currently has 20 members, who serve in all types of roles and jobs in the community.

John Harris, one of two current members that have been a part of the club for 30 years, said he’s been a part of the organization for three decades because of the values the Chesterfield Club has. Iverson Hopson also joined the club in 1986 and is celebrating three decades of involvement.

“It’s because of what the organization stood for and stands for — giving back and at the same time enjoying life as a group of men,” Harris said.

Harris has served as the club’s secretary for 25 years and will oversee the club’s anniversary celebration, which will take place Dec. 28 at the Performing Arts Center. During the celebration, the club will look back at some of the club’s noteworthy members and accomplishments of the last nine decades.

The club currently gives back in many ways, but most prominently through its scholarship fund.

Leroy Maxwell, the club’s treasurer and historian, said the club gives out approximately $4,000 in scholarships each year and has provided more than $60,000 in scholarships in its history. All the scholarships are paid for by membership dues.

In the past, the club has made donations to the NAACP, the Dallas County Voters League, Selma University, Concordia College Alabama, the Boy Scouts, Red Cross, Leukemia Society, the Brown YMCA, American Cancer Society, United Way, Habitat of Selma, Selma High School and the Selma-Dallas County Public Library.

In recent years, the club has helped raise money for band uniforms at several local high schools.

The 90th anniversary isn’t the only celebration this month. The club’s annual Christmas Ball, an invitation only event, will be held on Dec. 30.

“I don’t believe there’s been a time in my memory where there wasn’t a Chesterfield Christmas ball,” Maxwell said.

Eric Roussell currently serves as the Chesterfield Club’s president. The club’s motto is “Nothing but the best.”