The Troy Exchange Club celebrated an important day Thursday as it marked its 35th year in the city.

The club, which dedicates its services to child abuse prevention, was chartered in Troy in 1974 with 50 members.

Today, there are 52 Pike County residents still dedicated to serving the community’s needs.

The club was addressed by Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford Thursday, as he honored those gathered by declaring the next week “Exchange Week” in the city of Troy.

Lunsford signed a proclamation declaring the week of Sept. 20 to 26 as one to be set aside for the group.

“We in the city, not just me but the city council and the community, we appreciate the many good things the Exchange Club does and has done,” Lunsford said.

“I do thank you, and I especially thank you for starting the club 35 years ago.”

In the club’s time, the Exchange Club has made a noticeable mark on its community.

Some of the accomplishments the club has made are the upgrade of Murphree Park, the Annual Youth of the Year scholarship, the Colley Complex Awards Banquet and scholarship program, 17 freedom shrines within the city, the annual One Nation Under God Breakfast and providing monetary support to the Child Advocacy Center and the House of Ruth.

All of the club’s chartered members were recognized at the event, four of whom were honored Thursday at the luncheon.

Bill Sanford, Jo Faulk, Richard Bray and Sidney Starling were at Thursday’s event.

“I’m just amazed. We had to struggle to get 50 members, and here there are so many,” Bray said.

The Exchange Club meets at noon every Thursday at American Legion Post 70 on East Walnut Street.