Tuesday, August 10, 2004, the BHBL Rotary Club met at the Charlton School.  The program focused on honoring the memory of Rev. Walter Kessler, past pastor of the Burnt Hills United Methodist Church, and past President of the BHBL Rotary Club.  He was also a Rotary District Governor. 

Members of the club that knew Rev. Kessler spoke. Rev Kessler made a lasting mark on Rotary and on this community.  Several things made this a very unique occasion.  Rev. Kessler’s two sons, his daughter and his son-in law attended, and spoke as well. The family members traveled to the area from Mass and California. 

Capping the event was the award of Rotary Paul Harris Fellowships to one of Rev. Kessler's sons, to his daughter, and to son in law. 

Paul Harris Fellowships are awarded for making a significant contribution to the Rotary Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote world peace and understanding and to help the needy in foreign lands. 

Don Kessler, the Reverend’s oldest son (second from left), sponsored his brother, Charles Kessler Jr. (furthest to the left), his brother in law, David Publow (third from left) and his sister, Johanna Publow (fourth from  left).  Blair Hartman, Rotary District 7190 Governor, is reading the citation (furthest to right) and presented the awards.