WORLDWIDE AA HISTORY

Before beginning a history of local importance, one should look at a brief history of its parents. The following paragraphs
describe, in a very general nature, the beginnings and purposes of Alcoholics Anonymous as we understand them today.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a world-wide fellowship of alcoholic men and women who are banded together to solve their common problems and help fellow sufferers in recovery from that age-old baffling malady -alcoholism.

What was later to become known as the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous came into being in Akron, Ohio, in 1935. It was founded by two men publicly identified only as Bill W., a former New York stockbroker, and Dr. Bob S., an Akron surgeon. Both had long histories of irresponsible drinking and had been regarded as "hopeless" alcoholics.

In the fall of 1934, Bill W., hospitalized for alcoholism, experienced a sudden spiritual "awakening" that seemed to free him of the desire to drink. He tried to persuade other alcoholics that they could experience the same transformation, but none recovered.

The following spring, in Akron, after the collapse of a business venture, Bill was seriously tempted to drink again.
Fearful of the inevitable consequences of taking "the first drink," Bill recalled that he had had no desire for liquor during
the preceding months while he had been working with alcoholics in New York. In desparation, he sought a similar contact in Akron. A series of telephone calls, of which the first was to an understanding and cooperative clergyman, led to Dr. Bob. The
latter, impressed by Bill's recovery story and by the opportunity to share his own problem with an admitted alcoholic, achieved sobriety shortly thereafter.

More important, the two men discovered that their own sobriety was strengthened when they offered to share it with
others, stressing their own practical experience as recovered alcoholics. By the fall of 1935, a small group of sober alcoholics was meeting regularly in Akron.

Bill returned to the East, where a number of other groups soon were formed. Dr. Bob, remaining in Akron, continued to be a
bulwark of the new movement until his death in 1950.

The young society remained nameless until 1939, when the book, "Alcoholics Anonymous" recorded the recovery experience of about 100 members, most of them in Akron, Cleveland, New York and Philadelphia. Rapid growth began in the 1940's, when the recovery program first attracted widespread attention in the United states and Canada and in a few countries overseas.

The movement has continued to grow and today, after 50 years of growth, has more than two million members affiliated with over 76,000 groups located in over 114 countries around the world, including Russia. Men, women, and teenagers make up this membership of recovering alcoholics.

DISTRICT 15 INTERGROUP

Alabama/NW Florida Area

On February 8, 1973, the 12th District Intergroup of the Alabama/NW Florida Area, was recorded by the General Service
Office in New York. Jim W., of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, was the delegate to the Alabama/NW Florida Area Assembly at this time and had a big part in getting District 12 established as an intergroup of AA The first DCM of this new intergroup was Ivan S., who served in 1973-74.

On May 13, 1974, following the establishment of Districts 13 and 14, District 12 was to become officially known as District 15of the Alabama/NW Florida Area of AA This new District was called "The Greater Panama City Intergroup Committee."

A District Committee was formed in October of 1974. Jack H. of Panama City, Florida, was elected DCM The new District
Committee functioned separately from the Greater Panama City Intergroup Committee for the next five years with the Intergroup meeting bi-monthly and the District Committee meeting monthly. In 1976, Stan S. of Panama City, Florida, was elected DCM

In November of 1977, the word "Greater" was deleted from its title and the intergroup was called the "Panama City Intergroup
Committee." Chuck G. was elected DCM in January of 1979.

In November of 1979, the "Panama City Intergroup Committee" and the "District Committee" were combined into one function. This combination was known as the "Panama City Intergroup Committee."

On January 1, 1980, Jimmie C. was elected DCM and became Chairman of the Panama City Intergroup Committee.

On December 10, 1981, the name of the Panama City Intergroup Committee was changed to the "District 15 Intergroup" and  remains such.

A "first ever" occurred on January 1, 1983, when 'Shakey Jake' B. took office as DCM -the first black man so elected
in District 15.

Another 'first' occurred on January 1, 1985, when Jane G. took office as DCM -the first woman so elected in District 15.

GROWTH IN DISTRICT 15

"So long as its founding members -especially the charismatic Bill W. -lived, Alcoholics Anonymous was in the process of
formation. Even after their deaths, development as well as growth continued. Sheer time and proven effectiveness have
enshrined AA's Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, but the essentially unorganized nature of the fellowship works against
any absolute rigidities. However dogmatic or inclined to absolutism any AA group may become, any two or three alcoholics
who disagree with such a turn may depart and by meeting for the purpose of sobriety form their own, new, AA group. So
Alcoholics Anonymous grew and so it will continue. . . ."

The above quotation lends itself to explain some of the reasons for growth within District 15 of the Alabama/NW
Florida Area of Alcoholics Anonymous. Other reasons -absolute ones -arose because of inadequate meeting space; increased membership; disenchantment by host meeting facility owners, and meeting location distances.

For whatever reason given, the growth of Alcoholics Anonymous in District 15 has been positive, sound, and beneficial
for the recovering alcoholic and for concerned communities. Indications are that this growth will continue to do so.

INDIVIDUAL GROUP HISTORIES

District15oftheAlabama/NW Florida Area of Alcoholics Anonymous encompasses the following Florida cities: Panama City,
Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Fountain, Wewahitchka, Bayou George, Mexico Beach, and Port St. Joe. The following pages relate, in brief form, a history of groups within those cities. These histories are presented in order of activation date.

Once again, the reader is reminded that accuracy of dates, times, places, and events of historical importance cannot be
guaranteed. They are true and accurate to the preparer's best knowledge and to the best knowledge of persons interviewed forthis history.