The New Bern Lions Club was first chartered by Lions International on February 9, 1937 as part of the largest civic service organization in the world. With the onset of World War II, a majority of the members were invited to join the armed forces. The membership decreased to the extent that the charter was returned to Lions International. At the end of the war in 1945 the club was reorganized on March 27 and officially chartered on June 26, 1945. Lion J. Wesley Morton served as the first President and R. F. Allen was its Secretary. There have been sixty four different Presidents, some serving more than once.

The club had for its main purpose in the community, to help those who were blind or visually impaired and provide education for the prevention of blindness. One of the very early programs to provide funds to carry out its community betterment activities was the production of a movie using local talent, and then showing it around the community to raise money. In the 50's minstrel show were held; in the 60's variety shows with bands were popular, followed by horse shows in the 70's & 80's. The club also sponsored a Boy Scout Troop #229 which was chartered in 1962. Over the years the Club had sponsored the following clubs: Trenton Lions Club; Minnesot Beach Lions Club; Havelock Lions Club; Tryon Lions Club in New Bern, and the Twin Rivers Lions Club of New Bern.