Cross & Crescent

This is the first in an occasional series looking back at articles from the Theta Kappa Nu’s Theta News newsletter.

Need for a Creed

During his speech at the 1932 Sixth Grand Chapter meeting, Grand Archon Leroy A. Wilson (Rose Hulman 1922) also stated the need for a fraternity creed:

“Most fraternities have in the course of time found it worthwhile to adopt a creed. Although the need of a creed for Theta Kappa Nu has been discussed from time to time, nothing has been done toward the preparation of such a statement of ideals. Here indeed is an opportunity for some gifted brother to evolve a permanent contribution to the building of the fraternity.”

Wilson’s call was soon answered, and in the Winter 1933 Theta News the Theta Kappa Nu creed was published:

This is my fraternity.

Where I find an opportunity to be frank and open in the expression of my true self; but if in so doing I digress from the highest standards of society, I know that my brothers will not cease to guide me.

Here I work and play in the advancement of the common good.

I realize it is no credit to me to be a part of an organization which does not lift me up beyond my normal self. I know that the ideals of my fraternity are such that if I strive to attain them I shall be lifted up.

May I ever be mindful of the relationship I hold to my fraternity. As a member I owe it allegiance. I must work for its welfare, support its institutions, and live within the bonds of true fellowship and brotherhood.

I am the fraternity.

Nearly 75 years ago, Theta News published a state of the fraternity speech given by outgoing Theta Kappa Nu Grand Archon Leroy A. Wilson (Rose Hulman 1922) who served as archon from 1928 to 1932.

The speech was given by Wilson at the Sixth Grand Chapter annual meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, at the Kansas City Athletic Club.

Later records show that Wilson also was one of the first to suggest and to support proposals for the union of Theta Kappa Nu with Lambda Chi Alpha, which occurred in 1939. He was later named to Lambda Chi Alpha’s original board of trustees in 1946.

The following excerpts from Wilson’s speech include his introduction, four objectives, and closing remarks.

Introduction

“Brothers in the covenant: Heartiest greetings to you who are here helping to make this Sixth Grand Chapter a most successful milestone in the history of Theta Kappa Nu. It is both a serious and joyful occasion which calls us together; serious because of the grace responsibility which rests upon us as representatives of over 5,000 brothers in the fraternity; joyful because of the fellowship we will enjoy and the opportunity for developing friendships which will wear throughout the years.

Theta Kappa Nu has now successfully passed through two most important periods in its history. During the early years our program was largely one of expansion, carrying the message of Theta Kappa Nu to the many new campuses on which we located. This was followed during the past four years by a period of adjustment consisting principally in stabilizing our activities and maintaining the far-reaching influences that had been established. With the blare of the horns and the beat of the drums it is easy to march in step and move forward. However, when the parade becomes just a shady memory there comes the difficult task of retaining the courage, the fervor, and the vision of the march without even an echoing note of the music to guide us on our way. And so it has been in Theta Kappa Nu. We have had our parade of expansion progress as evidenced by our remarkable growth during 1924, 1925, and 1926. And now during the past several years you men, your chapter brothers, and our officers have been working diligently to build the fraternity strong, both from within and without, with the purpose that we can better continue to be an influence in forming character and developing purpose in life.

We have been called by many the “Miracle Fraternity.” No doubt all of us have experienced some feeling of pride at the sound of those words, Theta Kappa Nu -– The Miracle Fraternity. The name probably originated in recognition of our remarkable growth and success. However, more satisfying to me is the realization that in the past year or two, and particularly during the past few months, we have really earned this super name given to us for the manner in which we, though an infant fraternity, have functioned under the stress of problems caused by hard times. All credit is due to the wholehearted enthusiasm and response which has attended each chapter in meeting the problem of adversity on its own campus. Truly we brothers of Theta Nu cannot help but be proud to acclaim the steady progress that has been made in the face of most discouraging economic conditions.”

Four Objectives

“In the fall of 1928 shortly after assuming officer as grand Archon I prepared a program of activities for the fraternity for the four years in which I was to serve. These objectives were published in the 1928 fall issue of Theta News. I will list them again for your information.

1. Every chapter on a firm financial foundation.
2. Marked improvement in the scholarship average of each chapter.
3. Expansion in new sections and only in approved schools.
4. Inter-chapter contacts and activities.

In general the chapters have responded well in meeting these objectives and the chapters are for the most part in a most favorable condition. During the past two years most of them have strengthened their financial position and today are enjoying a period of strong internal improvement. The attainment of high scholarship standing is nor generally considered by our chapters as one of its real necessities and creditable scholarship achievement by the individual members is being sought more diligently that ever before. Expansion has developed well in spite of the ties which bind intelligent extension and our new chapters have added considerable to our standing. Province meetings have been held in all provinces and have resulted in binding the nearby chapters close together. Needless to say that the Grand Council appreciates the hearty co-operation of you men in making these splendid results possible. Constant attention is necessary however to insure the continuance of this progress….”

Closing Remarks

“It is manifest that to succeed we must emphasize the intangible and spiritual objectives of fraternalism. They represent the enduring foundation of this and every other brotherhood which has survived throughout the years. The ideals as set forth in our rituals are the promotion of friendship and brotherly love, the stimulation of desire for knowledge, the observance of patriotic duties, and the development of character. As never before the youth of our institutions need the best in fraternalism in order to see the light through the maze of our existing conditions. The opportunity and challenge in Theta Kappa Nu spreads before us. So long as we are faithful to our ideals, we can hopefully anticipate a successful and enduring existence. If their traditional purposes are altered we may expect chaos and disorder.

The Greek-letter fraternity is ever at the crossroads; the system is ever on trial; its place in the structure of education is to be determined in the future, as in the past, by the contributions which it may make. What the future of Theta Kappa Nu will be, no one can say. We may however be confident that in our ever changing environment we will be effective and enduring as long as we stand squarely within the triangles.

In serving Theta Kappa Nu for the past four years I have attempted to give it the same type of treatment that I give to my job. I believe that our fraternity has become a huge business administration at all times. I want you to know that I have enjoyed serving Theta Kappa Nu as its Grand Archon. Although I pass officially from the picture I assure you that I shall always maintain an active interest in the fraternity. The official family has worked most harmoniously and perfect co-operation has been obtained. To those of you who have contributed to the success and pleasure of the administration I offer you my most sincere thanks.”