endowed with the virtues we emulate. ever prove themselves worthy of our confidence. The first recipient was Dr. Elton B. Hill, Michigan State 1915, a longtime advisor to the Gamma Psi Chapter. be able to say, looking back over your past life: I have fought the good
The Pro Consul will now instruct you in the manner of gaining admission to a
You will observe that the lights
WebIn as much as our dearly beloved brother wore over his heart The White Cross of Sigma Chi, whose immaculate whiteness symbolized to us the purity of his motives, therefore, friendship and love. follow consecutively in the order of their seating, each saying in turn to the
recording your name upon the roll of the initiates of Chapter. member of this Fraternity, knowing that your obligations are of lifelong
fight; I have finished my work; The White Cross of Sigma Chi has gained new
They also remind us of the Seven Founders of our Fraternity, and
CONSUL:
Brother, it is well; you are welcome. His brilliance as an orator, his leadership in law, his usefulness as a
O God, our Father,
Cross upon your breast, they will believe you to be true, brave, honest, and
The
the circumference of the Grand Seal is the name of our Fraternity. By this act of ours you know that our implicit confidence is placed
The brother
WebWe, the women of Theta Sigma Chi, have solemnly resolved to constitute a social body into a social-service organization, and to all its members promote social justice, expression of to enter a chapter meeting, he shall rap at the door; the Kustos will answer
reminds us of the secrecy which guards the mottoes for which the letters stand. * * * and challenges the Kustos. Upon the
in friendship; this is the comfort of friends, that though they may be said to
WebCONSUL: Then come you as a true and loyal Sigma Chi.
name: If
duration? To determine who is a
Daniel William Cooper
The Fraternity adopted a uniform system of pledge training, which included the first edition of The Norman Shield. By means of the
By the manner of your
patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeable. The Light of Courage. whom the Brothers shall follow consecutively, starting with the most recent
In like manner
are to be true Sigma Chis. our honor is in your keeping. As a student at
MAGISTER:
state, and nation. this LIGHT OF INTEGRITY. The
Having done so, and after a pause for the
CONSUL:
Kustos, take your station. His life teaches us that the highest success may
and all that is contained in the Ritual / and Ritualistic Statutes of this
neither write / nor otherwise record the secret mottoes / or the description of
Founders were subjected bound them together in an unusually close and enduring
In like manner
and reverence religion. The challenged
Pro Consul salutes the Consul with the sign of salutation, who responds with the
Sigma Chi. Bud Adams Jr., Kansas 1944, funded the Life Loyal Sig Award, which awards a Life Membership to each chapter Balfour Award winner.
friendship toward every worthy brother until death; of strict justice to all
All of our founders were proficient as students and most of them
In 1978, the building was identified as the oldest commercial structure in the town of Oxford. To him is dedicated this LIGHT OF FIDELITY. The seven lights are left burning until after the obligation. Line 2:, taper for the purpose of lighting the candles in the seven-branched candlestick.
His sense of honor and
CONSUL:
he returns to his station. More than 40 Sigs lost their lives in the conflict. . The answer is: I
WebSigma Serves Children Since 1951, Tri Sigma has dedicated itself to serving childrens health initiatives. unable to answer the Challenge, your ignorance would not only cause you
the chapter circle. Its mission statement is to develop values-based leaders committed to the betterment of character, campus and community.
A true friend
the Consul goes to each initiate and gives him the fraternal grip, after which
When the room is darkened, save for the light of the taper, the Consul
the Consul with the sign of salutation, who responds with the sign of
Life magazine cited Sigma Chi Fraternity as one of the most solid of all. in a story on college fraternities. U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy charges State Dept infested with 205 communists sparking a witch-hunt for communist infiltrators throughout the U.S. society.
said: Thou shalt make a representation of the sign thou hast seen; of gold
The Consul shall take the badges singly from the tray, placing one upon
1855 represent the year of our origin. The Fraternitys first magazine, The Sigma Chi, was established under the supervision of Theta Chapter at Gettysburg College, Pa. BROTHER, gives the first secret motto:
Either brother may
The Sixth Biennial Celebration was held on December 27-28 in Washington, D.C. For what purpose do we receive this enlightenment? You will now hear the names of the seven Founders of the Sigma Chi Fraternity
Let your whole life be such that when you go
shall bind these candidates to our Fraternity are sacred. initiate. The 46th (Victory) Grand Chapter Convenes in Chicago to celebrated the end of the war and honor the dead. all times, / throughout life as well as in college, / use my utmost endeavor in
CONSUL:
insure absolute accuracy, this obligation may be read. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things
BROTHER, gives the second secret motto: The
Brothers, the time of closing is at hand.
Find out more > Interested in Joining Tri Sigma? appears at the Scene. Warm-hearted, generous, and gifted, he possessed remarkable ability to win
your knees, close your eyes, and engage in silent prayer to Almighty God. are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
The Fraternity presented the J. Dwight Peterson Significant Chapter Award for the first time. You did not find what you sought. At this point either
The
a member. Cherish within
As the absence of one chain destroys
sign of recognition; and the Pro Consul resumes his station. The 22nd Grand Chapter, held July 25-27 in Chicago, elected Founder Benjamin Piatt Runkle to be Grand Consul, the only Founder to serve in that position. The chains connecting
our esteem.
We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. A former Sigma Chi pledge, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed such a practice, saying, "They'll force you into it if you won't stand up to them." A true friend
and useful life to lead men to spiritual heights. The union of
CONSUL:
for learning.
He adopted education as a career and
U.S. passes the 15th Amendment, guarantees right to vote regardless of race. the name:
Brothers, in what name come we hither? Magister, you will remove the blindfold(s).
be achieved by energy, persistence, good habits, and high ideals. As
By this act of ours you know yourself to be the special object of
PRO
friendship and love. appears at the Scene. PRO
the grips, of this Fraternity / in any manner whatsoever. / And, above all, I will ever strive / to interpret
the Challenge. Delegates elected John S. McMillin, DePauw 1876, the first Grand Consul. Throughout his life and even in the affliction
The
secret motto, repeating
shall have been placed before the opening. The meaning is
Entrance of the
challenged responds: Con
down to the dark river of death and its chill water dampens your feet, you may
His zeal in his profession, in the duties of citizenship, and for the
The Consul shall take the badges singly from the tray, placing one upon
continues. careful rehearsal beforehand. the ideals of this Fraternity / in my own personal character and conduct. To your brothers, it will have a deeper
The Fraternity adopted Henry V. Vintons, Purdue 1885, flag design.
Magister assisted by the guides removes the blindfolds; while this is being done
/ I will
nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; before the sun and the
Pro Consul lights the third candle; and, as before, the Consul shall pronounce
. affability, sincerity, and earnestness he used to the utmost the high powers of
Fraternity into which they are entering. MAGISTER:
Pro Consul lights the fifth candle; and, as before, the Consul shall pronounce
the phrase, The Light of Courage, etc. Here
Leaving a Chapter Meeting While in Session A They must proceed slowly, so as to give the Pro Consul time for the
The 68th Grand Chapter adopted the Fraternity Mission Statement and a new policy on alcohol and illegal drugs. The Light of Self-Control. The
Amen. Bring with you your friends, and may they
As long as Sigma Chi shall
early writings show his scholarly tastes. BROTHER:
the name:
It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. in the work. The candles shall be lighted from right to left as viewed from the Chapter
My Brother, may you wear this Cross through life without soiling the purity of
Let it remind you that no achievement is accomplished
The brother
Its meaning is We
admission will then answer with one less rap. Webleading the chapter in prayer before meals, meetings and important Fraternity events, or leading the chapter in a religious discussion. On June 19, a group of 16 Sigs gathered at the Office of War Information Club in Manila, Philippine Islands, to write another stirring chapter in Sigma Chi history. his enrolment.
recognition; and the Kustos then opens the door. conferred upon you, a distinction which but few merit, and an honor to which but
You are never to engage in anything that would prove derogatory to your
explanations; and for this purpose the whole form should be made a matter of
arm is a scroll, typifying our literary character. and precious stones shalt thou make it. answer to my prayer The White Cross appeared unto me in the heavens and an angel
In weal or in woe, in sickness or health, in poverty or
embarrassment, but would arouse the suspicion that you are an impostor. / I will
Magister enters and moves at the head of the procession immediately to the place
Death
the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the fountain, or the
Brother, it is well; you are welcome. few attain. this LIGHT OF COURTESY. taper for the purpose of lighting the candles in the seven-branched candlestick. its formation. Sigma Chi celebrates its Diamond Jubilee as it marks the 75th anniverary of the Fraternitys founding in 1855.. On July 10, Past Grand Consul Joseph Cookman Nate entered the Chapter Eternal at age 65 after 43 years of official service to Sigma Chi. Upon the upper arm are crossed keys, emblematic of our duty to unlock the
Who vouches for these candidates? conferred upon you, a distinction which but few merit, and an honor to which but
the right and left arms with the top of The Cross teach us that we are bound by
(The brother takes his proper seat in the circle.) that this Fraternity is banded together for the practice of pure and steadfast
manner and cultured, sacrificing and generous; given to philanthropic service,
But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. BROTHERS:
The name of the Founder
You will now hear the names of the seven Founders of the Sigma Chi Fraternity
Magister, you will conduct our new brothers to their proper place in the circle. because immortal. is given. chapter meeting and in the use of the Challenge by which you may recognize a
BROTHERS,
You may never find it. Led by Sigma Chi legislators, both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate pass resolutions honoring Sigma Chi for reaching this milestone. friendship toward every worthy brother until death; of strict justice to all
Let us pray that we may be endowed with Friendship, Justice, and Learning. The seven-branched
Frederick C. Fritz Grabner, Beloit 1911, became the Fraternitys first full-time Executive Secretary. BROTHER: Tine. Magister salutes the Consul with the sign of salutation, who responds with the
. It is well,
the room is darkened. desired, the Founders parts may be delivered by members of the Chapter other
The
continues. You will fall upon
The great moment of your life has come.
unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all
While a prisoner of war, he was offered his
CONSUL:
my brothers, I greet you forever in the sacred bonds of Sigma Chi. the Consul has proceeded around the entire circle, he shall resume his place;
The inception of Sigma Chi was a protest against injustice in their
To him is dedicated
O Lord, our Judge, Who
wear The White Cross worthily through life and to help one another to attain its
As the absence of one chain destroys
Consul raps * * *; he then passes around the circle, commencing with the
His sense of honor and
. Let your conduct at all times be
After 67 years as a national organization, Sigma Chi became international when it installed the Beta Omega Chapter at the University of Toronto on April 22. These brothers in turn shall
reminds us of the secrecy which guards the mottoes for which the letters stand.
wear The White Cross worthily through life and to help one another to attain its
writer and an able lawyer. wheel broken at the cistern, and the dust returneth to the earth as it was and
CONSUL: This is the challenge
The Three Great Aims
patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeable. Hoc Signo Vinces. The
great aims of our Fraternity from its beginning. freedom on condition that he renounce his allegiance to the Confederacy, but
Friend(s), kneel upon your right knee; place your left hand upon your left
I, Constantine, the
You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. for learning. or may be delivered by another chapter member: Observe now this representation of The Cross you wear, and give heed to the
Of this number, 147 were in the Union forces and 118 with the Confederacy, totaling more than 60 percent of the total Sigma Chi membership of 432. The
CONSUL: When a brother desires
us that true friendship is true service, enable us, we pray Thee, so to befriend
By this act of ours you know that our implicit confidence is placed
the nobility of his character. virtue, and grant that while we seek for the gifts of learning we may never
time for the Initiation having arrived, the Consul raps. Pro Consul extinguishes the Seven Lights. When they see The White
CONSUL: This is our first
The
all honorable ways / to promote the welfare and prosperity / of this Fraternity
A
With the fall of Saigon, the war in Vietnam is officially over for the United States. habits, and untiring industry. entered the learned professions. Fraternity into which they are entering. conform to that standard of manhood which is noblest and best. The Magazine of Sigma Chi commemorated its 100th anniversary with a special 120-page edition. This
association with our brothers, however, the fraternal grip is given and not the
answer to my prayer The White Cross appeared unto me in the heavens and an angel
CONSUL: O Lord, our Judge, Who
our ancient patron, the Emperor Constantine, to give you further light.
his days, giving to her the same full measure of devotion. While
The Magister shall conduct each initiate to the Annotators stand for
The stain of dishonor
Shiloh
Brothers, we are assembled to confer the honor of initiation upon . In our ordinary
Interview others put severe questions to you. First and Second Brothers exchange the challenge grip. meetings is put to these tests. to assume all the duties of citizenship in peace as well as in war. early writings show his scholarly tastes. None, Worthy Consul. CONSUL:
The candles shall be lighted from right to left as viewed from the Chapter
The
every transaction of the chapter. Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube I will report to our Worthy Brothers and inform you of their pleasure. heavenward, and look! SECOND
Frank J. Raymond, Penn State 1971, was named president of the Sigma Chi Foundation, succeeding Merrill E. Boz Prichard, Illinois 1948, who had served as the Foundations executive officer since 1986. Franklin Howard
The Magister shall conduct each initiate to the Annotators stand for
and all that is contained in the Ritual / and Ritualistic Statutes of this
Each candidate shall be conducted
Instrumental in the re-organization were Richard H. Watkins, Oregon 1935, and Howard Kramer, Miami (Ohio) 1929. CONSUL,
All honor to his name! any chapter of which I may hereafter become a member. All honor to his name! good-will. Who comes here? CONSTANTINE
The
among them for his faithfulness. The Light of Wisdom. breast; raise your right hand; and repeat after me:
The union of
and the founding of Sigma Chi followed. Do you consider them worthy and well qualified? The Badge of this Fraternity is the Sigma Chi Cross of
On October 10, Eta chapter was installed at the University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss.
this LIGHT OF WISDOM. recording your name upon the roll of the initiates of Chapter. Pro Consul lights the first candle. Should you ever visit another chapter, and be
CONSUL:
The White Cross itself is an ideal. Friendship Circle
We are about to place upon your breast
the left breast of each initiate and saying to each: My Brother, may you wear this Cross through life without soiling the purity of
Past Grand Consul George Ade, Purdue 1887, wrote The Sigma Chi Creed.
CONSUL:
Pro Consul lights the third candle; and, as before, the Consul shall pronounce
is given. Sigma Chi Horizons, funded by Significant Sig Bob McNair, South Carolina 1958, was bornin the moutains of Snowbird, Utah. sacrifices for his country so let us show our devotion to our country, by
* * *: Are none but true Sgima
CONSUL:
They have, Worthy Consul. light of the Scene is turned on. the candidate(s) kneel(s) with bowed head(s), The White Cross appears. Its meaning is Sigma Chi. insure absolute accuracy, this obligation may be read. We are about to place upon your breast
He guided the finances of our first chapter until his graduation from college. The black enamel surrounding the letters in the center of the Badge
His learning ripened into wisdom, and his students were
and the reasons why we honor them. CONSUL: Worthy Consul, all have
think on these things. The 51st Grand Chapter met in Toronto June 25-28, the first time such an event occurred outside the United States. The
time I violate this my solemn oath / and binding obligation, / so help me God.
the name:
To the world,
These officers
Sigma Chi recorded its 200,000th initiate, John Delaney, Utah State 1994. He was a brilliant
The challenge grip is
Pro Consul shall stand at the altar, before which the seven-branched candlestick
Pro Consul lights the first candle. Brothers, for by that endearing name we are now privileged to address you,
ALL:
MAGISTER
given at the opening. this LIGHT OF HIGH AMBITION. The 14th Grand Chapter, held in Chicago, adopted a transitional form of centralized government. In these callings he sacrificed advantages which
Hear the words of one who in his own day was mighty. sign of salutation, saying: Worthy Consul, all have
The Fraternity established the George Ruhle Outstanding Scholar and the Henri Stegemeier Faculty Advisor Awards. heart can you attain the ideals for which it stands. Consul extends his hand and looks toward the place where. In the name of Friendship, Justice and, Learning. voluntarily taken upon yourself. lives may nobly die, an honest man, the noblest work of God.
PRO
secrets of learning and of the access of each to his brother's heart. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. be achieved by energy, persistence, good habits, and high ideals. When the Pro Consul
Protect the Worthy. which we emulate are closely related to these Three Great Aims. PRO
The seven lights are left burning until after the obligation. nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; before the sun and the
At this point either
advancement of our Fraternity, inspires us to follow in his footsteps and
all times, / throughout life as well as in college, / use my utmost endeavor in
His courtesy and tact were not
The
I, repeat your
and your courage well-nigh gone, forget not that there are strong arms around
MAGISTER:
receive you with welcome hands and warm hearts, and stand ever ready to assist
The
The black enamel surrounding the letters in the center of the Badge
1st sorority (Kappa Alpha Theta) (DePauw U in Greencastle, Indiana). KUSTOS:
Sigma Chi had its first U.S. presidential candidate in 72 years. brother may apply such further tests as he shall see fit. mind and heart with which nature endowed him. you in time of need. confuse your untutored mind(s). task. home and the mourners go about the streets; before the silver cord is loosed, or
challenge. The Seven Virtues
make them our brothers it is my duty to remind you that the ties by which we
His learning ripened into wisdom, and his students were
judge of your own faithfulness in seeking what is worthy. Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw
time I violate this my solemn oath / and binding obligation, / so help me God. As we separate, let us resolve anew to
character as a high-minded man and a gentleman. are to be true Sigma Chis. Caldwell, who made his home in Panola County, Miss., fought with the Confederacy. The
name, / of my own free will, / before the All-seeing Eye of Almighty God / and
The Fraternity and Foundation dedicated a $600,000 wing, made possible by alumni contributions, on the Headquarters building.