OUR HERITAGE The First Conventions
By Albert D. Shonk Jr. Court of Honor member, Phi Sigma Kappa Historian
As we approach our 67th General Convention, it is interesting to look back at several of the early Conventions, which were responsible for adopting our constitution and early rituals, as well as our insignia. The first General Convention was held in Amherst, June 18, 1888, just a few months after our second chapter, Alden March (later renamed Beta)* was inducted. The General Convention was called to order by Grand President Joseph Barrett, Founder. Both Chapters Pi (later renamed Alpha)** and Alden March were represented. The pin, which had been designed by Richard E. Duncan (U. Mass. 1886), was adopted as official, but not necessarily the exclusive emblem of the Fraternity. It was proposed, but not agreed, that each chapter was allowed to choose its own emblem as long as it contained the Triple Ts engraved upon it. The Alden March Chapter was authorized to prepare a ritual for submission at the next Convention. A new constitution was considered but not adopted. The second Convention was held March 22, 1889 in the Old Grand Union Hotel in New York, and was attended by Gamma Chapter*** which had just been inducted at Cornell the month before. The Convention authorized the executive committee to adopt designs for certificates of membership, certificates for charters and for the grand seal of the Fraternity. The main business was the adoption of the constitution, used temporarily, until another Convention was ready to adopt a permanent constitution. Three undergraduate delegates were present, one from each chapter. The third Convention was held October 25 at the same place and the principal business was again the constitution, which was finally adopted. It called for Conventions to be called at the will of the executive committee, or upon the request of one half of the chapters and clubs. Chapters and clubs were each allowed one vote at Conventions. The ritual was also discussed at this Convention. A special Convention was held in Amherst June 16-17, 1890 and only delegates from Alpha attended. This Convention made some minor changes in the constitution, but it also helped fuel some dissatisfaction among the member of Alden March and Gamma, because of the way it was handled. The chapter secretary of Alden March, Walter Conley (1891), who years later was to serve as grand president (1914-22) wrote to the executive committee requesting, “that a general convention be held in Albany the first week in February for the purpose of revising the Grand Chapter constitution, the constitution of Alden March Chapter, also to adopt rituals, signs and other secret work, and any other business that may come before said Convention.” At first the executive committee refused to honor Alden March’s request, but later relented after Gamma joined with Alden March in the request. At first there was much maneuvering and conflict at this Convention, but finally everyone settled down, and made some changes in the constitution and adopted the rituals as proposed by Alden March. This
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SPRING 2019
THE SIGNET