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ABRIDGED BOULE' HISTORY
Sigma
Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc., is the country's oldest African American
fraternity.
Unlike most
fraternities which you can commonly identify, Sigma Pi Phi selects
its membership from male college graduates who are recognized
as outstanding achievers and productive citizens. On June 9,
1984, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc., officially called Gamma
Beta Boule as its 74th subordinate chapter at the Sheraton at
St. John's Place in Jacksonville, Florida.
During the summer of 1983, Dr. Wendell P. Holmes, Jr., called
a meeting at his home on Gillislee Drive inviting community
leaders and professionals for the purpose of introducing the
fraternity to potential members and exploring the possibility
of establishing a chartered chapter in Jacksonville. While most
fraternities on college campuses were quite visible and their
names recognizable, few persons in Jacksonville were familiar
with the organization. Dr. Holmes served on college boards at
Bethune-Cookman College and at Hampton university. He also was
very aware of the caliber of men associated with the fraternity
and was driven to interest enough successful individuals in
Jacksonville to seek admission as a Jacksonville Chartered Chapter.
His prior investigation of requirements made it clear that individuals
should be of highest professional caliber, be able to afford
the financial requirements of the fraternity's taxes and planned
activities, and would interest the minimum number of candidates
to start a chapter.
After a series of meetings, the preliminary process for admitting
a newly formed subordinate Boule' was completed under the guidance
of the National Office. The chartering
ceremony was planned and held at the Sheraton at St. John's
Place in Jacksonville on June 9, 1984.
The
ceremony was conducted by Grand Grammateus Butler Henderson
from New York City. He was assisted by Archons from Subordinate
Boule's around Florida, principally Archon T. Winston Cole from
Gainesville and Archon Roger P. Fair. from Beta Xi Boule'. Fifteen
Archons were installed in the newly chartered Gamma Beta Boule'
on that Saturday evening.
They were: Dr. Chester A. Aikens, dentist: C. Ronald Belton,
an investment broker with Merrill Lynch: Dr. Charles Cline,
assistant superintendent, Duval County Public Schools: Dr. Cecil
W. Cone, president of Edward Waters College: Gillard Glover,
chair/president of the New Afro-American Life Insurance Co.:
Robert Gordon, Esq., attorney at law: Dr. Walter Haltis, assistant
superintendent, Duval County Public Schools: Dr. Wendell P.
Holmes, Jr., Chair of tile Duval County School Board and president
of Holmes and West Funeral Home, P.A.: Earl M. Johnson, Esq.,
attorney at law: Ronald Van Johnson, president, Century National
Bank: Dr. Orrin Mitchell, orthodontist; Dr. Robel1 L. Mitchell,
associate vice president for academic affairs/chief administrative
officer, Downtown Campus, University of North Florida; Willard
Payne, owner, McDonald's Restaurant; Dr. Rodell F. Roberts,
conference lay leader, United Methodist Church: and Dr. Alvin
G. White, Area Superintendent, Duval County Public Schools.
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