1953–54 Volume 78 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

THE SCROLL of Phi Delta Theta for September, 1953
". . . it is proper that . . . Silver Key should associate
itself with men of like ideals and character for mutual
benefit on a nationwide or worldwide basis. . . ."
SEVERAL WEEKS prior to the installation of Texas Epsilon,
Jim D'Acosta, an alumnus of Silver Key living in
Mexico City, wrote the chapter a letter of congratulations.
At the time, he did not know that he would be one of
the initiates. He arrived in Lubbock, however, on the
same plane with Brothers Wilterding and Biggers, installing
officers.
JIM D'ACOSTA
At the Installation Luncheon, Moody Alexander, president
of Texas Epsilon, read the letter from D'Acosta. It follows.
PEAR BROTHER KEYS:
Since last we met here at reunion last year, I've been trying to get down on paper my heart's
sentiments about this milestone in the life of our brotherhood.
A few might say that Silver Key will pass away on the eve of initiation into Phi Delta Theta.
Some will predict that Silver Key will leave its ghost in the old alums until their interest wanes.
Still others may declare that only the name and dues will change, that Silver Key will continue
to exist under the new banner called Phi Delta Theta. Yet we know that none of these would
be entirely true.
Silver Key has been a spirit of living in truth and trust among men who banded together
to have fun and memorable times during our wonderful college days. Yet, beneath the funloving
ambient, there has distinctively prevailed the fineness of character and sincerity of
personality which, when pooled together with others of like nature, forms an overflowing
fountain of brotherhood; a soul moving relationship none of us will ever forget. And this pool
has amplified and strengthened the character of each who share in it, thus becoming better
men equipped to render worthy works and offer able leadership for our communities, our
professions, our nations, and our religions.
So it is proper that this building block of life, which we have called Silver Key, should
associate itself with other men of like ideals and character for mutual benefit on a nationwide
or worldwide basis.
My wish to you, who are about to enter this wider horizon, is: do not sit back merely to
reap the benefits of your new association, but rather pour into the national brotherhood,
wholeheartedly, your spirit and heritage of Silver Key: for by contributing rather than receiving,
the Silver Key spirit which we know and love, will multiply and shall live on always. My
congratulations and good luck!
Fraternally,
JIM D'ACOSTA
Wilterding, Biggers, and Miller and cigarette
lighters to Brothers McCall and Clark
Bledsoe, assistant chief of Nu Province.
The final event of the luncheon program
was the pledging of the erstwhile Silver
Key pledges, who, oddly enough, were in a
state of non-affiliation after the permanent
adjournment of the local. President Moody
administered the pledge oath, at the conclusion
of which each new Phikeia received
the colors of the Fraternity from his big
brother in the chapter.
A happy "Phi Delta Theta for Aye"
echoed through the emptying banquet hall.
The First Christian Church, just a block
off the campus, was the scene of the Installation
Service at 3 P.M. Saturday. Several
hundred relatives and friends gathered in'
the sanctuary to attend the impressive rites,
presided over by Brother Wilterding.
Phis and Phikeias, more than one hundred
fifty strong, marched in, two by two,
and occupied the front pews.
(Continued on page 26)