1930–31 Volume 55 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

Installation of Alberta AlphaByARCHER DAVIS,Toronto, '24ALBERTA Alpha of $ A 0 was installedSeptember 12 1930, the firstchapter of any international fraternityto be established at the University ofAlberta. The University regulationsbanning fraternities were lifted in thefall of 1929. The Detroit Conventionacting upon the recommendations ofthe Survey Commission and CanadianPhis, particularly those living in Alberta,recognized the promise of theinstitution as a fraternity field and theexcellence of the local group granting,by an overwhelming vote, the charterfor Alberta Alpha.The installing team was composedof seven Phis, headed by Mark W.Bradford, traveling secretary of thefraternity representing the GeneralCouncil, and Archer Davis, Toronto,'24 who has been living in Edmontonthe past two months and has pilotedthe local group in its campaign for acharter. They were assisted in theinstallation by five Calgary Phis: I. K.Kerr, Jr. Minnesota, '05; J. H. CurranKansas, '14; A. B. Billings, Toronto,'24; John McBrady, Chicago, '29 andGeo. S. McTeer, McGill, '31.The initiation ceremonies were performedat Hotel Macdonald on theafternoon of September 12. The paraphernaliaused belonged to Quebec Alphaand had been expressed to Edmontonfrom Montreal immediately afterthe Convention, so that the chaptercould be installed at once. The chartermembers initiated were Ian S.MacDonald, Alan F. McGill, CampbellMcPherson, Creighton R. Dobson,John E. Hart, Edward F. Foy, HerbertH. Hutton, Stephen M. Smaltz.The initiation banquet was held at theMacdonald at seven thirty and was[23]attended by the newly initiated membersof the Alberta Alpha and the installationteam. Archer Davis actingas toastmaster. The alumni brothersspoke fittingly and the response on behalfof the new chapter was made byIan MacDonald.The new chapter was formally installedwith due ceremony immediatelyafter the banquet.The first formal chapter meeting ofAlberta Alpha was held at Hotel Macdonald,Saturday, September 13,Brothers Bradford and Davis meetingwith the new chapter.APT had an active membership oftwenty-three. Owing to local conditionsit was deemed advisable by theGeneral Council to proceed with theinstallation with all speed. Accordinglyit took place two weeks beforeschool opened and inasmuch as themembers were scattered over the threewestern provinces it was absolutelyimpossible for more than eight to bepresent.The morning of the day of installationBrothers Bradford, Davis, andHerbert Hutton had an interview withDr. R. C. Wallace, President of theUniversity of Alberta. They wereassured by him of the University'spleasure in welcoming $ A 0 to thecampus of the desire of the administrationto co-operate fully with the newgroup and the General Fraternity.After consultation with CanadianPhis, the General Council has decidedto place Alberta Alpha in Pi Provinceso that it may be associated with thechapter at the University of BritishColumbia, also chartered by the DetroitConvention and to be installed in October.