1903-04 Volume 28 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

THE HISTORY OF THEPHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY.THE FIRST GREEK-LETTER SOCIETY.The first American secret societj with a Greek-letter name was* B K, which dates from the year of the Declaration of Independence.It was founded at William and Mary College, the alma materof Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, the wealthiest and. Harvardexcepted, the oldest educational institution in the United States.Williamsburg, the seat of the college, was also the seat of governmentin Virginia from 1700 to 1780.December 5, 1776, in the eighty-fourth year of the college,* B K was organized by five undergraduates—John Heath,Richaird Booker, Thomas Smith, Armistead Smith, John Jones.At this meeting a square silver medal was agreed on." It borethe letters "* B K"; in the upper left, three stars; in the lowerright, a hand pointing to the stars; on the reverse the letters "S P"in a script monogram, with the date, "December 5, 1776," below.The badge was intended to be worn suspended by a cord, whichran through a ring, extending from the middle of the upper side.*The Latin words suggested by "S P" have been variously rendered.Science and Philosophy," or "Society of Philosophers,"or "Philosophical Society." At the second meeting, January 5,1777, the following "oath of fidelity" was adopted:I, A. B., do swear on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, or otherwise ascalling the Supreme Being to attest this my oath, declaring that I will, with all mypossible efforts, endeavor to prove true, just and deeply attached to this our growingFraternity, in keeping, holding and preserving all secrets that pertain to myduty, and for the promotion and advancement of its internal welfare..•\t this meeting the oath was administered to the five personsabove mentioned and to four others; after which officers werechosen—Heath, President; Booker, Treasurer; Thomas Smith,Clerk. A 'Code of Laws," consisting of twenty-four resolutions,was adopted, March i. Some of them follow:That in every design or attempt, whether great or small, we ought to invoke theDeity, by some private sacrifice or devotion, for a fraternal prosperity.* "Tradition informs us tiiat tlie badge was originally worn on .. ribbon about the neck of theowner."—"The Cyclopaedia of Frateraities."