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Part One

The first general history of The Fraternity, particularly the Grand Chapter, was written by Theodore B. Pearson, Alpha Alpha '03.  It was published in the Quarterly of July 1910.

The author attempted to construct a consecutive record of the fraternity, as it existed in Louisville in the years 1894-1900 as well as to establish a factual review of the Eastern Phi Chi group originating in 1889.  He subsequently discovered, however, that many of the tales told him of the Southern group were, to say the least, legendary.  In the period from 1915 to 1920, all the records of the Central Office of Phi Chi were re-checked, the following corrected, and more authenticated statistical history was written.

This history of the early days of Phi Chi represents statistical information of record flavored with the personal impressions and evaluations of personalities and events of "The Grand Old Man of Phi Chi," Doctor Theodore B. Pearson, or as he was more popularly known, "T. B."

1894

"October 26, 1894, at four o’clock, p.m., there assembled in the office of Doctor Clinton Kelly" of the faculty of the Louisville Medical College, "A. Harris Kelly, Samuel T. McClung, G. Fowler Border, Joseph N. Powers, George E. Gavin, Charles W. Hibbitt, and Linn L. Kennedy (all of whom became members of Alpha of the Southern Fraternity; now Alpha Alpha) for the purpose of organizing a fraternity."[1]

It may be surmised that this meeting was not impromptu nor unpremeditated; for the session, immediately after organization, lost no time in adopting resolutions providing for a name, pin, elections of new members and an extremely novel method to announce the entry of the Fraternity into the field of college.

OFFICIAL BADGE October 26, 1894 to 1896.

Many futile attempts have been made to ascertain why the name Phi Chi was chosen.  Irvin Abell, Alpha (southern Fraternity; now Alpha Alpha) is of the opinion that the letters represented the motto- Philia Charitos -but he does not recall when or why or by whom they were introduced.  None of the members seems to know; in fact, it was not known until 1904 that such motto had been adopted at the time of organization.  This revelation was made to Herbert Bronner, Gamma (Southern Fraternity; now Alpha Alpha) a year after the Convention (1903) had accepted the present exoteric motto—Phthanomen Chrasimein.  The growth of Phi Chi is a great monument to the spirit that urged the original group to unite and form a medical fraternity in a city where little was known of such Societies.  Harris Kelly was chosen temporary chairman of the meeting and Linn L. Kennedy, secretary.  The first official business transacted was to nominate and elect Carey A. Gray and Walker B. Gossett to membership.  Then the design for the pin was discussed and after a while a pin, "Roman gold ground, white enamel letters and design (caduceus), with border of alternating rubies and pearls” was adopted.  A resolution to present a gold medal to the most popular member of the senior class was taken up and finally amended to read, "The entire class to vote of it!"  That truly was a concession to the anti-fraternity element of the college.  However, that medal was a Nemesis.  First, the price to be paid brought on a lengthy argument and like all the Fraternity's unpleasant subjects, the Fathers disposed of it in a truly diplomatic manner- they tabled it.  (as far as it is known, it is still there.)  Before anyone had the courage to reopen the discussion (the whole membership being busy revising the ritual, the constitution, the pin design or proposing new members) the "barbs" took a sudden dislike to the Fraternity and a riot occurred which forever prevented that most popular man of the class of 1895 from receiving a medal.  The cause of the "unpleasantness" was real; for, on the lapel of each professor's coat appeared one morning, the pin of Phi Chi. The final act of the first session was to publish the "slate" of the Fraternity for class election.  Gray for President; McClung for Valedictorian and Kelly, Salutatorian.

November 5: "Routine" business was discussed and Gossett and Kennedy were appointed as a committee to draft a constitution.  Not until November 17 were officers elected: Presiding Senior, McClung; Presiding Junior, Gossett; Secretary, Kennedy, and Powers, Treasurer.  They were named as at present, except Judge Advocate and the minor officers; these had not been provided for.  Wedding, Chapman and Shacklett were elected to membership and included with Gray and Gossett in the charter list.  Saturday night was selected for the weekly meetings and December 8, 1894, called the First Regular Meeting.  On that day, things began to move with some velocity.  In general, the Fraternity was not well received.  Some of the students had experiences with general fraternities in literary colleges and since they were not members of those fraternities, naturally, after a while, not being chosen by Phi Chi, they began an active campaign against the latter.  To overcome this (seemingly) Gray proposed eight men.  No list of these names exists but from an examination of the classes of '95, '96 and '97 it is evident they were elected.  A letter from Leonard S. Hughes, Alpha (Southern Fraternity; now Alpha Alpha) gives some information of the subject and explains how the first history (Volume VII, July, 1910 QUARTERLY) disagrees with the minutes.  Hibbitt was present from the beginning but the writer (Hughes) seems to think he was admitted after the chapter was organized.  Likewise, Gossett was names as Founder but he was elected during the first session.

At the next meeting (December 15), to prove that they were a medical fraternity, a resolution was introduced electing all the professors in the Louisville Medical College associate members.  It was the custom to present each associate or honorary member with a pin and have a special social meeting for them.  Much horseplay and monkeyshines were indulged in and a great feast followed.  All this impressed the initiates very much, no doubt, but what effect it had on the professors is unquestionably reflected by the enthusiasm they exhibit "for the grand, old fraternity" in these days of its glowing young manhood!  Few did more than wear the pin close to examination time.  They could have been admitted as active members under the dignified ritual William J. Foley, Alpha (Southern Fraternity; now Alpha Alpha) had prepared but strange to say they were merely invited to see the ridiculous act of schoolboys and asked to wear the pin in memory of that.  Of course, there was a reason for all this- childish to the present membership- but vital then.  The practice was thought to help the "brother" through the "green room" and give him an opportunity to witness operations and obtain service more readily.  Perhaps it did.  And that developed the opposition, which appeared annually, sometimes seriously for many years.  The real evil was that each succeeding chapter loaded up on associates and honoraries until the local had more of that class of members.  When cataloguing was seriously taken up, the editors had great difficulty locating these members.  This method of admitting members was exceedingly unwise, as the future proved.  While it served its purpose, those same associates would have been pleased to take the oath, listen to the ritualistic lessons, and become thereby active members.  Some expressed the opinion that they preferred to not be associates.  The material taken in was, naturally, of the first order- it was the method that prevented these very competent men from giving their advice and support in times of stress.  Any physician in any faculty would be honored and would accept election in any Phi Chi chapter as an active and willingly give his counsel and material influence, then as now.  Physicians as a class delight in being members of organizations that give them prestige.

December 29, 1894, D. A. Garrison, O. K. Harris, E. Rea Norris and A. P. Campbell were admitted and elected to become charter members.  Kennedy resigned as secretary and was succeeded by Chapman.  The constitution in use was repealed and a new one adopted.  This later draft was presented by Powers, Hibbitt, Harris, Gavin and Garrison.  February 3, 1895, the first official photograph was taken and reproduced in the Courier-Journal with an article concerning the new fraternity.  In 1895, the follow members were constituted the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity:

CAMPBELL, ARCHIBALD P., Richland Center, Wis.
            CHAPMAN, THOMAS SHELBY, McAlester, Okla.
            GARRISON, DAVID A., Gastonia, N.C.
            GAVIN, GEORGE E., Mobile, Ala.
            GOSSETT, WALKER BOURNE, Louisville, KY.
            GRAY, CAREY A., Bonham, Texas
            HARRIS, OLIVER K., Ellettsville, Ind.
            HIBBITT, CHARLES W., Louisville, Ky.
            (The only founder to become a member of the Grand Chapter.)
            IRELAND, R. LINDSAY, Louisville, Ky.
            KELLY, A. HARRIS, Louisville, Ky.
            KENNEDY, LINN L., Louisville, Ky.
            MCCLUNG, S. T., Louisville, Ky.
            NORRIS, E. REA, Fossil Ore.
            POWERS, JOSEPH NELLEY, Jackson, Miss.
            SHACKLETT, HENRY B., New Albany, Ind.
            WEDDING, E. VICTOR, Kansas City, Mo.

1895 – 1896

Before discussing this year, it will be well to introduce a letter from Hughes to show just how much difference there is between the records and discover, if possible, some of the missing links.  That the records are faulty there is no doubt, for many of the later records refer to names and dates that do not appear in the beginning.  Again, the records of the Grand Historian of those years agree with the letter in many points and prove the minutes were kept at the pleasure of the early secretaries who did not believe in writing too many names.  They left it for a Grand Historian to later figure out.

"I have just received a letter from the Directory Committee (1908).  I am sorry to say I have filled it in from memory and it is very defective regarding many points.  It has been so long ago since I was initiated and the Fraternity in such a poor condition at the time in regard to records, that I doubt if there is any record of my initiation in the old fraternity books; and there certainly is no record in my mind except that I did "ride the goat" under the able guidance of Gavin, Harris Kelly, Louis Mulligan and a few others of that ilk—I believe Faulkner,[2] Scales and some others were initiated the same night.  It was either 1895 or 1896.  As to the day or month, I have not the faintest recollection.  At that time, the initiation was very short- we had no ritual to speak of; the form, usually being devised and rehearsed for each occasion, varied according to the physical endurance of the candidates.  Later- about 1896, we decided to reorganize and extend to other Louisville schools.  At that time, I wrote a new ritual with the assistance of Dr. William J. Foley.  In the ritual, I provided for the different officers, costumes and insignia to be worn by each- also, quite a lengthy form of charge to the candidate before conferring the degree.

"We used this ritual for some time in the Louisville Medical College (Alpha Alpha, now ) and this was the ritual used at the time of the organization of Beta, Gamma and Delta chapters (of the Southern Fraternity).  After Hospital School of Medicine was admitted there was a proposition to further extend and enlarge the ritual and form of initiation and one of the charter members of Delta (I have forgotten his name) prepared a still more extensive ceremony, introducing many new features- I remember he used the skull and bones and lectures.  After this, a proposal was made to organize a grand chapter, incorporate it and confer the degree ‘Fellow of the Phi Chi Fraternity’ on graduate members.  I suggested, also, that a diploma be given.  While I believe Abell, Faulkner, Kennedy and others in Louisville and Mulligan in Lexington know more of the early history at the time the Grand Chapter was organized- still I merely mention what little I remember of the history before that time, as I understand a history is to be published.  Gavin, 1897 and Harris Kelly were original charter members when it was organized- anyway they initiated Abell, Hibbitt and others of my class.”

The first meeting of the second year (1895-96) took place November 30 but transacted no business.  On January 3, 1896, a resolution was adopted empowering a committee to confer with the Deans of the other colleges in Louisville "in regard to establishing branches of this fraternity in those schools."

From the opening of the college year to this date (January 3), Hughes' letter fills in.  There is no doubt that the chapter did not remain idle in initiations, but the organization was so poor that some of the new members, perhaps, Abell, and others mentioned by Hughes, thought it time to reorganize.  The same record that states the adoption of the resolution names a committee with Manly as chairman.  There is no record of his initiation but the Grand Historian had his record correctly filed when the cards were transferred to THE QUARTERLY.  Therefore, we accept Hughes’ letter as fact concerning these three months and believe, although he repeatedly warned the committee of his faulty memory, that he is right.  Manly and Abell were very important men in this new fraternity.  A year later not a minute of a meeting failed to mention their names.  A new badge was adopted at this meeting, consisting of a skull and bones.  “Mr. Foley suggested this design but asked more time to perfect it."  Abell's name appears for the first time in the following, "Abell, Manly, Mulligan and Reynolds, write the first ritual.”  This is the ritual Hughes writes of.  It was the first written work of this kind and was based on the oral form used as per letter quoted.  We have no idea what this book was like, for, in 1899 the Grand Chapter Ritual as in use and printed.  The first was typewritten and kept by the secretary with the records.  An attempt was made February 5, 1896, to charter Beta (of the Southern Fraternity) but owing to "a hitch in our arrangements the affair was called off.”  On the 29th the chapter decided to show its members that it was serious in its desire to be a fraternity.  A member was summoned to appear before the chapter (Alpha) and "show cause why he should not be expelled.”  There is no record of the trial but the procedure remained on record many years, although not officially used until l905 by the Grand Chapter in Executive Session.

1896 – 1897

The first meeting was called October 17, and the first resolution providing for a Directory was adopted.  Remember the date 1896- October 17, 1896.  In November, the colors of the Fraternity were adopted as Olive Green and White.  Another ritual was ordered- the last one was carried home by the secretary and lost.  On December 4, 1896, the first mention is made of a Grand Chapter (the word Supreme is used) and rules for extension were adopted:

"Motion: that a fee of $3 be charged each member of Beta Chapter: one-third of which is to be held by Alpha until such a time as a Supreme Chapter can be formed; after which this one-third of the fees shall go to said Supreme Chapter."

In former articles on the early history it was stated that the Founders had no idea of organizing a fraternity; that they merely intended to organize a local chapter to control college politics but the records recently discovered give evidence that they did intend to build a fraternity and they intended to extend it as early and as rapidly as they could.  They also realized it would be necessarily slow work but did not fail to prepare for Alpha's control and place that chapter in a position to be the Grand Chapter.  They failed in this, however.  The Delegates who organized the Grand Chapter adopted a resolution prohibiting the election of any two officers from the same chapter by any Convention.

December 12.  Beta was admitted "without loss of life," the minutes state- December 19, Gamma; February 26, 1897, Delta.[3] At this meeting, a resolution was adopted calling for a meeting the next day to consider the organization of a Grand Chapter.  The chapters, at that meeting, were instructed to elect three delegates from prospective alumni to meet May 30, 1897, to organize a Grand Chapter.

It was the idea that the Grand Chapter should consist of Alumni entirely- that is the junior delegates should be seniors.  This was followed for many years by a system of three delegates elected for three years in their senior year- one each year, on the order of the U. S. Senate.  Theoretically, this was all very well for the Alumni but the chapters had very little representation.  The Alumni did not take interest- though they held important offices.  They exhibited as much interest after convention as the founders did after graduation.

In the sketch that is to follow names of officers will seldom appear in the records of more than one convention.  Now and then, a name will appear in two or three and it was these who were responsible for the Grand Chapter activities until Phi Chi came to be what it is today.  It was no despicable destiny the Grand Chapter set out upon that June morning in 1897 when Abell called the meeting to order "to establish a Grand Chapter for the advancement of the fraternity; the binding together of chapters; the organization of new chapters; the adjustment of all questions which may arise between the chapters; the maintenance of harmony and the promotion of the interest, honor and efficiency of the Phi Chi (Medical) Fraternity."

1897

The chapters elected three delegates each to represent them in the preliminary meeting called for May 31, 1897.  Alpha: Irvin Abell, three years; William J. Foley, two years; Clarence J. Manly, one year.  Beta: Claude Hendershot, Charles A. R. and James L. Toll, all for one year.  Toll was alternate for W. L. Windell.  Gamma: Arthur W. Smyth, three years; Charles G. Russman, two years; Joseph Lawyer Bell, one year.  Delta: Edwin C. French, three years; Samuel H. Halley, two years; John B. Robards, one year.

At eight p.m. on the date named in the resolution creating the sessions, seven of the number elected met in Delta's Hall and elected Abell as chairman and Smyth as secretary for the evening.  Bell, Foley, Hendershot, Manly, Russman and Toll were absent.  The only motions entertained were those for committees to revise the constitutions and rituals of the chapters and a date for the first Grand Chapter "Meeting.”  These adopted, the meeting adjourned to meet in regular session June 28, 1897, at ten a.m.

The four chapters in Louisville at this time had existed independently.  Although Alpha had imparted the secrets of Phi Chi to them only six months before, they had added to the ritual or taken liberties with the Constitution to such an extent that it was necessary to revise the forms and establish one constitution and ritual for all the chapters.  The Committees appointed to prepare new forms and present them at the regular session were: Constitution- Hendershot, Manly, Halley and Smyth.  Rituals- Foley, Robards, Russman and Toll.

The first regular meeting of the Grand Chapter was called to Order by Irvin Abell, M.D., at ten o’clock a.m., June 28, 1897, in Delta Chapter Hall.  Roll call was answered by all but Ross and Halley.  Elections were ordered and Hendershot proposed that John Wathen of Beta be permitted to substitute for Ross but this motion was defeated.  The titles for the officers were then brought before the session and after little discussion, it was decided that the word "Grand" should precede the titles in use in the chapters.  The nominations were many and balloting spirited, but after the second ballot Irvin Abell was elected Grand Presiding Senior; Claude Hendershot, Grand Presiding Junior; Arthur W. Smyth, Grand Secretary-Treasurer and Samuel H. Halley, Grand Historian.  After adopting a resolution discharging the existing committees and appointing their successors the session adjourned to meet the next morning at nine.

Abell called the session to order and after the preliminary ceremonies ordered the report of the Constitution Committee read.

Smyth, the new Grand Secretary-Treasurer, presented the work of the original committee.  Many articles then adopted are still in force and it is to be doubted if they can be improved.  Indeed, many attempts have been made since then- although amended and used for a year or two, the Grand Chapter invariably came back to the first constitution for a basis of the new.  Section 2 of Article III caused more confusion in future years than the whole constitution but why the active members could not understand its provisions is very strange, indeed.  “The membership shall consist of three delegates from each college chapter.  One to be elected each year to serve a term of three years; provided that for the purpose of organization each chapter shall elect three delegates- one to serve one year, one two years and one three years.”  This was understood and found better than any other system by the Louisville chapters and many years after, but since the pro rata law has been effective the chapters insisted on a change- and in lieu of that violated this section whenever it pleased them.  Their objection to it was that the two members of their delegation who had graduated did not represent them and they did not intend to pay the expenses of three delegates and have only one directly from the chapter.  It would be very well, they argued, if the alumni paid dues and took an active part in the chapter but since after they graduated they did not even visit the chapter or reply to letters, they could not see the justice in the procedure.  There are arguments either way, no doubt- one as strong as the other.  Section 5 of this Article accepted the Alpha idea of honorary members and gave the Grand Chapter magnificent opportunities to do talking business when there was no legislation to attend to- and the Grand Historian something to try his rhetoric on when compiling history cards.  Section 2, of Article IV, provided that no two officers shall be elected from the delegates of the same chapter in the same year.  This prevented the chapters from forming coalitions but it did not prevent Alpha from electing a man each year and controlling the Grand Chapter- nor did it prevent Gamma from doing the same thing later.  The idea was very good but in practice, it worked entirely different.  Section 4 of this Article did more harm than good throughout the many years it remained in force.  "None but members in actual attendance shall be eligible to the offices of the Grand Chapter.”  This cost us many competent men, who through some trick of fate could not attend the convention following their election to offices.  So many important things that they were specially fitted for were left undone until the officer whose duties required more than one short year to complete their work were elected for a term of years.  This was especially true of the Grand Secretary-Treasurer and Editor-in-chief of THE QUARTERLY.  However, this section was so jealously guarded that any attempt to make long-term offices was strenuously opposed until it was proved that it was necessary to fulfill the laws enacted by the Grand Chapter.  It produced a great deal of petty politics, some sad moments and in other instances strife.  Article VI provided for the expenses of the Grand Chapter convention and it still seems the best method, although it never was employed.  "Funds for defraying the expenses of the Grand Chapter convention shall be raised by an assessment annually on the chapters; said assessment to be payable thirty (30) days prior to the annual session.”  Had this law been in force many times later- the chapters could have remitted their assessments in installments, maintained three delegates at each convention, and not been financially embarrassed.  Perhaps some day the delegates will introduce a modified form of this and have the Grand Chapter defray the expenses of the Convention.[4] In that manner the chapter that did not pay would be excluded from the Convention and if they "failed to pay the assessment for two successive years they shall forfeit their charter.”

The first constitution had many articles and sections it would be well for the Fraternity to reconsider, especially in the matter of representation and expenses of the delegates.  The pro rata should be enforced before the convention, not after.[5]

First Phi Chi Crest

The coat of arms design was left for a future session of the Grand Chapter.  After nineteen years a coat of arms was adopted.[6] The design called a coat of arms, which it really was not, came into use later but no record or description of it, except in the 1908 bylaws, can be found.  It was in use in Louisville in 1902.  Earlier than this, the Phi and Chi were entwined and called the "Crest."

The pin adopted was that of the design Foley submitted to Alpha some years before.  "A gold skull with the cross bones and fraternity colors in a bow of ribbon below the bones in enamel.  The initial of the college shall be placed between the bones and letters Phi and Chi shall be upon the forehead (of the skull); the eyes to be rubies."

It may be asserted that Phi Chi then set the precedent in furnishing pins to its members from one Official jeweler upon the written order of its Grand Chapter officers -first the Grand Presiding Senior and then the Grand Secretary-Treasurer.  This statement is made because most of the general fraternities are just at present insisting on such a procedure.  Many times delegates introduced resolutions attempting to have two and three "official" jewelers appointed so that the members could purchase pins indiscriminately.  Later Phi Chi set another precedent in the matter of fraternity pins and the use of the design in other ways.  In making these claims we add "from our information," so that any other fraternity historian may feel at liberty to correct us if he can prove earlier dates.  The flower, lily-of-the valley, was adopted and a draft of the charter to be given the chapters.  Are know of no change in the latter since the adoption, although we predict that a new charter will appear soon, using the new coat of arms.[7] There is hardly any necessity of adding "new"- for we had no armorial bearing until 1915.  The constitution for the chapters is at present practically the same as that adopted in 1897[8].  The additions that are in it now were necessitated by amendments to the Grand Chapter Constitution.

1898

The Second Annual Session of the Grand Chapter was called to order by Alexander W. Nettleroth in the absence of Irvin Abell, the Grand Presiding Senior.  All the chapters were present.  French, Halley, Russman, Ross and Smyth were the only old members present.  The Grand Secretary-Treasurer reported the amount of $33.60 in the treasury, after bills incurred in obedience to the Grand Chapter mandates had been paid.  A charter was granted to a body of students from Jefferson Medical College.  The lack of attendance by delegates compelled the session to impose a fine of not less than fifty cents or more than $2.00.  Provision was made to have membership cards[9] provided at cost and the limit of twenty members to each chapter repealed.  The balance of the session was consumed by reconsideration of rejected members, expulsion and trial of members against whom charges had been preferred.  One interesting item is the mention that the chapters had passed "resolutions to leave the obtaining of a Chapter House entirely to the Grand Chapter.”  "Entirely to the Grand Chapter" meant the Executive Committee.  All the other improvements for internal government had also been referred to the Executive Committee and so began the centralization of Grand Chapter power in the hands of one committee and that committee usually was the chairman himself.

The charter previously referred to (Jefferson Medical College), when presented to the group, was refused because between the time of application and the time of reply the students had applied to another medical fraternity and were chartered.  It has always been a source of amusement to the historian- this little incident.  Just as soon as it was reported that a new medical fraternity was organized various bodies of students applied for admission but the powers that controlled did not know how to proceed to grant charters, although the Constitution was very explicit in the matter and Smyth's script was very legible.  They simply did not know- they did not care, either, seemingly.  For that reason it was suggested that the Executive Committee should do all this work- did not the name indicate that they were to do it!  The chairman of this committee was willing to accept the tedious detail work and that relieved the Grand Officers and delegates very much.

Strange as it may seem, the Grand Chapter depended on this committee for instructions in all its procedures and sanctioned all they did or granted all their requests without questioning the wisdom of it or the effect on the future.  The present was all that concerned them.  History has proved that after all it was a wise course to follow.  On this committee and the Extension Committee, which also was a one-man standing committee although the records give three men each year, served the men who for ten years laboured sincerely and without remuneration for the welfare of the Fraternity?  They extended Phi Chi from coast to coast; passed laws for internal government; provided ways and means for the rapidly growing organization and controlled the balance of power.  They never rested- in correspondence with the chapters they heard their complaints and adjusted them, listened to their grievances and promised to remedy them at the next session of the Grand Chapter.  They would visit the chapters and suggest who should be elected to the Grand Chapter, thus in a measure assuring them that the policies they supported would not lack champions when their term expired.  They were autocratic and nothing like the Founders had intended them to be.  To prevent this autocratic tendency the Constitution specifically prohibited the election of more than one officer from any chapter in any year and there was an unwritten law that no officer should succeed himself.  Of course, this was a fallacy.  But, alas for organic and written law!  There is no accusation that this was premeditated- there was nothing to be gained but momentary power over a few indifferent medical students- it just happened so and when the historian began to scan the records and recall certain little incidents in his fraternity experiences this fact was discovered.

The history of Phi Chi was made by a very few men and they were either on the standing committees or had their approval and were recommended to the Grand Chapter by these men- usually the chairman.  No great act of the Grand Chapter (except one) was enacted except through these bodies.  Of course, it just happened so.  Each committee imitated its predecessor, only more so, until the Executive Committee was the Grand Chapter and conducted things as it saw the necessity for it.  It is not fanciful to believe that if this state of things had not been, Phi Chi, today, would still be a local in the University of Louisville or Alpha would have entered some other medical fraternity.  Phi Chi was so strong in Louisville that no other fraternity tried to enter until the former had spread all over the United States and antagonized the other fraternities on their chosen battlefields.

It may be asked why the delegates accepted such conduct from their committee.  After an hour's attendance in the Grand Chapter session the delegates soon realized that the members of the Executive Committee were the only persons in the Grand Chapter who knew anything about what was going on- the Executive Committee was the only place one could be of any service and do something worth while in the Fraternity for the chapter he represented.  Very few knew how a Greek fraternity should be conducted anyway!  Not until experienced men, men who had degrees from literary colleges and members of general fraternities, came to medical colleges, did they learn and as fate would have it these men were immediately placed on the Executive Committee until 1908.  Then, the majority of the Grand Chapter knew something about fraternity business and the "Big Committee," after improving, extending and teaching the chapters how a fraternity may be conducted to be successful, came to the parting of the ways and its sad end in the house of its friends.

But, its spirit it left behind- true, it was not evident but when the time came somebody stole its thunderbolts, dusted them off and used them for the good of the Fraternity.

Granted that it was time when it did come; still one cannot regret the dissolution of an institution that came with the primal customs of the organization.  It required three years to balance the official machinery after the Executive Extension Committees were abolished.

After the adjournment of the Second Grand Chapter, little progress was made except in the choice of men.  The chapters tried to limit their membership in spite of the removal of the limit by the Grand Chapter.  Gamma refused to admit anyone who had not been in the University of Louisville at least one entire session and insisted that juniors had to pass their middle semester examinations before admission.  This was an easy matter then, for Phi Chi had no competition from 1894 to 1904.  At this time, attempts were made to extend beyond Louisville.

1899

Norton Mourning began the minutes of the Third Grand Chapter, "Hall of Kentucky Alpha.”  He was a graduate of Centre University in Danville, Ky., and a member of either Phi Delta Theta or Sigma Alpha Epsilon.  Mourning is "a member from Delta" referred to in Hughes' letter as the author of the new ritual in which much of the horseplay was eliminated from record and lectures substituted.  He was Grand Secretary-Treasurer in 1898 and 1899.  His minutes have a complaining note in them- show the indifference of the delegates and the attempts to hide the fact in mere statements.  He avoided, as much as possible, allusion to the work of the year before and laid special stress on what was to be done.  The Grand Chapter House Fund had only realized $13 and that was the balance on hand in the treasury.  The Grand Historian reported marked progress (like marked time) stating he had obtained the "concise" history of all the members and that all the blanks had been placed in book form.  Much had been rumored in the chapters about this Directory but no one ever saw a copy of it- nor does it exist in the Fraternity records.  The 1912 Directory Committee searched for it very diligently but failed.  Donald Jacob, Gamma, was thanked for his work in this line and since he was the only member of the Executive Committee in the city during the year he reported for that.  The Medical College of Virginia was granted a charter, also the Medico-Chirurgical of Philadelphia.  Goodloe suggested that a charter from the State be obtained and was made Chairman to attend to it.  Chapter historians were ordered to send in their history blanks so the Directory could be issued in 1900.  This session introduced Dunning S. Wilson, Gamma, to the Grand Chapter.  It seems he had a faculty for doing things in order, and urged the Grand Chapter to install the two chapters recently chartered- Epsilon and Theta.  From this time on, no minute of the Grand Chapter fails to mention his name and no work that has not his impression on it.  From the beginning, he exhibited a faculty for fraternity work and, in a measure, of selecting men to assist him in those things he believed the best to be done.  It can be said that he is responsible for the advancement of the Fraternity, more than any one man.  If he did not originate an idea, he had a faculty to work it out so that when a new departure was introduced, if it was good, Wilson pushed it or urged the members to awaken to the fullness of their responsibilities.  A year later, another power came into the Grand Chapter in the person of Dalferes Pennington Curry, Jr.  He came from the new chapter, Epsilon.  He later became the Chairman of the Extension Committee and served three years.

During his service in the Grand Chapter, he organized sixteen chapters raising the local of Louisville to the leading medical fraternity at that time- a place it has yielded to none.  He was instrumental in consolidating the East and South Grand Chapters named Phi Chi; kept the southern organization as the governing body; preached the elimination of sectional strife; visited the chapters, attempting to eliminate indifference to Grand Chapter work- constituting himself an inspector long before traveling secretaries were thought of- in fact made himself very obnoxious to the drones.  Those who knew him and served with him learned to love him and still regret his exit from the councils of Grand Chapter.  If ever an officer should have remained a long term officer he was the one.

The Executive Committee Chairman complained about the lukewarmness of his colleagues, thus forcing him, unaided, to push the work of obtaining a charter from the Legislature.  However, after consultation with his political friends he was advised to defer the matter until after the situation cleared.  This was at the time of the assassination of the Governor of Kentucky.

1900 – 1901

The Fourth Convention was called to order by Mourning.  Lukewarmness continued; many were absent.  None of the officers except Mourning and Wilson arrived before four o'clock in the afternoon.  The Extension Committee report is interesting.  Wilson reported for the chairman that the chapters Theta and Epsilon had not yet received their charters and insisted that they be granted and issued.  No one had noticed this little detail; each officer thought the other had attended to it.  This brought on a great discussion; the creation of a central office of records.[10] Consequently, the office of Grand Corresponding Secretary was created and Wilson elected as a reward for his work the year previous.  The work of internal improvement continued throughout this year and an entirely new spirit entered the proceedings.  The minutes after this year show the steady improvement of the Fraternity, although much was left to be desired.

1901 – 1902

The Fifth Convention met March 21, 1901.  It was very short.  Beta chapter was rechartered, having lapsed, and many names came up for consideration.  This was an annual affair but some secretaries omitted the record of it.  Whenever the secretary indulged in this, it is to be taken for granted that there was little business to attend to.  Even now, it was evident that a biennial session was sufficient.  Note, please, that each alternate convention is exceptionally good and if there appear two good ones in succession, it was because the first left unfinished business.  The Directory came up again in this session.  “Brother Guthrie reported on behalf of his committee that the Directory Committee has been actively at work and that it only lacked the necessary information in regard to the members in order to complete its labors.”  Evidently, that is true of all Directory Committees.  The chapter house came up again and precipitated a time killing argument.  It was tabled as usual.  Five chapters with fifty associates and not sufficient funds to rent a chapter house!

1902 – 1903

Dunning S. Wilson called the Sixth Grand Chapter to order February 21, 1902.  Kappa was chartered and the Kentucky Legislation granted the charter of the Fraternity.  L. A. Stone, Grand Secretary-Treasurer, gave in detail the procedure and asked that the Fraternity be incorporated in accordance with the new law recently enacted.  An official jeweler was selected and a new quorum law passed.  It became necessary to reduce the quorum to one-third of the membership.  There were at this time only four chapters- therefore, four delegates could transact business.  This was due to the miserably poor attendance of the two previous years.

1903 - 1905

William Emmett Gardner, Gamma, Grand Presiding Senior, February 16, 1903 called the Seventh Grand Chapter to order.  It began business by censuring the chapters for disobedience of the Executive Committee and granted charters to Eta and Omicron.  This session, strangely was composed of a number of delegates who later became very prominent in the councils of the Fraternity.  Heretofore only Wilson returned to the Grand Chapter.  The others served a year or perhaps two but usually left before their term expired.  Though each was elected three years and their names appear often, sometimes, they really were not present, either through error of secretary or by being represented by an alternate.  The Seventh Grand Chapter, however, has a number of members whose names became a part of important legislation and therefore naturally prominent in the history of Phi Chi.  In addition to Wilson of Gamma, there were Herbert Bronner, Gamma, the first Editor-in-Chief; D. P. Curry, Jr., Epsilon, Permanent Chairman of the Extension Committees; Lester J. Williams, Omicron, founder of THE PHI CHI QUARTERLY and author of the motto of the Fraternity; Sam Brown Hays, Beta, Permanent Grand Historian and Theodore B. Pearson, Gamma, three year member of Executive Committee (’05-’08); Associate Editor (’08-’10); Editor of THE QUARTERLY since 1911; author of First History and Directory and following edition and designer of the coat of arms; in 1917 elected Chief of the Central Office of Phi Chi with title of Grand Secretary.

Bronner had been a member of the Grand Chapter since 1901 and been Grand Secretary-Treasurer, therefore the logical first editor-in-chief.  He was brilliant and had the reputation of being thorough; he was editor of the Kentucky University Annual and well grounded in Grand Chapter work.  This Convention recognized this and promoted him.

Lester James Williams came into the Grand Chapter as the first delegate from Omicron.  He created a little disturbance- stirred the Grand Chapter to its very depths.  Those who had the pleasure of seeing and hearing him will never forget the expression on the faces of the delegates and the officers of the Grand Chapter.  Heretofore everybody knew just what was going to happen.  Nothing had ever been “slipped over on” the Committees and he surprised them to such an extent they voted with him when they really intended to vote against him.  Fortunately, they did not realize it until after adjournment.  No delegate had the courage before this to take the floor and condemn the methods in vogue or even seriously object to anything that was done or about to be done.  Delegates held the Grand Chapter in such awe on the first day that anything the "Grand Officers” did was sanctioned.  Perhaps it was because the delegates did not know anything about the business.  However, Williams was of an impulsive nature, knew what he wanted and knew what to say to get it.  Omicron chapter, recently installed, was not satisfied with the ways of the Phi Chi Fraternity- they wanted to know some things and wanted to introduce some new methods.  Heretofore, the chapters had no way of getting information except through the Grand Secretary-Treasurer's office and it changed hands so often it was impossible to keep in touch with the Grand Chapter, even to pay dues.  The chapters did not know what new laws had been passed or where the next convention was to be or anything necessary to conduct a chapter.  Therefore, they simply drifted along and did as they pleased.  Some chapters admitted at that time still feel they need not consult the Grand Chapter.  Kappa grew to be so independent that Wilson had to suspend their charter.  All this may have been due to negligence at both ends of the line but it does not matter now.  Williams wanted to know the exoteric motto of the Fraternity- if it did not have one it should!  No one present knew- it seems very vivid to someone that no one knew what exoteric meant unless it was Bronner.  No one knew, and since the founders were all away from the city and it had never been discusses a new one was proposed and accepted and Williams had to write it in the minute book!  Years before,[11] Philia Charitos had been adopted as the motto, but that was not know until Abell wrote Bronner about it in April 1904.  Then the gentleman from Louisiana wanted to know why an official publication was not issued.  That was a "stunner.”  And while they were trying to think why it was not, a resolution was passed naming a committee to draft an amendment to the Constitution to permit such a course.  It did not take Williams long to convince that committee and after a few moments the amendment was presented and after some discussion which was very enthusiastic at times, it was enacted.  Many believed THE QUARTERLY would pay dividends the first year and did not see why it should not.  That it did not, creates another chapter for the history.

Curry, of Epsilon, now comes into his own and the spotlight plays full upon him.  He requested charters for Zeta, Iota, Mu and Chi and Nu and was made Permanent Chairman of the Extension Committee.  Wilson and Curry worked hand in glove and with Williams' resolution a law, things of great moment began to follow in rapid succession.  With a permanent Chairman of the Extension Committees a quarterly publication, the ritualistic lessons adjusted, the Fraternity was ready to take up its serious labors.  The incidents and enthusiasm surely left their impression on all present.

The Eighth Convention convened February 16, 1904, Leigh F. Hunt, Epsilon, presiding.  It reviewed the work of the year before and hoped to exhibit some of the spirit of that memorable session.  Williams was not present.  Much regret was heard all sides, for the new delegates wanted to meet the man who had caused such a reaction in the entire fraternity.  The extension of the Fraternity continued and was the first matter taken up.  The Committee reported charters for Upsilon and Xi, in addition to those reported last session.  These were the combined efforts of those three men who were so active in Grand Chapter work at this time.  The Grand Chapter made Wilson permanent Grand Secretary-Treasurer; Curry received the thanks of the Convention and a salary to meet expenses but Williams, through the operation of an unwise law (no person not present may be elected to an office of the Grand Chapter), was barred from any recognition until the historian recorded the part he played in that wonderful revival.  No doubt, he feels content to know the work he did was for his fraternity without these inadequate words of praise.  As for Curry,

"Oh!  for a drop of that Cornelian ink
            That gave Agricola dateless length of days,
            To celebrate him fitly, neither swerve
            To phrase unkempt nor pass discretion's brink."

From this moment, he appears as the leading spirit of extension.  There were now four permanent officers in the Fraternity, Grand Secretary-Treasurer, Grand Corresponding Secretary, Grand Historian, and Chairman of the Extension Committee.  The next year the members of the Executive Committee, not to be outdone in the matter of holding on, raised their term to three years.  This session also elected Mrs. Dunning S. Wilson private secretary to the Grand Secretary-Treasurer and voted her a specially designed pin for the invaluable services she had rendered the Fraternity during the years when Wilson was the only member of the Grand Chapter who took any interest.

1904 and 1905 are so closely linked by incidents that it is impossible to separate them in this short history.  Grand Presiding Junior, John D. Stewart, Mu, called the Ninth Grand Chapter to order February 28, 1905, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  This was the first session not held in Louisville.  The true national growth of the Fraternity begins at this date and received its final stimulation in the next session in Richmond.

Three charters were granted, Lambda, Pi and Sigma.  Curry was instructed to consummate the union of the Eastern and Southern Phi Chi fraternities.  Under the instructions from the Executive Committee, he had arranged a meeting with the representatives of that fraternity for March provided the Grand Chapter sanctioned the union.  After reading the minutes of the 1904 session, the Grand Secretary-Treasurer read the report of the Executive Committee giving in detail all the work done since adjournment of the last convention.  This was the first time any written report had been made to the Grand Chapter.  The Grand Secretary-Treasurer read his report (also a new departure).  For the first time the Grand Secretary-Treasurer was in communication with all the chapters.  Misunderstandings followed when the new Grand Secretary-Treasurer took charge and compelled obedience from the chapters but fortunately only one charter had to be revoked before all submitted.  In 1899, the treasury handled $36.00; at this meeting, the receipts reported were $1,127 and expenditures $843, including the publication of the first volume of THE QUARTERLY.  The Grand Historian reported 885 names of which 340 were active.  Not all the alumni reported as no record of members had been kept until 1899 and the four chapters in Louisville did not report regularly until 1902.  This Session abolished the office of Grand Corresponding Secretary.

The Grand Chapter in this matter established a precedent by going into Executive Session.  The ritual was again ordered revised.  The Revision Committee Chairman was Irvin Abell, the first Grand Presiding Senior.  With him served Charles W. Hibbitt, one of the founders, Frederick L. Koontz, Beta, the newly elected Editor-in-chief, Theodore B. Pearson, member of the Executive Committee, and Dunning S. Wilson, Grand Secretary-Treasurer.

This was a busy session—the crystallization of the forces put into motion in 1903.  Many changes were made; many laws enacted in fact, the government of the Grand Chapter changed entirely.

This Grand Chapter introduced more delegates who were destined to serve many years.  Wilson stirred up a member of Alpha (Southern) 1897, and he was placed on the Executive Committee.  He has ever served there and the Trustees ever since- Charles W. Hibbitt, Fred L. Koontz also was introduced the Grand Chapter in this session; a future Grand Presiding Senior and Chairman of the Executive Trustees, C. D. Humes, also.

The resolution creating THE QUARTERLY was adopted by the 1903 Grand Chapter as stated before; but the first volume did not appear until 1904 and then only after the Grand Secretary-Treasurer insisted that the law be enforced.  The first year's existence was strenuous and often uncertain and it was a serious question that confronted the Grand Chapter in 1905 when it accepted the resignation of Bronner.  THE QUARTERLY expected to be supported by the voluntary subscriptions of active and alumni members and advertisements but the income from all three did not pay for the postage.  It was not the intention of Curry to permit the demise of the official publication for it was too great an ally of his in the work of extension.  Neither did Wilson like to see the suspension since he saw plainly it was an asset to his office and the Fraternity, but the great problem of funds was before him and unless some means of support has found other than the one dollar dues from the charters he would have to recommend its suspension.  After the January number (Vol.  I, No. 4) appeared and it was certain that Bronner would not attempt to issue another number, Wilson began the search for a man who would and could take charge of THE QUARTERLY and publish it in spite of all the obstacles.  He found Koontz who was a member of the Louisville Alumni Chapter, having been admitted in Beta in 1900.  Koontz introduced the following resolutions and they were adopted:

Two-year term for Editor-in-chief.

Two-dollar dues- one for general fund and one for QUARTERLY.

The doubling of the term of the editor was essential for it is impossible for an editor to take charge of the official publication and issue a commendable journal within a year and the question of money was all-important.  The Grand Chapter accepted the changes without much debate since it did not hear a dissenting remark from the official family and elected the author of both resolutions to succeed Bronner.  Wilson as Business Manager applied for Second Class rate of postage and THE QUARTERLY began its successful career in charge of an eminently fitted Editor-in-chief.  From a little fourteen-page journal, un-illustrated, within a year THE QUARTERLY had attained its full growth and was recognized by all the Greek-letter editors as an excellent publication.  The Executive Committee was reorganized.  The term of service was changed to three years; seniority on the committee to determine chairmanship.  Hibbitt was elected for one year, J. Herschel Baldwin of Phi for two years and T. B. Pearson of Gamma for three years.  Hibbitt was made chairman.

Five amendments to the Constitution were enacted and the office of Judge Advocate for the chapters created.  Wilson and Curry were elected a committee to act for the Grand Chapter in Baltimore in the matter of consolidation of the Eastern and Southern fraternities bearing the name Phi Chi. After a day's session in Baltimore the following was adopted:

BALTIMORE, MD., MARCH 3, 1905

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, D. P. Curry, Jr., and Dunning S. Wilson of the Grand Chapter of the Phi Chi Fraternity (Southern) of the first part, and R. W. Hoyt and J. M. Meason of the Grand Chapter of the Phi Chi Fraternity (Eastern) of the second part, do hereby make the following agreement between said Grand Chapters, such agreement being binding upon the respective Grand Chapters, subordinate chapters and alumni, associate and honorary members:

Witnesseth: That the official pin of each fraternity shall be recognized as official until the annual meeting of the Grand Chapter (Southern), in Richmond, Va., February 1, 1906, when one official pin shall be selected.

Witnesseth: That when the name of two chapters at the time of this combine (consolidation) shall conflict, the chapter which has priority in organization shall retain its single name; the chapter following shall duplicate its name.  Alpha, University of Vermont, 1889; Alpha Alpha, Louisville Medical College, 1894.

Witnesseth: That the Extension Committee shall be increased to three more members, for the purpose of expediting extension.  The following to be appointed from the Eastern Phi Chi Fraternity: R. W. Hoyt, F. F. Clark and B. W. Hazel.

The parties of the second part do hereby agree to accept the Constitution, By-Laws, Ritual and all customs of the Grand Chapter and Sub-ordinate Chapters as presented by the parties of the first part, as above stated.

It is hereby agreed and understood that this contract and agreement between the parties of the first part, representing the Grand Chapter of the Phi Chi Fraternity (Southern), and the parties of the second part, representing the Grand Chapter of the Phi Chi Fraternity (Eastern), is binding upon the Grand Chapters which they respectively represent.

DUNNING S. WILSON, M.D.
            D. P. CURRY, JR., M.D.
            R. W. HOYT
            J. M. MEASON