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Kappa Alpha
Psi
For years, in
order to safeguard the ritualistic secrets of the Fraternity,
Diggs laboriously typed and bound the rituals. It was
not until he moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where
he met an old German printer in whom he had confidence,
that he entrusted the esoteric materials of the Fraternity
to a commercial printer.
In the spring
of 1912 Diggs wrote in a little blue examination book
the first Constitution, which was adopted in 1920 with
but a few revisions. This edition remained in use until
1926 when it was supplanted by the codified edition
jointly written by Diggs, J. Ernest Wilkins, and W.
Ellis Stewart. In 1957 the Constitution again underwent
major revision.
Now substantially
established and provided with a Constitution, Ritual,
coat of arms, motto, and guiding hand in a dynamic
Grand Chapter, the Fraternity was ready for expansion.
In the summer of 1912 Diggs visited the University
of Illinois at Urbana, Illinois, where he met Earl
B. Dickerson, President of the Old "Illini Club." This
club constituted the nucleus of the University of Illinois
Chapter, the Beta, which was chartered on February
8, 1913. Gamma Chapter (later changed to Indianapolis
Alumni Chapter) was established on December 29, 1913,
followed by the establishment of Delta Chapter at the
University of Iowa, on March 7, 1914. The latter was
subsequently changed to Gamma Chapter, and the designation
of Delta assigned to the Wilberforce University Chapter
at Wilberforce, Ohio. Epsilon Chapter, Lincoln University,
Pennsylvania, was established December 4, 1915, as
the first chapter in the East. Elder W. Diggs journeyed
from Indiana to give this chapter his personal and
official installation, recognition and blessing.
Thus ended the
infancy of KAPPA ALPHA PSI, whereupon the Fraternity
embarked upon an era of expansion. Except for the years
of World War I and II, when several Grand Chapter meetings
were suspended, KAPPA ALPHA PSI has grown and prevailed
with unabating impetus.
KAPPA ALPHA
PSI Fraternity, relatively early, envisioned the modified
attitudes of college administrators and administrations
regarding certain frivolous activities previously identified
with Greek letter organizations; and it initiated appropriate
changes. Among the early changes brought about was
the banning of paddling and other forms of physical
abuse, and the introduction of constructive endeavors
during pledgeship and probation. To date, KAPPA ALPHA
PSI Fraternity is organizationally and administratively
mature. It moves steadily toward a tomorrow of promise,
productivity and influence.
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Taken from:
"A SHORT
CHRONICLE OF KAPPA
ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY"
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