LOOK BACK KAPPA HISTORY
“AFTER HOSTING THE FIRST THREE HOUSE PARTIES, THE FRATERNITY REALIZED THAT WITH ITS MEMBERSHIP GROWTH, THESE AFFAIRS SHOULD BE CENTERED ON THE ORGANIZATION’S BUSINESS.”
delegates who represent the body of the fraternity and its members. Social affairs remained a component of this new meeting concept, while the focal point of the gathering would be to transact fraternity business. The future meetings were no longer confined to the city of Bloomington, Indiana. Since the fraternity was incorporated in 1913, there have been continual efforts to amplify the organization in the number of chapters and membership. Going forward, the Grand Chapter Meetings were held in different cities and states nationwide. The convening of fraternity membership would no longer be held at the end of the winter term. With some exceptions, the new Grand Chapter Meetings would be held during the academic Christmas break, between Christmas and New Year Day. Just as the house parties were held during spring break, the original Grand Chapter Meetings were scheduled during Christmas break to accommodate the student members when they were not in school. The first Conclave designated as a Grand Chapter Meeting, was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, December 29-31, 1913. Although the house
✓ A Public Meeting at a local church or auditorium ✓ Three to four business sessions where the Grand Chapter receive • The State of the Fraternity • Committee reports • New business • Awards & recognitions • The Election of Grand Chapter Officers • The selection of the host city for the next Conclave ✓ Social Events, including the annual prom/ball ✓ Closed Banquet TYPICAL GRAND MEETING AGENDA, 1910s-1950s Based on a three day schedule parties that preceded this affair are recognized as Grand Chapter Meetings, the 3rd house party that occurred in May 1913, is not included within the total count. Business at this meeting included plans of fraternity expansion and dues assessment, the chartering of the original Gamma Chapter of Indianapolis, and the conferral of the first honorary mem- bership. The annual “Grand Chapter Prom” continued to be a staple of
The Washington Bee , November 9, 1913.
The third house party was held on May 23-25, 1913, with a program similar to the first two. A notable exception was that, based on the notoriety of the previous events, the university allowed the fraternity to use the Student Building for their prom. This was the first time Black students had been allowed to use this facility. Elections were also held during this house party weekend.
WINTER CONCLAVES 1910s-1950s
After hosting the first three house parties, the fraternity realized that with its membership growth, these affairs should be centered on the organization’s business. For this reason, the fraternity decided to restructure these sessions. The assemblies were altered in name, scope, time frame, and location. These meetings henceforth would be known as “Grand Chapter Meetings,” also known informally as “Conclaves,” to recognize the convening of the voting
34 THE JOURNAL ♦ SPRING 2024
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