Message from Grand Chapter Secretary

The True Objects of Theta Chi Fraternity
Douglas Allen, Delta Beta/University of Georgia ’90 - Grand Chapter Secretary

What is the true purpose of Theta Chi Fraternity? Of course every brother has their own thoughts or feeling about what Theta Chi means to them, but why did Frederick Norton Freeman and Arthur Chase found our Fraternity over 150 years ago?

Over the years the Fraternity has added many layers of meaning and purpose. We have modified the Preamble of our Constitution & Bylaws, developed a Creed, and established a set of Objectives. Our Ritual has been expanded from a simple ceremony consisting of a reading of the Constitution and acceptance of solemn oaths (which, incidentally are nearly identical to those taken by all brothers today) to a rich dramatization of our traditions and ideals.

But back in 1856, when Freeman formulated the “idea and plan” which became Theta Chi, he had three basic objectives for his new society. With the assistance of Arthur Chase, Freeman drafted the first Constitution of our Fraternity. These two young men wrote out the founding ideals of Theta Chi in Section One, “Name & Objects” of Theta Chi’s original Constitution.

The first object of Theta Chi, as established by Freeman and Chase, was that the Fraternity should “bind by closer bonds the members to each other.” Today we would call this objective “brotherhood.” Interestingly, Freeman and Chase never used the term “brotherhood” or even “fraternity” in the Constitution or oaths of Theta Chi; rather they simply expected that a feeling of True Friendship would develop between the members. Indeed, when asked for suggestions for Theta Chi’s first coat of arms in the early 1860’s Freeman suggested adding clasped hands to the design to signify, in his words “friendship.” Freeman felt that in addition to a drawing of the badge, that friendship should by symbolized in the design.

The second object that Freeman and Chase established for Theta Chi was “the advancement and carrying out of any measure or measures in the institution in which it shall be established which shall be of importance to its members.” The cadets at Norwich University were (and are today) intensely loyal to their Alma Mater. Theta Chi’s public maxim is now “Alma Mater first and Theta Chi for Alma Mater.” This can be broadly interpreted to mean that Theta Chi’s are to pursue academic excellence as students, to participate in the affairs of their college or university as undergraduates and to remain loyal alumni of their Alma Mater after graduation.

Freeman and Chase set the third object of their new society as “the mutual benefit and improvement of all its members.” Theta Chi was established to help its members become better men; today we often see the catchphrase “Better Because of Theta Chi” used within our Fraternity. As it was in 1856, it is still the hope today that every brother becomes a better man because of his the experiences and relationships he has as a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.

The overarching concept of course is held in the true motto of Theta Chi—“An Assisting Hand.” As members of Theta Chi, we help each other to become better friends, better students and better men. For many years the motto of Theta Chi was to be kept secret, indeed some other fraternities still keep their mottos a secret. This is why Frank Schrenk chose to use the words “Helping Hand” for the Creed of Theta Chi Fraternity rather than the then secret motto of “An Assisting Hand.” Today however, we can and should proudly proclaim the motto of our great Fraternity, not in words alone but by living our lives with the goal of achieving those three simple objects set out by Frederick Norton Freeman and Arthur Chase so many years ago.