The National Council of Phi Kappa Pi is looking to identify six students willing to start this new chapter. This is an unprecedented opportunity to be involved in the creation of an organization that will last into the future.
The organization that you could play a role in creating would become a critical component of a well-established and honourable society of male students at Canadian Universities. The history of Phi Kappa Pi, presented in brief below, spans almost 100 years and is a source of pride for all PhiKaps. If you are interested in more detail, please feel free to contact us immediately.
NOTE: This copywritten information is for viewing purposes only and is not to be captured in any way for any purpose. Please do not print copies, even for personal use. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Object
The object of this Fraternity shall be to join, maintain and perpetuate a cohesive body of honourable men at Canadian Universities, their affiliated colleges, and Canadian Law schools; whether affiliated to a university or not and having at heart the welfare of Canada and to promote among them fraternal feeling and enduring loyalty to their respective Alma Maters.
The Origins and Founding of the Fraternity: 1901 to 1913
The Phi Kappa Pi fraternity was founded in 1913, but its origins go back almost to the start of the 20th century. The first chapter to be formed was Sigma Pi which was started in 1901. It continued to operate under that name until 1913 when it joined with the Alpha Beta Gamma fraternity of McGill University in Montreal to form Phi Kappa Pi.
Alpha Beta Gamma was founded in 1905 by three charter members who gave the society its name to indicate that it was to be the beginning of larger things. In 1910, Sigma Pi suggested the Canadian national idea which was met with an enthusiastic reception.
Negotiations between Sigma Pi and Alpha Beta Gamma proceeded over the ensuing two years, and various proposals with regard to such major matters such as the name of the new fraternity, its motto, objectives, constitution, crest, colours etc., were discussed by the two groups. The first meeting of the new national fraternity at which the formal constitution was adopted was held in 1913 at the Sigma Pi Chapter House.
The Early Years: 1913 to 1935
During the first world war most of the members joined the armed forces. At the end of hostilities both founding chapters were faced with the task of rebuilding their membership and were fortunate to have a fairly large alumni group to encourage them. Following World War I, the national problem confronting both existing chapters was expansion - the founding of new chapters at other Canadian Universities. Over the ensuing 15 years, remarkable progress was achieved, particularly when one considers the communications and transportation challenges of that time.
Henry "Gus" Borden, had the idea of forming a chapter at Dalhousie. The chapter was founded in 1923 as a direct chapter of the National Fraternity and was referred to as the Dalhousie Chapter. This procedure is unique in our history as all other chapters were functioning locals which petitioned Phi Kappa Pi for membership. The Dalhousie chapter, which later took the name Zeta Gamma, was the first fraternity on Dalhousie campus.
The next chapter admitted to membership was Alpha Iota at the University of British Columbia which petitioned and was accepted in 1924. It had been formed in 1919 by ten charter members most of whom were first World War veterans. Phi Kap had another first as Alpha Iota was the first fraternity on the UBC campus.
In 1930, Phi Kap received a petition from the Rocky Mountain Goat Club, a club that had been formed in 1928 when no secret societies were permitted on campus at the University of Alberta. When the ban on fraternities was lifted on campus, Delta Mu fraternity was formed as a duly recognized local. Delta Mu's petition for membership in Phi Kappa Pi was accepted in April 1930.
Tau Sigma Rho, at the University of Manitoba, was formed as a local fraternity in 1933 and petitioned Phi Kappa Pi in 1935, being accepted as the sixth chapter of the National Fraternity in the same year.
The founders of Phi Kappa Pi at McGill and U of T had a vision of a Canadian National fraternity. Only 22 years later, that vision had been fulfilled, with 6 chapters located in 6 provinces stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
The Great Years: 1935 to 1965
During these years, like most fraternities, Phi Kap prospered. Our active chapters often exceeded 60 members. Our alumni organizations grew and formalized their activities.
Years of Decline: 1966 to 1989
While we were successful in establishing our seventh chapter, Alpha Epsilon, at U of Waterloo in 1967, the late sixties, seventies and eighties were trying years for all fraternities. We closed many of our chapters, including a founding chapter - Alpha Beta Gamma at McGill. These were dark years for fraternities in Canada.
Repositioning and Resurgence: 1990 to 2000
Our McGill chapter was refounded in 1990 - marking a resurgence in the fortunes of Phi Kaps. Our alumni are reinvigorated, our active chapters are growing and the prospects for Canada's Only National Fraternity look bright.
Aims and Purposes: We subscribe to common aims and purposes that deal with the strength of our brotherhood, the honourable nature of our members, and our commitment to Canada and to our alma maters.
Symbols and Policies: Our members take pride in the following: The Oath, The Grace, The Coat-of-Arms, The Grip of Fellowship, The pins (pledge, member, and recognition).
