Transcript Section III

Section III
Responsibility of a Lifetime
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Traditions can be young or old. They are manifestations of the spiritual ties that
bind men of kindred soul and common goal. Alpha Sigma Phi has developed a
rich heritage of traditions over the years, many dating back from the early days
at Yale. One of the best examples is the tradition of referring to Alpha Sigma Phi
as the “Old Gal.” That affectionate term is so old that its origin is unknown.
Alfred Dewey Follet, Marietta 1872, the first Grand Senior President of the
Fraternity, addressed a group of Brothers in 1918. the term was old even then,
so Brother Follet described his visualization of the Old Gal:
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If I were a sculptor, I would take a block of the whitest marble and
carve it into the form of a beautiful woman. Her brow should be high
to denote her intellect, and wide to show her calm serenity of spirit.
Her ears should be small to show her refinement; her eyes deep-set and
clear to show her penetration; her nostrils should be widely expanding
to show her alertness to every condition about her; her lips should be
full to show her love; her well-rounded breasts should show her power
to sustain; her broad hips should show her power of reproduction; and,
her arms should be outstretched in an attitude of friendliness and
welcome ... (continued)…
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I would place that carved figure under a white canopy, the emblem
of chastity and secrecy, and upon the pedestal of the temple, thus
created, I would carve the letters Alpha Sigma Phi. Into this temple
I would enter and raise my arms in token of praise and adoration,
and before that statue I would bow my head in token of my
willingness to receive her instruction, and I would bend my knee in
token of my unswerving loyalty and undying fealty. I trust that if
not the marble statue, at least the letters Alpha Sigma Phi, standing
for the Fraternity, will be a constant inspiration to you after you
are out of, and away from college. And as you come to address
younger Sigs, as I am doing tonight, you will be glad and proud to
say that to ‘the “Old Gal” you owe in a great measure the good
you have been able to do.
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Just as Brother Follet was passing on to younger Brothers his insights into
the Fraternity, so you too will pass on to others the lore and customs of
your chapter Fraternity. The oldest and most cherished of our traditions
are part of the Rituals of the Fraternity, esoteric and never revealed to
non-members. The beauty and depth of the Ritual is appreciated more
and more as you participate actively within the Mystic Circle. Alpha
Sigma Phi has a secret Grip (handshake) that has never been described in
writing. It is passed on from Brother to Brother. It, like our traditional
heraldry, is a device of recognition shared only by the initiated.
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Chapter Designations
The chapters of Alpha Sigma Phi have always been given Greek letter
designations, assigned in order of installation into the Fraternity. No
chapter is designated Omega, the last letter of the Greek alphabet that
signifies “the end.” Brothers who have passed away are referred,
respectfully, to have joined the Omega Chapter.
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All members have equal status as Brothers. Therefore all Badges are the same
and none may be jeweled. There are no honorary members and there is no
inactive status. A chapter consists of all the members ever initiated through it.
The undergraduate group should never refer to itself alone as “the chapter.”
alpha Sigma Phi has no defunct chapters, even though some are not currently
active at the undergraduate level. Each of these chapters still exists for it has its
graduate members.
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Annual Events:
The Sig Bust & Founders Day Activities
First held in Cincinnati in the 1880s to insure the rededication of Delta
Chapter to the Old Gal, most chapters, today, hold a “Sig Buts” sometime
during the year when alumni Brothers return for a traditional dinner to renew
fraternal ties and to meet the current undergraduate membership.
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To honor the anniversary of our founding, close to the sacred December 6th date
each year, chapters hold a banquet or other observance of Founders’ Day. Alumni
Brothers and special guests are invited to attend. It is an important time of
rededication to the Fraternity and to the pursuit of its lofty goals and objectives.
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Pinnacle Week
Pinnacle Week is a time of special significance to the current non-initiated
members and brothers. The week immediately prior to initiation is a period of
candidates for initiation to reflect on what they have learned and have
reemphasized the ideals, purposes, and traditions of Alpha Sigma Phi. It should
be a meaningful time for both candidates and Brothers. The program for Pinnacle
Week is designed by each chapter in keeping with the objectives of the Fraternity
and reflecting the special traditions of each chapter. A review of all material
studied during new member education period is also worthwhile. Traditionally
all alumni Brothers of the chapter are invited to participate in the initiation
ceremonies that climax Pinnacle Week.
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Black Lantern Processional
One of the oldest traditions of the Fraternity, dating to Alpha Chapter, is the
Black Lantern Processional. All Brothers are “cowled” in black (hooded
robes with hoods up) and marched in single file, approximately six feet
apart. Each carries a black Diogenes lantern with a single candle. The
Processional is conducted in a very dignified manner and in strict silence
with the candidates interspersed throughout the Processional.
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Chapters often reenact the Black Lantern Processional on other appropriate
occasions such as Founders’ Day, the anniversary of the chapters chartering,
or as a memorial for those Brothers who have entered Omega Chapter.
Probably the longest continuous use of the Black Lantern is Delta Chapter’s
Processional following its annual Sig Bust. As used by Delta, the
Processional is enacted in memory of Brothers who have passed to the
Omega Chapter, signifying that, although they are no longer present, their
spirit remains forever in the minds of the Brothers.
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The Black and White
The oldest traditional dance held by Alpha Sig chapters is the Black and
White – a formal occasion with all decorations and dress in black and
white. Nu Chapter at California is credited with beginning that tradition.
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Other Traditions
In writing members of Alpha Sigma Phi, the usual salutation is, “Dear
Brother ____” The title “Brother” should never be abbreviated. “Fraternally
Yours” is the most popular form for closing letters. “Yours in the Mystic
Circle” and “Yours in Alpha Sigma Phi” are also often used. In addition, the
term “Brother” should never be used on an envelope.
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Almost every chapter has its own traditions. These can be fun and an important
link from one group of Brothers to another. It would be an interesting project to
research the origin of your chapter’s traditions if you don’t have special
traditions, you might talk with older alumni Brothers of the chapter to learn if
there were certain things done in your chapter year after year in the past. Or you
may wish to correspond with other chapters to find out what special traditions
they observe.
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A Singing Fraternity
Traditionally Alpha Sigma Phi has taken great pride in being known as a singing
fraternity. And its collection of songs, many of them written over the years by
Alpha Sig Brothers, is an impressive one. You should learn the songs and sing
them at every opportunity. Form quartets and special choral groups. Sing out for
Alpha Sigma Phi and you’ll be carrying on a tradition that goes back to the days of
our Founders. (Included in the Appendix is a small collection of some of our most
popular songs.) All of Alpha Sigma Phi’s rituals are about life and for life.
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They challenge us to lead a fuller, more realized life. They challenge us
throughout our lives. We take our oaths for a lifetime and should use what we
learn at the Fraternity altar to guide us for a lifetime.
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A number of Alpha Sigma Phi’ rituals are public ceremonies and should be
shared with those who we care about and who can assist us in our journey.
While these rituals are not esoteric, they are based soundly on the ideals,
traditions, and symbols of the Mystic Circle. Use of public rituals allows us to
give others some insight into the high purposes of our Order. And they also
reaffirm the joy of brotherhood in all aspects of our lives. They enrich our
fraternal experience and they serve to renew the vows and dedications of all
members of all ages.
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On a regular basis, chapters should take the opportunity to enrich the
fraternal experience by performing the following ceremonies as
described in the Ritual Book:
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• The Senior Service
• The Wedding Service
• The service to Celebrate a Birth
• The Milestone Service
• The Memorial Service
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