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SIGMA CHAPTER

In September 1923, two Omega men wended their way to Montreal in search of more light. Neither knew of the coming of the other, but with their first meeting a month later, Omega Psi Phi became international.

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Sigma Chapter was organized at McGill University, Montreal, Quebec (Canada) on December 15, 1923. Brother Walter R. Dunston, ex-basileus of Phi Chapter, with the assistance of Brother George W. Brown, known to all Howard men for his prowess as an athlete and his ability as a debater, set up the Fraternity’s first International Chapter in Canada.

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The problem was by no means an easy one as most of the men knew little or nothing of fraternities. Initially there was opposition, but this soon disappeared and the chapter assumed its rightful position as an influential power in the life of the community.

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Remembering always that Omega men “do things” each brother pledged himself to take part in some branch of extra-curricular activities. The result was that Brother Brown represented his faculty in the inter-faculty debate and was later chosen for the university debating team to represent McGill against Dalhousie and Queen University. Many of the brothers became members of “Mock Parliament” and valiantly defended their respective parties. Brother Dunston made the indoor track team and was asked to run for the outdoor track team.

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In March 1924, Sigma chapter made its first appearance before the Montreal public in the form of a very successful “Young Memorial Service” held in the church of the Rev. Brother Charles Este. On this occasion the mayor of the city was invited as principal speaker, but was prevented by pressing political engagements in connection with the approaching elections.

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In May 1924, Sigma chapter consisted of thirteen carefully chosen men.

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Sigma in 1924

  • Brother C.E.S. Bailey

  • Brother B. B. Beckford

  • Brother G.W. Brown

  • Brother Dillon Burnett

  • Brother Dr. E. Melville DuPorte, M.A. Entomology Lecturer, McDonald College, McGill University

  • Brother W.R. Dunston

  • Brother Rev. Charles Este Pastor, First Congregational Church

  • Brother Alfred P. McDonald

  • Brother L.N.L. Stewart

  • Brother St. Elmo E. Taylor

  • Brother Dr. S.T. Wills, M.D. Graduate of Edinburgh

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Even though Sigma chapter pledged to keep the sacred light of Omega Psi Phi burning brightly beneath the cold clear light of Canadian stars, the chapter went inactive and was moved to Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.

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