Omicron Kappa Epsilon (Fraternal Society) - Hope College - Holland, Michigan - Fraternity and Sorority Houses on Waymarking.com

Long before fraternities became popular, there existed literary societies with Greek names at many colleges and universities.

In the fall of 1832, such “secret” societies ruled Union College in Schenectady, New York. However, these societies met with controversy from both students and faculty.

At the close of 1833, constitutions from each organization were presented and subsequently approved by Union’s president, Dr. Eliphalet Knott and Prof. Alonzo Potter. (Potter was Knott's son-in-law. He later became Bishop of Pennsylvania for the Epsicopal Church).

To some members of the junior and senior class, this was a dark moment. President Knott even made a speech outlining the conditions and “desirability” for such organizations. However, after hearing Knott’s “fraternity” address Hiram Gibbons, Robert Hume and John Dales met to discuss the situation. They asked themselves if their friendship could create a society for mutual good. A society of few members who would embrace the aims of peace, friendship and virtue.

In January of 1834, the three men assembled and met with Henry Northrup, Robert Beattie, James Beattie, Adam Smith, Frederick Pollard and Charles Stillman. On mutual suggestion, a committee was appointed to draft a constitution for an organization of the above principles. It was later adopted and signed by all, together with James Nichols. These were the 10 founders at Union College.

In May of the same year, the group took the name “Fraternal Society” after a suggestion by Pollard. (Societatis Fratrum in Latin.) They also created a badge, with each member contributing to its design.

For the next 25 years, the Fraternal Society existed at Union College.

The Union chapter was held in high esteem for the moral and intellectual worth of its members. But, the organization's simplicity placed it at a disadvantage with other societies. The active members wanted to change this.

In 1859 the advisor and 16 members of the “Frats” (as they were called) petitioned for a chapter from the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. A charter was granted and the first meeting of the new chapter was held on July 15, 1859. The Fraternal Society no longer existed.

But its spirit was never forgotten. In 1862, Rev. Dr. Philip Phelps, Jr. Union 1844, carried fond memories of Fraternal to Holland, Mich. He became president of the Holland Academy, which later would become Hope College.

At the academy, there had been in existence an academic society, but inevitably there grew a need for a college society. In the fall of 1863, it was suggested by President Phelps to form the freshman and sophomore classes into such an organization. He proposed the revival of the Fraternal Society and after serious consideration, those interested deemed it suited to their needs.

The students requested Dr. Phelps to acquire the archives of the Society. In the meantime, members were initiated and they carried on according to known features of the original institution.

The Society has remained at Hope College for more than 150 years. Today, the Fraternal Society is a fraternity in a more traditional sense. However, it has not forgotten the original intellectual and literary roots. Yes, with time has come change, but certain elements have remained: the concept of few members, the lasting friendships, the pursuit of truth. But most of all, there remains the love of Fraternal which burns in every member's heart.

Type: Fraternity Name: Other (not Listed) Name (if other): Omicron Kappa Epsilon Affiliated Institution: Other (not listed) Affiliated Institution (if other): Hope College Chapter Designation: Local Fraternal Order Year of Establishment: 1864

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