Delta Phi was one of the first three college fraternities in the United States. Founded in 1827 at Union College in Schenectady, New York, it became one of the models for the Greek system across the country.
spanning the Mohawk River between Scotia and Schenectady, New York
Lambda chapter was founded in 1864, one of the first two fraternities at R.P.I.
Our archives contain a first-hand, contemporary account, recorded by Brother Charles W. Rae, of how Lambda Chapter came to be. At the time, our founding seven members had all belonged to another “secret society”, as fraternities were first known. That other organization was called the Vieta Society, which apparently had organized at Rensselaer in 1858 or 1859.
History of the Delta Phi; Delta of New York
In colleges or any institutions of learning where secret societies are already established there is a stigma as it might almost be called which attaches itself to all founders of a new society, the general impression being that they would be taken by no other society (and therefore necessitating the action), but the founders of the Delta Phi, Delta of New York, consider themselves entirely free from this said stigma, as they all belonged, in the words of the petition, “to the first, though local society of the Institute.”
It might now be asked, What ever the causes which occasioned the change? In answer all we say is that this question must always remain clothed in the mystery till “some recreant soul his trust betrays.”
The idea of this change according to the best knowledge of the historian first originated with Robert Van Buren of the class of ’64. Mr. Van Buren was of course very careful to whom he spoke on so delicate a subject and was obliged to choose his accomplices from those he wished with great caution. The first spoken to by Mr. Van Buren was Mr. Alex. Addison of the class of ’66, and the next Mr. Chas. W. Rae of ’66 (ye most humble historian).
After proceeding thus far the question arose what society did they wish to join? This question arose at this time in case any one spoken to should question the possibility of the change and also if our action was found out by the society from which we had not as yet withdrawn, expulsion would be the sure reward for our deeds in which case our object was hopeless, as no society would be willing to grant a charter to men expelled from another.
Mr. Van Buren mentioned the Delta Psi and Psi Upsilon. Mr. Addison the Sigma Phi and Mr. Rae the Delta Phi. The last mentioned society was finally selected on account of its being a very old and fine society and also from the fact that a good channel was opened through which our necessary correspondence could commence also a great aid in ensuring our success.
As soon as their arrangement had been perfected, the historian wrote to his brother Mr. Thomas Whiteside Rae, U.S.N., Delta Phi of the class of ’60, Union College, and through him and with his influence wrote to Mr. John Keyes Paige, Delta Phi of Union ’65, upon the subject and appointed a meeting in Schenectady the next week. At the appointed day Messrs. Addison and Rae went over to Union and were introduced to the members of the Alpha of New York, the noble mother chapter of the society. We were then kindly furnished upon inquiry with all the necessary formalities and details for securing a charter.
After returning to Troy Messrs. Van Buren and Addison with a formal petition to the Delta Phi society directed to the Alpha of New York.
After waiting in great suspense for a few weeks all the sister chapters were heard from and it was reported favorably without an exception.
After making their arrangements though before we had heard of the acceptance of our petition Messrs. Griswold and Loomis of ’65 and Stevenson of ’66 were spoken to on the subject.
On the evening of the 17th of June 1864 Messrs. Van Buren, Addison and Rae accompanied by Mr. Edward J. Lovett of Union ’65, a Delta Phi who had taken a great deal of active interest in the accomplishment of our project, started for Union arriving there between 12 and one o’clock at night. Mr. Van Buren was first initiated, then Mr. Addison and finally Mr. Rae. The next week Messrs. Griswold, Loomis and Stevenson were initiated at Union in the order of their names.
About this time Mr. William L. Adams, Jr., of the class of ’62, arrived in town and having been a member of the Vieta society, of which all the founders of the Delta of New York were members, and being with all a splendid fellow he was pounced upon at once and initiated at Union.
This fast acquisition making our seventh man we were entitled to a charter and the formal establishment of our chapter. For some unknown reason however this charter was not received till the next term, our anniversary however being the 28th of June, the day on which we all “swing” our badges in Troy.
From the beginning, Lambda was a leader on campus. The first two Grand Marshals of the school, the highest undergraduate office, were Delta Phis. That tradition has continued and, as late as 2014, the Grand Marshal of the school was a Delta Phi brother. Three of our brothers went on to lead the university as President, and sixteen buildings and structures on campus have been named after our brothers. Numerous brothers have served as trustees on the Board of the university. Over our more than 150 years, we have prospered and grown and sent over 1,000 young men out into the world, armed with the knowledge and experience to help them succeed and contribute to the better good.
In recent times, the entire Greek system at Rensselaer has made an effort to strengthen the relationship with the school and to ensure that Greek life continues to be a vibrant system, contributing to the betterment of the entire campus and remaining one of the important factors that distinguishes RPI from other universities. Delta Phi has been instrumental in guiding the entire Greek system and fostering better fraternity/school communication by taking a leadership role in the Greek and school alumni organizations and by innovating new and creative ideas that have allowed Greek life to continue to flourish and grow with the support of the school’s administration.
Our fraternity badge, worn as a pin by our members and proudly displayed on our Chapter house, is in the form of a Maltese Cross. The cross was worn by the Knights of Malta, a fraternal order formed in the late eleventh century. Designed by one of our early brothers in 1832, our badge symbolizes our beliefs and guiding principles. It is best expressed in the Delta Phi song, In Futurum:
‘Thy Cross shall ever be my guide.
The emblems on its arms engraven,
The Scroll, the Blazing Lamp on high,
The Clasped Hands and Stars of Heaven,
Shall keep me true to Delta Phi.’
Throughout our website, you can find more about our history. You’ll find stories about famous brothers, our traditions and our beliefs.