New Britain herald., 1926-10-02
CHAPTER OF AHEPA
 INSTITUTED HERE
Enthusiasm Shown at Banquet
 of Greek Organization


 X laudable and praiseworthy ef- fort was inaugurated among Greeks in this city last evening at the Bur- ritt hotel, when a banquet and in- stallation Of officers of the New Britain chapter Of Ahepa, the Am erican Hellenic Educational Pro- gressive association. was held. about so members and invited guests be- ing present. The New Britain chap ter is newly organized, a group of candidates having been initiated by the Hartford chapter last Wednes- day night.
 The affair was carried out with all the enthusiasm of successful organization and those present took a great interest in the ceremonies pertaining to the installation of off Cers, presided over by Supreme Sec retary Andrew Nickas of Washing ton, D. C. These ceremonies were impressive and Mir. NiCkGs' charge to each of the officers was forcefully rendered.
 The affair began at shortly after SS0 o'clock and so great was the in- terest in the new organization that those present remained until mid night. listening to the encouraging speeches and addresses by officers and invited guests. The New Brit ain chapter already numbers about 90 members and it is expected that there will be 100 names on it's rolls within short time.
 The invited guests were Mayor Gardner C. Weld. Judge Benjamin W. Alling, James C. Moody, vice. principal of the Senior High school; William C. Hart, chief of police; Prof. Frank Babbitt, instructor in Greek at Trinity college, Hartford. and a member of the organization; Rev. Samuel Sutcliffe, rector of St. Marks Episcopal church. and Rev. Amilanos Packalakes, pastor Of the Greek Orthodox church. Each of these delivered short addresses, in which they praised the distinctly American motives and plans Of the organization and each in turn vel coined the New Britain chapter to the city. The only speech in Greek was made by the pastor of the Greek church and it was explained that he had only lately arrived in this coun- try and was unable to deliver his talk in English.
 George Demos was installed as president of the organization i'm preceding the addresses and after the banquet. Other ogi- ccrs Installed were; Vice-presidcnt, Nicholas Kounaris; secretary. Elm manuel Kounaris; treasurer, Charles Contaras: captain of the guard, James Gardner; board of governors, Francis Kelly. George Doumanalis. Peter Vouris, Apostolos Tolls and Christ Spingas. Mir. Kelly, who is cashier of the City National bank is the only member of the organiza- ton not of Greek extraction.
 Mayor Weld stated that the city is proud of the new chapter and he welcomed 1t enthusiastically on be- half of the citizens. Judge filling the theme "Servicc," tell ing the men that one of the organ ization's prime objects is service to their fellow man. Mir. Moody spoke os education as one of the prime factors in the organizations exist cnce, stating that without education cannot be rendered. Each of the speakers lauded the Greek race, pointing out its many achievements and delivering encouraging remarks to the members of the new chap ter.
 Mir. Nickas spoke at length re- garding the purposes of the organ ization. Ahepa is the exponent of brotherly love, cooperation and self The organization was formed about three years ago for service to the Greek people In America and 1t Is meeting with great success. It is helping them to gain a better understanding of the laws and customs Of the United States and to become better citizens.
 One thing the organization en- rhasizes is citizenship. All mem- bers are urged and are required to become citizens of the United States. If members arc not citizens when they join, they are aided in taking out their papers so that they might become naturalized. Seeking to fur ther the welfare of Greeks in this country. many Americans nave taken an interest in the orsaniza- ton and are listed among its most packers.
 The organization now has about lo.Ooo members. this number hay ing been secured within three years. There are 117 chapters and the so- ciety Is growing rapidly.
 Organization was discussed by the secretary. Lack Of 1t has always been one of the prime faults of the GrceK race ne 0''iu' anu N recounted instances in which 1t has played a. tragic part. But. he said, inc members of Ahepa have shown a great desire to cooperate. one with another, in an effort to i'm prove themselves and he prophesied great success. both for the New Britain chapter and for the national organization.
 The affair was held under the wing of the Hartford chapter. J. I. Starr of that city acting as chair man of the committee in charge Of Peter Sacorafos of Hartford was chairman of the meet ing,