page_title: Theta Kappa Psi
section_title: Reorganization from Kappa Psi
hierarchical_section_title: Theta Kappa Psi / History / Reorganization from Kappa Psi
caption_attribution_description: The Beta Kappa chapter of Theta Kappa Psi was probably established at Duke in 1931. (Left to right, seated) Noumeer (?), Cree, Peter, Fitzgerald. (Kneeling) Jeffreys, Adams, Frazier, Goy(?) Ricks. (Standing) Calloway, Bridges, Jones, Mahl, Joyner, Boyce. At least five fraternities have been founded in the School of Medicine: Alpha Kappa Kappa, Alpha Omega Alpha, Nu Sigma Nu, Phi Beta Pi, and Phi Chi. These societies maintained lounges on the first floor of the School of Medicine (opposite the Hospital store) until 1938, after which some of them established residence headquarters off the campus.
context_page_description: Theta Kappa Psi Medical Fraternity, Incorporated, was a defunct professional medical fraternity. Currently, the Beta Phi Chapter of Theta Kappa Psi in Galveston, Texas is restructuring the fraternity from its independent chapter.
context_section_description: At the 1924 Grand Council Convention of Kappa Psi, the decision was made to separate the fraternity into two separate entities: one fraternity for medicine and one fraternity for pharmacy. The split was effective on January 15, 1925. The pharmacy fraternity retained the Greek name Kappa Psi, and the medical fraternity became Theta Kappa Psi. 
  Under their new names, the fraternities both maintain May 30, 1879 as their date of founding.
  With the reorganization of the medical fraternity out of Kappa Psi in 1924, it was necessary to assume a new name, rewrite and adopt a new constitution, ritual, coat of arms, insignia, badge, and pledge button. The medical group assumed the name of Theta Kappa Psi Medical Fraternity, believing that the addition of the Greek letter Theta greatly enhanced its ritualistic significance. The new constitution bestowed the national president with the title of Grand Prytan, the national vice-president with the title of Grand Vice-Prytan, and the Grand Secretary and Treasurer with the title of Grand Recorder and Bursar. The name of the new medical fraternity journal was The Messenger. The badge and coat of arms were designed by Richard Bliss. The insignia and pledge button were designed by R.C. Williams.  
  When the division of the pharmacy and medical groups was declared effective, January 15, 1925, Theta Kappa Psi Medical Fraternity began its fresh endeavors with 32 chapters. Four of these 32 chapters included both medical and pharmacy students. Nine of its 32 chapters were inactive. Within a short time the revised Ritual and Constitution together with the necessary forms, records and updated charters were issued to the chapters of Theta Kappa Psi. 
  Following the reorganization it was necessary that the Fraternity be reincorporated. Incorporation papers were filed for Theta Kappa Psi by Dr. M.I. Samuels, Delta chapter, Wilmington, Delaware; Dr. C. J. Harbordt, Epsilon chapter, Dover, Delaware; and W.O. Klienstuber, Beta Eta chapter, Wilmington, Delaware, on May 6, 1926. The incorporation was completed May 7, 1926.
  Initially, Theta Kappa Psi Medical Fraternity found progress to be very difficult since there were at least five strong national medical fraternities with which it had to compete. Also, many of the strong leaders of the old Kappa Psi Fraternity were associated with pharmacy schools. Their interest in the new pharmacy fraternity was a strong factor in the rapid development of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity.
  The first officers of Theta Kappa Psi Medical Fraternity were:
  Ralph C. Williams                     Grand Prytan
  Jabex H. Elliott                      Grand Vice-Prytan
  A. Richard Bliss, Jr.                 Grand Recorder and Bursar
  Victor J. Anderson                    Grand Registrar and Editor
  Thomas Benton Sellers                 Grand Counselor
  Following the reorganization, Delta chapter struggled. The chapter depended upon transfers from other schools instead of working for themselves. The chapter also lacked leadership. It was necessary to withdraw the charter in 1930.  Delta had furnished more Grand Officers than any other chapter and had always been the leader among chapters. This trend was to end abruptly..
  The zenith of Theta Kappa Psi Medical Fraternity was undoubtedly during the year 1933. The national officers were Grand Prytan R.C. Williams; Grand Vice-Prytan J.H. Elliott; and Grand Recorder and Bursar A.G. Engelbach. Through their staunch leadership the Fraternity was weathering the depression and had a peak strength of 35 collegiate chapters and 25 graduate chapters. The year ended with the international convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, December 27–29, 1933. Following an exceptionally successful convention the delegates boarded their respective trains bound homeward, filled with enthusiasm for their Fraternity. Little did they realize that Theta Kappa Psi was destined never to reattain the heights it enjoyed those cold December days in Atlantic City in 1933.
  Between 1935 and 1940, Theta Kappa Psi lost eleven chapters. By 1940, the Fraternity had dropped to
caption: Beta Kappa chapter at Duke University in 1932.
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