Phi Kappa Pi - Alpha Beta Gamma Chapter - McGill

The story of Phi Kappa Pi Fraternity begins in 1913 with the union of two distinct, yet equally driven greek societies: Alpha Beta Gamma at McGill University in Montreal, and Sigma Pi at the University of Toronto. Their goal was the creation of Canada's first national fraternity based on the common goals and principles shared by the founding Brothers. Over the years, membership has risen and falle

n, chapters have been founded and folded, but those same goals and principles have stood the test of time. The early years of Phi Kappa Pi were difficult under the shadow of The Great War. Many brothers left their studies to join the armed forces and active membership at both Sigma Pi and Alpha Beta Gamma suffered as a result. By 1915, ABG was down to five active Brothers while SP was forced to become inactive. However, upon the cessation of hostilities, both chapters rebounded with an influx of veterans returning to pursue their studies. This solid base allowed Phi Kappa Pi to seek expansion opportunities during the 1920s. As you can imagine, inter-university communication was quite challenging in those days. It was an ABG alumni that first approached the Phi Kappa Pi National Council about a possible expansion to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Founded in 1923, the Zeta Gamma chapter became the first ever fraternity on the Dalhousie campus. Expansion continued in 1924 with the acceptance of an application for membership from Alpha IotaFraternity at the University of British Columbia and again in 1930 with acceptance of an application from Delta Mu Fraternity at the University of Alberta. In 1935, Tau Sigma Rho Fraternity at the University of Manitoba was accepted as the sixth chapter of Phi Kappa Pi. In just 22 years, the vision of the founding chapters had begun to be realized: Phi Kappa Pi fraternity now stretched from coast to coast. Every chapter prospered during the "golden age" of greek societies from 1935-1969. Celebrating Canada's centennial, Phi Kap expanded yet again in 1967, welcoming Alpha Epsilon from the University of Waterloo. But as with every good story, there are high points and there are low points. The downturn all greek societies felt during the 1970s was apparent in Canada's only national fraternity. Alpha Iota was the first to go in 1974, followed closely by Alpha Epsilon after University of Waterloo officially banned fraternities from campus. Tau Sigma Rho folded in 1975 due to declining numbers. The knockout blow almost came in 1976 when a founding chapter, Alpha Beta Gamma, ceased to exist. Nevertheless, the Phi Kap spirit endured. Alpha Beta Gamma was reborn on October 13, 1990 thanks to the tireless collective efforts of Phi Kappa Pi's National Council and the two remaining active chapters. The Montreal chapter has flourished since, bringing through over 50 new Brothers during the 1990s. Sigma Pi persevered through anti-fraternity sentiments at U of T throughout the 1990s and today sits as strong as ever. The house at 85 Bedford Road continues to be a proud symbol of Phi Kappa Pi¹s heritage. Zeta Gamma has been the dominant force on Dalhousie campus since the day it was founded. It shows no sign of ever slowing down. Phi Kappa Pi celebrated the end of the millennium by founding a new chapter, Theta Kappa Omicron at the University of Ottawa. The product of National Council efforts and inter-chapter co-operation, the event was the culmination of several years' effort and a testament to the continuing ideals of our founding Brothers. As we march towards the Hundredth Anniversary of our Fraternity, efforts continue to both revive our folded chapters and explore opportunities to found new ones. Phi Kappa Pi has always kept a positive outlook on the future. With the continuing hard work and sacrifice of our actives and alumni across Canada, the second century of Phi Kappa Pi will be as great as the first.