04/27/2026
Today, Monday, 27 April 2026 marks the 91st Anniversary of the Chartering of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Chi Lambda chapter seated in the city of Augusta - Richmond County.
On the 117th day of 1935, Saturday, 27 April, in the Haines Institute library, with much fanfare, pomp and circumstance, the anchor was lifted, the sails were unfurled, the colors were hoisted and the SS Alpha Chi Lambda left the port on its maiden voyage on the sea of Alpha with the below passengers.
A. Murray Carter, initiated through the Eta Lambda chapter, was the Ordinary Manager at Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Company, was the first Treasurer.
Reverend Augustus C. Griggs, initiated through the Alpha Omicron chapter, was the Secretary – Treasurer, Business Manager and Member of the Board of Trustees at Haines Institute; He was the Associate Editor of the Sphinx and Assistant Secretary.
Dr. Harold E. Hill, initiated through the Chi chapter, was a graduate of Meharry Medical College and the city’s only registered Pharmacist, served as the first Chapter President.
Solomon M. Jenkins, initiated through the Omicron Lambda chapter, was the Augusta Branch Manager at Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Company, served as the chapter’s first Vice President.
Dr. Robert L. Lockett, initiated through the Nu chapter, a prominent Dentist in the City.
Lawrence D. Perry, initiated through the Eta Lambda, who at that time was traveling auditor for Atlanta Life Insurance Company who would later become the Augusta Branch Manager
Professor John M. Tutt, initiated through the Alpha Omicron chapter, was a Mathematics Professor and the head of the Physical Education department and secretary of the Board of trustees at Haines Institute, served as the first chapter Secretary.
Dr. Robert W. White, initiated through the Chi chapter at Meharry Medical College, was a prominent Dentist and served as the first chapter Sergeant of Arms.
Rev. William D. Woods, initiated through the Nu chapter, the pastor of the Washington Georgia Presbyterian church and Principal of the Washington Georgia high school, served as the first chapter Chaplain.
Eugene Y. Lowe, initiated through the Alpha Rho chapter, though he participated in the chartering ceremony he did not sign the charter as a chartering member.
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