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Constitution of Alpha Kappa Phi Fraternity

Clause 1

Let this order be known to its members as Αδελφοτηδ Κ[?]νφανα Φυλοδοφαν - to the world as AKP [Alpha Kappa Phi]

Clause 2

As the betterment of the moral affections is a fundamental principle of this fraternity, let each brother receive as the language of his heart the three following beautiful sentiments - "Benevolentia Puritas Fidelitas" "Meus honor est mea vita" "Apta meditatio hominium est homo"

Clause 3

As highly conducive to our well being and interest, let each brother most diligently and cautiously abstain from drawing back the veil of deep mystery from our proceedings and anything connected with this profoundly secret brotherhood.

Clause 4

Officials

Let the supervision of this fraternity, or rather this chapter, be entrusted to a Grand Moderator, whose duty let it be to preside over all its sittings, both regular and called. Let him be the highest official in whom the highest authority shall be vested. Let it be his bounden duty to enforce the laws and provisions of the constitution, and let him receive the honor and respect of his brother members. Let him conduct the correspondence of the order. Let it also be his duty to keep a list of the names and residences of all the members if this Chapter, together with the year of their initiation. Let it be the duty of the Grand Moderator of the Grand Order at Centre College to keep a similar list of the members of all the chapters for the purpose of publishing a catalogue. Let the Grand Moderator of the Grand Order At Centre College to keep a similar list of the members of all the chapters for the purpose of publishing a Catalogue. Let the Grand Moderator appoint a Clerk to act during his administration, whose duty let it be to keep a true and faithful record of the proceedings of the fraternity. If he neglects to see that the minutes are present at each regular meeting, or omits the minutes of a meeting in the book set apart by the fraternity for this purpose, he shall be fined $1.00 for each offence.

Clause 5

Let a Vice Grand Moderator be elected by this chapter to preside in the absence of the Grand Moderator.

Clause 6

Let a Treasurer also be elected at the beginning of each college session, whose duty let it be to keep a faithful account of the pecuniary affairs of the chapter. Let him collect all monies due the chapter. Let him be required to give his report every two months.

Clause 7

Let these officials (except the Treasurer) be elected every two months, and let them preside until their successors shall enter upon the discharge of their duties. Let the election be held by ballot. Let the election of members and whatever else may present itself be held "vica voce".

Clause 8

Let each member of this order cultivate and cherish a friendly feeling for his brother members, and remember that we are bound together by the warmest ties of love in one common cause. Let each member also, commensurate with his ability, endeavor to effect a reconciliation whenever this congeniality of feeling is destroyed by dissensions. Let the principle of Love, Purity and Fidelity, the beautiful three in one, be the monitor of each member of this fraternity. Love, which is an offspring of heavenly goodness and teaches man to adore his God and with a sympathizing heart towards his brothers; Purity, which amends the moral affections and prompts us to be constant with honor and justice in our deeds; Fidelity, which urges us to prove true to our professions and obligations under all reasonable circumstances.

Clause 9

Proposals for membership.

Let no one become a member of this order who is a member of any other similar organization. Let it be the privilege of any member to propose a name for membership whom he deems worthy of the honor of our order, but let him not reveal the fact to the person proposed. When such a proposal is made, let it lie on the table two weeks for further consideration. In order that we may not be deceived and imposed upon in the election of a member, let it be the duty of each brother to become acquainted with the person proposed, and ascertain for himself whether or not the person in question is worthy of becoming a member of our order. Let this duty be diligently performed. When the requisite time has expired, and the final consideration of his name is before the chapter, if any member, though himself in favor of the person, know of the opposition of any absent brother, let him then oppose the name. Let any one who cannot be present at the election state his objections to some brother, and request him to make them known to the fraternity. Let any member opposing a name proposed render satisfactory reasons for the same. Let no name being proposed and rejected be proposed again for two months therefrom. Let the vote of this chapter be unanimous for the election of any one to membership. Let the Grand Moderator appoint a committee of two to confer with a persons thus elected, and let it be their duty to report at the next regular meeting. Let them extract a solemn pledge from the person thus conferred with that, if he refuse to join our fraternity, he will preserve inviolably secret the fact of his having been elected. Let him have only two weeks for consideration.

Clause 10

Chapters

As this order was not intended to be local, and let it be the object and duty of its members to extend its influence by establishing chapters in whatever Institutions - provided they be literary - the Grand Order may deem proper. As it is essential that there should be some head of chief source of authority among the chapters, let the chapter of the Α.Κ.Φ. order situated at Centre College be invested with this authority and be denominated the Grand Order. Let it be the privilege of any brother to establish, by obtaining a charter of permission from the Grand Moderator, a chapter in whatever place that charter specifies. Let the following be the form, and only form, of that Charter

This is to certify that [blank space] has the power and authority granted by the Α.Κ.Φ. fraternity at Centre College, Danville, Ky., to establish a Chapter of that order in [blank space] at [blank space]

Signed by Committee of Permission [blank space]

Let this committee of Permission be appointed by the Grand Moderator, and consist of three members.

Clause 11

Let no clause of this Constitution be altered or amended by any of the chapters except with the consent of the Grand Order. The object of this is to keep our Constitution one and the same in all the chapters. Let any suggestion to that effect with due attention and respect from the Grand Order. For the promotion of social intercourse let each of the chapters hold a monthly correspondence with the Grand Order and with each other. Let each chapter preserve carefully all of its minutes for future reference. Let neither the Grand Order nor any of its chapters exceed twenty in number in one Collegiate year at one time. By this is meant twenty members present at one time. When brothers leave their Institutions of learning, they are still as much members of our Order as they were before their departure. This Order graduates no members. Let the chapters as soon as they are organized, or as soon afterwards as practicable, apply to the legislatures of the states in which they exist for charters. To obtain the form of this charter let them apply to the Grand Order. Its charter has no power beyond the boundaries of Kentucky.

Clause 12

Grip and Device

In order that the members of these different chapters may recognize each other, let the Grip of the Order be the hard pressure of the small finger in clasping hands, and this grip be accompanied by the easy folding of the left hand across the breast. Let every brother practice and remember these distinguishing signs for we know not when we may have cause to use them. If they be not returned let a brother be careful how he proceeds. Let a pin also be adopted as the Device peculiar to our Order. Let this Device be of white enamel edged with chased gold, having a golden representation of clasped hands at the top of the Pin, the letters KP in the middle, and the three links of gold at the bottom, containing respectively the letters α.α.π which are the initials of the Greek words "αγαπη" "αγ[?]ανα" "πιοτισ" (Love Purity Fidelity). On the back of the pin let each owner have engraved the letters RF, initials of the Latin words "Recipe Frat rem", immediately below these letters his name, and below his name the year of his initiation. The brothers are not forced to buy these Devices, but whoever does buy them must observe the above stated directions. Let no other additions than those just mentioned be made to this device. Let the chapters remember that Duhme [Duhme & Co.], Cincinnati, are the manufacturers of our pins and from them alone can they be obtained. When they desire these devices let them send the names in full of those for whom they are to be procured together with the year of their initiation and the requisite amount to purchase them and they - the manufacturers - will return them engraved.

Clause 13

Initiation Fees

Let each brother on his initiation or in two weeks therefrom pay the sum of two dollars and fifty cents, in failure whereof let him be arraigned before the chapter by the Treasurer and if his excuses be not considered valid by the members present, let him be expelled.

Clause 14

Fines, etc.

Let the Moderator be invested with the powers of fining as high as five dollars for violations of order. Let the fine for non-performance be fifty cents. Let fine for absence be twenty five cents for each calling of the roll and if he be absent for three successive meetings, let him be summoned by the Moderator to appear before the chapter. If his excuses are not satisfactory, let him be expelled. If he refuses to appear, or is prevented from doing so, let him state his excuse to some brother who shall make them known to the members of the chapter assembled. If he fails to render these excuses, or is prevented from so doing, let him have only one more meeting to clear himself. If all fines are not paid at the next regular meeting after they are assessed, let them be doubled, and so each succeeding meeting until paid. If, however, they amount to five dollars, let the debtor be expelled.

Clause 15

Devices

Let every member ordering a device advance the necessary amount or not receive it. Let no member on any occasion whatever borrow money from the Treasurer.

Clause 16

Let the exercises of this Order in all the chapters consist of Debate or Reading and Essays.

Clause 17

Let no member leave the Hall for a longer time than ten minutes without the permission of the Grand Moderator. Let no member speak on any motion or question more than twice, and ten minutes each time, without the permission of the Grand Moderator.

Clause 18

Alterations of the Constitution

Let it require a vote of three fourths of the members present to alter or amend the Constitution. Let a resolution to this effect lie on the table two weeks for further consideration. Let the Chapters remember that the constitution cannot be altered or amended except with the consent of the Grand Order, but the By-Laws at pleasure.

Clause 19

Let the Grand Moderator's decisions be subject to appeal by a vote of three fourths of the members present. Let no decision given on a fine be subject to appeal.

Clause 20

Expulsion

To expel a brother let him be accused of divulging the secrets of the order and of violating the Constitution in a manner for which there is no penalty expressed. If his conduct outside the Hall and the Order be such as to justify it, let him be expelled. Let a vote of three fourths of the members present be required to expel a member. Let the chapter from which he is expelled immediately convey the intelligence to the sisterhood of chapters.

Clause 21

On public occasions in the Institutions in which this order exists, let pink ribbon be worn with our device, having the letters Α.Κ.Φ. printed on it and also an impression, a wreath of lowers with books, a scroll, pen and inkstand, and a burning lamp within, which can be obtained from Franklin Type Foundry, Cincinnati. It is cut no. 1510 in their publications of specimens .The chapters can obtain these ribbons from the Grand Order.

Clause 22

Habits of Intoxication

1st. Habits of intoxication shall under all circumstances exclude a candidate from membership in this order.
2nd. If at any time it should come to the knowledge of the Moderator that any of the members have become intemperate, it shall become his imperative duty in the member's absence to inform the chapter and in their presence appoint a committee of two, who shall at once remonstrate with him in the name of the order.
3rd. If the offense is repeated a second time he shall be warned again; if a third time he shall be suspended for two meetings; if a fourth time he shall be at once expelled.
4th. If any Moderator should shrink from the performance of his duty, he ought at once to resign and give place to some one who will vindicate our laws, and thus show the world that this Order will not tolerate habits of intoxication within its bounds.