Chi Rho Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated was founded to allow unaffiliated Omega men of Long Island to the opportunity to fellowship and collectively extend the fraternity message of service and commitment to our cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perserverance and Uplift. On August 11, 1965, the Chapter Charter for CHI RHO Chapter was signed by the Supreme Council of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The name of Christ-Chi Rho, in the Greek the letters that look like X and P, form a proper abbreviation of the name Christ-The Anointed One. They are actually the first two letters of the word Christ in Greek. The color is gold, usually etched in a rose colored red.
The chapter motto is:
ChallengeRededicationHopeHappinessInitiative OptimismThe officers of Chi Rho Chapter were officially installed on October 29, 1965 at the home of Bro. Harrison Smith, 58 Wright Street, North Babylon, New York. The National and District Officers that officiated were:George Meares* Grand Basileus
Grand BasileusJames Avery Second District Representative
Second District RepresentativeJames Murray* District Keeper of Records and Seals
District Keeper of Records and SealsRudy Powell* Past First Vice District Representative
Past First Vice District RepresentativeNathaniel Burrell* Past District Keeper of Records and Seals
Past District Keeper of Records and SealsThe ten charter members of Chi Rho Chapter were:
•Walter Bailey
Walter Bailey•Charles Belfield*
Charles Belfield*•Aubrey Greene*
Aubrey Greene*•Daniel Henderson*
Daniel Henderson*•Clarence Johnson*
Clarence Johnson*•James Lewis*
James Lewis*•Frank Nichols*
Frank Nichols*•Harrison Smith*
Harrison Smith*•John Van Buren*
John Van Buren*•Ercell Williams
Ercell Williams*Deceased – Omega Chapter
The first officers of Chi Rho Chapter were:
Frank Nichols* BasileusHarrison Smith* Vice BasileusDan Henderson*Keeper of Records and SealsJames Lewis* Keeper of FinanceCharles Belfield*Keeper of PeaceClarence Johnson* ChaplainErcell Williams Editor to the OracleWalter Bailey Dean of PledgesSince its inception, Chi Rho chapter has been involved in community activities which embody the fraternity’s cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. The chapter’s signature programs, the Purple and Gold Dance, Men Who Cook Affair and its Omega-by-the-Bay Fish Fry are designed to provide funding for mentoring and scholarships to college bound minority youth. Through the years, the chapter has provided more than 15 scholarships and supported the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the Tom Joyner Foundation, and others providing scholarship funding for minority college students. The chapter has also sponsored other social action endeavors through support of the NAACP, voter campaign support, and recognition of other community achievers. In May, 2005, the chapter’s anniversary year, Chi Rho Development Corporation, a not for profit 501(c) 3 organization, was incorporated to further help the Long Island Community.CHI RHO HISTORY
Bro. Harrison Smith
Bro. Frank Nichols
58 Wright Street, North Babylon, New York
