The origins of the Creed of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity
The Creed of Pi Lambda Phi acts as both a guidepost and a beacon of hope for equality, and has a profound impact on the character of Pilam brothers. For many of our brothers, the Creed may not have been the first reason you joined Pilam, but it was something that became more important to you as you experienced brotherhood and life.
Research on the Creed
Brother Andy Golbert (Lafayette ’65) experienced discrimination first-hand in the 60s, when national fraternities were practicing exclusion, and he was turned away by fraternities on his campus. But in Pi Lambda Phi, he found a welcoming safe haven.
This spurred his interest in the history of our fraternity and the origins of the Pilam. Golbert was particularly interested in the Creed and spent years researching Pilam history through its archives, historical publications, and documents.
The origins of the Creed
Andy’s research revealed no existing evidence of the Creed during the founders period. It is likely that the Creed was written in the 1940s as a statement of fundamental beliefs, principles, and values to set the culture and guidelines for Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity.
Documented evidence of the Creed was found in the banquet program of the 46th annual Convention in 1940, when Pi Lambda Phi was on the verge of a merger with Phi Beta Delta. The next printed appearances of the Creed were in the December 1945 Tripod, and the 1946 pledge manual.
Sadly, there is nothing in the archives about where the Creed originated, nor its original author(s). Andy said, “Someone wrote or developed our Creed, which has guided us for so many years. It boggles the mind that while we toast the Creed, we are unable to celebrate its author(s).”
The evolution of the Creed
In 1941 the original rendition of a Creed was included in a circular about the consolidation of Pi Lambda Phi and Phi Beta Delta. The original Creed was likely pounded out on an Underwood typewriter by brothers of the era.
The last appearance for the original rendition was in the 1959 alumni directory. Sometime between 1959 and 1961, the Creed received some edits that did not change the intent or purpose of the document, but seemed to make it more succinct.
The Creed was the document that embodied the beliefs of our founders. Frederick Manfred Werner, Louis Samter Levy, and Henry Mark Fisher envisioned a fraternity where neither sect nor creed should ever act as a bar to admission. They believed joining a fraternity should be based on your principles, not race or religion.
Living the Creed
Everyone has their own personal standards and beliefs. But Pi Lambda Phi stands by the ideals of the Creed and we hope that all of our brothers have an appreciation for its intent and ideals that have had an impact on your life.
Dan Scott, president of the Pi Lambda Phi Foundation recently said, “When you learn about the Creed and the fraternity, you adopt those ideals, and you realize that’s how you should be living your life.”
Diversity is our strength, and will ensure our legacy. Live the Creed.