History of Beta Theta Lambda

    In the early 1930's a handful of Alpha Brothers in Durham found some suitable degree of fraternal fellowship with the Phi Lambda Chapter in Raleigh. Because of the travel distance, and through tireless efforts of Brother John E. Payne, a Durham Graduate Chapter was formulated.
    After considerable contacts, and a sanction from Phi Lambda, a local chapter was brought into being. The following brothers composed this group of Durham Pioneers in Alpha.

The Pioneers

  1. Bro. Alfonso Elder initiated into Eta Lambda Chapter Atlanta, Georgia 1921
  2. Bro. Augustus Heningburg initiated into Alpha Nu Lambda Chapter Tuskegee, Alabama 1924
  3. Bro. Lawrence H. Knox initiated into Alpha Eta Chapter Harvard University, 1925
  4. Bro. Robert P. Randolph initiated into Gamma Chapter Virginia Union University 1928
  5. Bro. James M. Schooler, Sr. initiated into Xi Chapter Wilberforce Universiy 1927, *Dean and oldest living Brother of ANCA
  6. Bro. James T. Taylor initiated into Phi Lambda Chapter Raleigh, North Carolina 1927
  7. Bro. William J. Walker, Jr. initiated into Alpha Rho Chapter Morehouse 1930
  8. Bro. Carol T. Willis initiated into Eta Chapter NYU 1928
  9. Bro. John E. Payne initiated into Phi Lambda Raleigh, North Carolina 1929

   Later Brother Charles L. Holmes of Phi Lambda Chapter was added to the list of Pioneers of Beta Theta Lambda in 1938. Beta Theta Lambda was officially founded on May 7, 1938. Pioneer Brother John E. Payne served as temporary chairman until the chapter was underway. Brother James T. Talor became the first president. Shortly after the creation of Beta Theta Lambda, between the World War II years of 1941 - 1945, there was a period of inactivity. However the Chapter was revitalized in 1947 and has continued to thrive. The Chapter has proven to be a strong force of leadership and Service in the Durham Community sponsoring such events as the Black Business Expo, American Cancer Society Fundraisers, March of Dimes, UNCF, etc.
   Additionally, Beta Theta Lambda went about the task of founding undergraduate chapters at local colleges and universities. Gamma Beta Chapter was founded in 1941 at North Carolina College, now known as North Carolina Central University. Kappa Omicron Chapter was founded on the campus of Duke University in 1975, and a year later, Mu Zeta Chapter was founded on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1976.
   Beta Theta Lambda has also received several civic and Fraternal awards. Most notable, Regional Chapter of the Year.