History of the Order of AHEPA 1922 - 1972

Chapter Two: The Years 1924 - 1927

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The Second Supreme Convention

(September 21 - 25, 1924 in Washington, D.C.)

The Second Convention was held in Washington, D.C. under the sponsorship of the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland Chapters. Attending the Convention as delegates were the following:

CURRENT AND PAST SUPREME LODGE OFFICERS:

CHAPTER DELEGATES:

There were a total of 47 delegates at this convention.

Officers of the convention were: C. R. Nixon, Chairman; Charles T. Rowland, Vice Chairman, and H. T. Walker, Secretary.  

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Convention Legislation and Mandates

It was at this Washington convention that the official name of "The AHEPA" was taken by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.

In addition, the convention moved the Headquarters from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.; adopted the official Ahepa emblem, fez and jewelry; set the minimum initiation fee at $20.00; set the minimum age limit for membership at 18 years of age; laid an Ahepa wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery; laid a wreath on the grave of World War I hero George Dilboy, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient; initiated a large class of candidates for membership, and finally, made a visit to the President of the United States.

New Supreme Lodge, 1924-1925

Supreme Lodge officers elected by the convention for the year 1924 - 1925 were:

And as Supreme Governors elected Theo. Polemenakos, N. A. Loumos, G. S. Smitzes, F. M. Witherspoon, P. P. Stathas and George Caranicholas. Dr. C. Carouso was appointed Supreme Chaplain, and Nicholas V. G. Nestor was appointed Supreme Warden.

The new Supreme Lodge Headquarters moved into its new quarters in the Investment Building in Washington, D.C., where V. I. Chebithes, Supreme President, was given its supervision and management, and received a monthly salary, and traveling expenses. The new Supreme Lodge also voted the title of "Viceregent" to Brothers Arthur Stephos, George S. Zantos, John G. Apostoles, and John Chambers, in recognition of their services to the fraternity.

Although the official records showed that 2,790 members had been initiated into the Order of Ahepa at the time of the Washington convention, of the 2,122 members on the rolls of active chapters, only 902 were reported as having paid their annual dues.

"V. I.," although only a member of the Ahepa for a few brief months at the time of his election as Supreme President, began his work with systematic programs of Chapter visits, and personal relationship with officers and members, that characterized his following years of service to the fraternity. He visited at least 50 Chapters during the following twelve months, revived several that were on the verge of disbanding, and spearheaded the establishment of 25 new Ahepa Chapters.

During those 12 months, there were 2,421 new members added to the rolls, making a total membership of 5,264 members, of which 2,096 were in good standing with the Headquarters. Two issues of The Ahepa Magazine were published, one of 78 pages and the other of 178 pages. The fraternity's income was sufficient to pay off most of the old debts on the books, leaving a cash surplus, of $3,601.11. It must be noted that the Per Capita Tax payable annually to Headquarters by the Chapters for each good standing member was then only $2.00 per year.

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"The Ahepa" was a 78 page magazine published in May, 1925 and it featured a four-page foldout photograph of the convention delegates at the Second Supreme Convention in Washington, D.C. The photo was taken on the White House grounds in Washington, on September 22, 1924, on which date the delegates were received by President Calvin Coolidge. It also included photographs of the convention delegates taken at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at the grave of World War I Congressional Medal of Honor recipient George Dilboy, and another at Arlington National Cemetery.

This amazing publication was personally edited and prepared by Supreme President V. I. Chebithes, and contained photographs of the Chapter Officers of the first 59 Chapters of the fraternity, as well as a listing of their respective officers.

Since the Ahepa is by Constitutional regulation both non-political and non-sectarian, the following notice aptly emphasizes one of these. It was published in this magazine, and is reproduced here in its entirety (From the Springfield, Massachusetts Daily News, Sept. 29, 1924):

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In the editorial of this May, 1925 magazine, Supreme President V. I. Chebithes said:

"The Ahepa" magazine also describes the visit to the grave of George Dilboy, World War I hero of Greek descent. Dilboy was born in Asia Minor in 1896, of Greek parents, came to the United States, and served in the U.S. Army in World War I. He left with the 26th Division for Europe in 1917, and was killed during the Battle of Belleau Woods, France, on July 18, 1918, after wiping out a machine gun nest of the enemy, single-handed. The President awarded him the Congressional Medal of Honor, posthumously. His body was taken home to Asia Minor for burial, but his grave was desecrated by the Turks. The U.S. government rescued his remains and brought them back to Arlington National Cemetery for burial, in a national ceremony, in honor of the soldier who gave his life to prevent almost certain annihilation of his regiment during the battle.

Also in this issue is an interesting short article by George Horton, who had served as Consulate General in Athens, and was American Consul in Smyrna when that city was destroyed by the Turkish forces in September, 1922. He was the author of several books on modern Greece, and also wrote "The Blight of Asia" which describes graphically the tragedy at Smyrna. Mr. Horton wrote:

As a comment on the words of George Horton, we can add that individualism to the Nth degree has always been a Greek trait, which can be traced from ancient Greek history to the present day. In some instances, this trait has been invaluable; in other instances, almost disastrous.

The reader may ask, "Just what was the Ahepa doing in that early period of 1924-25, an organization only two years old?"

Mayor T. Stoney of Charleston, S.C. was a member of the Charleston Ahepa Chapter, and he praised his constituents by saying that the Greeks in Charleston have accomplished more for the welfare of the city for the years they have resided there than any other nationality … Savanah, Ga. Ahepa Chapter gave a banquet for their Honorary Ahepan, Mayor Robert M. Hull and his Aldermanic Board … Ahepa Chapters held annual balls and dances, as well as dinners … Established Chapters visited neighboring cities to form new Chapters ... Twelve Ahepans from Tampa, dressed in white trousers, with blue coats, and with Ahepa emblems prominently displayed, marched through the streets of Tarpon Springs, drawing questioners into conversation on the subject of Ahepa, to revive the failing Chapter in that city.

Supreme Lodge Officers and Mother Lodge members were everywhere, creating interest and enthusiasm ... Asheville, N.C. entered a Chapter float in the local Armistice Day Parade, and the float won First Prize ... Asheville also donated 4,000 boxes of candy to the orphans and poor children of the city … President C. J. Demas of Washington, D.C. Chapter #31 then said: "The comparatively young but ever progressive Order of Ahepa is the redeeming feature of today.

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There was, perhaps, in the United States, no city in which religious and political differences were more marked than in Washington. Being the Capital City, it naturally was the objective of the onslaughts of the opposing factions. Former friends would not converse with each other; merchants of opposing beliefs would not transact business together; indeed, this fanatic frenzy was carried so far that we could not worship our God in the same sacred halls. But, just as the golden sunlight route before it the dismal shadows of night, so the fraternal influence of Ahepa is soldering the broken links in the chain of friendship, and is gradually healing all wounds. We forget our political and church differences, and remember only that we are brothers in The Ahepa

Nashua, N. H. Chapter held a dinner and dance at which the Chief of Police was the guest of honor … President Varkas of Brookline, Mass. Chapter said: "An Ahepan believes in making his Order a medium of service to his fellow-men, because every lesson taught him in his lodge-room has direct regard to character, manhood, brotherly love, and charity." ... Brooklyn, N.Y. Chapter "adopted" thirty fatherless children of Greece, by sending monthly payments for their livelihood … Manchester, N.H. Chapter attended church in a body, once a month, but not just the Greek Orthodox Church. They visited not only Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, but also the First Congregational Church, and the St. Paul M.E. Church, whose pastor welcomed them with these words:

... Governor John Winant of New Hampshire was also a speaker at a Manchester Chapter educational open-meeting.

Springfield, Mass. Ahepa Chapter noted that five reverend brothers were among its membership, as well as noted author and journalist William K. Palmer, and City Council member Denis Hogan. Palmer wrote, at the time, a National Anthem· of the Ahepa … Chicago, Ill. Chapter noted that their Treasurer was the Rev. Mark E. Petrakis of St. Constantine's Church … and also that Bishop Philaretos Johannides was on the Chapter Board of Governors, and Secretary John Dakes wrote in a Chicago publication:

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On December 16, 1924, Supreme President Chebithes appealed to all Ahepa Chapters to assist in the sponsorship of Greek orphans, left homeless after the Asia Minor disaster of 1922, and whom Greece had taken in from Asia Minor. The amount then required for support of an orphan was $5 per month, and the Chapters responded with sponsorship of from as few as two to as many as 30 for a single Chapter. The funds were sent to the organization "Relief for Fatherless Children of Greece, Inc." of which Joseph E. Davies was President. Mr. Davies thanked the Ahepa for its generous action in assisting these orphans.

Supreme President Chebithes was, from the first day that he assumed office, an inveterate correspondent, with personal and circular letters to the Chapters and members. He was an acknowledged master orator, having won high honors in both high school and at Centre College in Kentucky in oratory and debating, and was active in two political campaigns while hardly out of his teens. In his visits to Chapters, and into new areas, he received wide acclaim for his addresses not only at gatherings of the Greeks of America, but also as an invited speaker at civic clubs and organizations.

It was also noted that Brother Charles T. Rowland, President of the Fort Worth, Texas Ahepa Chapter had been elected to the Texas Legislature.

The Third Supreme Convention

.(September 28 – October 2, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois)

.The Third Supreme Convention was held in Chicago, Illinois, at the Drake Hotel during September 28 - October 2, 1925. Supreme Lodge Officers present were: V. I. Chebithes, G. M. Saliba, Harry Coroneos, C. R. Nixon, P. P. Stathas, G. S. Smitzes, Charles Kirby, F. M. Witherspoon, and Theo. Polemenakos. Past Supreme Lodge Members present were: George A. Polos, P. J. Stamos, John Angelopoulos, James Campbell, Ben Davis, and George Demeter.

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Delegates from Chapters were:

Angel Soteropoulos, Atlanta; Peter J. Davis, Birmingham; Tony Hadji, Charleston, S.C.; John Demosthenes, Savannah; Rev. Emil Panos, Shreveport, La.; Dr. G. Hudspeth, Tampa; T. D. Bennet, Dallas; Dr. Demetrius Mitsakos and John Stratis, Boston; Dean Alfange and John Dounoucos, New York City #25; Panos D. Peppas, Asheville, N.D.; C. J. Coventaros, Baltimore; Dr. C. J. Demas and George Devakos, Washington, D.C.; Const. D. Diamantopoulos, Pittsburgh; Philip Stylianos, Nashua, N.H.; C. A. Tsangadas, Cleveland; Achilles Catsonis, Syracuse, N.Y.; Alex D. Varkas, Brookline, Mass.; Eustace Castanias, Haverhill, Mass.; George D. Raptieu, Detroit; Psaki and Thomas Themelis, Brooklyn, N.Y.; George Stathes and Emanuel Coronis, New York City, #42; Charles Stephan, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Apostolos G. Grekos, Manchester, N.H.; Const. E. Primbas and Peter N. Stavropoulos, Springfield, Mass.; Dr. S. D. Zaph and William Roussis, Chicago; Milton Gounaris, Lawrence, Mass.; Anthony Dedopoulos, Waterbury, Conn.; George N. Skaliotis, Lynn, Mass.; C. J. Critzas, Yonkers, N.Y.; Peter N. Kitsos and John A. Givas, Newark, N.J.; Const. Theodorou and R. R. Roehrig, St. Louis; August Rogokos, Paterson, N.J.; George J. Willias, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; George Janos, Easton, Pennsylvania; Peter N. Sakorafos, Hartford, Conn.; Andrew Nickas, Canton, Ohio; Const. D. Bokaris, Allentown Pennsylvania; Const. M. Mantis, Reading, Pennsylvania; Nicholas Notarys, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; E. J. Lagouros, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; John G. Demakis, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Peter G. Collis, Rochester, N.Y.; Howard I. North, Camden, N.J.; Elias Perivolas, and Elias L. Janetis, Springfield, Mass.; L.A. Kartsonis, Kansas City, Mo.; D. C. Yavis, Binghamton, N.Y.; Louis George, Gary, Ind.; Dennis Stateson, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; John D. Petrou, Akron, Ohio.

Besides the Supreme Lodge and Past Supreme Lodge officers, there were 48 Chapters represented in the 1925 convention, and a total of 74 delegates. Officers of the convention sessions were: Dean Alfange, Chairman; Philip Stylianos, Vice Chairman; and R. R. Roehrig, Secretary.

The 1925 Chicago Supreme Convention officially recognized the 8 "founding fathers" of the Order of Ahepa as the fraternity's Mother Lodge, and gave them the rights of being Life Members of the Order, as well as the perpetual right to attend all future Supreme Conventions at the expense of the fraternity.

Thus, the Mother Lodge of the fraternity was finally recognized for its foresight and devoted services in establishing the Order of Ahepa, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, and we repeat their names at this time with due respect and affection for giving us an association worthy of their efforts.

Nicholas D. Chotas
P. J. Stamos
James Campbell
James Vlass
Harry Angelopoulos
George A. Polos
John Angelopoulos
George Campbell

Further action by the 1925 Chicago convention denied the right of Past Supreme Lodge officers to be ex-officio members of the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Convention; Requested the U.S. government to extend a $50 million loan to Greece; Emphatically emphasized that the Order of Ahepa was NOT opposed to the foreign language press in America; That the association do all within its power to facilitate the Naturalization of the Greeks in America; Adopted a revised ceremonial Ritual; Noted that the Supreme Lodge relinquished its prior right of amending the Constitution, which now remained the prerogative of the Supreme Convention; Appropriated $1,200 to be awarded as Scholarships; And that the Supreme Secretary shall remain at the Headquarters at all times.

The convention also held initiation ceremonies, a banquet, and a dance; laid a wreath at Lincoln's statue, selected Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the site of the 1926 convention, and changed the future opening date of Supreme Conventions to the last Monday of August. Supreme Lodge Officers elected by the convention for the fiscal year of 1925-26 were:

V. I. Chebithes, Supreme President (re-elected)
Nicholas A. Loumos, Supreme Vice President
Andrew Nickas, Supreme Secretary
George J. Willias, Supreme Treasurer
C. R. Nixon, Supreme Counsellor

And as Supreme Governors, G. S. Smitzes, Dr. S. D. Zaph, Philip Styllianos, Theo. Polemenakos, C. J. Critzas, and William A. Ganfield. Arthur G. Stephos was appointed Supreme Warden, and F. M. Witherspoon was appointed Supreme Chaplain.

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The fraternity continued its phenomenal growth with the establishment of more new Chapters.

During these same 11 months there were 4,299 new members initiated into the Order; and the grand total of new members initiated since July 26, 1922 was now 9,291 members.

Since his election as Supreme President in 1924, V. I. Chebithes had devoted his full time to the fraternity, and during his second term of office he personally visited 73 Ahepa Chapters in the fledgling Ahepa Domain. He established and organized 21 of the 35 new Chapters.

The fraternity's treasury showed an increasing surplus, and new Charters were printed and issued to the Chapters, as well as membership certificates to all members. An annual Convention Magazine of 370 pages was published, prepared and edited by Supreme President Chebithes.

The Fourth Supreme Convention

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (August 30 - September 3, 1926)

The Fourth Supreme Convention convened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the Hotel Pennsylvania during the days of August 30 - September 3, 1926. The total number of delegates to this convention was 110, represented by:

Supreme Lodge Officers: V. I. Chebithes, N. A. Loumos, Andrew, Nickas, George W. Willias, C. R. Nixon, A. G. Stephos, George S. Smitzes, Philip Stylianos, Theo. Polemenakos, Dr. S. D. Zaph, and Dr. W. A. Ganfield.

Mother Lodge: George A. Polos, George Campbell, James Campbell, Harry Angelopoulos, and P. J. Stamos.

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Chapter Delegates:

Harry Demos, Charleston, S.C.; C. P. Thomas, Savannah, Ga.; Dr. G. Hudspeth, Tampa, Fla.; John Theophiles, Peter Galatis, and Spero G. Pappas, Miami, Fla.; Dr. C. B. Rhangos, Tarpon Springs, Fla.; George A. Rousse, Ft. Worth, Texas; George Shropoulos, Dallas, Texas; Harris J. Booras, Boston; Dean Alfange and Dr. P. Coryllos, New York City; J. D. Malakis and George Cambanis, Philadelphia; A. Pappas and James K. Karambellas, Asheville, N.C.; Nicholas Sakelos, Baltimore; Dr. C. J. Demas and Peter Chipouras, Washington, D.C.; Theo. Manos, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; John Dimtsios, Nashua, N.H.; Philip D. Pappas, Cleveland; Achilles Catsonis, Syracuse, N. Y.; A. D. Varkas, Brookline, Mass.; Harry Sovas, Haverhill, Mass.; George D. Raptieu, Detroit; N.G. Psaki and Thomas Themelis, Brooklyn; George Stathes and E. A. Coronis, New York City; P. P. Stathas, Milwaukee; Soterios Dokos, Manchester, N.H.; James Poulaki and George A. Spannon, Chicago; Milton Gounaris, Lawrence, Mass.; Anthony Dedopoulos, Waterbury, Conn.; S. Harrison, Lynn, Mass.; George Veras, Yonkers, N.Y.; Peter N. Kitsos, Newark, N.J.; Constantine Theodorou, St. Louis; A. C. Angelson and August Rogokos, Paterson, NJ.; P. K. Pantelakos, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; George Janos, Easton, Pennsylvania; Achilles Chitopoulos, Brockton, Mass.; Michael Anagnos, Hartford, Conn.; P. L. Adams, Canton, Ohio; P. N. Papastavrou and Milton Scouris, Allentown, Pennsylvania; George N. Passayiotis and James Toulas, Reading, Pennsylvania; Steve Kremastiotes, Bridgeport, Conn.; John Petrou, Akron, Ohio; Nicholas Notarys, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; E. J. Lagouros, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Peter Kamuchey, Minneapolis; Theodore Christie, Rochester, N.Y.; Vasilios Essaris, Wheeling, W. Va.; Thomas Shissias, Camden, NJ.; Demetrios Hambelos, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Peter Skokos, Trenton, N.J.; Alexander Page, Kansas City, Mo.; George J. Pinis, Massillon, Ohio; Chris. A. Alicakos, New Brunswick, N.J.; John Yasser, Sunbury, Pennsylvania; Rev. George Capetanios, Binghamton, N.Y.; Dr. M. Minopoulos, Gary, Ind.; John M. Dottis, Chester, Pennsylvania; Charles Davis Kotsilibas, Worcester, Mass.; Rev. Louis N. Rocca, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; J. E. Evangelos, Portland, Me.; Charles A. Coppas, Richmond, Va.; James Veras, Scranton, Pennsylvania; Elias L. Janetis, Springfield, Mass.; E. J. Stamoulis, Jamaica, N.Y.; Speer Marousis, New Castle, Pennsylvania; George Polay, Warren, Ohio; Michael V. Nicholson, Danbury, Conn.; George E. Phillies, Buffalo, N.Y.; John Papulias, Steubenville, Ohio; C. J. Thomas, Chicago; Peter Sikokis, Chicago; John Govatos, Wilmington, Del.; Alexander Poulicos and Victor Orestes, Clarksburg, W. Va.; George E. Johnson and John C. Papadopoulos, Jr., Astoria, N.Y.; Terry M. Loukiades, New Haven, Conn.; G. Diamond, Stamford, Conn.; Spero Kansas, South Bend, Ind.; Dr. T. A. Stamas, Lowell, Mass., and J. H. DeMetro, Weirton, W. Va.

The number of delegates to each succeeding convention was steadily growing, and as the Ahepa Domain widened and spread into new areas of the country, delegates came from these areas. As one studies these "new" names among the delegates to the Supreme Conventions of 1924, 1925, and 1926, one can readily pick out the names of future Supreme Lodge Officers, and future Supreme Presidents.

A fact not often associated with the Greek immigrant to the United States is the wide dispersion of these men and their families throughout America. As far back as 1910, despite the fact that intense Greek immigration did not really begin until about 1900, the Greek immigrant could be found in every state of the Union, and in practically all cities and towns of any size.

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Although there were a few pockets of concentration of immigrants in the largest cities, yet the flow of movement was such that they have a recorded history throughout all areas of America dating from the early 20th century, and in appreciable numbers. A study of the 115 Ahepa Chapters organized between the years of 1922 and 1926 readily shows their dispersion, by a study of the cities in which Chapters were located. A minimum of 25 male members was required to Charter a new Chapter, and this meant that their numbers were much greater than this minimum, since enrollment of all eligible members within any city or town was practically an impossibility.

By 1926, the Order of Ahepa had spread from Florida to Maine, and as far west as Oklahoma, Missouri, and straight up to Chicago. Ahepa was now about half-way "home" -- half-way across the United States in four short years. All this had been accomplished with a limited budget, a limited organizational structure, but with boundless enthusiasm and energy, and many obstacles.

The officers of the 1926 Philadelphia Convention were:

Dean Alfange, Chairman; Achilles Catsonis, Vice Chairman; and George N. Spannon, Secretary.

Convention actions resulted in the establishment of nine Gubernatorial Districts, with a Supreme Governor to be elected to preside over each District, and that these nine (9) Supreme Governors, together with the Supreme President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Counsellor, would then comprise a Supreme Lodge of 14 Officers. The offices of Supreme Warden and Supreme Chaplain were abolished.

The minimum age limit for membership into the Order of Ahepa was raised from 18 to 21 years of age. Also, the convention adopted the Order of Sons of Pericles, as The Junior Order of Ahepa, with membership in the Junior Order to range from 12 to 21 years of age.

The Sons of Pericles

The Order of Sons of Pericles was established and organized by Dr. Alexander Cambadhis of the Manchester, N.H. Ahepa Chapter No. 44, and the petition for adoption by the Order of Ahepa was presented at this convention by Peter T. Kourides, the Supreme Secretary of the Order of Sons of Pericles.

A permanent and regularly published magazine of The Order of Ahepa was mandated. It was also mandated that an Ahepa Excursion to Greece be formed; the "Ahepa Manual" prepared by Past Supreme President George Demeter was adopted; and the convention endorsed the application of the Greek Government for a loan from the U.S. government.

Editor and Supreme President V. I. Chebithes had several worthwhile and stimulating articles in the "4th Annual Convocation Magazine" published in August, 1926, which was 371 pages in length. Some of the passages are the following:

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Also in the book is an article titled "Ahepanism" by Supreme Secretary Andrew Nickas, and another of greetings from Supreme Governor Dr. S. D. Zaph.

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Supreme Vice President Nicholas A. Loumos writes:

An article titled "Americanism and Ahepanism" by Past President Peter N. Kitsos of the Newark, N.J. Chapter, explains the compatibility between Hellenism and Americanism, and says:

Supreme Governor Dr. W. A. Ganfield, who was President of Carroll College, Waukesha, Wisconsin, gave an address to the 1925 Chicago Supreme Convention, which was published in the book, titled "The Next Step in Social Progress." One quotation from this article is:

The address given by Supreme Secretary Andrew Nickas at the Chicago Convention banquet is also published in full. Some excerpts:

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On February 3 and 4, 1926 the Supreme Lodge met in Washington, D.C., and on the evening of February 4 was given a banquet in their honor by Washington Chapter #31 at the New Willard Hotel. Toastmaster was Dr. William A. Ganfield, Supreme Governor, and President of Carroll College, Waukesha, Wisconsin Speakers were U.S. Secretary of Labor J. J. Davis, and U.S. Senators Ernst of Kentucky and King of Utah. The Supreme Lodge also visited President Coolidge at the White House on February 3, 1926.

A few excerpts from reports received from Chapters include:

Charleston, S.C. Chapter reported another annual banquet with distinguished local citizens as speakers ... Savannah, Ga. Chapter reported donations to the Community Chest and Red Cross drives … Jacksonville, Fla. reported an outstanding installation and increased membership … Fort Worth, Texas Chapter reported its Citizenship Classes held twice a month was a well-established program, and many contributions made to local community charitable causes … Dallas, Texas Chapter publishes a monthly newspaper, edited by Tom N. Semos, and the staging of Brother Alex Angel's play, "Hearts that Break." The Chapter was a part of the Patriotic Luncheon held by the American Patriotic Association of Dallas on July 4 … Annual outings or picnics were held by most Chapters during the summer to which non-Ahepans and their families were always invited, with attendances running into the hundreds, even thousands in larger communities … Boston, Mass., Chapter had 1,000 people at its January installation, and over 4,000 at their annual Ball in Symphony Hall, which Mayor Nicholas attended, and during which he led the Ball Grand March … This was also the first appearance of the famed Boston Ahepa Patrol.

Principal speaker at the Houston, Tex. Chapter installation of officers was Judge Murray B. Jones, member of the Chapter … Baltimore, Md. Chapter held its annual banquet and ball on March 10, and heading the banquet committee was Theodore Agnew, father of Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. Brother Agnew later became Secretary of his Ahepa Chapter, and the future Vice President of the United States, Spiro T. Agnew, as a youngster, helped his father stuff Ahepa envelopes and mail them to the members. In 1926, Theodore Agnew was Chaplain of his Chapter. He later became a District Governor of Ahepa, of District No. 3.

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The Johnstown, Pennsylvania Chapter reports "we first bought a church for which we paid $36,000; then we established a school for the Greek children, and for this all credit is due The Ahepa These are the reasons we are behind in our chapter work but during the coming fall we expect to have a drive to enlarge the membership of our chapter." ... Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Chapter, as a whole, acted as Godfathers in baptizing infant Fotini Ahepa Garnier, daughter of member P. Garnier … Nashua, N.H., at four different meetings, had guest speakers including Mayor Sargent, Pastor Otto Lyding of the Unitarian Church … Chapters also reported continuing support of the Greek War Orphans fund … In an article prepared by Panos D. Peppas of the Cleveland, Ohio chapter he stated: "there are now 6,000 Greeks in Cleveland, who own over 250 restaurants, and almost 100 confectioneries." ... Syracuse, N.Y. participated in the Americanization League annual dinner. ... Brookline, Mass. became officially known as the "Samuel Gridley Howe" Chapter, in honor of the American Philhellene who served as Surgeon-General of the Greek Armed Forces in Greece during the Greek Revolutionary War of 1821; adopted two more Greek war orphans; established a Christmas Tree fund fot children; and scheduled six educational meetings a year, with lecturers …

Haverhill, Mass. officially opened its own "Ahepa Home" on December 6, 1925, hosted Mayor Fred McGregor at its annual dance, and took part in the Flag Day Parade. The Chapter also established a Chapter of the Order of Sons of Pericles, the Junior Order of Ahepa Manchester, N.H. was Sons of Pericles Chapter No. 1, and the fraternity was founded in Manchester, N.H. by Dr. Alexander Cambadhis. Mayor McGregor wrote the Chapter: "Ahepa is worthy of the highest commendation and support of the people of the United States" and Superintendent of Schools Barbour also echoed these sentiments … Brooklyn, N.Y. reported it had 274 members … The New York metropolitan area chapters hosted 4,000 people at their annual ball, with most of the proceeds going to the Greek American Orphanage and School of New York … Milwaukee, Wisconsin supported the Near East Relief orphans, donated to the Community Fund and at Easter to needy families, gave Christmas baskets, attended services in a body at the Presbyterian Church of West Allis.

Manchester, N.H. reported:

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The Order of Sons of Pericles

Queen City Chapter No. 1 (Instituted – 1926)

The following are listed as the "Mother Lodge" of the Order of Sons of Pericles:
Peter Clainos,
William Chaloge,
James Demetriades,
Arthur Hasiotis,
William Hasiotis,
George Houliaras,
Christos Korcoulis,
Peter Kourides,
James Papadopoulos,
Gregory Papagiotas,
William Vasiliou

OFFICERS:

C. E. Korcoulis, Archon Megistan; A. C. Hasiotis, Megistan; P. T. Kourides, Secretary; P. D. Clainos, Treasurer; W. Vasiliou, High Priest; W. Hasiotis, High Guardian; W. Chaloge, Outer Guard; G. Houliaras, Inner Guard; G. Papagiotas, Master of Ceremonies.

ADVISORY BOARD:

Dr. Alexander P. Cambadhis, Chairman; Soterios Docos, Charles Gekas, Aspostolos Grekos, Christy Tassie.

The officers of the new Order were installed on February 3rd by Past Supreme President of Ahepa George Demeter, and a second chapter was established in Haverhill, Mass. The first annual ball was held on April 9 and netted $600 for the educational fund; Supreme President Chebithes visited the new Chapter and Order on April 20; and the Manchester and Haverhill Sons Chapters participated in the Flag Day Parade in Haverhill.

The Chicago Ahepa Chapters make plans for a combined charity ball for the benefit of Greek Refugee Children in Greece, for which Mayor William E. Dever of Chicago issued a special proclamation for the event to be held on May 10th … more than 6,000 people attended the charity ball, for which Mayor Dever served as Honorary Chairman ... The Lawrence, Mass. Daily Eagle, Feb. 24, 1926, stated in its columns: "Speaking before the members of the Lawrence, Lowell, and Haverhill Chapters of The Ahepa in Lafayette Hall, Monday evening, Milton Gournaris, President of the local chapter, urged all members to take out naturalization papers at the earliest opportunity and declared that failure to do so will mean exclusion from the lodge."

Waterbury, Connecticut gave a benefit dinner for Near East Relief victims, its third annual outing in July (summer outings were almost universally held by Ahepa chapters wherever they were established, since this was an opportunity for entire families to meet for a day of feasting, games, in an atmosphere reminiscent of former village celebrations.

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I can well remember the outings or picnics given annually by the Ahepa Chapter in Wichita, Kansas, when all families of the city and surrounding towns came together for a day of fun, games and feasting. Lambs were barbecued from early morning on the grounds, or in the ovens of the local bread companies and taken to the outing; races with prizes for the children, baseball games, a meal at lunch and another meal just before dark, Greek folk dancing in a covered pavilion, or sometimes on the grass. They were an occasion to look forward to, and are often remembered. More than likely, at least 95% of active Ahepa Chapters sponsored these annual picnics, until, in later years, such affairs were no longer "fashionable."

Lynn, Massachusetts, described glowingly the benefits of its "Ahepa Home," its Chapter orchestra, and the visit of Supreme President Chebithes: "The Kentucky Greek (Chebithes lived in Kentucky from 1906 to 1919) had started. For one hour and twenty minutes he held the members pinned to their chairs ... there was simplicity of expression, practicability in thinking and an indescribable humor ... a flow of words pointing out our past mistakes and an eloquent analysis of the problems which confront the Greeks in America and how The Ahepa will assist us in our daily endeavours." ... Lynn also welcomed Mother Lodge member "Barba" P. J. Stamos who had moved to Lynn ... "Archon Stamos had rendered incalculable service in New England; his lectures on the "History of Ahepa," Ritualistic work and Rules of Procedure, as well as his advice, have had a great deal to do with stabilizing the work of Ahepa in New England.

An article "The Trouble with Us" by P. G. Vynios includes the following advice: "Just as we take care to beautify our homes, so should we provide for the community in which we live. In our homes we only repose, but it is in the community that our life is formed and our character is molded, ... the world is what we make it. We alone create our positions, good or bad, in the community. The community does not create our positions. It only affords us opportunities to fill the positions for which we are fitted. Therefore, instead of complaining that others do not strive for the betterment of our community so we can live in it comfortably or because others do not "prepare a table for us," we should examine ourselves and inquire if we have done all within our means toward this end."

Yonkers, N.Y. reported that 45 of its members had recently received their final naturalization papers, through the assistance of the Chapter Naturalization Committee; took part in Washington's Birthday celebrations in Yonkers; gave financial aid to the Greek-American institute, and supported 8 Greek orphans … Newark, N.J. aided the Greek American institute; took part in a parade and ceremonies on Memorial Day, unveiling the statue "Wars of America," with more than 500 Ahepans from New York and New Jersey taking part.

The Patriotic Order Sons of America paid tribute to the Order of Ahepa by stating: "this organization is to be congratulated on its vision of Americanism and the spirit in which it seeks to exemplify it. The Greeks are among the most thrifty of our citizens, and are all good business men. Such an organization as the Order of Ahepa is not only welcome for the good it may do the Greeks, but also for its definite contribution to the cause of making America better by making better Americans."  

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St. Louis, Mo. celebrated its first birthday with a banquet, with Mayor Victor J. Miller as principal speaker, and the Mayor said: "I find from the City Records that the Greeks who come to America are law-abiding and self-supporting. Nearly all become property owners, and they obey our laws." ... Judge Holtcamp was featured speaker at the second annual picnic; and the chapter sponsored the concert of Madame Maria Coromilas-Stratos at the Sheldon Memorial Auditorium.

Paterson, New Jersey Chapter #54 held lecture meetings on naturalization, helped build a local Greek church, and honored Supreme President Chebithes with a banquet, also attended by Mayor Colin McLean, Congressman Seger, and other officials … Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania held its summer outing … Hartford, Conn. reported: "the third and our most sacred accomplishment of all is that our Chapter has now determined to straighten out and reorganize the Greek community at Hartford." ... Canton, Ohio took part in the Centennial Parade at Akron, held its 1st annual picnic, noted that Judges Charles Krichbaum and A. W. Agler were members of the Chapter, established a fund for needy parents to buy clothing for their children; and the Canton, Ohio Daily News of Nov. 10, 1925, published a double-page picture of L Company, 10th Infantry, Ohio National Guard, in World War I, which was composed mainly of Hellenic citizens, and an excerpt from the accompanying article says:

The newspaper also carried a full-page article and photo on the Canton Ahepa Chapter, and the Order of Ahepa

Allentown, Pennsylvania maintained a steady pace of naturalization meetings, and fraternal programs, including the annual picnic … with wide newspaper reporting of their activities … . Reading, Pennsylvania held its annual banquet and among those present were Mayor William Sherman, Judge Schaeffer, Superintendent of Schools Rapp and other officials … the Bridgeport, Conn. Times published this editorial: "The Greeks of Bridgeport are an active, energetic and progressive body of men. Many of them are members of Ahepa, Bridgeport Chapter #62. They are earnest in their endeavors and have accomplished great good." … Akron, Ohio held its picnic, established a "Death Beneficial Club" to pay funeral expenses of deceased members, heard William Lloyd Davis, Ahepan, of Akron University at a lecture, donated funds for the building of the Greek Orthodox Church  

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Harrisburg, Pennsylvania reported steady growth and that all chapter members were either naturalized or had their first papers … . Bethlehem, Pennsylvania held open meetings with prominent speakers, held a concert and dance, and the annual picnic speakers were Judge McKeen, Episcopal Bishop Talbot, Asst. District Attorney Mauch, and Mayor Yeakle.

Minneapolis, Minn. held its first anniversary banquet, and in an article, Chapter President Peter E. Kamuchey said:

… Rochester, N.Y. participated in the testimonial banquet for Henry Morgenthau, former Ambassador to Turkey, contributed to Near East Relief, to American Legion Endowment Fund and to the local Greek Church.

Wheeling, W. Va. hosted City Manager Kirk, President Mechlenburg of Linsley College and other officials at its banquet honoring Supreme President Chebithes, and the Wheeling Register of Jan. 7 said: "Wheeling business men who heard Mr. Chebithes declared him to be one of the most forceful and eloquent speakers who had appeared in this city." … Camden, N.J. held its first anniversary banquet which Supreme President Chebithes attended.

Trenton, N.J. Mayor Donnelly wrote:

… Kansas City, Missouri, held its 1st annual picnic on July 11, supported naturalization classes, the Near East Relief, worked with the World Service Club, participated in Flag Day … . Sunbury, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of the electric light, was active and the Sunbury Daily of May 5 wrote:

… Binghamton, N. Y. also held its annual banquet, with "V. I." (Supreme President Chebithes) as main speaker (it must be noted here that "V. I." made 73 visits to Chapters that year and was the speaker at almost all Chapter banquets given) and 3 orphans were given financial support, Mayor Cook spoke at the banquet and Supt. of Schools Kelly was toastmaster.

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The Binghamton Press, April 22, 1926 wrote: "Supreme President Chebithes is one of the most learned speakers who has ever addressed a gathering of this nature, the guests were enraptured by his brilliant oratory" … Gary, Ind. reported its banquet for "V. I." was attended by many local officials, and the Gary Post-Tribune headlined "Ahepa Pledged to Ideals of City and Country," and quoted "V. I." as saying: "The Ahepa stands for Americanism, Hellenism, and education," and Judge Greenlee spoke of "the Hellenic people's respect for law and their desire to become better Americans." … Worcester, Mass. announced that its establishment was through the efforts of Rev. Vassilios Lokkis of the Brookline Chapter; that the 1st New England Convention of Ahepa was held in Worcester on Sept. 19, 1925; a banquet was held with Mayor O'Hara and Congressman Stobbs attending; presents were given at Christmas to the needy and to hospital patients; the chapter sold 700 tickets to the Holy Cross College production of Euripides' "Hecuba" presented on May 30, 1926, and gave a banquet following the play in honor of the Holy Cross faculty and the cast of the play.

Fort Wayne, Indiana featured "V. I." at its banquet also, with Mayor Geake, and an Ahepa fund-raising team took top honors throughout the city in raising funds for the new Chamber of Commerce building, and The Fort Wayne Press editorialized:

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Toastmaster of the Ft. Wayne banquet was the Rev. Louis N. Rocca, Ahepan, and pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church … . Portland, Me. reported its activities … . Richmond, Va. staged a Masquerade Ball, and heard Virginia Commonwealth's Attorney Satterfield at its banquet honoring Supreme Secretary Nickas … . Scranton, Pennsylvania held its first banquet, increased its membership despite a current coal strike in the area, honored "V. I." at the banquet and heard speakers Judge Maxey and City Solicitor Little … . Springfield, Mass. reported that since the consolidation of the two previous local Chapters into the new Chapter, matters were going well, and the banquet honoring "V. I." held in Dec. 1925 was attended by Mayor Parker, Editor Sherman, the Postmaster, and many other officials and prominent citizens … the annual ball attracted 500 couples … 150 members paraded in the July 4, 1926 Parade in Springfield commemorating 150 years of American independence, and the Ahepa participants took First Prize in the parade competition, as an Ahepa Patrol in the fraternal division. Dr. Baker, Parade Chairman, said afterwards:

The Ahepa Boston Patrol also took part in the parade in Springfield that day.

M. S. Sherman, Editor of The Springfield Union wrote to Supreme President V. I. Chebithes: "Please permit me to say that I do not recall when I have listened to a better address than that which you delivered here in Springfield Monday night."

The Editorial in the Springfield Union of Dec. 15, 1925 said:

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Jamica, N.Y.-the Queens County News of June 11, 1926 carried an article by reporter Edward Hale Brush:

Long Island Life, May, 1926:

… New Castle, Pennsylvania noted its honorary members were Representative Bart Richards, attorney Dickey, Councilman Ginkinger, and held its annual banquet. … Danbury, Conn. hosted Supreme Secretary Andrew Nickas at its banquet, and the Bridgeport, Conn. Chapter joined with Danbury in marching in the July 4 parade, and the annual outing was held … . New Chapter Buffalo, N.Y. initiated 60 members with "V. I." officiating at ceremonies on June 4, and honored the Supreme President with a banquet the next day … . Steubenville, Ohio held its outing … . Chicago #93, #46 and #94 gave a charity ball for the Greek refugees, at which $12,000 was collected, and #93 held lectures on hygiene, immigration, citizenship, modern education, Ahepa, and neo-hellenic poetry.

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South Bend, Ind. reported its honorary members were Mayor Montgomery, Judge Pattee, Rev. J. M. Francis … . Lowell, Mass. #102 was established and installed before 3,500 persons in Memorial Auditorium, with Supreme President Chebithes and Supreme Vice President Loumos officiating, and a welcome address from Mayor Donovan … . Weirton, W. Va. made plans to reorganize the local Greek School, and named two Sundays of each month as "Go to Church" days … . The Oak Parker, July 30, 1926 wrote: "At the meeting of the Oak Park, Illinois Ahepa Chapter, Dr. Godolphin of the Grace Episcopal Church, Mr. and Mrs. Forbes, Mr. and Mrs. Sclanders, and others of the D.A.R. Americanization Committee attended and spoke in behalf of Education." … Marlboro, Mass. presented prizes to graduates of Marlboro High School. … Erie, Pennsylvania reported first year gains in membership and activity … . Jersey City, Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Norwich, Conn., Elmira, N.Y., Pittsfield, Mass., and Dayton, Ohio all reported activity and progress during the first weeks after their recent "birth."

An article was written on the famed "Boston Patrol" of Boston, Mass. Chapter and its organizer, John Stratis. The Patrol was called the "pride and glory of New England." Patrol dress was tuxedo trousers, dress shoes, white shirts, blue capes lined with white, with the emblem of Ahepa on the fold of the capes, and an Evzone fez.

George Horton's book "The Blight of Asia" which details the massacres at Smyrna in 1922, is reviewed, and on the aftermath of the massacre, the reviewer says:

Angel Alex's play "Hearts That Break" was reported thusly:

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The following newspaper article in Washington, D.C.: "E. J. DEMAS, 19, TO JOIN BYRD'S AVIATION EXPEDITION TO TOP OF EARTH"

A small Greek flag was in Byrd's plane that flew over the North Pole, and E. J. Demas donated this Greek flag, in later years, to the Ahepa Archives at Washington, D.C., where it now is kept. He became an Ahepan after his return from the expeditions with Byrd.

The Convocation Book of 1926 closes with a reprinting of newspaper accounts in the year 1923 of the burial of American World War hero, George Dilboy, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient:

The new Supreme Lodge Officers elected by the 1926 Supreme Convention were:
V. I. Chebithes, Supreme President (re-elected);
Nicholas A. Loumos, Supreme Vice President (re-elected);
Andrew Nickas, Supreme Secretary (re-elected);
George J. Willias, Supreme Treasurer (re-elected);
N. G. Psaki, Supreme Counsellor

And the following as Supreme Governors: Dr. T. A. Stamas, C. J. Critzas, George E. Phillies, John Theophiles, Dr. William A. Ganfield, Dr. C. J. Demas, George N. Spannon, Rev. Louis N. Rocca, and C. R. Nixon.

Miami, Florida, was selected as the site of the 1927 Supreme Convention.

Shortly after the adjournment of the convention, a hurricane struck Miami, Fla., and in response to a call for help from the Miami Chapter for assistance for the members who were victims of the disaster, the Supreme Lodge raised $5,444.15 in funds for food, shelter and medical aid, which was sent to the Miami Chapter for distribution.

During the next 12 months, the expansion of Ahepa finally reached the West Coast. During the year, 40 new Chapters were organized and established.

The far-reaching success of the Order of Ahepa brought an increased and bitter attack upon the fraternity from many misguided and blind critics who went to extremes in calling the Order of Ahepa an anti-Hellenic organization. This included some of the Greek press of America, as well as certain members of the clergy of the Greek Orthodox Church, even though some of Ahepa's most ardent supporters were Greek clergymen. The fact that Ahepa decreed itself to be Non-political and Non-Sectarian apparently was more than certain self-appointed leaders in various communities could stand, and they set themselves up as judges of Ahepa's policies and programs.

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In his book "The Greeks in the United States" Dr. Theodore Saloutos writes the following of these attacks against Ahepa:

In a report of that year, Supreme President V. I. Chebithes had this to say:

Emotions and blind fury sometimes invokes greater disaster to the person so obsessed than to the objects of the attacks. The leadership of Ahepa, both at the national and chapter levels, ignored in great part, these attacks, and worked towards their objectives, and succeeded in avoiding dissension within their own ranks. Those who agreed with Ahepa's critics, dropped their membership, and some others, who could not withstand the abuse aimed at the fraternity and its members, also dropped their membership, even though they felt the objectives of the Ahepa were in the best interests of all Americans of Greek descent.

But, as Supreme President Chebithes pointed out, the Order continued to grow and prosper, in spite of the charges hurled against it.

Fortunately for the young association, its Founders moulded its objectives into an unassailable platform of self-evident truths and declarations, which no impartial judge could deny as being principles and objectives of the highest morality, the greatest good for all men, and deep-rooted enough to withstand both time and attack.  

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Ahepa's critics accused the association "of disassociating itself from the Greek church." Yet, the record shows that from its very inception and beginnings, Ahepa and its local chapters not only supported the church, and all churches, but was responsible throughout its 50 year history of being the prime factor in building more Greek churches than any other organization, in all parts of the United States.

Yes, Ahepa is non-sectarian, in that it does not require that its members belong to the Greek Orthodox Church. A member of Ahepa may be Catholic, Protestant. Neither did Ahepa require that its members be of Greek descent, but only that they be "of good moral character." In reviewing the capsule record of activities of Ahepa Chapters throughout this book, the reader will find scattered everywhere the financial assistance that the Ahepa has given to churches throughout every State of the Union. Ahepa did not disassociate itself from any Church -- Ahepa only stated that there was no restriction in its membership, and that Ahepa was an independent association, standing on its own, with no administrative ties to any Church.

The reasons for Ahepa being "non-sectarian" are obvious to the student of the history of the Greek immigrant in the United States during and immediately following World War I. Political conditions in Greece evolved into a struggle for power between factions supporting either Eleutherios Venizelos or King Constantine. This power struggle immediately manifested itself in the Greek communities in the United States, and into the Greek Churches here. Greek Church communities were split between ardent supporters of either side, and the bitter harangue that ensued did no credit to the immigrant, nor the Church. Practically all existing social organizations among the Greeks here in the United States found themselves embroiled in the same controversy, and between the Greek press, the organizations, and the Church, there were long months and years of charges and counter-charges, all of which amounted to a "tempest in a teapot." Because of their recent immigration to the United States, one can see some excuse for this intense interest in Greek matters of state and Greek politics, but it was a period of history that brought no credit to its participants here.

The Founders of Ahepa had lived through those bitter years, and they made sure that Ahepa would not also fall into those same pitfalls.

The Founders specified that Ahepa would be "non-political" both in regards to American politics and Greek politics. Ahepa Chapters were not to be aligned with any American political party, nor to support any political candidate -- neither were they to become involved with the politics of Greece.

However, despite the accusations of Ahepa's critics, there was no intent to deprive Ahepa from maintaining contact with the people of Greece, and one of Ahepa's tenets has always been to maintain the closest possible relationship between the people of the United States and the people of Greece.

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A study of Ahepa's humanitarian, charitable and educational programs will amply testify to the extent of its efforts in assisting the needy among the people of Greece. These pages will go into some detail on the various programs that the Order of Ahepa has completed in this field.

Language is man's means of communication, and the Order of Ahepa's Founders knew full well that if the newly-arrived immigrant was to take his rightful place within his adopted nation and community, it could only he through easy communication with his new neighbors and business associates. It was deemed imperative that comparative fluency in the English language he attained, and since these memhers-to-be of Ahepa were past school age, and in businesses and jobs, it was intended that the Ahepa Chapter Room should serve as a schoolroom in learning the English language. The ability and desire to speak is almost a native inherency of the Greek, and conversation is almost a vice, in its excessive use. If the new American of Greek descent was to have easy communication with his native horn Americans, it could only he through the English language. All communication in the Ahepa Chapter Room had to be in English -- the Minutes of the meetings in English -- correspondence in English -- publications and magazines in English -- the secret ritual in English.

The net result was astonishing in the benefits to the members, and there is little doubt that Ahepa served its most useful purpose through this medium.

Still, as Ahepa insisted on the sole use of the English language in its proceedings and functions, the association gave full support and assistance to the enlargement and maintenance of local Greek schools where their sons and daughters learned the Greek language in afternoon classes. These Greek school classes started around 4 p.m., and lasted about two hours, three days a week. The classes were usually held in schoolrooms of the local Greek Orthodox Church, but in some cities where no Greek Orthodox Church building existed, the Ahepa Chapter donated the use of its lodge room for these classes. In smaller communities, Greek school teachers were volunteers, either businessmen who had had training in teaching in Greece, or housewives, who had achieved higher education in Greece.

To accuse Ahepa of "downgrading the Greek school" -- as was charged by Ahepa's critics -- is quite evidently ridiculous, for the record of Ahepa has been quite the opposite. The association has been a vigorous supporter of the teaching of the Greek language to the younger generation, where such teaching is necessary.

Practically all members of the Order of Ahepa during its early years were businessmen, owners of restaurants, diners, candy stores, fruit stores, flower stores, or, employees in these types of businesses. Their greatest asset would prove to he fluency in English, in speaking, reading, and writing. The Order of Ahepa provided for them a practical school, by forcing them to use the language they needed most in their businesses, resulting in removal of some of the rough edges of their "broken English."

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Two meetings a month, of two or three hours duration, was not a rapid course in English, but over the years Ahepa meetings proved a valuable asset to its members in this respect. The mere recitation of the Ahepa ritual, in correct and precise English, aided in a better pronounciation and easier fluency with English words, which are so entirely different than the native Greek tongue.

As an added benefit to its members, membership in the Ahepa meant an active position in the civic life of the community, and active participation in its affairs. The Ahepa joined the family of civic associations, and gradually brought its members into closer contact with all phases of community life and its so-called leaders.

Instead of being a segregated group within a community, the American of Greek descent was forced by the Ahepa into immediate contact with his fellow-citizens, and this contact gave him the feeling of belonging to and being a part of his city or town. Inasmuch as the Ahepan was probably now married, with very young children, he was assured that his family also would become a part of the city's social and economic life.  

© Copyright Order of AHEPA

George J. Leber's book is copyright protected. However, any portions of this book may be quoted at length, provided that proper credit & acknowledgement is given to the book, author, publisher, and pages.

Citation

Leber, George J. History of the Order of AHEPA 1922 - 1972. Washigton DC, Order of AHEPA, 1972.