Posted at the request of author, Rev. Bro. Carl Baker on behalf of the EAC Ministerial Committee.

IN  OUR  DEAR   A PHI A ,  FRATERNAL  SPIRIT  BINDS,
ALL  THE  NOBLE,  THE  TRUE  AND  COURAGEOUS.
MANLY  DEEDS,  SCHOLARSHIP,  AND  LOVE  FOR  ALL  MANKIND,
ARE  THE  AIMS  OF  OUR  DEAR  FRATERNITY.

First of all, let me point out that there is but ONE “ Fraternal Spirit ”.  Enuf said  ( for those who add an ‘s’ to Brother Simpson’s inspiration ).

Who among us cannot remember solemnly singing Brother Abram L. Simpson’s ( XI chapter, 1912 ) inspired words to our ALPHA PHI ALPHA hymn for your first official time as a Brother ?    Whatever challenges that were encountered during the pledge program, whatever mountains that were scaled along the way, whatever grievances that were ‘on your list’  to be rectified after crossing – SIMPLY MELTED … as you fondly and forever recognized  “ the true Spirit of Fraternity ”.  There weren’t enough hugs to go around.

As we embrace the 116^th year of ALPHA , we must allow Brother Simpson’s lyrics to challenge us anew.  Though many of us may bewail and lament that Alpha ‘candidates’ [ no longer called ‘Pledges’ ] aren’t made “ like I was made ” anymore, let us re-calibrate our perspectives to become inclusive of new traditions – rather than standing aloof and judgmental.  Which reminds me of a biblical  ‘brother’  named Mordecai     ( pronounced “ Mor-da-K-eye ” by ordained clergymen everywhere ).  This brother was captive in a foreign land [ sounds like pledging to me ] , and being governed by precepts not familiar with his upbringing or birth culture [ again, sounding like pledging ].  Prior to his captivity his adopted prime priority had been to offer his time/talents/treasure toward the rearing of his first cousin – whose parents had died.  Mordecai did such a wonderful job raising his cousin ( named Hadassah ), that she was selected personally by the ruling King of Mordecai’s captivity, to become his next Queen ( Esther  2:17, King James version ).

The account narrative parallels today’s society, in that EVIL was present as Queen Esther’s coronation was barely past – threatening her peoples’ very existence.  Her cousin Mordecai, though perplexed and troubled about how to move forward through these exigent circumstances, advised the new Queen of necessary inclusive action.  His advice is of benefit for Alpha Brethren of today.  Mordecai advised a spirit of “ Who knowest ? ”   ( Esther  4:14 , KJV ) to his cousin, the Queen.  In order for there to be survival for ALL, the individual sacrifices from every captive were critical         [ still sounding like pledging ? ].  The newly elevated cousin of Mordecai could NOT be excluded from contributing to the collective goal of survival.

Like Mordecai, Alumni Brothers, we are responsible to help ‘right the ship’ for our beloved Fifth House, which we each once proudly helped sail, lest the rec-o-llection slowly fades away.  Back to Brother Abram Simpson’s inspiration :

OUR  RENOWNED  A PHI A … AND  DEAR  FRATERNAL  BOND (which instantaneously consumed us the moment we crossed)
MAY  THEY  EVER  ABIDE  AND  WITH  US  STAY

Just like Brother Simpson intimated ONE Fraternal Spirit, there is but ONE Fraternal Bond.  If we bear in mind the “ true Spirit of Fraternity ” as we celebrate the heritage that is ‘E’ , the EAC and WE … will each continue to thrive and benefit.  Change perspective, and resolve to continue paying it forward.  Like Mordecai.

A  PHI  Amen.

Reverend Brother Carl L. Baker
New Creation Church of God, Associate Pastor
Life Member  # 11738