Past Ninth District Representatives

In 1922, the Eleventh Annual Grand Conclave meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania authorized the creation of the office of Vice Grand Basileus. The chapters ratified this change in 1923. Now, the Grand Basileus had a helper. The new official was specifically charged to "expand Omega." Thus, the Grand Basileus was relieved of this tedious duty and could concentrate on other aspects of running the Fraternity. Brother John W. Love was the first to fill this new position, and he set out immediately to increase the number of chapters and number of members in the Fraternity. Even so, he needed help.

The same Conclave that created the office of the Vice Grand Basileus empowered Grand Basileus J. Alston Atkins to appoint five "District Representatives" (New England States, Middle Atlantic States, Central States, Southern States, and Western States). These men were to be emissaries of the Grand Basileus and were to supervise chapters as assigned, but they were to function under the supervision of the Vice Grand Basileus. Specifically, they were to concentrate on helping the Vice Grand Basileus in the expansion of Omega. To accomplish this, each representative was to visit all the chapters in his area at least once during 1923. Further, he was to scout the area for possible locations of new chapters, and he was to use his influence to establish new chapters in the preferred areas. This extraordinary vision ultimately led to the establishment of the numbered districts we know today.

CLICK HERE for more information about the evolution of Omega Districts.

The Second Annual Conference of the Ninth District met at Dallas, Texas, Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6, 1939, at the Moorland branch of the Y.M.C.A., under the direction of Brother John D. Bowles of Nu Phi Chapter, Houston, Texas, the eighth and last, appointed Ninth District Representative.

Discussions were held on the (recently) revised Fraternity Constitution. In general discussion the fact was brought out that the District Representative is a member of the national body and that he has a vote in the Conclave (only) if he is elected by the chapters of the district, but if he is appointed through failure of the chapters to elect a Representative, the District Representative will have voice but no vote. It was at the Second Annual Conference that the Ninth District began electing district officers. The following officers were elected for the ensuing Conference year: F. Rivers Barnwell, Sr., District Representative. H. E. McCoy of Theta, an undergraduate, was elected Keeper of Records and Seal.