Origin of Alpha Chapter and its Relation to the Order
by Mrs. Margaret J. Franklin, Ascension, 1894

Having so frequently been asked of late, what relation Alpha Chapter has borne to the Order, and of the origin of the Order, I here give an outline of its history, the first part of which was published in the "Proceedings of the First Council."

 One of the senior Bible classes for young ladies in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, New York City, had for its class name "Daughters of the King." Desirous of stimulating its members to greater activity and more earnest zeal for Christ and the Church, their teacher called a meeting for the purpose of arousing thier sympathy and interest, and to urge their cooperation as a class in some defined work and object for the parish. The result of the meeting was so encouraging and the spirit of enthusiasm so earnest for greater activity, that having obtained the rector's consent to their forming an association, a committee was appointed to select a badge and motto, to be worn by the members as a sign of their membership and Christian obligations. After mature deliberation the committee reported, and the badge and mottoes so well known to you all were selected.

At first the Daughters exerted their efforts for the extension of their own Bible class, and in order to render the Sunday school more attractive to newcomers, they secured, through united effort, a new Sunday school library. Members of the Sunday school were encouraged to say the Church Catechism, letter perfect, and in regular succession the Collects for the entire Church year. This was done in order to stimulate attendance and to familiarize all with the Prayer Book.

So, quietly, for more than two years, the Daughters' influence was exerted and soon became recognized in the parish. Then from other classes and other fields came the request to wear the badge and join their efforts.

At this time the Rev. Mr. Kenyon was called to the parish, and it was decided after consultation with him, to establish the Order on a permanent basis, and the Constitution and prayers as first issued by us were then formulated, and the name "Alpha Chapter" selected. Alpha Chapter, according to Article V of the Constitution then adopted, was to act in a two-fold capacity: (1) as a parochial chapter; (2) as the acting Council until fifty chapters should be formed.

As a parochial chapter, it had one set of officers; as the acting Council, it had another complete set. It also kept two distinct sets of minutes and accounts. Thus equipped, Alpha Chapter started forth on its mission for the extension of Christ's Kingdom, though their numbers were few and their resources were limited.

As a parochial chapter, it seemed so hard at first to carry out faithfully their rule of service, but by degrees what seemed almost an impossibility at first, we realized after all meant simply "a single effort -- an act or word -- done with the sincere purpose to bring some woman nearer the Church." Realizing this, house to house visitations were made; cards were distributed inviting others to the Church services; a pew was reserved in the church, to which young women were especially asked; the Girls' Friendly was established; and these together with the Thanksgiving dinners to the poor and the distribution of gifts at Christmas to the different hospitals, constituted the acts by which we tried to be true to the object of the Order and our rule of service.

Our growth was not apparent until 1889, when we were joined by six chapters. The work up to this time was borne solely by the Alpha Chapter through its monthly dues, upon which members were also dependent for their gifts as a parochial chapter.

In August of 1891, the fifty chapters required by the Constitution were formed but it being mid-summer, it was deemed best not to call the Council until October, as many were away on their summer rest. The first Council was convened on November 5, 1891, at St. Bartholomew's Church, New York City, at which time Alpha Chapter laid down its work as acting Council, having issued over eighty charters.

Such is its history. As I glance back today on this Feast of the Ascension which commemorates also the time when my little band started forth with untrained and unskilled fingers to plant the seeds for our Father's Kingdom, it is with a heart full of gratitude and thankfulness to Him who has permitted our efforts "For His Sake" to be blessed so abundantly.

Reprinted in The Royal Cross, May 1931