Beta Delta Chapter Poem (1880)

By Henry Walter Wilhelm, Class of 1880

This poem, written by Henry Walter Wilhelm, Class of 1880 — among the Alpha Sigma Chi men welcomed into Beta after the 1879 merger — is one of the earliest known pieces of chapter literature. Composed during Beta Delta’s formative years, it reflects the spirit, symbolism, and optimism of the young chapter and its place within Beta Theta Pi.

Beta Delta

F raternal ties bind us as one,
In love and confidence;
Our altar’s light, bright as the sun,
Is Beta’s sure defense.
In honor we will guard the name
Of Beta Theta Pi.
Friendship, fidelity and fame
Spring from our mystic tie.

Chorus: For Beta Delta live,
To “Beta” honor give;
Each jolly Greek
Will ever seek
To “Beta” honor give.

King Wooglin o’er us e’er shall reign,
Within the triple tie;
His greeting smile we’ll strive to gain,
While failure we defy.
With branches reaching far and wide,
Our chapter shall endure,
While in our hearts its roots abide,
And ever rest secure.

Chorus

Her footsteps time can not efface,
Or hide them from our view;
Each coming year shall give her grace,
Each day her strength renew,
Each hour new laurels for her gain,
‘Neath Beta Delta’s walls,
To manhood’s higher type attain—
Respond when duty calls.

Chorus

King Wooglin guide our youthful aims,
A brightening future give;
For truth and right we press our claims,
For noble action live.
May Beta Delta ever stand
Beside the parent tree,
‘Neath “Beta’s” shadows—noble—grand—
Rest our Fraternity.

Chorus

-Henry Walter Wilhelm, Class of 1880