HISTORY OF 

THE GASTONIA/SHELBY (NC) ALUMNI CHAPTER OF

KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, INC.

The Gastonia/Shelby (NC) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was chartered on March 5, 1988.  The chartering ceremony was held at the Gaston Boys Club on North York Street, Gastonia, North Carolina with Brother Province Polemarch William T. Hooker in charge.  The participating chapters were Charlotte (NC) Alumni Chapter, Winston-Salem (NC) Alumni Chapter, Asheville (NC) Alumni Chapter and Raleigh (NC) Alumni Chapter.

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The vision of the new chapter became a reality through the efforts of the 11 charter members, Brothers Larry D. Adams Charles L. Ashley, Sr., Winston B. Bagley, Trace B. Barnette, Kenneth Brown, John W. Costner, III, Thomas H. Duff, John T. James, Welcome T. Moten, Otis O. Ramseur, Jr., Lorenzo M. Taylor.  In addition to the charter members, Brothers Theodore Armstrong, Thomas McCray, Dennis Tate and Charles Webber played a role in chartering the chapter.  Other Kappa brothers who were influential in the past structuring of the chapter were Brothers Luther Curry, Eric Dunlap, Dr. Cleveland Floyd, Danny Worthy, Ivan J. Smith, Charles Love, Floyd Love and Leonard Hamilton.

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Several extensive meetings were held at Phillips Center and Gaston College.  It was not until March 5, 1988 that the Kappas in the Gastonia area could meet the minimum requirement of ten Kappa members to start and maintain an alumni chapter.  With the assistance of the Charlotte (NC) Alumni Chapter and their appointed representative, Brother Rev. Ray A. Booton, the vision of a new chapter was achieved.

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Several objectives were developed to secure a sound foundation, among them was bringing Shelby, N.C. into the chapter, thus maintaining a 30-mile radius around Gaston and Cleveland Counties and allowing closer access for Kappa men in the surrounding area. This action also provided an avenue to reclaim members who were non-financial and non-affiliated with our fraternity.  It was felt that this would strengthen our chapter and province.

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Under the leadership of our first Polemarch, Brother Welcome Thomas Moten, the first year was centered around building our chapter internally and focusing on such areas as finance, leadership, and commitment of dedication to our fraternity.  Major emphasis was given to the Life Membership Program, Reclamation, the Silhouette Club and working with the youth through our Guide Right Program.

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The first function was a Fellowship Dinner Meeting with the Silhouettes held at the Public Service Office, Gastonia, North Carolina on May 6, 1988.  This proved to be an important and joyful occasion for the organization. On December 10, 1988, the chapter once again honored the Silhouettes with dinner and gifts at the Holiday Inn in Shelby, North Carolina for their continued support.

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January 8, 1989 marked the date which the Gastonia/Shelby (NC) Alumni Chapter observed its first Founders’ Day Program.  This was recognized by the chapter worshipping together at Epworth United Methodist Church, 520 North York Street, Gastonia, North Carolina. The Gastonia/Shelby (NC) Alumni Chapter participated in a fundraising program at Gaston College to secure a scholarship for T. Jeffers, a leader in the community and a member of the Board of Directors for the college. The Gastonia/Shelby (NC) Alumni Chapter supported and hosted the largest audience of this four-day event.

 

Over the years, the Gastonia/Shelby (NC) Alumni Chapter has held several events and provided scholarships to many Gaston and Cleveland County students.  Some of the chapter’s past endeavors include the Beautillion Militaire Leadership Training and Scholarship Program, participating in the North Carolina Adopt-A-Highway Program, and providing meals for families at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The chapter currently participates in the Salvation Army Angel Tree, St. Jude Sunday of Hope, and collecting book bags for area youth.