Sigma Eta Chi
Sigma Eta Chi (ΣΗΧ) was a national sorority operating in the United States.
History
At Ohio State University in 1923, fourteen female students chartered a sorority for Congregational women. The purpose of the sorority was "to form a social unit in which spiritual and intellectual development might advance in harmony".[1]
The sorority grew to include six chapters by 1930:
- Alpha, Ohio State University
- Beta, University of Michigan
- Gamma, University of Washington
- Delta, University of Kansas
- Epsilon, University of Nebraska
- Zeta, Oregon State College
In 1928, plans were put in place for the sorority to become a national organization. A national constitution was written, national officers were elected, and the first national convention took place in June of the same year.[1]
The sorority continued at least into the middle of the 20th century, though the final date of dissolution is unknown. A chapter in Ames, Iowa was meeting in 1948.[2] The Kansas State Royal Purple Yearbook of 1948 not only notes the growth of its chapter, but also a special ceremony called Luchnokaia. The yearbook describes the service as happening during one Sunday in Lent. Each member lit a candle from seven candles, the seven representing the seven "great guiding lights" of Christianity. Each member left the church "pledging to live a more consecrated life".[3] The University of Nebraska Cornhusker Yearbook of 1958 lists the president of the sorority.[4]
The records of the University of Northern Iowa indicate that Sigma Eta Chi was classified as a Congregational sorority well into the 1950s. However, in the early 1970s, a group with the same name is listed as a service sorority.
Insignia
Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities described the badge as "a lighted candle in a candlestick with a ruby set for the flame, the letters 'Σ H X', on a background of blue enamel with a border of white or yellow gold set with white or blue stones; the letters being arranged vertically to the right of the candle".[1] The pledge pin was "a lighted candle in a candlestick, cast in silver".[1]
The official colors were azure blue and silver, the official flowers were the rose and blue larkspur, and the official publication, Luchnokaia, was published three times a year.