Eugene T. Hinson (Alpha Boulé)

Reprinted from The Boulé Journal, Volume 22, Number 4, July, 1960

After a long period of indisposition the last Founder of Sigma Pi Phi, Octogenarian Eugene T. Hinson, M.D., passed on to his reward on June 7, 1960.

"I hear a voice you cannot hear,
Which says I must not stay;
I see a hand you cannot see,
Which beckons me away."

Archon Hinson's life exemplified Boulé in every aspect. During his active years he rarely missed a Grand Boulé, and was voted life membership at the 1939 conclave. Similar was his dedication in his Lombard Central Presbyterian Church where he attained the distinction of Leading Elder-the highest for a layman.

To his profession consistency was a virtue which guided him to adhere to the Oath of Hippocrates in his dealings with his patients and colleagues. He was a retired gynecologist.

A founder of the old Mercy Hospital, he served from its inception as a member of the Board and the Staff until his health required his retirement in 1955. He was a member of the National Medical Association, the American Medical Association and its constituent societies. He was a pioneer member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Born in Philadelphia four score and seven years ago he prepared for his medical studies at the Institute for Colored Youth, founded by Quakers, which later became Cheyney State College. He taught for one year in Hartford County, Maryland, and a like time at the Institute. Then entering the Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania he graduated in 1898.

An interesting sidelight on his forebears is that his grandfather sold land at Oxford, Pennsylvania for Ashman Institute founded in 1854 which was to become Lincoln University.

A widower for many years our Founder has surviving cousins: Mrs. Edith Longley, Mrs. Blanche C. Thomas, Mrs. Adele Adams, and Mrs. Helen C. Hyde.