Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity
Vintage Journal
George F. David
Editor, The Boulé Journal1937-1963 Sigma Boulé
Tribute from Theta Boulé to Archon George F. David, Grapter Megistos
As we approach Memorial Day, it is altogether fitting and proper that we take time out to pay tribute to the memory of Archon George F. David, Grapter Megistos. It was during the Ides of March that Archon David answered as the roll was called up yonder. He has entered that building not made by hands, eternal in the heavens. He leaves to mourn, not only Archousa George F. David and his family, but approximately 1200 Archons and Archousae of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. We last saw Archon David at the Twenty - Sixth Biennial (Grand Boulé) in Los Angeles, August 1-4, 1962. At that time he reported his illness but said he was feeling much better.
To me, Archon George F. David was a ‘Boulé Member Extraordinary’ for he was ‘constant in season and out of season’, always the same. He never seemed to hurry, yet he accomplished what he attempted. He was interested in each subordinate Boulé to the extent that he wanted a well written report for each issue of his heart, The Boulé Journal. He was appreciative of Grapters who sent in type-written double-spaced copies of their news before the dead-line. After twenty-five years as Grapter, The Journal had become an obsession with him for he had witnessed the publication grow from 275 copies in 1937 to 700 copies in 1962. No doubt, much of the growth of the Fraternity was dependent upon his expert editing of each article sent in by Grapters of subordinate Boulés.
At Los Angeles, Archon David promised no radical departure in the publication of the journal during the present Biennial. Yet, he said, “Without vision the people perish.” While serving as Graptcr Megistos, “Meet the New Archons”, the “Pictoral Supplement”, and the “Family of Archons” sections of The Journal were introduced.
With the increase in membership of the Fraternity, Archon David was of the opinion that the budget of his department should have been enlarged for a new typewriter and duplicator were sorely needed. For one to do so much with so little is remarkable.
I am confident that Archon David spent much of his off-the-job time in the editing and publication of The Journal. For the services rendered by this great man to Sigma Pi Phi, every Archon owes a deep debt of gratitude.
The following telegram was sent to Archousa George F. David upon the passing of Archon David: "Your loss is ours for we have lost a friend. You have our deepest sympathy!"
Theta Boule
T. T. LOWREY, Sire Archon
May his soul rest in peace! DAN W. LEWIS, Grapter
Sigma Pi Phi's Great Loss
George Franklin David
Before this issue of the Boulé Journal went to press, its beloved editor, who assembled the material, passed away. The work which he began on the issue was brought to completion through the combined efforts of his faithful widow, Archousa Olivette David; the publisher, Richard D. Downing; and the Grand Grammateus, George N. Redd.
George Franklin David was a loyal Archon of Sigma Boulé for thirty-nine years, having been one of the charter members. He served effectively and faithfully for twenty-five years as editor of the Boulé Journal. With his passing, the “Corporal Circle” has been broken, and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity must sustain the loss of one of its most stalwart and most dedicated Archons. The entire Fraternity mourns his passing. Beautiful and reassuring, however, is the thought that the “Spiritual Circle” of which Archon David was a link will remain forever unbroken.
His outstanding work as Grand Grapter was instrumental in bringing together the finer relationships of our Fraternity through the subordinate Boulés, and in giving a deep sense of guidance and direction to the understanding of its philosophy and principles. His willingness to serve, ofttimes over and beyond the call of duty, was singularly characteristic of his dedication. His Archonship was a model and an inspiration. We will miss our friend and fellow Archon, but his spirit remains. He bequeathed us a rich heritage. It would be most appropriate if each subordinate Boulé, at its next regular meeting would observe a period of silent prayer and meditation in memory of Archon David.
The publication of the Journal will continue without interruption. The Executive Committee will soon appoint an Archon to serve as Grand Grapter on an interim basis. This action will be consistent with that taken by the 1962 Grand Boulé, authorizing the Executive Committee to study the needs for a Central Office.
Pending announcement of such appointment, all subordinate Boulés are requested to submit news for the Boulé Journal directly to Archon George N. Redd, Grand Grammateus -- Fisk University, Nashville 8, Tennessee.
Arthur J. Williams
Grand Sire Archon