Sigma Chi - Gettysburg College

The BATTLEFIELD SIG theta Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity at Gettysburg college SIGMA CHI Gettysburg College P.O. Box 442100 Lawrence, KS 66044-2100 Address Service Requested O ur history begins on April 3, 1863, mere months before the Battle of Gettysburg. Simon Mikesell, Philip Biklé, Thomas Billheimer, John Weils, and Henry Ziegenfuss received the charter establishing Theta as the ninth chapter of Sigma Chi. BUILDING THE BROTHERHOOD Weils had transferred to Gettysburg, then known as Pennsylvania College, from Washington College in his junior year. At Washington, Weils had been initiated into the original Nu Chapter, which itself had been suspended due to its brothers answering the call to war. It was Weils' familiarity with Sigma Chi that led to our Theta's founding. Weils and Mikesell became acquainted on campus. Presumably they met Biklé, Billheimer, and Ziegenfuss along the way. Mikesell eventually petitioned Gamma Chapter at Ohio Wesleyan University for an official charter, and a date was scheduled for the founders' initiation. Apart from Weils, who was already initiated, the four founders of Theta transitioned from collegiate men to Sigma Chis under the ritual performed by Omicron Chapter at Dickinson College. ANSWERING THE CALL This celebratory period was short-lived, however, because the Confederate army loomed on the horizon. Brothers Billheimer, Mikesell, and Ziegenfuss all participated in the Battle of Gettysburg and surrounding skirmishes. Though none were killed, Ziegenfuss was taken prisoner and forced to tend to Confederate wounded until their retreat. After the Battle and the war concluded, the men of Theta had resumed their studies. MOVING FORWARD From that time until 1891, the men of Theta held their meetings and conducted business in room 28 of the Eagle Hotel on Chambersburg Street (the hotel was destroyed in a fire in 1960). Theta faced friendly but tough competition. Three other fraternal organizations already existed on campus: Phi Kappa Psi (1855), Phi Gamma Delta (1858), and Zeta Psi (1861). Around one- third of the all-male student body belonged to one of these organizations. From its outset, Theta sported the largest pledge class of them all with 10 men initiated in its very first year. Theta Chapter's history is both rich and unparalleled in the story of our fraternity. Of the 24 original chapters, only 13 remain today, including our little home at 240 Carlisle. In the Days of the Founding Theta's First Brothers On Saturday, March 23, 2024, Theta House Corporation is hosting the 160th Anniversary Celebration at the Gettysburg Hotel. Celebrate this historic day with your spouse and enjoy the open bar and three-course dinner provided with your ticket. While dining, Alan Fuerstman '78, CEO of Montage Hotels and Resorts, will be our special keynote speaker. We hope to see you there! WELCOME BACK HAPPY HOUR That's not all! For those arriving early, join us at the Pub Mural Room above the banquet hall on March 22. INITIATION AND BARBECUE We encourage all brothers to attend the spring initiation ceremony at the Masonic lodge just across the street that Saturday morning. Following will be a barbecue cookout hosted and provided by the House Corporation that you won't want to miss. Stay tuned for details! RSVP To get your tickets for the event, please visit tinyurl.com/Theta160Anniversary or scan the QR code here. SavetheDate Exterior of 240 Carlisle Street. Foyer interior of 240 Carlisle Street, the current home of Theta Chapter (circa mid-1900s).

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