Brother James M. Schooler, Sr.

[Professor]

I am writing to inform you of the passing of Brother James M. Schooler, Sr on January 1, 2009 and to update the Brotherhood on the schedule for Homegoing & Omega Services. Brother James M. Schooler, Sr. was the last surviving charter member for Beta Theta Lambda Chapter, Durham, NC. Brother Schooler was 104 years old and he embodied the true spirit of an Alpha man. The Schooler Family has requested that the Men of Alpha perform the Omega Service at the beginning of his Wake Service on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 7 p.m., White Rock Baptist Church, 3400 Fayetteville Street, Durham, N.C., 27707, (919) 683-1649. We ask that you please wear your best Black Suit, Gold Ties combination for this historical gathering and please be on time. The Funeral Services are scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at White Rock Baptist Church. (All Brothers are welcome and encouraged to attend both events!) Please call Brothers without access to a computer and inform them of our plans.

A Brief Moment in Beta Theta Lambda Chapter History (The Schooler Legacy)
In the early 1930's a handful of Alpha Brothers in Durham found some suitable degree of fraternal fellowship with the Phi Lambda Chapter in Raleigh . Because of the travel distance, and through tireless efforts of Brother John E. Payne, a Durham Graduate Chapter was formulated. After considerable contacts, and a sanction from Phi Lambda, a local chapter was brought into being. The following brothers composed this group of Durham Pioneers in Alpha.

Bro. Alfonso Elder, Eta Lambda Chapter Atlanta , Georgia 1921

Bro. Augustus Heningburg, Alpha Nu Lambda Chapter Tuskegee , Alabama 1924

Bro. Lawrence H. Knox, Alpha Eta Chapter Harvard University , 1925

Bro. Robert P. Randolph, Gamma Chapter Virginia Union University 1928

Bro. James M. Schooler, Sr., Xi Chapter Wilberforce University 1927, *Dean and oldest living Brother of ANCA

Bro. James T. Taylor, Phi Lambda Chapter Raleigh , North Carolina 1927

Bro. William J. Walker, Jr., Alpha Rho Chapter Morehouse 1930

Bro. Carol T. Willis, Eta Chapter NYU 1928

Bro. John E. Payne, Phi Lambda Raleigh , North Carolina 1929

Brother Charles L. Holmes of Phi Lambda Chapter was added to the list of Pioneers of Beta Theta Lambda in 1938. Beta Theta Lambda was officially founded on May 7, 1938. Pioneer Brother John E. Payne served as temporary chairman until the chapter was underway. Brother James T. Taylor became the first president. Shortly after the creation of Beta Theta Lambda, between the World War II years of 1941 - 1945, there was a period of inactivity. However the Chapter was revitalized in 1947 and has continued to thrive.