Epsilon Lambda

Epsilon Lambda was chartered on December 3, 1919 in St. Louis, Missouri. Epsilon Lambda had eleven charter members. Jewel Brother Henry Arthur Callis was affiliated with Epsilon Lambda as it prepared for the 1922 convention, at which delegates voted to establish a chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on the continent of Africa. At the time, Jewel Callis was living in St. Louis as he completed his medical internship at City Hospital #2.

Epsilon Lambda is the birthplace of two national programs, Life Membership and Housing, and is frequently referred to as the “Life Membership Chapter” due to the efforts of Chapter Member Brother John D. Buckner in assuring that the program became a viable sustaining part of the Fraternity. Epsilon Lambda has hosted three Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity General Conventions: 1922, 1933, and 1966.