THE SACRED ORDER OF VASH-NA-HA

               Vash-Na-Ha (Brotherhood Unity Achievement) was formed in the winter of 1964 by Vash 0. Reginald Minor and Vash Robert H. Thompson at West Virginia State College, Institute, West Virginia. The men of’ Vash-Na-Ha presently were residents in Room 209, Gore Hall (Freshmen Dormitory For Men). The organization started as a group of closely related friends with common interests. However, it was not until the spring of 1964, that Vas h-Na-Ha secured the characteristics of a more formal organization taking into consideration the following:

   (a) election of officers
   (b) pledge period

   (c) formal induction

   (d) colors--Black and white

This was done through the interest of’ five persons seeking membership into the young, and not fully organized Vash-Na-Ha. Vash-Na-Ha was not organized because of its lack of an acceptable constitution to become a charted organization at West Virginia State College. The only criteria at this time was to have similar character which would correlate with that of’ the other members of the organization. The first five to be inducted into Vas h-Na-Ha were: Tom Roberts, John Mackey, Bruce Redd, Johnny Powell, and Anthony Hudson. With the aims and goals not being clear, the organization ‘s main concern was to create a social atmosphere conducive and confined to its present members.

The organization functioned through the first semester of 1964 into 1965. The organization’s various function at this time was somewhat isolated to the social gatherings of its members; such as the picnic in the year of 1964 which is an annual affair. At this time, another group of’ individuals felt the desire to become a part of the still searching Vas h-Na-Ha. The prospective members consisting of’: Matthew Donald., John Davis., Larry Noland, Fred B. Chiles, Peter Bomer, David Morrison, Gary Leavell, Roosevelt Powe, James Jackson, Harold Hector, and Ronald Galvin, were inducted into the organization in March, 1965. With the inductions and through these new members the idea for a more organized and recognized organization began to flourish. Vas h-Na-Ha thence selected officers whose positions were designated as:

Connoisseur, Vice Connoisseur, Ceremonial Coordinator, Keeper of’ Records, Solicitor of’ Funds, Chaplin, Keeper of’ the Peace, Chief’ Obtainer~ Solutionist, and Observationist. There duties were as follows:

Connoisseur: Functioning head resides over all meetings and activities given by the organization also held responsible for the functioning of the organization.

Vice Connoisseur: Resides in all meetings in the absence of’ the connoisseur to coordinate all ceremonial activities.

Ceremonial Coordinator: Attends various meetings with the college admini­stration and reports to the organization also should be an adequate speaker.

Keeper of’ Records: Keeps records of the organization’s material such as minutes and attendance of members at meetings.

Solicitor of’ Funds: Responsible for handling all the economic transitions of’ the organization.

Chaplin: Presides over the various religious functions concerning the organization.

Keeper of the Peace: Responsible for upholding the Parliamentary procedures or the request of the Connoisseur at all organizational meetings.

Chief’ Obtainer: Responsible for obtaining all materials desired by the organization.

Solutionist: Responsible for obtaining all various solutions for organization and ceremony functions.

Observationist: He is the over-seer of all organizational functions and looks upon for central creative structure criticism concerning organization functions and the formality of’ how they are carried out.

Jungle names are a means of secret communication between the brothers. 

The first and last initial of the person is taken and the initials are converted into a jungle name.

Suggestions were made and confirmed that the organization shall be known as “The Sacred Order of Vash-Na-Ha which stands for Brotherhood Unity and Achievement. It was upon these principles that the organization was founded; Brotherhood - Know ye thy brother, an important factor that must never be forgotten epitome of intimacy the rapport that one brother has f’or another, and the ability of’ understanding the philosophical concept of another brother. Unity - The idea of’ oneness and the working together toward a common need. Achievement - The sum total of one ‘s accomplishments and deeds. Alpha chapter is the first chapter of Vas h-Na-Ha of Phi Nu Theta (a chapter of Nu). The Phi Nu Theta has significance is as much as it represented the Greek Lettered Organizations of the campus of West Virginia State College either in Creek Name or Chapter Name. Vash-Na-Ha felt that a greater unity among the Greek Lettered organizations and the independents could be accomplished in a social and educational atmosphere. Vas h-Na-Ha tended to be a unique blend of student organizational participation which would enable the organization to create a more productive atmosphere.

Vas h-Na-Ha was a conception that if the members of’ the Greek sororities along with the independents would join together to make West Virginia State College a home of “Great Human Relations “. 

It was further suggested and confirmed that the future inductees would be known as Palms.  The Palm is a part of’ the hand which is the symbol of’ Vas h-B/a-Ha Fraternity.

In May, of 1965 the member of the first Palm Club consisting of Kenneth Perry, Percy Boone, Wallace Cheek, Joe Murchinson, and Robert Fuller, were inducted into the Sacred Order of Vas h-B/a-Ha. It was a general consensus of the members that the goals and aims of Vash-Na-Ha should not only incorporate the association with the Greeks, however, it was felt that the aims should be directed toward a closer relationship, between the campus and commuting students. The purpose of this organization is to bring about a closer unity of brother- hood of those sharing a common interest; to incorporate the thoughts of its members and to afford an extended hand to a member in need both personal and organizational; lasting it is to being together a closer unity among its members mentally, spiritually, physically, and socially. The first queen of Vash-B/a-Ha was Patricia Coleman, for the year 1965-1966. Percy Boone was line captain.

Out of twenty-three members of Vash-B/a-Ha, ten were enrolled in the summer session of 1965. Efforts were made and actions were taken to become a chartered organization. Through the diligent efforts of Vash 0. R. Minor, and Vash M. H. Donald, assisted by Vash R. H. Thompson, and Vash J. W. Davis, Jr., the formal constitution of Vash-Na-Ha was compiled and made available for organizational approval. With the realization that Vash-Na-Ha may some day become incorporated, the what would then be insignificant Phi-Nu-Theta was dropped from the name. The Greek Chapter names would then signify the representation and affiliations of Vash-Na-Ha, and members of the Greek lettered organization needs clarifications. With the goals being clearly defined, Vash- Na-Ha felt that it was to find an advisor with ideals of similarity to those of Vash-Na-Ha. Vas h-Na-Ha was very fortunate in acquiring the services of Professor C. E. Prewitt. Professor Prewitt’s service was asked for because the organization felt he possesses various personality traits as well as knowledge of fraternity and administrative relations.

The Constitution was initially rejected, then revised again, turned down again, it had lost again, then finally on Tuesday, November 9, 1965 submitted to the Student Council. There it received a unanimous vote of approval. On the same date, the constitution was submitted to the personnel deans as a final step, and on Friday, December 18, 1965, the Sacred Order of Vash-Na-Ha, Alpha Chapter became a chartered organization on the campus of West Virginia State College.

In the winter of’ 1965, the Magnificent 7, the palm line crossed under the new chartered organization of Vash-Na-Ha. These members consisted of: Gabriel Hardeman, Henry Townsend, Charles D. Ellis, Willie Pace Jr., Philemon H. Hill Jr., Richard Washington, Barry K. Clarke, and Professor C. E. Prewitt. At this time, the Vash shield was constructed by plans submitted by Vash Percy Boone. Richard Washington was line captain.

The shield consists of 24 lights which represent the 24 chartered members, the 2 stars on each side represent our founders, in the center is located 2 crossed swords representing courage. The shield is divided into four quadrants, consisting of’ one hand which stands for Unity, the scales of’ justice symbolizing equality, the clasped hands Brotherhood, and the scroll of Achievement.

Due to boredom, and lack of’ adequate social functions on the campus of West Virginia State College, the Vash-Na-Ha members concentrated more or different and unique social affairs. The first was constructed from plans submitted by Vash Percy Boone. Richard Vas h-Na-Ha presents was indebted to Dean Willie P. Russell (dean of’ women) for its tremendous success. Vas h-Na-Ha was responsible for the annual Sadie Hawkins Day which consisted of various out—door physical activities and a dance that night. The year 1966 ended with the annual Vash-Na-Ha picnic, which like other Vash functions, was successful.

The organization resumed its activities in the fall of 1966 inducting four new members of The Palm Club. The four, which consisted of: Stewart A. Cateline, Syndney F. Jennings, Huling Lewis, and Allan Bruce. Stewart A.Cateline was line captain.

At this time, the popularity of Vash-Na-Ha -increases became quite appealing to the co-ed population at West Virginia State College. The second semester of’ 1966-67 introduced as members 3 our of 17 prospective members, they were: Donald Moore, Silas L. Carter, II., and Ben A. Hunter, line captain. This line that crosses was known as the Gureson three. Due to such a large loss of prospective members the purpose of the functions of a better and more organized Palm Club were emphasized and more knowledge and a clear cut pledge period. The queen of’ 1966-67 was Jennifer Henderson.

Beginning the year 1967-68, the organization was the most popular social fraternity on campus, also financially better situated than it had ever been in its previous history.

In the fall of 1967, the Invisible Four become members of’ the Sacred Order of Vash-Na-Ha. The members consisted of’: Harrison Cause, Willie Hammett, line captain, Lance Dugger and Charles Burks. Hats were obtained for the Palms and the colors established as yellow and brown. This line participated in such activities as the Homecoming Coronation Ball, which was sponsored by Vash-Na-Ha and a psychedelic dance which was the first activity of its kind at West Virginia State College.

In the winter of 1968, the Palm Club consisted of six members, they were: Derek Merchant, Willie Dudley, William Tose, Jimmy Plea, Netgabuek Reid, and Edward Davis, line captain. This was the line to cross with all who started. The queen of’ 1967-68 was Belvee Burno.

The Palm Club of the Spring of 1968 was the first to select a Palm Queen who was Tiny Jackson and the first to wear the emb-VP around their neck, meaning Palms of Vash which was designed by Vash Roosevelt Powe, who also designed the Vash medallion. The medallion is a proud symbol showing eternal bondage for Vash-Na-Ha. Events given by the organization were the Roman Affair and the Vash-Na-Ha Presents, which were both big successes. At this time Vash Percy Boone was acknowledged for designing the shield. During this glorious semester for Vash-Na-Ha, move for expansion began. Representatives were sent to the school being considered and they were: Roosevelt Powe and Willie Pace, and the school was West Virginia University. It was found that the social conditions prevalent at this school were not conducive to an organization of our type.

In the fall- of’ 1968, fifteen prospective members were inducted into the Palm Club of Vash-Na-Ha of which twelve were inducted into the Sacred Order of Vas h-Na-Ha. The twelve were known as the Dirty Dozen:

Aaron Bulter, Julius Buckmon, William Clark, William Crump, Fred Ellis, Richard Evans, Dewayne Freeman, Tommy Jeter, John McNeal, Thomas Stanback, Victor Thompson, and Jessie Waller. This Palm line was the first to present a paddle to the organization. The Palm Queen was Roberta Jenkins and Miss Vash-Na-Ha was Terry Whitmire. Dewayne Freeman was the line captain of’ this the largest Palm line ever to cross and a symbol of growth to the campus community by the Sacred Order of Vash-Na-Ha. Among the brothers that came back for the induction of the Dirty Dozen were: Matt Donald, James Jackson, Stewart Cateline and one of the founders, Reggie Minor. Speeches were made by Professor C. E. Prewitt and brother Matthew Donald. The address was delivered by one of our founders, 0. R. Minor. That document is now one of the most cherished pieces in the Vash files. Lastly, because Vash-Na-Ha is an advocate of change, it is felt that Vash-Na-Ha can only exist and prosper through strength, new ideas, and expanding concepts.

In the fall of 1972 10 prospective members were inducted into the Palm Club of Vash-Na-Ha. Eight of the ten young men satisfied all of the requirements that exemplified “Brotherhood, Unity and Achievement”. Those eight were inducted into the Sacred Order of Vash-Na-Ha. They entitled themselves the “Bold Ones”. Their names are as follows:

Bobby Stokes, Toney Gore, Charles Beverly, Julius Bishop, Van Debrick,  James Howard, Thomas Clemons  and Frank Walker.  Van Debrick was the line captain. Five of the twelve members of West Va. State’s basketball team were Vash big brothers. In addition to that 2 of the Bold Ones were members of the team as well, James Howard and Frank Walker. On the last night of walking line the Bold Ones made a striking entrance to the game in support of their big brothers and fellow Palms. They were dressed in black shoes, black socks, black pants with white belts, black turtlenecks and white gangster hats with a black band. Coats ranged from cashmere to leather to furs. All were in line, in step and together. The crowd gave an ovation at their entrance. Joined after the game by James and Frank, they gave a crossover performance in the lobby of Sullivan hall witnessed by a packed house. While serving as Palms the Bold Ones were involved  in community activities such as can a food drive for the needy at Thanksgiving. This event was captured on the news.  As Vash the Bold Ones became active with the brothers in campus and community events. With Van Debrick serving later as “Connoisseur” Vash was also admitted on the campus Greek Panhelic Council for the first time.  Two of the Bold Ones, Charles Beverly and Toney Gore, had the vision to expand. With the help of founder Reggie Minor a chapter was established on the campus of Marshal University in Huntington WV. There were five Palm Club inductees. One fulfilled the requirements and was inducted into the Sacred Order of Vash-Na-Ha. His name was John _________.  A vision without faith is a fantasy. There is a quote that says: “Keep Hope Alive”. The Bold Ones always knew hope was alive. What they strived for, sacrificed for and endured for was “Brotherhood, Unity and Achievement”. Without Brotherhood, Unity and Achievement there is no Hope. The Bold Ones shall pursue and share that as brothers and in life. The motto of the Bold Ones was “We will never quit”.