Kappa Phi is a national organization for university Christian women, founded, and the first chapter organized, in 1916 at the University of Kansas by Mrs. Gordon B. Thompson. It was designed "to provide a wholesome religious environment so college women would not drift into indifferent church relations, but become a strong force of leadership in the future church." (from the History of Kappa Phi) Kappa Phi has chapters on state and church related university and college campuses across the country.
In 1918, three chapters met in Kansas City to write a Constitution and establish a National Council of Chapters. By 1926, 17 chapters had been established. Rituals had been developed and The Kappa Phi Hymn and the slogan were adopted, pins were designed, national dues established and The Candle Beam authorized (Kappa Phi's yearly publication). By this time alumnae groups had been formed. Growth of the organization continued and by 1937 Kappa Phi chapters spread from West Virginia to California with over 17,500 members and 25 chapters.
In succeeding years, the awarding LeSourd Efficiency Cup and the Thompson Trophy became part of the Kappa Phi tradition. The History of Kappa Phi was compiled and provisions for 10 year supplements to the History were made. The Constitution has been revised over the years to keep pace with changes in need regarding the organization. One of these changes in 1965 made the membership open to all of those "who find interest and meaning in this Christian group" because so many women other than Methodist women were interested in Kappa Phi.
Kappa Phi, born in a Kansas Sunday School, is historically related to the Methodist Church. It has served as a Christian sisterhood for hundreds of college women and provided valuable training to present day church workers at home and abroad.
The chapter Beta Epsilon was founded in 1993 at Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Our chapter here at Bloomsburg is small, but we continue to grow in small numbers each year.
Our Philosophy
Kappa Phi is a spirit. It was born to unite young college women in the common purpose of strengthening and deepen our religious lives in everyday living. Kappa Phi also educates us in ways to live our Christianity through church and community service. Kappa Phi strives always to help young women become "lights in the darkness"