In Hebrews 11:1, we learn that ‘faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen’. It means faith in your God: in your fraternity and its members; faith in your school, your state, and your nation. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus said, ‘If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move hence to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.’ Never lose faith in yourself, if you would hold the faith of others. We are faithful to the ideals of FarmHouse and its programs.

Ambition is the unseen force that drives men to succeed, rise above their environment, and achieve the impossible. Our brotherhood has an ambition that is content not only with making a satisfactory record in college but also seeks to render service to humanity. We strive to foster an ambition that leads a man ever onward in the belief that he may somehow contribute to the betterment of mankind. ‘Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, press on toward the goal to win the prize.’ (Philippians 3:13-14).

Reverence must be cultivated if we are to be true brothers. ‘Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.’ (Hebrews 12:28). Our brotherhood reveres our God, our parents, and our brothers with whom we associate. Unless we cultivate such a reverence, we cannot learn the true joys of brotherhood, the foundation of a successful fraternity.

‘But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the Word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.’ (Luke 8:15) Our brotherhood constantly works to learn better how our every act may affect ourselves and others. Genuine moral living involves intelligent love and esteem for our associates. Unless we possess strong affection for others, we cannot come to know that which is most worthwhile in making for the highest character in man. Every narrowing of love, every encroachment of egoism, every act of selfishness means just so much blindness to that which is good and fine. We strive to let good moral conduct cease to be a virtue and become an involuntary duty.

Honesty is fundamental to character; it is the basis for all worthwhile endeavors; for how can we believe in one who is not strictly honest? In college, we expect honesty in the classroom, on the athletic field, as well as in every relationship between men. ‘Therefore, putting away falsehood, let everyone speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.’ (Ephesians 4:25). Throughout life, one of the greatest tributes that can be paid to a man is to have it said that he is honest.

Obedience to God’s principles is one of the bulwarks which gives stability to our Fraternity. We obey the mandates of the chapter, the regulations of our school, and the country. In doing so, we always obey the teachings of the Master, for it is written in Ecclesiastes 12:13, ‘Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter; Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.’

Unity is fundamental to a successful fraternity. As a unified fraternity, we stand through times of stress as though bound together with bands of steel. Without unity, failure results. ‘Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity’ (Psalms 133:1). We see to it that through hard work and unfailing sacrifice, we help weave those individual threads of noble character that bind us together in an effective and worthwhile organization.

A loyal brother in FarmHouse must render service to his Fraternity and to his brothers if his Fraternity is to grow and prosper. ‘For you were called to freedom, brethren: only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, be servants of one another.’ (Galatians 5:13) We render service to God; to our professions; to our fellowmen; to our country; and to our school all the days of our lives. The very essence of successful living is based on the Christian ideal of service.

‘...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything of praise, think about these things.’ (Philippians 4:8). A primary goal of our Fraternity is to excel in our profession. We aim to maintain the high standards of excellence as set forth by our Founders and the many members of our organization who have preceded us. The basis for success is education. Education is the knowledge of how to use the whole of one’s self. We strive for the fullest development of knowledge in our professions; in the building of character; in furthering high moral standards; the development of essential skills; and the furtherance of good health; so that no impediment may hinder our progress to the highest pinnacle of success in life.