The Lambda Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated was chartered on the 14th day of May 1954. Brothers of Delta Iota, the local graduate chapter, provided the foundation upon which the Lambda Gamma chapter was formed. Delta Iota, itself having been spawned from Nu Alpha and Alpha Iota chapters on March 27, 1941, was comprised of brothers serving on the Elizabeth City State Teachers College (ECSTC) faculty and staff as well as brothers from the local communities.
Brothers Robert L. Vaughan (Nu Psi Chapter 1946) and Arthur M. Bagley (Mu Chapter 1947) are largely credited with the founding of Lambda Gamma. Brother Vaughan served as Neophyte commandant of the charter line at ECSTC. Most of the traditions now in place at Lambda Gamma were derived from Nu Psi and Delta Iota chapters. Some of these traditions include the brick and the dog collar. Brother Bagley, serving as the Delta Iota Editor, was instrumental in processing the required paperwork in order to obtain the chapter charter and initiate the line. Brother Johnny I. Farmer, Delta Gamma 1953, the 2d Vice District Representative was in attendance at the chartering ceremony representing the Mighty 6th District.
The charter line was initiated into the fraternity on May 15, 1954. Butler Hall was the residence hall of the new initiates. The charter line was comprised of ten (10) members: Alfred Lee Marbley (Morehead City, NC), Shadrack Brown Jr. Suffolk VA. (his relatives were from Ahoskie, NC), Luther Cochester Williams (Capron, VA), Clinton Edward Patterson (Plymouth, NC), James Edward Roland (Kinston, NC), James Edgar Cassell (Stanley, NC), Willie Bartlett Spence (Shiloh, NC), Paul Lawrence Pruden (Norfolk, VA), Santiago William Burrell (Norfolk, VA) and Paul Delano James (Ahoskie, NC). Brother Vaughan was the Neophyte commandant for the charter line. Seniors: Paul L. Pruden , Alfred L. Marbley, Willie B. Spence, Luther C. Williams, Santiago W. Burrell, and Clinton E. Patterson. Sophomores: James E. Cassell, Paul D. James, Shadrack Brown Jr. and brother James E. Roland was the only Freshmen on the line. All brothers majored in Education.
Delta Iota Chapter Members in the fall of 1954: Kermit E. White (Basileus) - Delta Psi 1935, King A. Williams (Vice Bas) – Delta Iota 1942, E.A. McCoy (KRS), Calvin Paige (KF) - 1927, Arthur M. Bagley (Editor), Lawrence E. Suggs (KP) Delta Iota 1942, William W. Hoffler (Chaplain) - Delta Iota 1954, Melvin S. Bowman - Delta Iota 1951, Joseph A. “Beast From Beta” Dempsey – Beta 1946, Woodrow W. Edmonds - 1949, James J. Mitchell, H. Leon Prather, John E. Trotman – Zeta 1945, Robert L. Vaughan, Joshua Crumm - Delta Iota 1954, R. F. McMullen – Delta Iota 1954 and Andrew H. “Salt” Williams -Tau Psi 1949.