History of the Order

Introduction

Sigma Chi Fraternity created the Order of Constantine in 1948 to recognize members who had performed outstanding service to the Fraternity in a manner the Founders would have commended. Similar in nature to the Fraternity’s Significant Sig award which recognizes brothers who have achieved outstanding distinction in their professional life, the Order of Constantine recognizes those whose dedication to service within the Fraternity is exemplary. These are the brothers to whom long time Grand Historian Joseph C. Nate often referred as the "Eighth Founders". Members of the Order are known as Constantine Sigs. 

• Certificate of Membership
• Medal
• Lapel Pin

The Certificate of Membership indicates the recipient's name and the chapter by which he was initiated. The Certificate is signed by the President and Secretary of the Order of Constantine. A duplicate is sent to the recipient's chapter following his induction. 

The form of the Certificate has remained unchanged since it was first designed in 1948. 

The Medal was designed by the L. G. Balfour Company in 1948.  

On the obverse is inscribed the words "The Order of Constantine Sigma Chi Fraternity" and carries the large #1 badge. The reverse side bears the wording "Awarded to (the name of the recipient) who has worn the White Cross in a manner the Seven Founders would have commended," and the year of presentation. The form of the Medal has remained unchanged since it was approved in 1950.

The lapel pin has been the subject of periodic redesign. Initially, the pin was based on the design of the pledge pin, the Norman Shield, in order to emphasize the heritage of the members of the Order. It took the form of a plain white cross on a light blue background with a circular gold perimeter adorned with laurel leaves. This pin made no reference to the Order of Constantine. As a result there was general agreement that it should be redesigned. 

 It was replaced by a seven sided gold colored pin, containing a plain white cross, with a double circular perimeter surrounding the cross. The cross contained the inscription ~. The words "THE ORDER OF CONSTANTINE" were inscribed within the circle. Like its predecessor, it found little favor with the membership. 

 
In 1976, Dr. George H. Jones, who subsequently became 51st Grand Consul, and Grand Praetor Jay E. Minton undertook to design a pin in the form of a small replica of the badge, fashioned from a silver dollar by Harry St. John Dixon. The arch above the cross contained the words "THE ORDER OF CONSTANTINE". While they made no attempt to have this design authorized by the membership, they proceeded to have the L. G. Balfour Company produce the dies and manufacture a few of these pins. The pin was produced in a variety of colors including a red, blue or white arch and a white or gold colored cross. Rather mischievously, they bestowed these upon their friends. 


 Past Grand Consul Bolon B. Turner, President of the Order at that time, did not favor this design and commissioned other designs for consideration by the membership. Ultimately, the membership selected a circular design. In the centre, on a gold background, was the coat of arms of the Fraternity, surrounded by gold laurel leaves. Above the coat of arms, around the perimeter of the pin, on a blue background, it was was inscribed: The Order of Constantine. Around the perimeter, below the coat of arms, were the words In Hoc Signo Vinces. By 1986, this design had lost favor with the membership. 

In 1986, the membership voted to adopt the Jones/Minton design of 1976 as the official lapel pin of the Order. The dies were donated to the Order by the designers. The white cross, as depicted here, with either a white or silver colored arch, has been in use since that date and appears to continue to enjoy the approval of the membership.