The Mother Pearl of Augusta
Psi Omega Chapter History
A Legacy of Excellence and Service
Chartered August 9, 1925
The Birth of Psi Omega
The Psi Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., known as
“The Mother Pearl” of Augusta, Georgia, was chartered
on August 9, 1925. It holds the distinction of being the first Black
Greek-lettered organization established in the city.
The idea of forming an Omega Psi Phi chapter in Augusta was first
conceived in 1923 under the advisement of Vice Basileus John W. Love
and Grand Keeper of Records Campbell C. Johnson. Recognizing the
fraternity’s continued expansion and the presence of a thriving
institution such as Paine College, Brother Thomas Hargrave of Beta
Chapter saw the need to establish a graduate chapter in the city.
On September 26, 1924, the Supreme Council approved the formation of
the chapter and officially named it Psi Omega.
The chartering process was initially led by Brother L.E. Redmond of
Beta Chapter, initiated in 1920. Due to business obligations, Brother
Redmond was required to leave Augusta in early 1925.
Despite these challenges, Brother Thomas Berrien of Beta Chapter
assumed leadership of the initiative and successfully completed the
establishment of Psi Omega by mid-1925. He was assisted in initiating
the new members by Dr. A.J. Kendall of Delta Chapter, 8th Grand
Basileus Harold H. Thomas, and ten brothers from Atlanta.
Historical Milestones
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1923: The idea of establishing an Omega Psi Phi
graduate chapter in Augusta was conceived.
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September 26, 1924: The Supreme Council approved the
formation of the chapter and officially assigned the name Psi Omega.
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August 9, 1925: Psi Omega Chapter was officially
chartered in Augusta, Georgia.
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1937: Psi Omega initiated Brother Robert Church, who
became Georgia’s first Black state representative.
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2025: Psi Omega Chapter commemorated 100 years of
brotherhood, leadership, scholarship, service, and uplift.
The Founding Brothers
The nine charter members of Psi Omega were distinguished professionals
who laid the foundation for a lasting legacy of excellence, leadership,
and service.
Thomas Berrien
Auditor and Director of Georgia Mutual Insurance Company.
Dr. A.J. Kendall
Dentist and former Paine College football star.
Dr. W.J. Greene
Honor graduate and outstanding dental surgeon.
Dr. Thomas Walter Josey
Physician and medical advisor for Pilgrim Insurance Company.
Professor J.A. Gabriel
Instructor of History and Mathematics at Paine College.
George Johnson
Paine College student and district manager for North Carolina
Mutual Life Insurance Company.
Edgar L. Matthews
Paine College student and insurance agent.
J.C. Mardenborough
Augusta Chronicle correspondent, former president of the Lincoln
League, and civic leader.
A.T. Jackson
District Manager of National Benefit Life Insurance Company.
A Rich Legacy of Leadership and Service
Since its inception, Psi Omega has initiated more than 70 lines and
hundreds of brothers. Its membership has included prominent educators,
pastors, physicians, lawyers, dentists, business leaders, civil rights
activists, coaches, military officers, city officials, and judges.
Psi Omega has consistently served as a pillar of the Augusta community,
organizing and participating in programs focused on social action,
scholarships, health initiatives, mentoring, STEM education, voter
engagement, and collaboration with members of the Divine Nine.
Throughout its 100-year history, Psi Omega has hosted numerous district
and state meetings, along with many Achievement Week programs. One of
the fraternity’s founders, Bishop Edgar A. Love, attended and
participated in chapter events.
Psi Omega also holds the distinction of initiating Georgia’s first
Black state representative, Brother Robert Church, in 1937. The chapter
remains the only Omega Psi Phi chapter in Georgia with its own
fraternity house.
Manhood
Scholarship
Perseverance
Uplift
Guided by these four cardinal principles, Psi Omega continues to make a
lasting impact on its members, the Augusta community, and the broader
fraternity.
Notable Psi Omega Chapter Members
Dr. Scipio S. Johnson
Physician, officer of Penny Savings Bank, and drugstore owner.
Dr. James E. Carter Jr.
Dentist and charter member of the Georgia Dental Society.
Dr. J.C. Collier
Physician and co-founder of Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance
Company.
Dr. Isaiah “Ike” Edward Washington
Founder of the Washington Initiative. Washington Hall at Augusta
University is named in his honor.
Dr. Paul D. Weston
First Black physician appointed to the active staff of University
Hospital. He had a direct connection to legendary physician
Dr. Charles Drew.
William Bryant
First principal of A.R. Johnson Health Professions Magnet School.
Coach Henry “Hank” Daggett
First football coach and athletic director at T.W. Josey High
School.
W.S. Hornsby
Co-founder of Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Company.
Dr. Frank Rumph
One of the first Black students admitted to the Medical College of
Georgia. He later became the first director of Georgia’s HIV/AIDS
program and the East Central Health District.
Dr. Charles Spencer Hamilton
Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church and the fraternity’s 1965 Omega
Man of the Year.
Bob O’Neal
Chief Executive Officer of the O’Neal Foundation.
Johnny Nimes
Founding member and first president of the Lucy C. Laney Alumni
Association.
Dr. Willis J. Walker Jr.
Dentist and the first African American Assistant Director of
Student Affairs at the Medical College of Georgia. He established
the Student Educational Enrichment Program and the Minority
Academic Advisory Program.