The history of Canada’s first chapter of Beta Theta Pi began in the fall of 1904, when four young undergraduates at the University of Toronto formed a fraternity which they named the "Theta Zeta Society".

In 1905 the membership had grown to 12. These 12 men petitioned Beta Theta Pi for a charter. This charter was duly granted by the 1906 convention and Theta Zeta became Beta’s first Canadian chapter on November 9, 1906.

Toronto Chapter Fund
In 1914 Canada plunged into World War I. This conflict destroyed many fraternity chapters and almost marked the end of Theta Zeta. With almost all of its men fighting overseas, the chapter appealed to brothers from the United States so that the chapter doors might remain open. The great strength of Beta Theta Pi and its devotion to mutual assistance proved itself genuine when the "Toronto Chapter Fund" collected $3029 and kept Theta Zeta alive during the war (the only fraternity to do so at U of T). A second appeal in 1918 collected $2221.60.

"Carry On"
World War One also saw the changing of mottoes at Theta Zeta. Maurice Edward "Mike" Malone was hit while leading an attack. When his comrades tried to take him to safety, he said, "Never mind me, carry on." When they returned Mike was dead. His dying words `carry on' served as words of hope and strength to the Theta Zeta brothers of the time and still do for the chapter today. Unofficially, "Carry on" has replaced the former motto "The Living Branch" and has been added to the maple leaf on the chapter's official crest.

Early Conventions
The 1920's were years of expansion, marked by four General Conventions held in central Ontario: those of 1925, 1927, and 1929 at the Bigwin Inn, and that of 1931 at the Royal Muskoka Hotel. In each year, the Toronto chapter hosted dozens of American brothers traveling to the conventions.

The Second World War
The 1930's were the years of the Great Depression, yet there were still students coming to the university, and Beta initiated several new members. The arrival of the Second World War in 1939 posed a similar problem as 1914. This time, however, there was a large and active body of Toronto alumni to assume a leadership role in keeping the chapter open. Theta Zeta survived another World War intact.

The post-war years were marked by a major fund drive in 1952, which resulted in over $20,000 for house improvements and renovations. These years were seen as the glory days of Theta Zeta.

Beta Today
Today the revolution continues! In 2006, Theta Zeta celebrates “100 Years of Beta in Canada”. With several home improvements, an inspired group of undergraduate members, and a strong and supportive alumni body, the Theta Zeta chapter of Beta Theta Pi is once again poised for greatness.

To learn more about the Theta Zeta chapter, feel free to contact our archivist.