THE HISTORY OF LAMBDA IOTA: The idea of forming an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc in Columbus, GA. originated in the minds of four Florida A & M University graduates stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga; Brother Leo T. Harrison, Brother James L. Green, Brother William "Bill" Adams, and Brother Charles Carey. With this idea in mind these Brothers visited the U.S.O. Here they met Brother E.E. Farley from Morehouse College and Brother A.J. McClung from Tuskegee Institute. They were later introduced to two more Brothers living in the area; Brother B.T. Folkes, from Atlanta University, and Brother Nelson McMillian, from Clark College
These eight Brothers met several times at the U.S.O.. Brother E.E. Farley took the initiative and contacted the National Office and inquired about the credentials necessary for setting up a Chapter. Meanwhile, meetings continued to be held at the U.S.O. On may 14, 1945 a Charter was issued for the Lambda Iota Chapter in Columbus, GA. The Chapter officers were as follows: (Brother E.E. Farley,
Basileus), (Brother James L. Green, Vice Basileus), (Brother Leo T. Harrison, Keeper Of Finance), (Brother Charles H. Carey, Parlimentarian), (Brother William "Bill" Adams, Editor to the Oracle), (Brother Nelsaon McMillian, Keeper of Peace), (Brother B.T. Folkes, Chaplain). During its infancy the Chapter's meetings were alternated at Brother's houses. The idea of obtaining a Fraternity house was first thought of by Brother E.A. Bryant, who offered some land that he owned. At that time the Brothers were not ready to take on that responsibility. Through the years the idea of establishing a Charter Fraternity house remained in the minds of some Brothers, and was rekindled by Brother Raymond Whittaker, along with several other Brothers. This dream eventually materialized! Lambda Iota Fraternity house was established at 712 2nd Ave. In 2010 the dream for a larger house materlized, and the Chapter purchased the property at 3824 Steamill Rd. now the present location of the fraternity house.
