Spring Break
Christian Center continues Delta Lodge's passion
Carrie Sands
Issue date: 7/3/08 Section: ARTS & LIFE
|
Delta Lodge was one of the oldest independent fraternities in the nation and became known in Denton for hosting the Fry Street Fair, an annual music celebration of local bands as well as nationally known acts. Delta Lodge was founded by Todd Kaastad out of the fraternity Sigma Alpha Mu.
The SAM chapter became suspended for a "fuzzy" reason, according to Kaastad, based on the actions of a few members who broke some liquor laws while purchasing bottles of alcohol from a restaurant. Kaastad said the love was gone and many members felt the suspension was unjustified since only a few members were involved in the situation.
"We had lots of great guys and girls who wanted to promote an alternative vibe," Kaastad said. "We disagreed that we should all suffer some indefinite suspension and began to make plans to start our own autonomous group…. We became self funding and self supporting.
Delta Lodge owned the house at 1305 West Oak St., but members could not keep the house mainly because the Fry Street Fair, their largest source of income, was not producing enough profits.
Most members are UNT alumni and have moved on to different places with some still remaining active.
According to chairman Doug Cox, Delta Lodge is no longer considered a fraternity, but rather an organization that finds the appropriate charities to work with in helping improve the Denton community.
He said the Campus Christian Center was not only the highest bidder for the house, but is an organization that serves students.
"I feel it will be a place where students feel welcome and will continue to be a place where students can gather and enjoy themselves," Cox said.
He said Delta Lodge's purpose was to do charity and focus on fellowship among members and the community.
Dan Cooke, the minister of the Campus Christian Center, shares the same passion, only with a different focus.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 5
Adrian
posted 7/06/08 @ 1:14 PM CST
Wait, a Zen rock garden in a... Christian center? =P
OldSammy
posted 10/07/08 @ 12:18 PM CST
So Kaastad founded Delta Lodge? Funny, I seem to remember being at the meeting where this was decided and someone else led that meeting. He's a lawyer now, but I doubt he'll be suing Todd for not telling the full truth. (Continued…)
Andy Hogue
posted 10/07/08 @ 3:26 PM CST
The Campus Christian Center is supported by Singing Oaks Church of Christ, which meets in East Denton. Since the churches of Christ denomination is historically not in favor of para-church ministries, its affiliation is sorta kept on the down-low. (Continued…)
Post a Comment