The Order of The Red Friars

This article is about the defunct Duke University secret society. For the Roman Catholic order of Red Friars founded in 1198, see Trinitarian Order.

The Order of the Red Friars was a secret society established at Duke University in 1913. Alongside The Order of the White Duchy (the female version of the Friars), the members of the Order strived to create a bridge between the student body and the faculty. Their core focus was to develop a sense of fellowship.

History

The Red Friars were established in 1913.

File:RedFriarsSeal.png

The Seal of the Red Friars

In Ulster folklore, 'The Red Friar', or 'Frater Ruber' of the North is accredited with haunting a number of buildings, especially those associated with travellers, such as Inns, or hotels.

Some people associated with the Order of Red Friars include Rex Adams, Arthur Hollis Edens, Herbert J. Herring, Furman McLarty, Raymond Nasher, Richard M. Nixon, and William H. Wannamaker. Among their many contributions toward improving student life at Duke, the Red Friars commissioned a commemorative plaque in the center of the West Campus quadrangle that still stands today. They also hung a bell, the "Charley Bell" in the Kilgo Quadrangle Belfry in 1950 that can still be seen today.

External links

• Order of Red Friars records, 1913-1971 University Archives, Duke University
• Order of the White Duchy Records, 1925-1968 University Archives, Duke University
• Duke University Libraries, "Charley The Bell". [1]
• Drew Klein, "Building a Social Life," Duke University Chronicle (September 30, 1999). [2]
• Ellen Mielke, "Secret Societies: Do They Still Haunt the Campus?" Duke University Chronicle (October 10, 2000). [3]
• Emily Almas, "Behind the Hood," Duke University Towerview (December 1, 2004). [4]

See also

• Friar, for information on the various religious orders