ORANGE PARK — Phi Beta Sigma fraternity members were already performing good deeds for the community long before they earned their charter in Clay County. On Saturday, however, the national chapter officially recognized 15 men representing the Tau Upsilon Sigma Chapter’s “House of Tau” as Clay County representatives.

The State Director Brother Daniel Smith II inducted the group and presented Chapter President Tim Crutchfield with the charter before starting his duties as the guest speaker.

The fraternity’s motto is: “culture for service and service for humanity.” Clearly, the Clay fraternity followed that creed before Saturday’s ceremony at the Celebration Church.

“Let’s ensure we uphold the values of brotherhood, scholarship and service that have been the cornerstone of our fraternity for so many years,” said Clay member and Director of Education Michael Windom. “May this new chapter serve as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for all who its impact has touched.”

Windom said the fraternity applied for charter status in August 2023, and five Clay Phil Beta Sigma Fraternity members held their first meeting at the Emergency Operations Center at the fairgrounds on Dec. 9, 2023.

The group helped with Wreaths Across America at Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Memorial Park in Middleburg, they partnered with United Way to provide food for more than 200 residents during the Martin Luther King Jr. service at the St. James AME Church, they traveled to Nassau, Bahamas, to help with beach cleanup, provided the keynote speaker at the Clay County Military Appreciation Day at Grove Park Elementary and they support therapy volunteers to promote brotherhood, scholarships and service in the county.

“The members are dedicated to fostering academic excellence, community involvement and making a positive impact on the lives of those which are around them with an unwavering commitment to service, yet collective efforts aim to build a better tomorrow for all that is absolutely awesome,” Windom said.