Edward S. "Ted" Rogers
1933-2008
Beta Omega 1952
Order of Constantine Sig
Significant Sig
150th Hall of Fame Sig
Founding and Honourary Chairman, Sigma Chi Canadian Foundation
Governor Emeritus, Sigma Chi Foundation
All honour to his name!
A special White Rose Ceremony to honour the memory of Edward S. "Ted" Rogers Beta Omega '52 was held on Monday, December 8th at Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario. Over 200 brothers from chapters across the country attended. Services were led by retired Archbishop Terry Finlay, Epsilon Omicron '57 and Past Grand Consul Doug McWhirter, Beta Omega '55
Below is the text of the service:
Brother McWhirter: Brothers and Friends: For those whom I have not met, my name is Douglas McWhirter and I was the 60th Grand Consul of Sigma Chi Fraternity and a fraternal brother and contemporary of Ted Rogers. Participating in this service will be retired Archbishop Terence Finlay, a fraternal brother and long time friend of Brother Rogers.
We are about to conduct the Sigma Chi White Rose Ceremony, a public ritual by which we honour a Brother who has entered the Chapter Eternal. Following the service we are invited to proceed to the Parish Hall for refreshments.
The White Cross emblem which we wear is symbolic of the lofty principles which have guided Sigma Chi since its founding in 1855. The white rose is the flower of Sigma Chi and, by its purity, it complements the White Cross.
Brothers in Sigma Chi, we are gathered this evening to honour his life among us and to pay our tribute of respect to the memory of our beloved Brother Edward Samuel Rogers.
ALL: All honour to his name.
On November 16th, 1952 when the White Cross of Sigma Chi was placed on the breast of Brother Rogers, he accepted the lofty principles of our Fraternity. The White Cross that he wore on the outside was but a representation of the life that he led from the inside. Today, let us remember the legacy that Brother Rogers has left in our hearts as we celebrate his life.
We meet because of his passing from our circle to the Chapter Eternal; and yet in our hearts is the confidence that his living spirit hovers near. To his dear ones and friends present, we offer our expression of sympathy and to his memory we offer our homage for his qualities of heart and mind. As a friend and as a Brother among us we have known him as loyal and devoted to the high ideals of the White Cross which we wear. His friendship was enduring, his generosities were large and his life was an inspiration. He loved his Fraternity but we know that his sympathies were broader than the bounds of the organization. His loyalty was grounded in the faith that fraternalism stands for better citizenship, for a more noble civilization and for higher ideals of a life of service to humanity and reverence to God.
Brother Finlay: Please join with me as we repeat together the 23rd Psalm:
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Brother McWhirter: Ted Rogers was a passionate man. He was passionate about his business, he was passionate about his family and he was passionate about Sigma Chi.
Let me cite some examples:
As an undergraduate, he energized local alumni when he persuaded Sigma Chi to hold its 1957 biennial Grand Chapter in Canada and propelled John Graham into active involvement in the Fraternity’s governance.
As Consul of his chapter at University of Toronto, he successfully challenged it to grow and excel.
As a vigorous proponent of a new chapter at University of Western Ontario, he let no obstacle deter him and many brothers are here this evening to attest to his success.
As a father, he was justifiably elated by the initiation of his son Edward as a Sigma Chi brother.
As a Governor of the Sigma Chi Foundation, he challenged it to grow and expand its mission to fund programs for the betterment of undergraduates.
As a Founder of the Sigma Chi Canadian Foundation, he sought to ensure that Canadian undergraduates would enjoy opportunities equal to, or exceeding those of their U.S. counterparts.
As a benefactor to undergraduate chapters, house corporations and to the General Fraternity, his generosity knew no bounds.
Ted Rogers was a role model for all Sigma Chis and one which we can all strive to emulate.
Inasmuch as our beloved Brother Rogers wore over his heart the White Cross of Sigma Chi, whose immaculate whiteness symbolized to us the purity of his motives, it is most appropriate that we present white roses in token of the fond memories we will always cherish of him whom we loved so well.
I will now ask Brother Edward Rogers, followed by the other brothers in attendance, to come forward in two columns, take a White Rose from the vases on the left and right and place them on the table in front of the casket. After placing the roses, please return to your seats by the side aisle.
Brothers proceed to lay White Roses by the casket.
At the conclusion of the laying of the white roses:
Brother Finlay: Let us unite in prayer.
Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of those who depart hence in the Lord and with whom the souls of the faithful are in joy and felicity, we humbly commend the soul of this Thy servant Ted, into thy hands, Who art our Creator, most humbly beseeching Thee that it may be precious in Thy sight. Amen
Today, Brother Rogers calls back to us, “I have fought the good fight; I have finished my work; the White Cross of Sigma Chi has gained new lustre by my life.
ALL: So mote it be.
A Tribute to Ted Rogers with comments of those who knew him is available here.