Final answer:
While the exact first hymn of fraternities is not clearly documented, the tradition of hymn singing in African-American fraternities has roots in the work of English hymn writers like Isaac Watts, and the documentation and publication of slave songs by figures such as William Francis Allen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first hymn that is often associated with fraternity culture, particularly within African-American fraternities and sororities, is not particularly documented with a clear title or author. However, the culture of hymns within these organizations can trace its roots back to the influence of English hymn writers such as Isaac Watts, whose work was spread by missionaries in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Fraternities and sororities, including those that form the National Pan-Hellenic Council, were part of this tradition and contributed to the African-American cultural expression during and after the time of slavery, incorporating religious songs into their customs.
One notable historical figure who documented African-American religious singing was William Francis Allen during the Civil War. Allen provided one of the most detailed accounts of lined-out hymn singing among slaves and went on to help publish 'Slave Songs of the United States', the first collection of African-American religious songs. Although this does not pinpoint a single 'first hymn' for fraternities, it provides context for the deep-seated tradition of hymn singing in these communities that likely influenced fraternity music and rituals.