HISTORY OF INI-TO LODGE
THE ORDER OF THE ARROW

 1970

The Lodge membership was at 104 members.

In January the 1970 National Order of the Arrow committee approved unanimously the two year appointment of both the National Conference Chief and the National Conference Vice Chief. This was to enable keeping the elected national officers involved beyond their conference responsibilities. Regions were encouraged to hold annual meetings, rather than every other year, as they had done before. Secretary Boshea reported better than 300,000 membership.

Mr. Corie Glanton retired after three years as caretaker of Camp Thunder. He was replaced by Mr. Jack Perry. Due to downsizing in the Council, his position was phased out in the latter part of the year. January saw Mr. Hoke Copeland leaving our Council to continue scouting in the North West Georgia Council. Membership had grown during his tenure from 2000 to 4500. As of the time of writing this history, Mr. Copeland was 81 years old and lived in Canton, Georgia.

Egwa Tawa Dee Lodge #129 hosted the 6-D Conference at Bert Adams Scout Reservation outside Covington, Georgia. During this April 21-23, event, Ini-To won the dance team competition. Ini-To placed second in solo, first in costume, first in old style, and second in fancy dance. Randy Fletcher was the Deputy Chief in charge of "The Quest for the Golden Arrow". Ini-To was in charge of the discussion group "Where to go Camping and Publications" and of the flag raising ceremony. Tim Trotter served as Area 6-D Chief. Champ Massey, of Egwa Tawa Dee #129, served as 6-D Vice Chief and Bill Jones, of Ini-To #324, served as 6-D Secretary. Additional items that could be pre-purchased were Conference mugs for $.75 and neckerchiefs for $1.25. The patch can be viewed in Appendix C-8, Conclave Patches.

In May the National Order of the Arrow committee met in Atlanta, Georgia. It was reported that 40% of Distinguished Service Awards were presented to youth. Secretary Boshea reported 488 Lodges were active. The lower figure was due to Lodge mergers. An estimated total membership of 350,000 from 386 Lodges had participated in area conferences.

In June, the Army Corps of Engineers cut down the mountain to make way for the main parking lot. A Friday, November 21, 1970, Call Out occurred at the Ini-To Fall meeting. Nine arrowmen were tapped out for and received the Vigil Honor November 22. The honorees were:

             William Ayers                          Witatschimolsin              Advisor

             Mr. Thomas Fletcher (D)        Quilawelensin                     Doubtful One

             Andrew Ford                            Tgauchsin                           Good Natured One

             Stephen R. Howard                 Allowat Sakima                   Mighty Chief

             Bruce Jones                              Chesimus                             Younger Brother

             Mike Land                                 Klamachpin                         Silent One

             Mr. Elbert Stutts                       Allohak                                Powerful One

             Hugh Sullins                              Lekhiket                               Secretary

             Randy Fletcher                          Tuney                                  Bearded One

The summer edition of the Order of the Arrow National Bulletin reemphasized that there was NOT any such thing as "honorary membership. "

Announced in the fall were the quotas for the 1971 NOAC. There were: six delegates from the smallest Lodges and sixty delegates from the largest Lodges. Effective January 1, 1971, there would be no more Eagle bonus points, First Class rank would be required again. The 18 to 21 year old troop members would be elected as adults and the quota system would be eliminated; however, 50% of troop votes would be required for election.

On December 12, a 1971 Area 6-D Planning Conference was held in McDonough, Georgia.

The events totaled as followed:

           Quest                                                             Attendance

       Flag Pole Raising                    Ini- To                                            80

       Cross Country Race               Chattahoochee                             50

       Rope Throw                             Semilachee                                    40

       Archery                                    Egwa Tawa Dee                            80

       Fire Building                            Mowogo                                        60

     Tug-of-war                               Immokalee                                      45

       Sack Race                                 Waguli                                40

                                                                                    395    Total

1971

Lodge Officers were:

Lodge membership stood at 167. The Lodge purchased dining hall equipment, tables and chairs with a donation to the Council of $1,000.

A Conference Planning Meeting was held at Camp Thunder on Sunday, January 31, from 2 PM to 5 PM. This was the second time our Lodge would host an area conference.

Steve Howard, of Ini-To, was Area 6-D Chief in 1971. That year, Ini-To Lodge #324 hosted the 6-D Conference at Camp Thunder, on April 23-25. A map of Camp Thunder in 1971 sh6ws the layout. The Conference was attended by ten Lodges. There were 90 Ini-To Lodge arrowmen and 310 other arrowmen. He was the fourth member of Ini-To Lodge to hold this office, with Tommy Brisendine being the first in 1959, Chuck Brooks, the second in 1963 and Bill Jones, the third in 1969. Ini-To was first in th~ Quest for the Golden Arrow, first iI1 group, solo and pow wow dance, and first in Parade of Braves. oUr Lodge was also fIrst in the Scoggins Award for Camp Promotion. The gym was used at 9:15 AM on April 24, by Egwa Tawa Dee, #129, for a 15 minute camp promotion. At 1:15 PM the first nomination for area officers took place also at the gym followed by camp promotion by Immolakee #353 at 2:00 PM. At 7:00 PM the gym was again used for camp promotion, this time by Waguli, #318, followed by second nominations of area offIcers. At 10:00 PM to 10:30 PM a birthday party took place at the gym compliments of Chattahoochee, #204 with everyone invited. A meeting of Lodge Chiefs and Advisors convened in the dining hall at 10:30 PM. An Area 6-D Conference Patch with a red border was issued for the event. The patch can be viewed in Appendix C-8, Conclave Patches. A mug and neckerchief also commemorated the 6-D conference.

Mr. Tommy Fletcher left our Council as District Executive and the Lodge as Staff Advisor to continue his scouting career in the Gulf Stream Council in West Palm Beach, Florida.

August marked the gathering of 5,112 arrowmen from across the nation, far east and transatlantic for the 1971 NOAC. The National Conference was held on the University of Illinois campus. Ini-To sent six delegates. They were: Randy Piland, Victor Kitchens, Bill Jones, Steve Howard, Ron McCrary, and Mr. Ira Harris Lay Advisor.

Aubrey McKoon was the last recipient of the Chief's Medal on Saturday, November 20,1971. The Medal had been presented to every Chief of Ini-To starting with Tommy Bresidine in 1959. Vigil Honor Call Out was held next, with the honor being conferred on five members the next day. They were:

                Ronald E. Cox                  Wunita                         One Who Is Able
                Mr. Perry Hinton             Wowoatam                  Skillful One
               Mr. Ronald McCurry       Memsochet                 Traveler
                Tim Scott                           Pohonasin                   Drum Beater
                Al Shackleford                 Meechgalhukquot      Red Headed One
                Hugh Sullins                     Lekbiket                       Secretary

The new Order of the Arrow Handbook was introduced at the National Council meeting. The twelve regions were reduced to six. BSA could operate more effectively with six regions grouped: Northeast, Southeast, East Central, South Central and North Central and Western Areas. The twelve regions of the past had been based on the Federal Reserve Regions of the federal government.

1972

Lodge Officers were:

On January 15 the Lodge held a work day. The back gate was rebuilt and winterizing the dining hall was continued. Thirty-two arrowmen attended.

Lodge membership had grown to a strong 204. The inside of the dining hall was sealed off and painted. The winter cabin was repaired. Camp was readied for summer camp. The Lodge also prepared a slide presentation for camp promotion.

On April 7-8, the Lodge conducted a Fellowship. Camp area was cleaned up. A discussion of the upcoming Area 6-D conference was held.

The theme for the 1972 Conference was "Aim High, Serve All". Ini-To saw our Lodge still in command of the Area 6-D Conference with Randy Piland as the Area Chief. This marked the fifth time since the area alignment that an Area Chief had been selected from the Ini-To Lodge membership. Serving as 6-D

Vice Chief was T. Wayne Durden from Chattahoochee #204 and John Adams from Edwa Tawa Dee #129, as 6-D Secretary. The Conference was hosted by Chattahoochee Lodge #204, and held at Camp McKenzie near Columbus, Ga. and opened with 417 arrowmen from around the area in attendance. IniTo had 40 arrowmen in attendance. Ini- To was responsible for a discussion group on the subject of Ecology and "The Quest for the Golden Arrow". The patches and other Conference material pre-ordered for the conference were delivered afterwards because of a transportation strike. This marked the last of the 6-D Conferences. Ini-To received the Scoggins Award for overall participation, placed third in the Quest of the Golden Arrow, and first in group dance. Aubrey McKoon placed first and Ted Gibson second in old style dance. Louie Greene placed fIrst in costume competition The Conference patch can be viewed in Appendix C-8, Conclave Patches.

This was the final conference for the Area 6-D alignment. After 19 years, 6-D ended. National Council dropped the Semilatchee Lodge #239. While we lost brothers from there, we soon gained new brothers from around the state of Georgia the following year.

On June 23-24, a special Ordeal was held to allow candidates who missed the winter Ordeal to participate. Thirty arrowmen and two candidates were in attendance. The mess hall was completed. The cooking area was cleaned and the dock repaired. A vote was taken for a Lodge neckerchief. The neckerchief would have a patch on back. The idea was submitted by Dale Carley.

Lodge Chief, Hugh Sullins was one of 36 arrowmen elected nationwide to serve on the Youth Advisory Committee, in preparation for the 1973 National Jamboree.

During the summer of 1972 the dining hall was named Howard Lodge, in tribute to Lodge Advisor, Ray Howard.

On August 25-26, an Ordeal was held at Camp Thunder with 47 candidates. Eight arrowmen advanced to Brotherhood and six Vigils were selected. The candidates repaired the spillway at the lake, started a septic tank behind the mess hall, and cleaned out the spring at the council ring. They reinforced the trail leading to site 2, and repaired the bridge on the trail leading to site 7.

The new slate of officers met on September 24. Discussion included the 1973 NOAC, that was to be held August 21-24 at the University of California in Santa Barbara. It was decided we would send at least four Lodge OffIcers and one Advisor.

Our Lodge held Vigil Calling Out October 25, 1972. Several individuals subsequently received the honor in two ceremonies, one in October 1972, the other on January 24, 1973. The 1972 Vigil honorees were:

Mr. Bobby Eubanks            Woaphokquawon           Gray Hair
Mr. Bob Rickman                 Kikehuwet                        Doctor
Ted Gibson                           Mateu                                Medicine Man
Dennis Thomason               Nagatamend                     Reliable One
Aubrey McKoon                 Gentgeen                           Dancer
Mr. Robert Cresson            Atschimolsin                     Counselor

A Lodge Qfficers' meeting was held on December 9. Discussion included the 1973 Area Conference. At that time, we were unsure if there would be a conference, or where and when it would be held.

In late December, 41 delegates met at Schiff Reservation planning the next conference. Cliff Harmon of Oak Ridge, Tennessee was elected National Chief, and Greg Guy of Austin, Texas was elected National Vice Chief. The committee also approved a square knot for the Distinguished Service Award. Also approved was a patch for the office of Chapter, Lodge and Section Advisor.

1973

Lodge Officers were:

Luke Ellington was elected Deputy Chief of the Lodge at the September 23, 1972, election. Mr. Ray Howard created this position to be one of Lodge Chief Elect. The Deputy Chief was to serve the following year in training to take over the Lodge in the fall of 1973.

A Lodge Fellowship was held January 26-28. This meeting informed the Lodge of the information learned at the December 9 meeting. An Ordeal and Brotherhood ceremony were conducted.

Mr. Jack Hays came to the Flint River Council as the Scout Executive and Supreme Chief of the Fire in March of 1973. Mr. David Allen was hired as District Executive to Coweta County and McIntosh District only to serve in that area for a short time. Mr. Bob Sommers replaced Mr. Allen in that district when Mr. Allen was reassigned as District Executive of Spalding County area and Lodge Staff Advisor in April. Mr. Bobby Eubanks was employed as the sixth caretaker of Camp Thunder; He was the first to have the title of Camp Ranger. Mr. David Allen replaced Mr. Bob Cresson as Staff Advisor.

A make-up Ordeal was held June 15-17 for those who missed the January 26 Ordeal. The purpose was to get Camp Thunder read for summer camp. The Ordeal was also used to clean up the area where the Camp Thunder Gym had been destroyed by fire.

Lodge membership stood at 184. The Lodge provided a night program for parents night at Camp Thunder. The Lodge also provided the money, materials, and personnel to build a concrete block hot shower at the camp.

The 1973 Conclave was held April 27-29 and hosted by Egwa Tawa Dee #129, at Bert Adams Scout Reservation. This was the first of nine conclaves in the newly formed Area-5 alignment. The twelve Lodges that made up the SE-5 were: Bobwhite #87, Torno Chi Chi #119, Egwa Tawa Dee #129, Chattahoochee #204, Pithlako #229, Mowoso #243, Wehadkee #273, Wagoli #318, Ini-To #324, Immokalee #353, Echeconne #358, and Alabama #545. Ralph Fitch served as the first Area SE-5 Chief. Ini-To had the group discussion of NOAC patches, mugs and neckerchiefs. The Ini-To Group Dance Team placed first. The Solo dancer achieved second, costume first and the Lodge placed first in pow­wow. The patch can be viewed in Appendix C-9, Conclave Patches.

The National Order of the Arrow Committee met in Minneapolis on May 26. National Secretary Boshea reported 138 Lodges had achieved the National Standard Lodge. Greg Guy reported that the advisors patches approved earlier, as well as the Distinguished Service Award, should be available at NOAC. Upon the recommendation of the National Chief Harmon and National Vice Chief Guy, the committee approved in principle the establishment of the position Region Chief.

Mr. Corie Glanton former caretaker of Camp Thunder, from 1967 until 1970, died.

The 1973 NOAC was held at the University of California in Santa Barbara. Attending aITowmen numbered 4,400 at the western conference during which Order of the Arrow founder, Mr. E. Urner Goodman, again addressed the group. Randy Piland, past Ini-To Chief, and Ed Hays attended as National Committee members. The patch can be viewed in Appendix D-2, NOAC Patches. E. Urner Goodman closed in what had become a NOAC tradition.

G. Kellock Hale the first National Committee Chairman and an early member of Unami Lodge # 1 died on October 3, 1971. He was a member of the committee for 33 years. His death created a huge void nationally. Hale had been involved in the creation of our Lodge # 324 by having talks with John Vantrease in 1945 about our Council forming a Lodge.

The first Lodge neckerchief patch was designed by a committee composed of Mr. Bob Rickman and the Lodge officers. The neckerchief patch is the P-l and was worn on a black neckerchief with a white border. The suggestion for a neckerchief patch was made by Dale Carley.

A fall Ordeal was conducted on Saturday, October 12, 1973. The Call Out was held for the 1973 Vigil Honors in our Lodge. The Vigil ended Sunday, October 13. Those honored were:

                              Lewis Greene                                Ahas                                Crow
                                Mitchell Hammond                      Mamilas                           Young Deer
                                Marcus Kilgo                               Achowalogen                  Hard Worker
                                Bill Maddox                              Woakus                            Grey Fox

1974

Lodge Officers were:

Effective January I, 1974, the Order of the Arrow Committee became a sub-committee of the BSA Scouting Committee. In line with BSA reorganization, the committee approved the position of Region Chief. John Claerhout was the National Director of Program.

E. Urner Goodman turned all of his mementos from the Brotherhood Barn over to BSA Johnson Historical Museum since he was moving to Florida.

Lodge membership was 201 as of January 1, 1974.

Luke Ellington vacated the position of Lodge Chief in April when he entered the Air Force. He was replaced by the Lodge Vice-Chief, Ed Hays.

During this year the Lodge re-roofed the staff cabin and began construction of the council ring that had nothing but natural slope. The Lodge dug and placed cinder block seats at the council ring.

The 1974 Conclave was hosted by Echeconne #358, and was held at Camp Ben Hawkins, close to Macon, Georgia. At this annual event, the Ini-To Dance Team placed first in group, solo, and Pow­ Wow dance, and second in costume. In the Quest for the Golden Arrow the Lodge brought home second. The patch can be viewed in Appendix C-9, Conclave Patches.

When the Committee met in April 1974, Secretary David Boshea (5 year National Secretary) announced that he had been appointed to a new position effective May 16 as National Field Representative in the East Central Region. George Feil National Order of the Arrow Committee Chairman appointed Tom McBride and Carl Marchell as vice chairmen.

Boshea reported 436 Lodges operating with 126 being National Standard Lodges. The 1973 conclaves were attended by 11,000 arrowmen. The National Order of the Arrow membership was 250,000 plus. In August the Order of the Arrow would implement a $.20 additional charter fee, as well as vigil fees and funds generated at NOAC, to pay the salary and fringe benefits of the Order of the Arrow Executive Secretary.

The first Indian Seminar was held July 27 through August 11 at Philrnont. There were 62 delegates from 27 states that learned from 27 Indian and seven non-Indian instructors. Though not a large event, this Indian Seminar reinforced the Order of the Arrow belief in the study of American Nature.

In August the Southeast Region met and discussed the possibility of a Regional Bulletin on the same format of the Order of the Arrow National Bulletin.

In December the National Committee met at Schiff Reservation. The Order of the Arrow elected Brad Haddock of Wichita, Kansas as National Chief and Eddie Stumler of New Albany, Indiana as National Vice Chief. It was agreed that the Order of the Arrow Handbook would be published with a special cover for the 60th Anniversary. The section manual was ordered to be changed to reflect recent region changes and to increase the amount of money that could be carried forward to $200.00. A plastic Vigil Honor 'credit card' (ID) was approved for sale to raise funds for the museum program. Dabney Kennedy and Ken Davis proposed a bicentennial individual award to be worn on the sash. The concept was approved. There was discussion of the Indian Seminar, which led to the approval of holding one every other year.

The Philadelphia Camping Director, current and past chiefs approached the committee concerning the status of Treasure Island Scout Camp. Because the council had more modem camp facilities to use for long term camp, Treasure Island was being retained as a short-term camp. The group discussed with the national committee the possibility of some sort of support. The committee decided not to formally provide funds since the Order of the Arrow Trust Fund was just beginning to grow and there were already plans for it. A letter in support of retaining Treasure Island was agreed to and National Committee Chairman George Feil suggested that the BSA Museum Committee be approached.

The Vigil Honor Calling Out was held on Saturday, October 28, 1974. Receiving the Vigil Honor on the following Sunday were:

                        Bobby Hart                         Wdee                        Hear
                          Ed Hays                               Kschamenhellan        Fast Runner
                          Mr. Taylor Kitchens          Gischihan                    One Who Creates With Hands
                          Charles Campbell                Machque                    Bear

In 1974 the Order of the Arrow began to direct its own finances.

Maurey Clancy, National Order of the Arrow committee member, Indian specialist, died December 16, 1974, in Santa Fe, Texas. The committee would eventually name the Indian Campership Fund after him to commemorate his devotion to Native Americans.

1975

Lodge Officers were:

Ini-To reported a membership of 191 on January 1, 1975.

The 1975 Conclave was hosted by the Chattahoochee Lodge #204 at Fort Benning, Georgia. While at the Conclave, Chief Ed Hays was nominated and elected to the office of Area-5 Secretary, L. Henry Turner as Area-5 Chief and Glen Boarders as Area-5 Vice Chief. The patch can be viewed in Appendix C-9, Conclave Patches.

The National Order of the Arrow Committee met again in June 1975 in Chicago. Arrowmen were reminded that genuine eagle feathers were now prohibited by US law except for Native Americans. Region Chiefs were in place in every region except the Northeast Region. The Committee formally designated campership moneys as "The Maurey Clancy Memorial Campership Fund".

The theme for the 1975 NOAC was "Foundations for the Future". It was held August 18-22, on the campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Separate training sessions were offered to the adults at the NOAC. Given the constant change in adult leadership for Lodges, the chance to meet separately and discuss unique adult skills and problems that would greatly increase the enthusiasm in adults in the Order. Some 4,200 arrowmen attended this meeting. Ini-To was represented by Chief Ed Hays, Brian Upson, and Mr. Taylor Kitchens. The patch can be viewed in Appendix D-2, NOAC Patches.

The 1975 NOAC was the beginning of attention to the use of the Order of the Arrow's new regional structure. Regional Chiefs, chairmen and committees were implemented to promote the conference, and to promote a method of recruiting training discussion staff members. This had proved to be a major problem to the Order in the past. The use of the regional structure would certainly aid in solving the training problem. Carl Marchell commented on the danger of Lodges losing identity and funds during the merger of Councils. There had been many complaints regarding the use of Lodge funds by the councils without prior approval of the Lodge.

Dr. E. Urner Goodman, founder again delivered the closing remarks. He chose "The Happy Wanderer" cautioning arrowmen to give priority to camping, to Indian culture and especially to participate in the national bicentennial. Emphasizing his theme of the past of the Order would serve the individual arrowman and to influence them towards lives of personal cheerful service. In referring to the verses of "The Happy Wanderer," Goodman reminded the arrowmen present that their “knapsack” of life would be more meaningful to them if they put more into it. The more you invest, the more you will gain. Reciting the verse of "the greenwood tree," Goodman reminds us of nature and its importance for all mankind. The verse of the clear sky reminds us to look up and be mindful of our religious responsibilities. In the last verse we are all invited to "come join my happy song," which should remind us of our lifelong commitment to cheerful service in the brotherhood of man.

The National Committee released the requirements for the newly designated 60th Anniversary bicentennial patch. The award was available to arrowmen under 21 years of age and was to be worn on the lower section of the sash. This patch can be viewed in Appendix G-l, National Emblems.

 To qualify for the individual award, an arrowman must have completed 11 of 15 requirements. Requirements 1 and 3 or Section 1, requirement 1 of Section 2, and requirements 1 and 6 of Section 3 are mandatory. Any requirements already completed by an individual arrowman, such as religious emblems or Brotherhood membership in the Order, may be counted toward obtaining this award. The requirements were:

1. Quest for Arrowman' s Personal Development
    1. Advance one Scout progress award or Eagle palm or as an Explorer (for Arrowmen over 18)
    fulfill your responsibility to your unit for a minimum of 6 months.
    2. Promote the correct wearing of the uniform through personal example.
    3. Seal your membership in the Order by obtaining Brotherhood membership.
    4. Complete a troop leader development course or (if over 18) a Wood Badge course.
    5. Deepen your spiritual commitment by earning the Scout religious emblem of your faith.

2. Quest for Arrowmen's Bicentennial Involvement
    1. Participate in your unit's bicentennial program and earn the Heritage, Festival, or Horizons
    award of the Boy Scouts of America.
    2. Earn the American Heritage merit badge. If over 18, you should complete the requirements      for the merit badge to the satisfaction of your local counselor, even though you can not       actually receive it.
     3. Participate in your chapter or Lodge bicentennial program.
     4. Participate in your local bicentennial commission's program.

3. Quest for Arrowman's Unit, Lodge, and Council Involvement
     1. Recruit one new youth or adult into Scouting.
     2. Assist your unit in earning the National Camping Award.
     3. Serve on a BSA summer camp staff.
     4. Be responsible for signing up two Scouts for long-term summer camp.
     5. Participate in at least one of the criteria numbered 3 through 8 in the National Standard     Lodge requirements.
     6. Participate in a camp promotion program in your own unit.

The Vigil Honor Calling Out was held on November 14, 1975, with the following members passing to Vigil on Sunday the 15th:       

           Robin Greene                                Nuwingi                                Willing One                                           Mark A. Kitchens                        Achowalogen                       Hard Worker
           Mr. Tom Valentine                       Kikape                                    Bachelor

1976

Lodge Officers were:

On January 9-11, the National and Regional chiefs and the National Chairman met in Wichita, Kansas. The group agreed that a complete standard national package for training the Lodge officers was needed. The event was to be under the direction of the Region Chief. Lodge officers were to be selected on an area or multi-area basis every two to three years. It was thought it would take two years before writing the first National Leadership Syllabus. Bob Bradshaw, editor of the Bulletin, offered to pursue republication of a Lenni-Lenape dictionary, since its former copyright had expired. It was agreed that Lodges would like to have it available to use for Vigil Names and for reference. It was agreed that, due to a change in the official BSA handshake, the Order would retain the interlocking of two fmgers as its handshake.

The April-May issue of the National Bulletin mentioned the National Chief's headdress. It was traced back to 1940 Grand Lodge meeting when Anicus Lodge presented the National Order of the Arrow bonnet formerly worn by its Chief Joe Brunton.

The Bicentennial Area 5 Conclave was hosted by Egwa Tawa Dee #129 at Bert Adams Scout Reservation from April 22-24, 1976. The annual event posted attendance of 720 arrowmen. Ini-To presented the Touch of the Heart dance of the Sioux Nation. Ed Hays was nominated and elected to serve as the upcoming Section Chief. He replaced L. Henry Turner, who had served the past two years as Area 5 Chief. The Conclave patch can be viewed in Appendix C-9, Conclave Patches.

The National Committee met in May and approved a new design for use as an Order of the Arrow back patch. An example of the patch can be viewed in Appendix G, under National Emblems on page? This patch was later dubbed the MGM Indian. The Committee went on to discussions: stating that in the not so distant past the BSA Comptroller had led to the recommendation that Lodge funds in the BSA accounting system be designated 'custodial' funds. Up to this time, councils had been allowed to treat Lodge funds as activity funds. This meant that at the year's end, any funds remaining were transferred into the council's general fund and lost to the Lodge. With the custodial accounting system funds would remain property of the Lodges from year to year.

In the membership area, the National Committee voted to restrict membership to those who had an affiliation with a scout troop. Youth members would have to be the rank of First Class.

Randy Piland, past Lodge and Section Chief, Lodge Secretary, and National NOAC Committee member, attended the SE Region Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, where some of the planning was done for the first National Leadership Seminar. The seminar was the first training exercise for the Region since the 1930's. Some 350 arrowmen attended from more than of 53 lodges. All Lodges in the Southeast were invited.

The National Order of the Arrow Committee met in October in Denver, Colorado. Discussion at the National Conference was of a field test of the 'elangomat' plan. The term 'elangomat' means friend. The Ceremonial Advisors Group felt having assigned members (elangomats) to work with the candidates during and after their Ordeal, would increase their understanding and retention. It was also explained and agreed that Explorers could be elected to the Order, but had to have earned first class rank.

National Records indicate only one Ini-To member was tapped at the October 1, 1976, Vigil ceremony. That individual was:

                   Levan Kinard                       Wachtschu Leono                     Mountain Man

1977

Lodge Officers were:

R.egistered Lodge membership was 221. The Lodge completed the amphitheater started the previous year.

The Spring Order of the Arrow Fellowship and Ordeal were held June 10-12. Fees were $10.00 for Ordeal candidates, $7.00 for Brotherhood candidates, and $5.00 for other arrowmen. The Council Ring was completed.

Ed Hays, past Ini-To Chief, served as the Area 5 Chief in 1977. Ed was the first and only arrowman of our lodge to hold this position in the short nine year existence of the Area 5 alignment. Ini-To # 324 was one of twelve Lodges in Area 5. The Conclave was held at Berry Academy with Mr. Bill Downs, Order of the Arrow National Executive Secretary, in attendance. Waguli # 318 was the host Lodge for the meet held on the weekend of April 24. Ini- To placed third in the Quest and first in Group Dance. The Lodge also did well in individual competition with Mays Howard taking first in solo and old style dance, Brian Upson third in old style, and Tommy Woodle third in regalia. The dance team consisted of Brian Upson, Tommy Woodle, Mays Howard, Joey Conner, Butch Sutton, and Jamie Harris. The patch can be viewed n Appendix C-9, Conclave Patches.

On August 1, 1977, Mr. Jim Howell came to the Flint River Council from the Cherokee Area Council of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Eight delegates from our Lodge attended NOAC at the University of Tennessee from August 23-27. They were Chief Brian Upson, Jim Thomasson, Mike Slaton, Ken Lyles, Ed Hays, Randy Piland, Mr. Bobby Eubanks, and Mr. Bob Rickman. Randy Piland and Ed Hays served on the NOAC staff. The patch can be viewed in Appendix D-3, NOAC Patches. Goodman again closed by providing a challenge to his brothers to leave the conference aware of their ability to change the world for the better. Never forget, you can guide the world in the direction you want.

National Chief Boswell and Vice Chief Burton announced their plan to focus on the "key three" for attention and training. The Chief Advisor and Staff Advisor were considered crucial components to a lodge's success. A National Leadership Seminar (NLS) was announced as a national program to be offered in the fall. Also, the Lodge Achievement Program was announced to replace the National Standard Lodge effective for evaluation during 1978. The Bicentennial Award Program ended and was evaluated with 8,000 of the individual awards being presented. Nationwide only nine chapters or Lodges received certificates for completing Special Services Plaques.

In October 1977, George Feil resigned as Chairman of the Order of the Arrow Committee, after serving as Chairman for 18 years. George had been on the committee since 1953. His replacement was to be Thomas G. McBride, effective February 1, 1978. George's dedication to the Order of the Arrow never wavered. He remained a member of the Committee until his death in 1985.

 On October I, 1977, the Vigil Honor was bestowed on four Lodge members. They were:

               Mr. Grant J. Kitchens               Witschindin          One Who Assists
               Ken Lyles                                   Nagatamen            Reliable One
               Mike Slaton                                Gattopuin              Hungry One
               Brian K. Upson                          Elachtoniket          One Who Seeks

1978

Lodge Officers were: