At the beginning of 2023, Santee Lodge #116 and Muscogee Lodge #221 completed a merger of equals, joining to become Muscogee Lodge #116. The new lodge combines each lodge’s rich history and tradition of excellence, forming a new, stronger lodge, through which the Arrowmen from the Pee Dee and Midlands regions of South Carolina will be “better together.”
During the lodge business meeting held prior to the Winter Banquet on January 7, 2023, the members of Muscogee Lodge 116 selected designs for their inaugural lodge pocket flaps. The flaps were designed by Kyle Hughes, who also designed many of the recent Santee 116 patches. Beside the artist’s rendering of each pocket flap, below, Muscogee 116 Lodge Adviser, Mason Thomas, provides commentary on some of the symbolism and meaning included in each design.
Standard
The standard design features a daytime scene with the Red Fox and Carolina Parakeet posed together as if to state that they “have each other’s back” in recognition of the formal joining of Santee and Muscogee lodges. The red and black double border is emblematic of the Santee 116 flaps of old, while the colorful landscape is a nod to the attractive designs of Muscogee 221’s past. The standard issue flap is worn by any dues-paid member of Muscogee 116.
Ordeal
The Ordeal flap features a scene from the chapel at Camp Barstow. The sun is seen rising, symbolizing the dawn of a new morning. Our Ordeal members are beginning their journey in the Order, so the flap appropriately features a rising sun and a single arrow at the top. The Ordeal flap is worn by any member of the Order of the Arrow.
Brotherhood
The Brotherhood flap is distinguished by a scene from the island at Camp Coker. The sun is setting in the sky, as if in the evening, symbolic of a Brotherhood member’s experience and tenure in the Order. This flap adds two bars, one to each end of the arrow symbolizing the sealing of one’s Brotherhood membership. Any Brotherhood or Vigil honor member may wear the Brotherhood flap.
Vigil
The Vigil flap features the Red Fox and Carolina Parakeet, joined together at a single fire, bonding in fellowship. The scene is set during the night, when a Brother is transformed into a Vigil honor member. As the light of the fire rises in the darkness, a Vigil triangle is added to the arrow, signifying the highest ideals of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service. In recognition of those who were bestowed this high honor, only those Arrowmen who hold the Vigil honor may wear the Vigil flap.
Muscogee Lodge #116 proudly serves the Indian Waters Council, BSA, across