Alapaha Lodge 545

Early Section Assignment and Conclave Hosting
Alapaha Lodge (#545) was chartered in 1960 and was originally assigned to Area 6E of the Order of the Arrow. It remained in that area until 1973, when Area 5 was created and Alapaha Lodge was reassigned. Although the Lodge did not host a Conclave during its early years, it began to take on this responsibility in later decades, contributing significantly to Section events.

Hosting Area and Section Conclaves
Alapaha Lodge hosted its first Conclave in 1982, welcoming members from Area 5 to Moody Air Force Base. In 1991, it again hosted, this time for Section SE-4, also at Moody A.F.B. The event featured custom patch artwork, commemorating the occasion. Then in 2008, Alapaha hosted the SR-4N Conclave, this time at Camp Patten, marking a major service milestone for the Lodge.

Conclave Participation
Beyond hosting, Alapaha Lodge actively participated in Section Conclaves over the years. Photos from various events, such as the 2008 host contingent and the 2012 conclave contingent, highlight the Lodge’s ongoing involvement in regional Order of the Arrow activities. These gatherings served to strengthen fellowship and service among members.

Patch History and Collecting
Alapaha Lodge has a rich history of Order of the Arrow patch issues, beginning with the F1 (its first flap) and continuing through dozens of subsequent designs. Notable patches include the S29 (a Vigil Honor issue given once per year), several NOAC (National Order of the Arrow Conference) commemoratives like S30, S31, and S33, as well as limited-edition flaps like S32 and S38. These patches are cherished by collectors and commemorate significant events and member achievements.

Fellowship and Ordeal Patches
In addition to flap patches, Alapaha Lodge issued numerous activity patches for Ordeals, Fellowships, and Banquets. These included distinct designs such as the 1970 activity patch and the 2008 "Operation First Class" patch. Operation First Class was an annual program designed to help recently crossed-over Scouts achieve First Class rank through skill-building sessions led by Arrowmen.

Color-Coded Event Patches and Special Events
From 2008 to 2013, Alapaha Lodge released a series of loopless event patches in various colors to signify different events: white for the 2008 Ordeal, green for Spring Fellowship 2009, and red for the 2012 Ordeal. Notably, a special patch was designed by Mike Greene for the 2013 joint Ordeal and Fellowship with Immokalee Lodge—only 150 of these were made, making them a unique piece of Lodge history.

Pilthlako Lodge: The Predecessor
Before Alapaha Lodge was formed, the region was served by Pilthlako Lodge (#229), which itself evolved from earlier lodge identities. It began as Chippewa Lodge in 1943 under Okefenokee Area Council, changed its name to Chawtaw the same year, and finally became Pilthlako in 1950. Pilthlako Lodge served the Valdosta area until the creation of Alapaha Area Council in 1960, at which point Alapaha Lodge was established.

Legacy and Evolution
The story of Alapaha Lodge is one of tradition, service, and evolution. From its roots in Pilthlako Lodge to its active role in hosting Section Conclaves and issuing an extensive array of patches, the Lodge has played a vibrant role in the Order of the Arrow’s Southern history. Its contributions to camp programs, leadership development, and preserving the OA legacy through symbols and service are still remembered by its Arrowmen.

For more information go to: http://www.withlacoocheelodge.org/545/The%20History%20of%20Alapaha%20Lodge.pdf