Highlights | Goals | Lodge Officers | Section Officers

In 1939, the Alabama Lodge 179 was created for the Montgomery Area Council. The charter members were Griffin Key, Robert C. Lundquist Jr., Robert C. Lundquist Sr., Robert V. Mullen Jr., and Robert Young. Cherokee Lodge 50 of Birmingham, Alabama inducted them on September 2, 1939. Their induction was held at Camp Andrews during a Region Five Conference. The lodge was formally chartered on June 24, 1940. The totem chosen for the lodge was an arrowhead with an “A” superimposed. The formation of the lodge was greatly helped with Charles B. McKee’s assistance. McKee had transferred from Sanhican Lodge 2 at this same time.

The lodge’s first ordeal was held on June 26, 1940 at Camp Rotary on Lake Jordan. The staff of Camp Rotary elected Stevie Adair, Benson Cain, Billy Cater, Calvin Crow, Mac Harris, Dan Hagood, Hugh Mauldin, Ed McGhee, Jim Mills, Billy Norman, Gordon Peerman, Jim Price, Stuart Stephenson, Jack Walters, and Bill Winston. The lodge’s second ordeal was held a week later on July 2, 1940. The ceremonies for these ordeals were held on July 3 and 4, 1940 at Camp Spring Villa. (Source: Alabama Journal June 27, 1940 pg. 9) Another ordeal and ceremony were held at Camp Rotary November 29 to December 1. The lodge’s first regular ceremony ring was in the woods next to Camp Rotary.

1942 saw the Alabama Lodge’s first brotherhood members: Robert C. Lundquist Jr., Robert C. Lundquist Sr., Hugh Mauldin and Robert Young. These became the lodge’s first degree team. The degree team, on August 8, 1942, inducted the sixteen charter members of Cowikee Lodge 224 of Dothan, Alabama at Camp Rotary on Lake Jordan.

At sometime during the 1940s, the lodge totem was changed to the right profile of a Creek Indian wearing a single feather.

On May 21-22, 1948, Alabama continued the trend of helping other lodges. Eleven members from the Alabama Lodge inducted the twenty-four charter members of Yustaga Lodge 385 of Pensacola, Florida at Camp Big Heart.

A few years earlier, in 1946, the council changed its name from the Montgomery Area Council to the Tukabatchee Area Council. On May 1, 1948 the lodge discussed changing the lodge’s name to Alibamu. The name was changed sometime soon after that meeting. The name Alibamu is taken from the Alibamu tribe of Indians who lived in the council’s territory. The word is most likely of Choctaw origin and came from “Alba ayanulo,” which means “I make a clearing.” The Alibamuans were a Muskogean tribe formerly living on the banks of the Alabama River. They later became a member of the Creek Indian Confederation. 1948 also saw the lodge’s first emblem, a white round with the totem and lodge name in black.

The construction of the council’s new camp, Camp Tukabatchee, was underway in 1949. Twelve youth members of the lodge attended an Area Conference at Camp Pellissippi April 29-30, 1950. In February 1950, the idea of a lodge neckerchief was brought up. The neckerchief was first sold on July 30, 1950 at the lodge’s tenth anniversary pilgrimage. The neckerchief was a white scarf with the Green Round patch sewn on. You had to be Brotherhood to buy a neckerchief and you could purchase as many as you wanted. There were forty-three Arrowmen in attendance at the 1950 pilgrimage. The lodge received its tenth anniversary patch just in time for the 1950 National Scout Jamboree. This patch was sold for a mere $0.25 at the 1950 pilgrimage. Lodge Chief Dr. Lloyd C. Warr and one other Arrowman attended the 1950 National Order of the Arrow Conference.

It was in 1950 that John Dowe and Robert C. Lundquist Sr., became the first Arrowmen to receive the Vigil Honor from Lodge 179. Their ceremony was on August 9, 1950. On the same day, the plug was placed in Lake Mildred at Camp Tukabatchee. Less than a year later they would see the first scouts enjoying the new camp. At this new camp, ceremonies were held in the gully behind what is now called Choctaw campsite. In another part of camp, construction of the Charles B. McKee Order of the Arrow Lodge was begun in 1952 and completed in 1953. In 1952, Charles B. McKee became the editor and publisher of the Quiver, the Area V-a newsletter. He held these positions until 1960 when the newsletter was canceled.

The lodge hosted the first Area V-a Conference May 16-18, 1952. There were 100 in attendance at a cost of $3.50 each. In August 1952, lodge members traveled to Tuscaloosa to induct the charter members of Aracoma Lodge 481. This was the third lodge that Alibamu is grandfather to. Four lodge members attended the 1954 National Order of the Arrow Conference in Wyoming. 1955 saw yet another major change in the lodge totem. The totem was more detailed and cleaner looking.

In April of 1958, the lodge’s first flap shaped patch was issued. Lodge members could purchase two per year. Brotherhood members could purchase 1 matching neckerchief per life. Thirty-eight Alibamu Arrowmen attended the 1958 National Order of the Arrow Conference at the University of Kansas. The Area V-a held its National Order of the Arrow Training Course at Camp Tukabatchee April 18-19, 1959. This was a forerunner to the NLS. Alibamu hosted the course at a cost of only $5.

A year later, in 1960, the Carver Chapter was created. The Carver Chapter was the first chapter for African American scouts in the South. This chapter, which held its activities at Camp Atkins, had four Vigil Honor members. Ernell Hill was the Field Executive in charge of the Carver Chapter. Due to their inactivity, this chapter was absorbed by the Cholocco Litabixie Chapter in 1998.

In 1963, the lodge received Area V-a’s E. Urner Goodman Award. This award was given to the lodge in the Area that best promoted scout camping. This award was given until 1969 when it became a national award. Perhaps John Dowe gave the idea to the National Committee. Nine lodge members attended the 1963 National Order of the Arrow Conference. John Dowe received the Distinguished Service Award (DSA) that same year.

During the 1960s, the lodge strengthened its standing as a leader by conducting two major service projects. In the Alibamu Voyageur Treks, the lodge donated canoes and equipment to a council-wide canoe program. In the treks, lodge members led Scout groups down the Alabama River. In the other service project, the lodge planned, built, marked, ran, and maintained the Horseshoe Bend Trail. The Horseshoe Bend Trail is listed in the “Campways of the Boy Scouts Atlas.” Built on the site of one of several well-known local battlefields, the trail incorporated both history and hiking into one event that still draws many Scout groups from around the region. The lodge no longer runs this trail. In recent years storms have damaged most of the trail.

The lodge received the Order of the Arrow’s Golden Anniversary Award in 1965. Charles B. McKee received the DSA in 1965. Six Arrowmen represented the Alibamu Lodge at the 1969 National Order of the Arrow Conference at Indiana University. On November 22, 1969, the lodge hosted the Lodge Officers Training Course at Alabama Christian College in Montgomery. This was similar to today’s Section Officers Training.

In 1975, two new trails, the Environmental Trail and the Battlefield Trek, were added to the Horseshoe Bend Trail Area. These trails are still in existence, but the Alibamu Lodge does not run them.

In 1980, Dr. Alan B. Cooper was elected to serve as the 1981-1982 Southeast Region Chief. Steve Willis received the DSA in 1981 and Dr. Alan B. Cooper in 1983. Alibamu was the service lodge for the 1984 National Leadership Seminar held at Maxwell Air Force Base August 2-5.

At the 1985 Philmont Order of the Arrow Trek, Steve Sellers was the Conference Vice Chief of Publications. He was awarded the DSA the next year. In 1985, the HAM Murray Award (Arrowman of the Year) was established to recognize outstanding service to the lodge as well as living by the ideals of the Obligation by a youth Arrowman.

At the 1986, 1987, and 1988 SE-3 conclaves, the Alibamu Lodge ceremony team placed first in the Pre-Ordeal Ceremony. This team consisted of Kevin Crisler, John David Giles, Mathew Honan, and Chip Ratterree. At the 1988 National Order of the Arrow Conference, the lodge ceremony team placed second in the nation. Mathew Honan was selected as the best Meteu at the conference. This ceremony team taught a seminar on ceremonies at the 1989 conclave for which they won the best seminar award.

The lodge attempted to undergo reorganization in 1987. The lodge dissolved all existing chapters and their activities. Participation in lodge activities was lowered mainly because of the chapter breakups. In October 1988, the chapters were reinstated for the following year. The single Vice Chief was instated in 1992.

In 1988, the Alibamu Lodge ceremony team placed second in the nation at the National Order of the Arrow Conference. Eight lodge members attended this conference. The next year Joan Hinkle became the first female Arrowman in the lodge. She received the Brotherhood Honor in 1990 and on October 16, 1994 she became the first female Vigil Honor member in the lodge.

In 1994, Alibamu hosted the SR-8 Conclave at Camp Tukabatchee. There were a record 532 Arrowmen at the 43rd annual Conclave. The 1994 Conclave was the first in section history to offer unlimited delegations. 112 of those Arrowmen were from Alibamu Lodge 179. Thirteen lodge members attended the 1994 National Order of the Arrow Conference.

Sixteen lodge members attended the 1996 National Order of the Arrow Conference. Justin Saunders participated in the Order of the Arrow Trail Crew at Philmont. The same year Jason E. Peoples was elected to serve as the 1997 Chief of the Great Southern Region. At the 1997 conclave, Alibamu placed first in OA Jeopardy and second in Wischixsin. Mike Bazonis, Darrell G. Cardwell, and Will Parker served on the 1997 National Scout Jamboree Order of the Arrow Service Corps. Andy Akin and Will Parker participated in the OA Trail Crew program. 1997 saw 77 new Ordeal, 18 Brotherhood, and 6 Vigil inductions. The Lodge had a membership of 264 for 1997.

74 Alibamuans attended the 1998 conclave at Camp Maubila where they won the SR-8B Spirit Award. Will Parker, Jason Johnson, Justin Saunders, and Mark Nichols served as Trail Crew formen in 1998. 9 Lodge members attended the national conference this year with an additional 6 serving on staff. The Lodge had 335 members in 1998, which included 113 new Ordeal members, 35 Brotherhood inductions, and 6 new Vigil members. We hosted our first council camporee this year. Chaired by Darrell G. Cardwell this camporee was the best this council has seen in many years. We were a National Quality Lodge for 1998.

Alibamu was the SR-8B Quest Champion for 1999, placing first in 3 of the 4 events. 92 new members were inducted bringing our total Lodge membership to 325. 25 brothers sealed their membership by obtaining the Brotherhood honor, and 6 brothers received the Vigil Honor. Brady Bosarge and Troy Johnson participated in the OA Trail Crew program at Philmont. Will Parker continued a strong tradition of leadership in our lodge by serving as National Chief for 1999.

In 2000, the lodge changed our name back to the Alabama Lodge for our 60th Anniversary. This was to be a 1-year name change. We took 40 lodge members to conclave where we won the SR-8B Spirit Award. 13 lodge members attended this year’s National Conference at the University of Tennessee. Will Parker received his Distinguished Service Award at this year’s NOAC. Andy Akin served on staff for the OA Voyage program at Northern Tier Canoe base in Minnesota.

In 2001, the lodge returned to the name Alibamu. Along with the name change we issued Ordeal, Brotherhood, and Vigil flaps. The Lodge was the SR-8B Spirit Award winner for the second year in a row. Lodge members wore Superman style capes with an “A” on them. These were a hit with the other lodges and helped us to win the spirit award. The lodge completed the seating area at the council ring. We obtained the National Quality Lodge Status for the first time since 1998. 14 lodge members

The lodge won the Wischixin championship at conclave again in 2002. The lodge had a record 134 members at this year’s conclave and those lodge members performed 2742 hours of service preparing for conclave. Our spirit items at conclave were neon colored “ganster” hats. Andy Akin served as the assistant director at the OA Northern Tier Wilderness Voyage program and Walker Cyrus was a participant in the program. The lodge took 20 members to NOAC in 2002 and had another 6 members on staff. In 2002, Terry Honan became the 8th lodge member to receive the Distinguished Service Award.
2003 was a great year for the lodge. We were once again a National Quality Lodge. This was made possible by great lodge attendance this year. As an incentive to get guys to go to conclave, Lodge Adviser Jim Hinkle agreed to get into a dunking booth at the lodge fellowship if 50 or more attended conclave. At this year’s conclave, Alibamu came home with almost everything. We were the Wischixin champs, won Lodge Feud, placed second in Volleyball and won the overall Quest. The Pre-Ordeal team placed third and the Brotherhood team placed second. Allen Price was the Best Brotherhood Nutiket. The lodge placed first in publications, third in North Cup, and Jimmy Rittmann found Mr. Axe. All of the accomplishments lead the lodge to win 2003 SR-4N Best All Around Lodge. Jordan Arkle and BJ Haisten represented the lodge at Philmont for the OA trail crew program. We had 341 dues paid members, 83 new members, 34 Brotherhood inductions and 7 new Vigil members.

The lodge program was just awesome in 2004. The year began with the lodge taking 50 members to conclave where we were the Best All Around Lodge for the second straight year. We placed in everything except soccer and training – Spirit Award, North Cup 2nd, Publications 1st, Quest Overall 2nd, Wischixin 3rd (we let them have it by the way), Volleyball 1st, Tug-of-war 3rd, OA Jeopardy 2nd, Golf Chip 1st Mr. Alfred Morelock, Pre-Ordeal 2nd, Jay Hartin Best Pre-Ordeal Meteu, and Brotherhood 3rd. The lodge took 13 delegates to NOAC and had another 4 on staff. We ended the year with 331 dues paid members, 58 new members, 21 Brotherhood inductions and 6 new Vigil members.

We returned to National Quality Lodge status for 2005. We Had 337 dues paid members, 76 new members, 31 Brotherhood conversions and 7 brothers obtained the Vigil Honor. Alibamu was the SR-4N Best All Around Lodge for the third straight year. The 10th Conclave hosted at Camp Tukabatchee was held this year. We picked up the Conclave because of Hurricane Ivan the previous fall. We won Wischixin as usual. Jon LaMarque was part of the OA's Twelve Cubed program at the National Jamboree. Josh Lawrence, Kevin Terry, and Matt Hatcher were participants at the OA's first Ocean Adventure program at the Florida Sea Base.

2006 saw the lodge achieve National Quality Lodge status for the second year in a row. We had 339 dues paid members, 73 new members, 29 Brotherhood conversions and 5 brothers obtained the Vigil honor. 39 lodge members attended conclave where Larry Newton was re-elected to serve as section chief. Alibamu won our 7th Wischixin title in 11 years. Alibamu was the best trained lodge and had the best Brotherhood team at conclave. Trey Musgrave was selected as the best youth trainer. The lodge held its first merit badge day at Huntingdon College with over 100 youth participants. The program was a success and we plan on a second merit badge day in 2007. 12 lodge members attended the national conference at Michigan State University.

Larry Newton served as the National Vice Chief for 2007. Joshua P. T. Smith was selected as the best youth trainer and the lodge was the best trained lodge for the second year in a row. The section Wischixin championship was won by the lodge for the last time. The council of chiefs got rid of the
game for 2008. One of our ceremony team mebers was the best Brotherhood Allowat Sakima and Trey Musgrave best Brotherhood Meteu. A second successful merit badge day was held with nearly 150 participants. The lodge continued with its council beaver day at Camp Tukabatchee. There were 341 members including 77 new Ordeal, 47 new Brotherhood, and 5 new Vigil honor members. A record 45% of eligible members obtained their brotherhood helping the lodge to obtain National Quality Lodge status.

2008 was a great year for the lodge. Attendance at lodge events was at record levels for the previous 20 years. At conclave the lodge was the best trained lodge yet again. In the Brotherhood ceremony, lodge members were the best Kichkinet and Nutiket. They helped the team win first place in the brotherhood competition. They were also the best Kichkinet and Meteu in the pre-ordeal ceremony. We were second overall in the Quest where we placed first in OA Jeopardy and Tug-of-war. The adults won the dodgeball tournament. We placed in the top three of each of the publications competitions including first in website and newsletter. With all of this success the lodge was tied for 2007-2008 Best All Around Lodge. Lodge Chief Matt Chandler was elected to serve as 2009 SR-9 Section Secretary. National Quality Lodge status was achieved once again. Another brotherhood conversion record was set with 50% of those eligible obtaining their brotherhood this year. 18 lodge members participated in the OA’s ArrowCorps5 trail building program in Wyoming. David Dowty worked at all 5 ArrowCorps5 sites that summer.

Our lodge continues to be very active in section leadership. Alibamu has had 17 section chiefs and is the home of four national officers. But the amazing thing is that despite the many people who are active on the Section, Region, and National levels the Lodge still maintains top rated programs.  The Lodge has an excellent camp promotions program.  We also sponsor an Order of the Arrow night at summer camp. Each year the Lodge has two ordeals, a fall fellowship, an annual banquet, and we send enthusiastic contingents to conclave.  Every other year we send at least ten Arrowmen to the National Order of the Arrow Conference as participants and for the last several conferences, we have had at least four Arrowmen serve on staff as well.

Participation in 2009 continued at the same levels as the year before. At the first SR-9 conclave, Jonathan Warren placed 1st in the fancy dance and Ben Chappell 2nd. Ben Chappell was 1st in fancy dance regalia and Nathan Mooney was 3rd in grass dance regalia. The pre-ordeal ceremony team was an honor team. The lodge also received the conclave spirit award and the section honor lodge award. At NOAC, lodge members placed 5th in dodge ball and were tied for 1st in Ultimate Frisbee. The region dodgeball game featured teams of 300 Arrowmen. Our own Michael Simmons struck out the Western Region chief to win the tournament for the Southern Region. Alibamu.org was selected as a national honor website. The lodge committed to collecting 50 tons of food by the end of 2010. As of the end of 2009, nearly 21 tons have been collected. The year ended with the lodge achieving National Quality Lodge

Highlights | Goals | Lodge Officers | Section Officers

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