 The
last Otena Lodge, Order of the Arrow, banquet was held at Austin Avenue
Church of Christ, Brownwood on Saturday, January 17, 2004. Over 80
Arrowmen and parents participated in the event, the largest attendance
in recent years to one of their banquets. Special guests included
the Texas Trails Council Scout Executive Kent Brown, and the new Penateka
Lodge Adviser, Aivars Jurkis. Kent Brown also serves as the Supreme
Chief of the Fire for the Penateka Lodge.
The dinner consisted of Underwood's Cafeteria barbecue with all the trimmings. Following the meal, the new Ordeal members present were recognized, as was the outgoing Otena Lodge officers and advisers. The Chief's neckerchief was retired as Joey Ellis served as the last Chief of Otena Lodge. Shirley Teague presented a Power Point slide show of the History of Otena Lodge that was well received by the group. Joe Ellis, introduced the new Chapter Chief of the chapter that will replace Otena Lodge. He also introduced all the new Chapter Officers and Advisers. The Arrowman Service Award for 1st and 3rd years were presented to those who had earn the award this past year. The new Vigil members were presented with their certificates and the Founder's Award was presented to Chad Iley of Stephenville and Hubert Swan of Brownwood. Special engraved Eagle statutes were presented by Jared Blair and Les Zimmerman to Joey Ellis, outgoing Chief, and Sam Mangrum, outgoing Adviser. Sam Mangrum then present his Adviser's Minute which we have reprinted here: |
 E.
Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson founded the Order of the Arrow at Treasure
Island Camp in 1915.
In 1948 the OA, recognized as the BSA's national brotherhood of honor campers, became an official part of the national camping program of the Boy Scouts of America. Wimachtendienk, Wingolauchsik, Witahemui... Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, Service... These are the founding words of our organization. Otena Lodge was chartered
on May 24, 1945 as the 295th lodge to join the Order of the Arrow.
Since 1945 there have only been 47 Lodge Chiefs, 19 Lodge Advisers, and 10 Staff Advisers. Only two people have served as both Lodge Chief and Lodge Adviser. Otena Lodge has hosted 6 section conclaves with two at Camp Billy Gibbons, one at Howard Payne University, and three at Tarleton State University. In the last 58 years there have been over 1500 people inducted into Otena Lodge. Hundreds of people have sealed their membership in the Brotherhood, and there are 141 Vigil Honor members. Otena has had sixteen Founder Award Recipients. Without Otena lodge there
would be no Gee Lodge, Trading Post, ADA Restrooms, or Heath Lodge. Without
the countless man hours to maintain and improve Camp Billy Gibbons there
would be no Camp. We would never know the pleasure of walking Plum Hollow,
Repelling the Cliff, and Fishing in Blue Hole or swimming in Brady Creek.
We would have never been led to the north end of camp because it is the
sign of the Scout. Or the words:
As we move into 2004 the purpose of the Order of the Arrow will not change. It will be the same as the last 58 years. To recognize those campers - Scouts and Scouters - who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and by such recognition cause other campers to conduct themselves in such manner as to warrant recognition.
Tomorrow's goals, today's actions will all become yesterday's traditions. So remember you are the future o£ the lodge and you will be remembered for generations to come for the decision you make today. I would like you to ponder on these words for they are why we are here. Those who chose you need you. Sam Mangrum
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