In 2022, two legacy lodges—Muscogee Lodge #221 and Santee Lodge #116—embarked on a council integration that culminated in the formation of Muscogee Lodge #116. Mergers of this scale can be challenging—bringing together separate histories, traditions, and even rivalries. Yet, the new Muscogee Lodge has emerged stronger than ever, setting a high bar for membership engagement, lodge programming, and youth leadership development.
In interviews with key youth and adult Arrowmen who played pivotal roles during this merger, clear themes emerge: transparent communication, mutual respect, and the willingness to combine the best from both lodges have propelled Muscogee #116 forward. Below are some of the most impactful insights and lessons learned from three of the Arrowmen who helped shape this new lodge.
Embracing Change: A Youth Perspective:
“During the merger of Muscogee #116, I was one of the Arrowmen chosen to represent legacy Santee Lodge. I was also the youngest on the committee at only 14 years old.”
– (Michael O., youth committee member from legacy Santee Lodge)
At first, the two legacy lodges carried an undercurrent of rivalry, having competed side-by-side in their section. The youngest committee member recalls that tensions were real, but short-lived:
“After a short time, a Muscogee #116 culture blossomed. One of the biggest challenges—legacy Santee’s lower youth participation—has begun to resolve thanks to more fun, youth-oriented schedules that were brought over from legacy Muscogee.”
By serving as a “middleman” between youth on both sides, he championed open dialogue:
“Listen to what everyone has to say. Don’t ignore other ideas because they’re not from your ‘side.’ That kind of inclusivity sets a strong foundation for a united lodge.”
A Chief’s Leadership Through Merger:
“I served as the Muscogee Lodge chief during the merger, and then as the chief of the new Muscogee #116. Merging two lodges, each with 80+ years of history, was no small task.”
– (Grace F., Former Lodge Chief, legacy Muscogee)
As lodge chief, hours of behind-the-scenes work each day—phone calls, emails, and committee meetings—ensured every Arrowman’s voice was heard. By effectively communicating updates and decisions, she helped unify both lodges.
“A lot of the work in a merger is done outside of official task force meetings. Our committee set aside rivalries and focused on building something new and better. Transparency, empathy, and the freedom to try new ideas kept us moving forward.”
One immediate sign of post-merger success was a 43% jump in key Performance Measurement Program (PMP) metrics in Muscogee #116’s first year. Another milestone was the revival of youth programs, like an extended Elangomat program, and simple but meaningful gestures—like free sewing services for new lodge flaps.
“Member engagement and participation have increased. We’ve cultivated an environment where people want to come to events, not just to have fun but to step up, lead, and give back.”
Building a Framework for Success:
“Our task force met nearly every week for months. We started with the fundamentals—comparing bylaws, officer structures, traditions—and picked the best aspects from each lodge.”
– (Preston K., Merger Task Force member, legacy Muscogee)
This Arrowman credits the Eastern Region facilitators, Jamie M. and Jason I., for giving the task force ample guidance but also the freedom to adapt. Rather than dictate a single approach, the facilitators allowed each side to incorporate local needs:
“We used the Lodge Merger Handbook as a guide, but we were empowered to adjust. That flexibility helped us create a framework that truly worked for both lodges.”
Key to success was forging a shared sense of brotherhood among members who, initially, did not know each other. Focused on icebreakers, effective communication, and youth-led committees, the lodge quickly formed a cohesive identity.
“You’ve got to foster real connection. If people stay in legacy cliques, you lose. Create vibrant, purposeful events to build that feeling of belonging.”
Looking Ahead:
The future of Muscogee #116 looks bright. With strengthened youth involvement—especially in areas that historically struggled with retention—the lodge has already been recognized at the section level, including earning High Performing Lodge status. Leadership teams continue to innovate, from modernizing campfire shows and digital communications to re-energizing fellowship schedules.
“I’d love to see our members maintain this unity. We’ve already become Lodge of the Year in Section E7 once. The merger has produced a truly unique brotherhood that will lead Muscogee #116 to even greater achievements.”