Nguttitehen Lodge #205 is the Order of the Arrow lodge serving the Lincoln Heritage Council across Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee. While officially established in 2013, the lodge’s history spans more than 75 years through the legacy of the lodges that came before it. Explore our history, discover our heritage, and learn how generations of Arrowmen have shaped the lodge we know today.
Nguttitehen Lodge #205 officially formed on January 1, 2013, when Talligewi Lodge #62 and White Horse Lodge #201 united following the merger of the Lincoln Heritage Council and Shawnee Trails Council. Rather than continuing under one existing lodge, youth and adult leaders worked together to create an entirely new lodge that honored the traditions, history, and spirit of both organizations.
The name Nguttitehen comes from the Lenape (Delaware) language and translates to To be of one heart and one mind. The name was selected to represent the unity of two proud lodge traditions coming together as one brotherhood with a shared purpose.
Nguttitehen's totem is the campfire, symbolizing Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, Service, and Unity. Unlike many Order of the Arrow lodges that use an animal as their symbol, the campfire represents fellowship, shared experiences, and the bonds formed when Arrowmen gather together in service to others.
Although Nguttitehen Lodge officially began in 2013, its heritage reaches back to several historic Order of the Arrow lodges established during the growth of Scouting in the 1940s and 1950s. Through a series of mergers, these lodges combined their traditions, leadership, and commitment to service, creating the foundation of today's Nguttitehen Lodge.
Nguttitehen Lodge #205
Talligewi Lodge #62 (1995)
White Horse Lodge #201 (1995)
Today, Nguttitehen Lodge proudly serves Arrowmen throughout the Lincoln Heritage Council. The lodge hosts Ordeal Weekends, Fellowship events, Lodge Leadership Development (LLD), service projects, section events, and participation in the National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC). As a member of Section E3, the lodge continues its commitment to developing youth leaders while preserving the traditions established by the lodges that came before it.
Several Order of the Arrow lodges were established throughout Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee during the post-World War II growth of Scouting. These lodges developed their own traditions, ceremonies, leadership, and identities while serving their local Scout councils.
Tseyedin Lodge #65 and Zit-Kala-Sha Lodge #123 merged to form Talligewi Lodge #62 following the creation of the Lincoln Heritage Council.
Talligewi Lodge became the Order of the Arrow lodge serving the newly formed Lincoln Heritage Council.
Wapiti Lodge #367 and White Feather Lodge #499 merged to become White Horse Lodge #201, serving the Shawnee Trails Council.
For nearly two decades, Talligewi Lodge and White Horse Lodge served their respective councils while building traditions centered around:
Both lodges became respected members of Order of the Arrow Section SR-6.
The Shawnee Trails Council merged into the Lincoln Heritage Council. Because each Scout council can have only one Order of the Arrow lodge, representatives from Talligewi Lodge and White Horse Lodge formed a committee to create an entirely new lodge rather than simply absorbing one into the other.
Youth and adult representatives from both lodges collaborated to establish every aspect of the new organization, including:
Throughout the planning process, one guiding principle remained constant: honoring the traditions and history of both predecessor lodges equally.
The committee selected the Lenape word Nguttitehen, meaning “To be of one heart and one mind.” The name reflects the unity of two proud lodge traditions coming together as one organization.
Rather than selecting an animal as its symbol, the committee chose the campfire to represent the new lodge. The campfire symbolizes Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, Service, Unity, and the fellowship that brings Arrowmen together.
Talligewi Lodge #62 and White Horse Lodge #201 officially concluded their service, and Nguttitehen Lodge #205 became the sole Order of the Arrow lodge serving the Lincoln Heritage Council.
Both predecessor lodges held their final banquets, celebrating decades of service before officially transitioning to Nguttitehen Lodge.
Nguttitehen Lodge continued many longstanding traditions, including:
Following the Order of the Arrow’s national section realignment, Nguttitehen Lodge transitioned from Section SR-6 to Section E3, where it continues to participate in regional events today.
Today, Nguttitehen Lodge continues to recognize Scouts who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law, promote camping, provide cheerful service, develop youth leaders, and preserve the traditions inherited from Talligewi, White Horse, Tseyedin, Zit-Kala-Sha, Wapiti, and White Feather Lodges.
Cheerful service is one of the founding principles of the Order of the Arrow. Throughout the year, Nguttitehen Lodge members support Scout camps, strengthen local units, and serve their communities through meaningful volunteer opportunities that leave a lasting impact.
Arrowmen play an important role in supporting Lincoln Heritage Council camps throughout the summer. Members assist with camp improvement projects, help preserve camp traditions, support ceremonial programs, and provide service that enhances the experience for Scouts and leaders. Through their dedication, Arrowmen help ensure that camp remains a place where future generations can learn, grow, and thrive.
Service doesn’t end at the lodge level. Each chapter organizes local service opportunities that support Scout units, chartered organizations, camps, and communities throughout the year. Whether assisting with conservation projects, supporting district events, or helping local units, chapter service provides members with meaningful opportunities to give back while developing leadership skills close to home.
Nguttitehen Lodge has been shaped by generations of dedicated youth and adult leaders. Their commitment to Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service has helped strengthen the lodge while inspiring future Arrowmen to lead with integrity and purpose.
Nguttitehen Lodge proudly carries forward the traditions established by six historic Order of the Arrow lodges. While their names and council boundaries have changed over the decades, their commitment to Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service continues through every Arrowman who wears the Nguttitehen Lodge flap today.
Brief History:
Tseyedin Lodge was one of the historic lodges that helped shape the heritage of today’s Nguttitehen Lodge. In 1995, Tseyedin Lodge #65 and Zit-Kala-Sha Lodge #123 merged to form Talligewi Lodge #62.
Notable Achievements:
Contributed its traditions, leadership, and history to the formation of Talligewi Lodge #62.
Brief History:
Zit-Kala-Sha Lodge was part of the lodge heritage that eventually became Nguttitehen Lodge. In 1995, the lodge united with Tseyedin Lodge #65 to establish Talligewi Lodge #62.
Notable Achievements:
Helped establish the traditions and foundation carried forward by Talligewi Lodge and later Nguttitehen Lodge.
Brief History:
Talligewi Lodge #62 was established on January 1, 1995, following the merger of Tseyedin Lodge #65 and Zit-Kala-Sha Lodge #123. It served the Lincoln Heritage Council until joining with White Horse Lodge #201 to form Nguttitehen Lodge #205.
Notable Achievements:
Built strong traditions around Lodge Leadership Development, fellowship events, Ordeal Weekends, chapter programs, NOAC participation, and youth leadership.
Brief History:
Wapiti Lodge #367 represents one of the early branches of Nguttitehen Lodge’s heritage. In 1995, Wapiti Lodge and White Feather Lodge #499 merged to establish White Horse Lodge #201.
Notable Achievements:
Its traditions and service helped form the foundation of White Horse Lodge and were ultimately carried into Nguttitehen Lodge.
Brief History:
White Feather Lodge #499 was one of the predecessor lodges in Nguttitehen’s family tree. Its 1995 merger with Wapiti Lodge #367 created White Horse Lodge #201.
Notable Achievements:
Contributed its lodge traditions, service, and leadership heritage to White Horse Lodge and the future Nguttitehen Lodge.
Brief History:
White Horse Lodge #201 was established in 1995 through the merger of Wapiti Lodge #367 and White Feather Lodge #499. It served the Shawnee Trails Council until joining Talligewi Lodge #62 in the creation of Nguttitehen Lodge #205.
Notable Achievements:
Developed a strong lodge tradition centered on fellowship, Ordeal Weekends, chapter programs, service, NOAC participation, and youth leadership.
Although Nguttitehen Lodge officially began in 2013, its story stretches back more than 75 years through the lodges that came before it. Every Ordeal, fellowship, service project, and leadership opportunity builds upon the legacy established by generations of Arrowmen. By honoring our history while investing in the future, Nguttitehen Lodge continues to uphold the principles of Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service for years to come.
