Our Lodge


On July 16, 1915, the very first induction ceremony of what is now known as the Order of the Arrow took place setting itself apart from other organizations. It was founded on the principals of Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service and used Delaware indian traditions to convey it's ideals. Election of members took place by the troops in camp, thus starting a unique tradition of election by non-members.

The growth of the Order of the Arrow has been due to the strong belief in the values and ideals that the Order expresses. The foundation of the Order, Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service stand strong still today.

The Order of the Arrow was founded to serve a useful purpose: causing the Scout Oath and Law to spring into action in all parts of the nation. To this day, we are dedicated to this high purpose.

In 1915, a short five years after Scouting came to America, the South Hills Council was chartered in Pittsburgh, PA. Not long after, the name was changed to Allegheny County Council West and eventually Allegheny Council. This Council gave rise to Lodge #57 Kuwewnwanik, the red squirrel by a group of devoted Scouters in 1931. These leaders had witnessed the success of the 56 Lodges before them and felt that they too wanted to participate in the Cheerful Service that these fellow Scouts had. Thus, the Lodge became a very instrumental part in the upkeep of the many Council camps including Semiconon and Tionesta. The Lodge also played host to the Area 3-F conferences in 1955-59 and 1964 at Camp Semiconon.

Just south of Pittsburgh, the Washington area was starting to get involved with the Scouting movement. In 1920, the Washington Council was formed and it lasted until the name was changed to encompass the two counties that neighbored each other were put into one, thus forming the Washington-Greene Council. Later, the Council was changed to Nemacolin Trails in 1964. In 1943, the Chimalus Lodge #242 was formed at Camp Anawanna. A great heritage was soon established and the members became an integral part of the community as well as the Council. The bluebird was chosen as their totem for its great abundance in the area and the belief that it guided the native Americans to good things. To this day, Camp Anawanna is still profiting from the projects performed by the Brothers of Chimalus Lodge.

As time moved on, the need for larger Councils grew. In 1967, the two Councils, Nemacolin Trails and Allegheny consolidated to form Allegheny Trails Council. This merger also forced the merger of Kuwwenwanik Lodgeand Chimalus Lodge to form Kiasutha Lodge #57. It was named after a chief in the Iroquois nation who was very friendly to all races and helped accompany George Washington on his trek to ft. LeBeouf. "Frienddly Service" would become their charge. This Lodge flourished in Laurel Mountains of Heritage Reservation until another Council consolidation formed the greater Pittsburgh Council and thus our current Lodge, Enda Lechauhanne Lodge #57.