New Tutelo 2 piece set honors 2009 NOAC ceremony team

One of the most colorful new patch sets from a Virginia Order of the Arrow Lodge was spotted by many for the first time at the recent 2012 National OA Conference at Michigan State University that ended August 4, 2012.  Traders and collectors were puzzled by the new issue from Tutelo Lodge because it prominently displays “2009 NOAC” on the flap and “The Power of One” on the pocket piece (the theme of the 2009 conference) rather than the year and theme of the 2012 conference.

Arvid Englund of Tutelo Lodge kindly filled me in on the background of this issue. Although many saw it for the first time at the 2012 NOAC it was actually first available to Lodge members on OA Nights during summer camp.  The set was issued to honor the Tutelo Lodge team that won third place at the 2009 NOAC in the National Ceremonial Championships. Tutelo competed with 10 finalist lodges from across the country and placed third in the Pre-Ordeal Ceremony category.

According to the 2009 NOAC web site, the Tutelo dancers who competed were  Justin C, Mike L, Steven B, and Brian F. The Tutelo Torchbearer summer 2009 edition includes photos of the team in their regalia and with their medals. You can view them by clicking on the thumbnails below.

Arvid explained that the patch was never intended to be released for the 2012 National OA Conference, but the approval process took literally years before the patch could be ordered. I am sure you will agree it is a beautiful tribute to a great accomplishment by the brothers from Tutelo Lodge.

Sources:

• 2009 NOAC Ceremony Competition Results
• Tutelo Torchbearer, Summer 2009
• Arvid Englund IV