Life Member Patches Carry Across Three Lodges in NC
In the mid-1980s Uwharrie Lodge 208 started a Life Member program. While other lodges had these programs, Larry Warlick credits the NC Wildlife Commission’s offering of a lifetime hunting license as giving him the idea to suggest it for his lodge. Following approval of the Lodge Executive Committee, Brothers could pay a flat fee and never have to pay lodge dues again. During the program’s first month the amount was $75.00, but then it went to $100.00. Between 60 and 70 Brothers became Life Members of Uwharrie Lodge during that first year.
When a Brother paid his membership fee he would receive one Uwharrie Lodge Life Member patch (208 X6). Each year a Life Member could purchase one additional patch for $10.00.
Uwharrie Lodge 208 X6
At the end of 1991 Uwharrie Lodge 208 merged with Tali Taktaki Lodge 70 and they formed Keyauwee Lodge 70. The Life Member program continued into the new lodge. A new oval patch featuring the lodge totem river otter was designed and issued to Life Members (70 X1).
Keyauwee Lodge 70 X1
In 1994 Lodge merged with Tsalagi Lodge 163 and formed Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge 70. The Life Member program continued under the new lodge and a new patch was designed. A red-tailed hawk appears on this patch along with the words, “SPIECHGEJEU ABTSCHI”. These words mean “a member always” in the Lenni Lenape language (70 X1).
Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge 70 X1
In the mid-2000’s the lodge stopped offering Life Member status to members. The lodge offered an “Extended Membership” program and issued a new special patch (70 R3).
Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge 70 R3
Submitted by Website Editor Rick Horne
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