As a Scout on Chicago’s Southside in Troop 607 in the Beverly neighborhood, Gerry Blake was in the South Shore District under the guidance of Field Executive Carroll A. Edson. Edson brought the Order of the Arrow program to Chicago’s Camp West at Owasippe in 1921, forming the original Lodge #7 – Moqua Lodge. Inspired by the leadership of Owasippe Lodge #7’s first Chief (and later Scouting professional George A. Mozealous), Gerry was inducted into membership on August 5, 1927 at the time of the consolidation of the original five Lodges in Chicago by then Chicago Council Scout Executive E. Urner Goodman. Gerry continued his local activities as a youth member by promoting the mission of the Order of Arrow throughout the Chicago Council and sealed his membership in the Order with the Brotherhood Honor on July 17, 1929. In recognition of his robust energy and enthusiasm, Gerry was elected to serve as the third Chief of Moqua Chapter (originally Moqua Lodge #7) in 1930 and inducted to the Vigil Honor on October 4, 1930, being given the name “Achewon” or Strong One.

Gerry reached the pinnacle of his youth service with the Lodge, serving as the third Chief of Owasippe Lodge #7 in 1932. As the host Lodge, he coordinated and attended the Grand Lodge Meeting of the Order of the Arrow at Owasippe in 1933. During his short years as a youth, Gerry Blake accomplished more than many Arrowmen have in a lifetime. But that is only where the story begins. Gerry went on as an adult to serve as a Scoutmaster in his home neighborhood for over 25 years, and as the Owasippe Lodge Adviser for 15 years during the late 1940’s until the mid 1950’s. He attended multiple Grand Lodge / National O/A Meetings / NOAC’s, including the one in 1940 at Camp Twin Echo in Ligonier, PA, bringing a contingent of 18 Arrowmen from Owasippe Lodge. His service was of such outstanding measure that the National Order of the Arrow Lodge awarded him the O/A Distinguished Service Award in 1952 during “37th Anniversary Meeting” (NOAC) at the Miami University of Ohio.

Well into the 1960’s Gerry Blake would continue serving as Owasippe Lodge’s ceremonial consultant and would chair the annual Vigil Induction Weekend in mid-August at the end of the Owasippe camping season with his Lodge Associate Adviser John Yonan. His death in February 1998 marked the end of an unbroken chain of leadership that spanned from the very dawn of Owasippe Lodge #7 until the current day. Gerry’s contributions are nothing less than inspirational for Scouts and Scouters who have embraced the precepts of the Order of the Arrow as a pathway to an exemplary life of service. We of Owasippe Lodge #7 are proud to recognize him as our preeminent Order of the Arrow Centurion.