Leyland Lodge, No. 4546

(Click on picture to enlarge) The Lodge was founded in 1922 and held its inaugural meeting on Monday, 23rd November. In the mid 60's the Lodge moved to meeting on Sundays at noon.

Sadly, many of the lodge's early records have been lost or damaged but we still have minutes going back to 1965 as well as many old photos and regalia.

One of the founder members was Bro. Arthur Sumner ROH. We can't be sure of his importance in the area but local records show that an Arthur Sumner lived in Leyland in the first quarter of the 20th Century. He was a director of Leyland Motors and grandson of James Sumner, founder of that company.

There may not be any connection but in 1929 Leyland Motors displayed three new "T" type units at the Olympia Motor Show, built in Leyland and with the names "Bison", "Buffalo" and "Bull". Did somebody with influence share our passion for the Order?

Initiated on that first night was Bro. Richard H Barnes ROH who's enthusiasm for Buffaloism was obviously very strong. His many Jewels adorn our Lodge walls for all to see. Prominent in this Province he was also involved with other Provinces. Bro. Barnes was also a member of another Order which grew up within the ranks of the Buffs, known as the "Knights of the Golden Horn" in which, in 1927, he served as Knight Commander in the Leyland Encampment, No. 162. We proudly display his Knight Commander Jewel.

There were three degrees within the Order but only the highest degree came with an emblem in the form of a collarette, "The Order of The Shield" which we also display at our Lodge. This is now so rare that even Grand Lodge don't have one at the museum at Grove House.

We have Triannual Convention Jewels which show that the KGH existed for long after they withdrew from the Buffalo Order and for some time after they were thought to have gone out of existence.

Many of our members during our 75 years have had distinguished careers and today nothing has changed.

In the period from 1993 to 1998 we built up the Lodge from an all time low of five compliant members to the highest recorded quarterly attendance in twenty years.

We now travel far and wide and boast good friends throughout the UK. We have formed a particular affinity with the Wharfdale Province with whom we regularly exchange visits.

We hope to visit a Lodge in your area soon, wherever that may be.