A HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE VALLEY OF BUFFALO

Ill. Don C. Markham, 33°

(1935-2002)

In the middle years of the Nineteenth Century, after the furor occasioned by the Morgan Affair had died down, Masonry experienced a revival and resurgence in many New York State communities.

As Lodges were re-opened and new ones established, many opportunities for increasing one’s Masonic circle of acquaintance came into being. These called the members of the fraternity out of their individual and often provincial exclusiveness into a larger circle of acquaintance in groups such as Royal Arch Chapters, Councils of Royal and Select Masters, and Commanderies of Knights Templar.

These commanded much respect and held the attention of many members of the Craft until some wondered if there was not something further which might invite their attention and participation. This void in their quest for further light found its fulfillment in the Scottish Rite.

From its beginnings in New York State as the Albany Lodge of Perfection, which had been established in 1767, the Scottish Rite had traveled westward with the movement of the Frontier – first to Syracuse and then to Rochester.

Prior to 1867, any Mason in the Buffalo environs who desired further light in Masonry beyond the Commandery of Knights Templar had to travel to one of the afore-mentioned cities.

By 1867 there were enough members of the Western New York Masonic community who had done this to warrant the founding of a Lodge of Perfection and a Council of Princes of Jerusalem in the City of Buffalo. This was accomplished and the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction chartered these two bodies on May 16, 1867.

There were 21 Charter members in Palmoni Lodge of Perfection and 10 Charter members in Palmoni Council, Princes of Jerusalem. Both groups had very capable leadership and began to grow. The names of Rev. George C. Pennell, Christopher G. Fox, and Robert T. Hayes were prominent in both groups and as new members were added to their rolls, the influence of both Lodge and Council was felt in the Masonic Community.

Progress was slow at first because the By-Laws required that any candidates for the degrees of the Lodge and Council had to be Knights Templar in good standing. This was changed following the fire in 1882 that destroyed the charter and paraphernalia of both the Lodge and Council. Early in 1883 the Lodge and Council were reorganized and this restrictive clause was left out of the By-Laws. Membership in both bodies at this time was 68.

As time passed, the ranks of both Lodge and Council were increased slowly and a number of the members evinced a desire to avail themselves of the higher degrees of the Rite. However, any who desired to proceed beyond the Council had to journey to the Valley of Rochester in order to receive the degrees of the Rose Croix and the Consistory. Many did this, but there were also a number who did not, being content to halt their Masonic education at the Council. As this continued over a number of years, many thought of petitioning the Supreme Council for a Charter for a Chapter of Rose Croix and a Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret.

A petition was drawn up, sponsored by the Valley of Rochester, and the Valley of Buffalo became a reality in 1893. There were 57 Charter members and among the names were Charles W. Cushman, Charles A. DeLaney, Francis G. Ward, Theodore L. Wadsworth, John L. Brothers, Charles E. Hayes, Joel H. Prescott, Abram Oppenheimer, Horace A. Noble, George L. Brown, Jacob Stern, Charles E. Markham, William L. Alexander, Louis P. Adolff, Jr., Robert C. Titus, and George L. Kingston.

In the History of the Buffalo Consistory by James Nixon it is stated that all of the Charter Members, as well as most all of the men admitted during the early years of the organization, were all members of not only Blue Lodge, but also of Chapters, Councils, and Commanderies. But one can never truly say all – for Abram Oppenheimer was not a member of Commandery.

It is interesting to note that of the 57 Charter Members of Buffalo Chapter of Rose Croix and Buffalo Consistory, 7 later withdrew from the organization and concerning the remaining 50, there are some very interesting statistics: 13 were Masters of their Blue Lodges; 8 served as High Priests of their Chapters; 8 were Masters of their Councils; 7 were Commanders of their Commanderies; 4 were District Deputies; 4 were Potentates of Ismailia Temple (one of them being the first Potentate); 1 was the first Monarch of Zuleika Grotto; 1 received the title “Most Worshipful Grand Master Emeritus of the Grand Lodge of  the State of New York; 1 was Grand Master of the Grand Council of the State of New York; 1 was Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York; 1 was Imperial Potentate of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; 1 was sovereign master of the Unites States of the Red Cross of Rome and Constantine for two terms and then was elected Registrar General of the order.

In addition to the above statistics, 14 of these 50 were later coroneted Honorary Members of the Supreme Council, and 2 of these later were elected Active Members of the Supreme Council.

The names of these men continued to appear in the annals of the Valley in varying capacities up until their deaths. Their zeal and enthusiasm for Masonry contributed in large measure to the growth and success of the Valley of Buffalo.

The Dispensation for the formation of Buffalo Chapter of Rose Croix and the Buffalo Consistory was granted on December 8, 1892 and the Charter was granted on September 21, 1893 at the Supreme Council Session in Chicago. On November 24, 1893, the Deputy for the State of New York Ill. John Hodge, 33° assisted by Ill. David F. Day 33° conducted the Institution of the Buffalo Chapter of Rose Croix and the Buffalo Consistory together with the election and Installation of their first Officers. There were 119 present on that occasion and the meeting was held in the Scarlet Room of the Masonic Hall. By the end of the year, there were 215 members on the roster.

In 1895, the Valley of Buffalo was the host for the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Supreme council, which was held in the Masonic Temple beginning on the third Tuesday in September. An elaborate program of events was held and each member of the Supreme Council, Honorary or Active, in attendance at this session received a lapel pin in the shape of a Buffalo bearing a triangle on its side encompassing a 33°.

By the end of 1903 the membership of the Consistory had grown to be 657. The Consistory desired to have a Temple of its own and late in 1904 the Commander-in-Chief appointed a committee with power “to negotiate and contract for the purchase of the Unitarian Church of our Father property on Delaware Avenue at a price not to exceed $35,000.” This committee acted quickly and before the year was over had acquired said property with a payment of $15,000 in cash and a mortgage for $20,000. It took over a year to complete the work that needed to be done to make the Delaware Avenue property suitable for use as a Scottish Rite Cathedral, but finally on April 25-27, 1906 the 14th Annual Reunion was held in the new structure. The Cathedral was dedicated by Ill. Robert C. Titus, Acting for the Sovereign Grand Commander, and Ill. John L. Brothers, acting as Grand Prelate, with the assistance of a number of visiting dignitaries. After the Dedication, the degrees of the Rite were conferred upon a class of 128 candidates. The cost of refurbishing and remodeling the structure for its use as a Scottish Rite Cathedral had come to $50,000 giving the property a value with the original purchase price of a total of $85,000.

By 1908, the Valley of Buffalo had grown to be the second largest Valley in the State of New York and was the host of the Supreme Council for its Annual Session on September 25, 1908, which met in the Scottish Rite Cathedral. During this session, Ill. Robert C. Titus, 33° Active, presented the diploma and jewel of honorary membership in the Valley of Buffalo to Ill. Henry L. palmer, 33° Sovereign Grand Commander.

On October 23, 1908, a delegation from Moore Sovereign Consistory in Hamilton, Ontario, visited the Valley of Buffalo for the first time thus beginning what has come to be a wonderful association of friendship, fellowship, and fraternalism.

On May 29, 1914 the Valley of Buffalo was host for the Annual Meeting of the New York State Council of Deliberation and on this occasion, Ill. Robert C. Titus, 33° Active, on behalf of Buffalo Consistory presented a set of Officers’ Jewels to the Council. By the end of the year the membership of the Valley was 2,552.

The 28th Annual Reunion in 1920 produced a class of 518 candidates. After the conferral of the 32°, officers and members, old and new, gathered on the lawn of Consistory House where the mortgage was burned. Other classes were held that same year and resulted in total number of initiates for the year of 1,000. Membership at this time was 5,551.

By 1921 plans were well set for the removal of the Scottish Rite bodies from 168 to 1180 Delaware Avenue. The 29th Annual Reunion held late in April 1921 had an attendance of 3,000 and the Class totaled 1,500. The press reported that Buffalo Consistory announced plans for a Temple to cost $5,000,000. An auditorium that could seat 6,000 was one of the features and all work was to be completed in two years.

At the Supreme Council Session in 1921, Ill. George K. Staples, 33°, was elected to serve as an Active Member of the Supreme Council.

On May 24, 1924 the Grand Lodge of the State of New York laid the Cornerstone of the new Cathedral. The Grand master and his staff of Grand Lodge Officers performed the ceremonies.

On November 30, 1925 the dedication of the new Cathedral took place with the Sovereign Grand Commander, Ill. Leon M. Abbott, 33°, officiating assisted by his official staff. At this time, the membership of the Valley was 6,500.

This new Cathedral was a marvel to behold. By the time of its completion it was as fine as any private club could be, possessing such attractions as Hydrotherapy, Electric Cabinets, Steam Rooms, Russian Baths, Swedish Massages and Rubs, Gymnasium, an elaborate Swimming Pool, Bowling Parlor, Billiards and Pool Rooms, Lounges, Library, Museum, Offices, Dining Room, and the Auditorium under the stars. In addition there was also a private parking lot for the members.

In September of 1926, the Valley of Buffalo hosted the Annual Meeting of the Supreme Council and the new facilities were the subject of many favorable comments.

At the close of the December Reunion, the Commander-in-Chief got up and announced the resignation of the Secretary and appointed an Acting Secretary. He then announced his own resignation and the elevation of the First Lieutenant Commander to be Commander-in-Chief. Everyone present was stunned by the announcement. They were even more surprised the following April when a letter was received from Ill. George K. Staples, 33° Active, resigning his membership in all four of the Co-ordinate Bodies. The records give no reason for this turn of events other than to say that the resignation was accepted without comment.

In 1927 the Consistory was a site of national convention of the American Bar Association with many dignitaries present, including Chief Justice William H. Taft. This was the beginning of a widespread use of the Consistory Cathedral and facilities for major events and activities in the City. Indeed, the Consistory became the Social and Cultural Center for the City, which function existed until the construction of Kleinhans Music Hall. The Consistory auditorium was the scene of Concerts, Plays, Operas, and a variety of events including balls and dances.

At the September meeting of the Consistory, endorsement was given for the petition that later resulted in the formation of Jamestown Consistory. At this time the membership of the Consistory numbered 7,026.

In 1928 Buffalo Consistory sponsored and hosted the formation of a DeMolay Chapter and 11 members of the Consistory were appointed to serve as a Board of Governors for that group.

By June 30, 1928 the membership of the Consistory stood at 7,105. Then the Depression hit! With the stock market crash in 1929, everything began to be affected. Each meeting the Valley had a long list of names either requesting demits or up for suspension. By 1943, the membership had declined steadily until it reached a low point of 2,522. During this period, in June of 1942, the City of Buffalo took over the property at 1180 Delaware for back taxes.

Forced with a decision as to what to do, the members voted to rent quarters from the Lodge of the Ancient Landmarks and the Consistory, like the mythical Phoenix, was reborn among its own ashes.

Amid the shortages and restrictions occasioned by the War, and with its own problems within the Valley, Buffalo again served as the host for the Supreme council Session in September of 1943.

During the period of their great trials both financial and numerical, the Valley of Buffalo was honored by the election of one of their number, Ill. William d. Cushman, 33°, as an Active Member of the Supreme Council. He was presented with his jewel at a Testimonial and Reception at the conclusion of the Winter Reunion in 1938. He served as an Active until his death in 1947.

At the Supreme Council session in September 1947, Ill. George A. Newbury, 33° was elected as an Active Member of the Supreme Council and later became Deputy for New York in 1952. In 1965, Illustrious Brother Newbury was elected Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and held this office until he reached the mandatory retirement age.

Sometime during this period, Ill. & Rev. John G. Fleck was elected as an Active Member at Large of the Supreme council serving in this capacity until 1967 when he was elected to be an Active Emeritus Member.

In 1958, the Buffalo Consistory convened for the first time in its new home at 756 Main Street. This was to be the home of the Consistory for the next 12 years until the purchase and remodeling of the present property.

In September of 1959, the Valley was again called upon to work together in many areas in order that the Annual Meeting of the Supreme council might be a memorable one for the Officers and Members of that august body.

The biggest event held during that period was the celebration of the Centennial of Palmoni Lodge of Perfection and Palmoni Council, princes of Jerusalem and the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Buffalo Chapter of Rose Croix and Buffalo Consistory. This was held in 1967 and was also the occasion to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Union of 1867 that established the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in its present form. A class of 450 candidates was received and elaborate ceremonies were held in Kleinhans Music Hall to celebrate the Anniversary. There was even a special issue of the rotogravure in the Sunday Courier-Express to commemorate this event.

In 1970, the Valley of Buffalo was again honored by having one of its members Ill. Alfred M. Kramer, 33°, elected to serve as an Active Member of the Supreme Council. Ill. Brother Kramer became Deputy for the State of New York in 1979 and served until 1982 when he was elected as Active Emeritus.

The last reunion held in the quarters at 756 Main Street was in the fall of 1970, and while the Spring Class began at 756 Main Street it was concluded at 383 Colvin Avenue.

The present property that has been the home of the Valley of Buffalo since 1971 is the closest we have come to what we used to be. Our membership reached its second highest level in these years and, while it may never reach such heights again, the activities and enthusiasm of the Valley and its members is still there.

In September of 1992, the Valley of Buffalo was again honored by having one of its members, Ill. Harold L. Aldrich, 33° elected to serve as an Active Member of the Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

The number of leaders in the Masonic Community and in the secular community as well is a figure of which we may well feel proud. During its history the Valley of Buffalo has had 8 Active Members of the Supreme council, two of who have been Deputy for the State of New York, and one of who was the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. We have had a number of men who have served as heads of Masonic groups on all levels and whose dedication and devotion to the fraternity and to humanity is unsurpassed. It is hoped that, as we celebrate this anniversary, we may have pride in our past and rededicate ourselves to our future.