About Us
Royal Antediluvian Order Of Buffaloes
A Brief History The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes traces its history back to an Inn near the Drury Lane Theatre in London in 1822. At that time they were just known as “The Buffaloes” or “The Buffs” in reference to a ballad called “We’ll Chase the Buffalo”. As “The Buffs” grew the words “Loyal Order of” was added to dispel worries of being subversive. Somehow over time, either through spelling errors or mispronunciation the word “Loyal” was changed to “Royal” even though there was never any Royal Charter granted to the Buffaloes. Because of long usage of the word “Royal” the Lord Chancellor granted permission to continue using Royal in our title. Antediluvian means: "Before the time of the flood" referring to the biblical time of the flood. The adoption of “Antediluvian” is also reported to have come into general use in the 1850s. Members who were skilled orators would have written their own ceremonies, designed to impress the unenlightened with the great antiquity of the Order. Our basic desire is to defend the weak, help the unfortunate and render assistance to those in difficulty or need. These are the honourable principles that our order is founded upon, in that respect our order may indeed be regarded as "ancient" or "Antediluvian". The Grand Lodge of BC was formed in 1946. There were several Lodges prior to that but they all were under the Grand Lodge of England. The distance from England precluded any chance for members in BC to advance so it was decided to form our own Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge of BC follows the rules and ceremonies as the Grand Lodge of England but is completely autonomous. Currently the Grand Lodge of BC consists of 1 Provincial Grand Lodge and 3 Minor Lodges including one in Medicine Hat, Alberta. |
Upcoming MeetingsGRAND LODGE OF BC
APR. 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM THUNDERBIRD LODGE #19 MEDICINE HAT, AB. PGL of Victoria & Islands APR. 20, 2024 at 1:00 PM THUNDERBIRD LODGE #19 MEDICINE HAT, AB. Sir Roy Tennant ROH Assembly No. 1 APR. 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM THUNDERBIRD LODGE #19 MEDICINE HAT, AB. Knights Chapter No. 1 SEP. 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM SIR WILLIAM BURNIP LODGE #12 NANAIMO, BC Happy Valley #5 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM Sir William Burnip #12 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at 12:30 PM Thunderbird #19 2nd Sunday of the month at 2 PM |
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The Grand Lodge of British Columbia
The Grand Lodge of British Columbia of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes was inaugurated on September 29, 1946. Justice, Truth and Philanthropy are the hallmarks of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes. The aims of our Order are Friendship, Charitable Work, Social Activity, Mutual Support and Care. |
How Do I Become A Member?
Absolutely, we're always looking for new members. We have lodges in Langford (Victoria), Nanaimo, and Medicine Hat, Alberta. If you are a male of good character, contact one of our Lodges in your area by phone or e-mail. If you are expressing an interest in becoming a member of the R.A.O.B., you will be contacted by the nearest Lodge in your area to find out more and arrange a meeting for a commitment-free talk. |
LODGES
Happy Valley #5
Langford, BC |
THUNDERBIRD #19
Medicine Hat, AB |