This is the earliest set of Lodge rules known to us for the present. They are from the personal handwritten notes of Brother Tommy Johnson who was to become Grand Primo in 1901, and was also the first member to be raised to the degree of Roll of Honour. That ceremony being performed by the Grand Lodge of England.
Buffaloism not being a friendly society as the Oddfellows, Foresters, Anglo Saxons Comical fellows, and many others of the above class, it needs some explanation, though Masonic in its formation that it is distinguished from the above, it teaches us or should teach Brethren the necessity of excursion into the Virtues of Charity and Affability and Inculcate the principle of Brotherly Love amongst Brethren. The Object of the Order is by means of small voluntary contributions and fines, to be in a position to give relief temporary and in some instances substantial to Brethren in pecuniary difficulties, it’s motto being Philanthropy and Conviviality.
When and from what source did it spring - well from various sources of information there can be no doubt it sprang from a Bacchanalian Society with the Title of the City of Lushington held at the Harp Tavern, Russell Street, Drury Lane and exactly opposite one of the Pit entrances to the Drury Lane Theatre. It was here in the early days of the last Century it was established, and we believe that nearly the whole of its members belonged to the Dramatic and Musical profession.
Now at the said Harp Tavern in the same room that the Lushingtons held their meetings, the first Buff was installed but by whom and what date remains a mystery.
It was well known that Buff Lodges 60 years ago were sprinkled over London and over 51 years ago C. Morton of Canterbury renown had a Lodge held at his public house called the Royal Regenerator at the Canterbury Arms in Upper Marsh, Westminster Road and which contained in addition to the Officers which are now used, an Alderman of Lunacy and Alderman of Suicide, these were two of the wards belonging to the Lushingtons.
If you wish to read more click on this link General Laws of the R.A.O.B. 1849