June 14. 2014 - Fort Degree, 200 Years of Unity and 202 Years of Freemasonry in Buffalo, New York

The 1812 Buffalo Militia Degree Team

Wor. Frederick G. Clark , S.W - Ver. Wor. Daniel J. Di Natale, Master - Wor. Nathan Shoff, J.W. 

The Past Masters and Master of Harmonie Lodge No. 699

Bro. Hornberger and Bro. McMullen, Proud sons of Buffalo! 

The Militia march out of the Fort

Old Fort Erie

Our Host - Bro. Sam Stark

The end of the War of 1812 marks a special place in the hearts for all the people of Buffalo and Fort Erie. It marks the end of a frontier war the claimed cities and many sons and fathers who went off to fight on both sides of the border.  It also marks a start to a time of healing that would lead to two countries becoming very close. The U.S.A and Canada share the longest undefended boarders between countries in history. It also marks the foundation of Freemasonry in Buffalo, New York.

The settlers of the city brought Freemasonry with them as soon as their were more than a few log cabins that would one day for the center of New Amsterdam - now Buffalo. Formal meetings can be traced to the Village of Clarence well before the 1800s. A Lodge would seek formal organization until the earlier in the 1800s. Due to issues getting the funds required to the Grand Lodge in New York, a Lodge in the City of Buffalo would not form until 1812. Most Worshipful Dewitt Clinton in honor of the Brothers that lost everything in the burning of Buffalo by the English gave a full charter to Western Star Lodge No. 239. The Lodge was unable to meet until 1814, after the war,  as many of the men that made up the Lodge were off fighting in local militia units.

In commemoration of this historic event for Freemasonry and our two countries, the Brothers of our Sister Lodge, Palmer Lodge No. 372 - Fort Erie, Canada - invited us to exemplify the 1st Degree of Masonry for them. To add to this very special occasion the Brothers of Harmonie dressed as the Buffalo Militia that were operating in the area during the war. In fact, the last time there were this many Masons from Buffalo in the Fort they were burning it down! This visit ended a little better for both sides.

This was an absolute honor for both Lodges. To our knowledge we are the only Lodge's on either sides of the border that have done anything to commemorate the ending of the war and the unity felt on both side of our boarder towns. After doing this the Brothers on both sides agree that  Degree team modeled after the War of 1812 would be a wonderful idea to share the proud history on both sides and a remembrance of those that gave it all.

Thank you so much to Wor. Sir Clark Stickland and all the Brothers of Palmer for organizing this event and making us part of history.

In commemoration the Harmonie Lodge is selling a medal. The proceeds of the sale will be donated the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Library and Museum. Price is $10 a medal, plus $3 shipping. Please contact Very Worshipful Daniel J. Di Natale at harmonielodge699@gmail.com to order.

Fort Degree Medal