When you shake Hoppers Crossing resident David Mackay’s hand you might be getting more than you bargained for.
He wants to share his handshake’s secrets with newcomers, and he’s pretty firm about that.
Mr Mackay is the “grand inspector of workings” for the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes – and a secret handshake will reveal his high rank to other members.
“Buffs”, as they are known to each other, give a two-handed shake, covering the clasped hand to hide the signals that tell of their membership, internal “degrees” earned and other information.
The 73-year-old has many titles in the various lodges that make up a secret brotherhood so old that its title refers to the biblical time of antediluvian, or “before the flood”.
But Mr Mackay doesn’t believe the order was founded before Noah took to the ark. “It was poetic licence used to impress new members.”
He believes the order emerged in England in the early 1800s at a time when there were dissidents against the Crown. The movement took the name “royal” to show support for the royal family.
“[The buffalo order] is similar to the Masons – and I should know, I am a Masonic member – in that we have secret handshakes, lodges and follow secret rituals.”
It also is only open to men over 18 of good character. Although it flourished in the English- speaking world, especially after World War II, today there are few new members.
So Mr Mackay is urging other men to join the order which – despite the pomp and ceremony, including elaborate, regal costumes – he says is a social club that does some charitable work.
“It’s a brotherhood, and brotherhood is not a dirty word; it’s about companionship and entertaining each other with songs, dances and musical instruments, and helping each other out,” he says.
“You can have friendship anywhere in the English-speaking world or where the British used to be, like India, Africa, France, Germany and America.”
Members can also seek each other out discreetly – it’s all in the handshake.
