Tribute to Rev. R. Lenton Buffalo, Jr.

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R. LENTON BUFFALO, JR.

R. Lenton Buffalo, Jr., a native of Rahway, New Jersey, was the eldest son to the late Dolores Cash Buffalo and Robert L. Buffalo, Sr.  Pastor Buffalo was a proud 1975 graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.  He took his Master of Arts degree in Applied Sociology, from the University of Pittsburgh, and his Master of Divinity degree from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

While Pastor Buffalo was dedicated to all aspects of the ministry, his passion was teaching.  His love of the Word and vibrant teaching style were a joy to the students.  For more than thirty years, he taught at least two classes each week at Union, as well as periodic six-week intensive courses and officers training courses. His gift was shared with the Middlesex Central Baptist Association, the Worker’s Conference of the General Baptist State Convention of New Jersey, the New Vision Leadership Conference of New Jersey and congregations throughout the state.

Pastor Buffalo also found time for involvement in worthwhile professional, denominational and political activities.  He was a past president and founding member of Building One New Jersey, a statewide, faith-based, grassroots organization of congregations and civic groups, working to bring about regional solutions to critical problems such as poverty, segregation fair housing and sprawl.  He was also a founding member of its parent body, “Building One America.” Pastor Buffalo served on the board of directors for the Rahway Branch of the NAACP as well as New York City Relief, Grace Recovery Center and RSI Bank.  He served as a Board member of the Golden Age Towers, Rahway, NJ and was a founding member and Vice Chairman of the RSI Foundation.  In addition, he held leadership positions in denominational and ecumenical associations including the Middlesex Central Baptist Association and the General Baptist State Convention.

Pastor Buffalo enjoyed and found strength in his 47-year marriage to the former Cheryl L. Bronner.  A 1977 cum laude graduate of Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia, Sister Buffalo was more than a supporter. She partnered with him in his ministry using her complementary gifts to promote the vision.  The pastor could not imagine doing ministry without Cheryl L. Buffalo by his side.

For 36 years, our pastor baptized us, married us, dedicated our children and consoled us as we buried our loved ones.  His preaching, teaching, counseling, honesty, outgoing personality and sense of humor were a blessing to the people of Union and our community.  He encouraged us to “Believe Bigger”.  Simply put, he loved us and we are grateful for his 36-year sojourn with us.  We thank God that He blessed and kept Pastor Buffalo in His loving care.  May God continue to bless our church family.