The Rev. Dr. Cameron Davis, rector of Trinity, Buffalo, was elected Bishop Coadjutor on October 29, 1929. He was consecrated on January 23, 1930, at Trinity, ­the church he had served for over 30 years.

When the Diocese of WNY officially split in May of 1931, the transition was a smooth one. In fact, the division of the Diocese was a relatively simple matter when compared to the problems spawned by the Great Depression. The brightest and best of the clergy kept or found positions. Less desirable ones found themselves unemployed. Davis took this opportunity to call for not fewer, but better clergy, and set up the diaconate as a year of field study before ordination to the priesthood. Though many parishes were disenfranchised during the early 30s due to nonpayment of Diocesan assessments, Calvary, Williamsville and St. Philip’s, Buffalo gained in their ability to meet their own expenses. It wasn’t until 1935 that things generally started to improve.

After World War II broke out in Europe, the Church of England appealed to the Episcopal Church for help with its missionary work. WNY donated more than $4,500 to the nationwide campaign. Soon the US entered the war, and another drive was started to support Diocesan clergy serving as chaplains in the armed forces. The war eventually caused a shortage of clergy, and in 1944 Davis suggested that the laity be encouraged to participate more fully in the spiritual life of the church. He advocated the formation of a select group of lay people who could preach and conduct services in the mission field.

On December 13, 1945, Davis informed the Standing Committee that he had reached the mandatory retirement age of 72 and therefore had to resign. This new canon had been passed by 1943’s General Convention, but no procedures were in place to deal with it. The Diocesan Convention of 1946 petitioned the House of Bishops to make Davis’ retirement effective September 1, 1947, and plans were made to elect a coadjutor. The Convention, however, failed twice to elect a coadjutor before Davis retired.