If you thought the earlier Lodges had a problem with communication with Grand Lodge, this one would take all honors.
A petition for a Dispensation to establish a Lodge in the Town of Clarence was drawn up and dated January 31, 1814. The name chosen for the Lodge was CENTRE LODGE and was recommended by Olive Branch Lodge No. 215, which was located at that time in Batavia. Among the signers of the petition appeared the names of Brother Asa P. Harris, Brother William K. Stewart and others, recommending Brother Archibald S. Clark to be their first Worshipful Master; Brother John Hastings, Senior Warden; and Brother James Baldwin, Junior Warden. By a misapprehension, the Grand Secretary, R∴W∴ John Wells, supposed that this petition had been superseded by the Warrant issued to Western Star Lodge No. 239, on December, 24, 1814. Waiting patiently for an answer until May 31, 1817, the petitioners dispatched a letter of inquiry. The reply to which stated the above-mentioned supposition and was forwarded to them on June 9, 1817, which however did not seem to have reached its destination. The petitioners were evidently models of patience and perseverance, for again they waited until October 22, 1822, when another effort was made to ascertain the fate of their petition. An answer to this letter, dated, November 1, 1822, advising them to repetition for a Dispensation, finally reached them. A new petition was drawn up, dated November, 16, 1822, and was recommended by Western Star Lodge No. 239. Grand Lodge finally granted their Dispensation and then on March 6, 1823, they received their Charter, which registered the Lodge in the name of CENTRE LODGE No. 356, to be located in the Town of Clarence, in the County of Erie.
W∴ Frederick Sheldon was their first Worshipful Master; Brother Benjamin Bevins, Senior Warden; and Brother Elisha Baldwin, Junior Warden.