Discover Freemasonry
Discover Masons
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest fraternal organizations, rooted in the medieval stonemason guilds and evolving into a global society focused on moral and spiritual growth, brotherhood, and charity. Known for its rich history, complex rituals, and traditions, it has long sparked intrigue and debate.
Solomon's Lodge No. 1, founded in 1735 in Charleston, is the third-oldest Masonic lodge in the U.S. Its early members, including merchants, landowners, and political leaders, helped shape the city’s social and civic landscape. The lodge played a key role in establishing the Grand Lodge of South Carolina in 1754, unifying local lodges and expanding Freemasonry throughout the southern colonies.
For centuries, Freemasonry has embodied values of brotherhood, integrity, charity, and the pursuit of knowledge, with a legacy of community impact that continues to guide its future.
2025 Lodge Leadership
Senior Warden
Paul Garcia
(843) 945-0617
Junior Warden
Joseph Baxter
(843) 997-4812
Treasurer
Richard Wesner
(843) 236-2982
Secretary
Steve Robbins
(843) 450-1873
Senior Deacon
WB Pete Thornton
(609) 933-5498
Junior Deacon
Jamison Stewart
(731) 225-8472
Steward
Jack Young
(843) 429-3947
Steward
John Richardson
(843) 694-2161
Chaplain
Gary Stringer
(843) 252-9269
Tiler
Bob Britton
(843) 236-4697
Worshipful Master
Frederick J. Oakes
(973) 219-1927
History & Mission
Seaside Lodge No. 419 was founded in 1977 when RWB Richard Wesner — now our esteemed founding member — and several brethren from Myrtle Beach Masonic Lodge No. 353 recognized the need for a new chapter. With membership rapidly growing, including airmen from the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, the vision for a new lodge became reality, and Seaside Lodge was born.
For decades, Seaside Lodge No. 419 has proudly upheld Masonic traditions while serving the Myrtle Beach community. We support a wide range of local charities, award scholarships to students pursuing higher education, and contribute to numerous youth programs. Our members are also actively involved in disaster relief and other community service initiatives.
Seaside Lodge continues to embody the Masonic values of brotherhood, service, and community engagement — building a legacy of fellowship and support that spans generations.
Past Masters of Seaside 419
1978 – Richard A. Wesner
1979 – Sam A. Harris
1980 – Richard H. Hussey Sr.
1981 – Frank J. Sganga
1982 – H. Edward Bushong Sr.
1983 – Norman L. Moore
1984 – John L. McKee
1985 – Eugene L. Schroll
1986 – Norman L. Moore
1987 – Ray Atwood Jr.
1988 – William H. Holmes Jr.
1989 – Lewis M. Bartlett
1990 – Claude L. Todd
1991 – Thomas W. Sprinkle
1992 – Felix P. Harris
1993 – Todd B. Mullins
1994 – 1995 – Eric A. Meace
1996 – C. B. Deal
1997 – Bernie J. Heavey Jr.
1998 – 1999 – George Stokes
Ralph S. Riggs — 2000 – 2002
H. M. “Pete” Kiser — 2003
J. Jeffrey Selter — 2004 – 2005
Edward M. Cantor — 2006
Jonathan Buchanan — 2007
Karl E. Moser — 2008
Matthew T. Fry — 2009
E. Gordon Mooneyhan — 2010
Ivan A. Sweatt — 2011
Ronnie L. King — 2012
Michael A. Parasiliti — 2013
Christopher W. Edgar — 2014
Greg D. Graham — 2015
Michael A. Lesando — 2016
Peter R. Thornton — 2017
J. Kyle Houser — 2018
James H. Bell — 2019
Robert F. Pereksta — 2020 – 2021
Peter R. Thornton — 2022
Robert L. Anderson — 2023
Robert F. Pereksta — 2024
