A Brief History of Pawleys Island Lodge No. 409

November 16, 1966 – A Dispensation to establish a new Lodge at Pawleys Island, SC was granted by Most Worshipful R. Lewis Smith, Grand Master. The Lodge's first meetings were held in the Parish House of All Saints Episcopal Church.

Founding Officers

• Worshipful Master: Henry G. Deer, PM

• Senior Warden: Boyd L. Marlow, Sr., PM

• Junior Warden: W. Reese Hart

• Treasurer: George Edwin Prince

• Secretary: Earnest LeRoy Barnes

• Senior Deacon: Andrew Lealand Gantt

• Junior Deacon: Charles William Cusick

• Stewards: William Dewey McCall & William Harold Sapp, Jr.

• Tiler: Gordon Leath Miller, Jr.

December 7, 1966 – The first Regular Communication was held. Grand Master Smith delivered the Dispensation document to the Lodge, accompanied by other Grand Lodge officers. There were 45 members and visitors present.

July 14, 1967 – Grand Master Smith formally constituted Pawleys Island Lodge No. 409 and installed the officers. Eighteen Grand Lodge officers were in attendance.

March 6, 1969 – A Building Committee was authorized to begin construction of a Lodge building on land generously donated by WM W. Reese Hart and his wife.

July 3, 1969 – The Lodge received its official Charter.

December 4, 1969 – The first meeting was held in the new Lodge building—our current home.

February 2, 1978 – The last of the bonds issued to finance the building were paid off through fundraising, making the Lodge debt-free.

September 22, 1989 – In the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo, the Lodge suffered no casualties but contributed significant relief efforts, including food and clothing delivered to the heavily impacted community of McClellanville.

May 16, 1992 – The Grand Lodge of South Carolina opened a session at Pawleys Island Lodge No. 409. Most Worshipful William D. Longshore presided over the setting of the cornerstone and dedication of the Lodge building.

September 19, 2002 – WM Hugh Peteet welcomed MW G. Kent Elkins, Grand Master, along with other Grand Lodge officers for a special “Table Lodge” hosted by Pawleys Island Lodge No. 409.

Historical highlights compiled from the archived notes of the late WBro. Charles Cusick, PM.