FAQ
Relief is a central tenet of Masonry. Most relief is funded directly by a Brother’s Lodge; when the need is greater than a Lodge can afford, St. John’s Mite provides additional relief above and beyond what the Lodge provides. A Lodge that wishes to request relief should have its Secretary send a letter of request to the Secretary of St. John’s Mite.
Who is eligible for relief?
Any Mason in good standing with his D.C. Lodge, the surviving spouse of a D.C. Mason, or his dependent children under the age of 18 are eligible for relief.
How is relief granted?
The relief process begins when the Lodge requests it. The Secretary should transmit a request for relief to the Secretary of St. John’s Mite. The executive committee may consider the request between quarterly meetings, and will try to expedite relief as quickly as possible.
How can a Lodge request relief?
The Lodge Secretary may submit a request on behalf of a Brother, his widow, or his dependents using the secure Request Relief form linked on our Contact page.
Who serves on St. John’s Mite?
St. John’s Mite has a representative from every Lodge in the District of Columbia. The representatives elect four officers — President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer — who oversee the operation of the Mite for the year and hold quarterly meetings.
Is it confidential?
The work of St. John’s Mite is confidential. Members of the Mite swear confidentiality about the meetings, the applicants, and the type of relief given. The relief amount — but not the reason or cause — given to individuals is disclosed on our 990-PF filed with the Internal Revenue Service. These documents, however, are not made public.
Is it a straight dollar-for-dollar match?
No. St. John’s Mite is not limited to a dollar-for-dollar match. At the discretion of the Mite, relief may be less than or greater than what the Lodge has given, depending on the need.
What expenses are eligible for relief?
Under the constitution of St. John’s Mite, it can provide food, clothing, shelter, fuel, medical assistance, burial, and other means of relief. The Mite exists to help, and will work with you and your Lodge to provide succor to our Brothers and their families.
What expenses are not eligible for relief?
Under the constitution of St. John’s Mite, it may not consider relief for personal indebtedness to banks, credit-card companies, loan companies, or any other financial institutions.
How is St. John’s Mite funded?
St. John’s Mite is supported by an assessment levied on every Mason in the District of Columbia. This assessment by the Grand Lodge allows us to provide the majority of the relief requested. We also receive contributions from various Lodges and individuals. As a 501(c)(3) charity, these contributions are eligible as a deduction on your income-tax return.
What if I have further questions?
Please reach out to your Lodge’s St. John’s Mite representative, or use the details on our Contact page to reach the Secretary of St. John’s Mite.