Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia
Relief and support for Masons and their families in need
St. John's Mite is the emergency relief fund of the Grand Lodge of D.C. — confidential, short-term help for a Brother, his spouse, or his children when the need is greater than a Lodge alone can meet.
Relief, above and beyond
St. John’s Mite is the emergency relief fund of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia. When a Brother, his spouse, or his children face hardship beyond what a single Lodge can meet, the Mite provides confidential, short-term assistance — quietly, and with dignity.
Relief is a central tenet of Freemasonry. Most relief begins with a Brother’s own Lodge. When the need is greater than a Lodge alone can carry, St. John’s Mite adds its support above and beyond what the Lodge is able to give.
What the Mite provides
Everyday necessities
Food, clothing, shelter, and fuel when a household cannot meet them alone.
Medical assistance
Help with medical needs during illness, injury, or hardship.
Dignified burial
Support toward funeral and burial costs for a Brother or his family.
Other genuine need
Case-by-case relief for real need, at the discretion of the Mite.
The Mite does not assist with personal debts to banks, credit-card companies, or other lenders.
Who is eligible
- Any Mason in good standing with his District of Columbia Lodge
- The surviving spouse of a D.C. Mason
- His dependent children under the age of 18
What is not covered
- Personal debts to banks or credit-card companies
- Loans from finance or lending companies
- Obligations to other financial institutions
Requesting relief
Relief begins with the Lodge. A Lodge Secretary submits a written request to the Secretary of St. John’s Mite. The Mite’s executive committee reviews each request and works to provide help as quickly as possible — always in confidence.
Why “a Mite”?
A mite is a coin of the smallest value. The name recalls the widow of the Gospel who gave two small coins — everything she had — and was honored not for the amount, but for the spirit of her gift.
So it is with the Mite: relief is measured by the need it meets, and every contribution, however small, joins with others to lift a Brother in his time of trouble.