What is a Demit?

We’ve all heard about a DIMIT. Some have even received one, but most have not, so what is a DIMIT and how does it work?

Section 4600 of the CT Grand Lodge Rules and Regulations defines a DIMIT as a properly authenticated certificate of the Lodge, as evidence of the demission in good standing of the member. Section 4601 further discusses the passage of a resolution by the Lodge effecting demission for the member. Specifically, a DIMIT is the voluntary severance of membership in a Lodge by the joint act of the member and the Lodge.

A proper DIMIT is evidence that a member is in good standing when he severs his membership from the Lodge. An application secured from the Lodge Secretary is used to verify all information regarding the member’s Masonic history. This form cannot be downloaded from the internet as it contains the Grand Secretary’s signature. The form when properly executed by the Lodge secretary carries the signatures of the Worshipful Master, Secretary and the member. The Lodge seal is placed on the DIMIT which is forwarded to Grand Lodge for official processing. The information regarding the member on the form includes degree dates, installed as WM, dual membership and whether suspended, expelled, stricken from the rolls and/or reinstated. A chronological list of Lodge membership is also presented.

A member must present, in writing, a request to the Lodge from which he wishes to Dimit. The Lodge in turn effects the passage of a resolution by a majority vote of the members present. A vote by the Lodge cannot be reconsidered or annulled. The only time a member receives a DIMIT personally is when he becomes a non-affiliated Mason. His tenure ceases until he affiliates with another Lodge. Many times a member is a dual member with another Lodge and once established in that Lodge requests a DIMIT from his former Lodge. In this case, the Dimit is forwarded to the new Lodge Secretary and not given directly to the member.