How does a member formally resign from a Lodge?

A member formally resigns from a lodge by submitting a written letter of resignation or requesting a demit through the lodge Secretary 1.

The exact effect of submitting a resignation depends on jurisdictional practice. Under the Grand Lodge of England, a written resignation delivered to the Secretary becomes final and irrevocable the moment it is received 1. Even if the member changes his mind before the next lodge meeting, the resignation cannot be withdrawn, and he can return only by petitioning again as a joining member 1. In other jurisdictions, a request for a demit does not take effect until it is read openly in the lodge, meaning it may be recalled prior to that reading 1.

The term "demit" (sometimes spelled "dimit") serves both as a verb meaning to resign or relinquish membership and as a noun referring to the certificate issued by the lodge 1. This certificate formally confirms that the brother's membership has terminated at his own request and in good standing 1.

A member retains the right to resign at any time, but resigning while in arrears on dues affects his standing and his ability to join another lodge 1.

When a member leaves owing dues, the lodge may record the circumstances on his certificate or withhold a "no demand" clearance certificate until all outstanding debts are settled 12. Under general regulations, a Mason who resigns without satisfying his financial obligations is ineligible to join any other lodge until that prospective lodge is fully informed of his unpaid arrears 1. Should another lodge accept his petition without making proper inquiry into his previous standing, that lodge assumes liability to the original lodge for the unpaid balance 1.

A Masonic lodge manages its own local finances while fulfilling financial obligations toward its Grand Lodge and charitable endeavors. Under early constitutional regulations, each individual lodge disposes of its own charity funds for poor brethren according to its own by-laws, unless regulations require contributing to a general Grand Lodge common stock 3.

Lodges collect initiation fees and annual dues from members, as a petitioner is required to possess sufficient financial ability to meet these ongoing dues and maintain a visible means of support 1. Depending on the jurisdiction, lodges may also collect per capita assessments or initiation contributions that are forwarded to support Grand Lodge charity funds, relief boards, or benevolent institutions such as homes and orphanages 1.

At the institutional level, a lodge or Grand Lodge appoints a Treasurer—traditionally a brother of established worldly substance—to hold and account for all money raised for charity or lodge expenses 3. The Treasurer writes down all receipts and disbursements in an official ledger, disbursing funds only by explicit order and under approved regulations 34.

The supplied sources do not establish that a lodge carries financial liability for a member's debts, nor do they set any duration for such responsibility. Payment of lodge dues is framed as a voluntary, private contract strictly between the individual member and his local lodge 5. Where historical local rules addressed uncollected candidate fees, resolutions placed the liability for covering those unpaid arrears on the proposing brother who introduced the candidate, rather than on the lodge 2.

Neither the United Grand Lodge of England nor a Provincial Grand Lodge assumes financial liability for an individual member's unpaid personal arrears. Instead, governance over uncollected dues operates through regulations affecting member standing and the financial liability of constituent lodges 1.

A brother who resigns from a lodge without having satisfied his dues or complied with its by-laws remains in arrears to that lodge 1. Under general regulations, he is ineligible to join another lodge until his former debt is settled or the prospective lodge is fully informed of his standing 1. If a lodge accepts him as a joining member without making due inquiry into his previous lodge standing, that receiving lodge becomes financially liable to his former lodge for the arrears owed at the time of his resignation, as the United Grand Lodge of England states.

The governing bodies do not indemnify private lodge debts or collect unpaid member dues out of Grand Lodge or Provincial Grand Lodge funds. The responsibility for uncollected arrears rests between the former lodge, the indebted brother, and any joining lodge that fails to make required inquiries prior to admitting him 1.