There are evenings in the lodge room that go beyond the usual business of Freemasonry. Evenings where the three great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth stop being abstract ideals and become something entirely tangible. The recent cheque presentation to Pieta was one of those evenings.
On 19th March 2026, Worshipful Brother Nigel Buchanan, Worshipful Master of Lodge 281 St Johnston, presented a cheque for €2,500 to Paula Coyle, representing Pieta, the charity dedicated to providing free, professional crisis support to those experiencing suicidal ideation and self-harm.
The donation was made on behalf of the Masonic Order, and represents the collective generosity of the Brethren of Lodge 281, their families, and the wider community of St Johnston and the surrounding area who have supported the lodge’s fundraising efforts throughout the year.
Why Pieta?
Pieta provides free therapeutic services to people in crisis across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Their Darkness into Light campaign has become one of the most recognised mental health awareness events on the island, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants each year in a collective act of solidarity with those affected by suicide and self-harm. 
In a rural border community like St Johnston, where services can be hard to reach and conversations about mental health are not always easy to start, the work Pieta does is not just valuable. It is necessary.
Freemasonry and the Relief of Distress
Charitable giving is not an occasional gesture for Lodge 281. It sits at the very core of what Freemasonry stands for. The principle of Relief, one of the three founding tenets of the craft, calls on every Mason to support those in distress, whether within the brotherhood or in the wider community around them.
Over its 268-year history, Lodge 281 has supported countless local causes. This donation to Pieta reflects that same commitment, brought into the present moment and directed at one of the most pressing issues facing communities across Ireland today.
A Word of Thanks
Worshipful Brother Nigel Buchanan expressed the lodge’s gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this donation possible.
“Freemasonry has always been rooted in the relief of distress and the support of those in need. We are proud to contribute to the vital work that Pieta carries out, and we are genuinely grateful to everyone in our community who supported our fundraising throughout the year. This belongs to all of them.”
The lodge also extends its sincere thanks to Paula Coyle and the team at Pieta for the work they do every day, often quietly and without fanfare, in support of people at their most vulnerable.
Get Involved
If you would like to support Pieta’s work directly, visit pieta.ie to find out about upcoming Darkness into Light events and how to donate.
If you are curious about Freemasonry and what Lodge 281 does in the community, we would be glad to hear from you. Visit our contact page or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/lodge281.
Lodge 281 St Johnston meets under the Irish Constitution in the Province of Londonderry and Donegal. Founded in 1757, the lodge is committed to fellowship, personal development, and service to the community.
