Florida Companions Represent Grand Council at the 2026 Triennial
The 2026 Triennial brought Companions from across the United States and around the world to Washington, D.C., for several days of fellowship, service, leadership, and the business of international Capitular and Cryptic Masonry.
At least 14 Companions from Florida made the journey to Washington, giving the Sunshine State a strong presence at this important international gathering. Florida Companions participated in the Triennial, received recognition for distinguished service, accepted new responsibilities, and continued their commitment to the work of Cryptic Masonry.
Florida Companions
September 2, 2026
Washington, D.C.
Session III
Companions Gather in Washington
Held August 29 through September 2 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C., the gathering included the 73rd Triennial Convocation of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, International and the 49th Triennial Assembly – Session III of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, International.
The General Grand Chapter convened on Monday, August 31, followed by the General Grand Council on Tuesday, September 1. The gathering provided Companions from around the world an opportunity to conduct the business of the General Grand Bodies, strengthen fraternal bonds, recognize distinguished service, and prepare for the next three years of Capitular and Cryptic Masonry.
Florida Companions Made the Journey
At least 14 Companions from Florida traveled to Washington, D.C., for the 2026 Triennial, joining fellow Cryptic Masons from across the United States and around the world for the 49th Triennial Assembly of the General Grand Council. Among Florida's delegation was Most Illustrious Grand Master James E. Draeving, representing the Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of Florida at this international gathering.
What Is a Triennial?
The word triennial literally means “three years.” For Cryptic Masons, the Triennial Assembly serves as the Grand Session of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, International, bringing Companions from throughout its international jurisdiction together once every three years.
The General Grand Council was formed in 1881 and has held Triennial meetings since that time, with an interruption during World War II. The three-year period between Triennial gatherings is properly known as a triennium.
Florida Companions at the 2026 Triennial
James E. Draeving
James E. Draeving, Most Illustrious Grand Master of Florida, joined the Florida delegation in Washington for the 2026 Triennial and the 49th Triennial Assembly of the General Grand Council.
Henry Adams
Henry Adams was appointed General Grand Steward of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, International, placing a Florida Companion in service at the General Grand level for the coming triennium.
Tom Olsen, PMIGM
Past Most Illustrious Grand Master Tom Olsen received the prestigious Columbian Award in recognition of exceptional service to Cryptic Masonry.
CMMRF Service
Tom Olsen was also elected to the Board of Trustees of the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation during the Triennial.
Henry & Kate Adams: Continuing a Tradition of Service
Among the significant moments for Florida was the appointment of Henry Adams as General Grand Steward of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, International.
Henry's wife, Kate Adams, was also recognized during the gathering when Companions from Romania presented her with the Honor of the White Rose.
The 2026 Triennial marked Kate's second year assisting at the Triennial registration desk, continuing a tradition of service that extends well beyond this gathering. The upcoming Allied Masonic Degrees registration will mark her 19th year assisting with AMD registration.
Tom Olsen Receives the Columbian Award
Exceptional Service to Cryptic Masonry
Florida celebrated Tom Olsen, Past Most Illustrious Grand Master, as a recipient of the Columbian Award, the second-highest honor a Cryptic Mason may receive.
Presented at the Triennial Assembly of the General Grand Council, the Columbian Award recognizes exceptional and meritorious service to Cryptic Masonry above and beyond the call of duty.
The award takes its name from Columbia Council No. 1 of New York, reputed to have been the first organized Council of Royal Masters in the United States and organized on September 2, 1810. The Columbian Award recognizes outstanding Cryptic service at the regional level.
Florida Representation on the CMMRF Board
Companion Olsen's Triennial was also marked by another important responsibility: he was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation (CMMRF). The CMMRF Trustee Election and Triennial Meeting took place September 1 during the General Grand Council session.
Recognizing a Triennium of Leadership
Thank You to William “Bill” G. Snyder
The 2026 Triennial also marked the conclusion of the term of William “Bill” G. Snyder as General Grand Master of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, International.
The Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of Florida extends its appreciation to Most Puissant Companion Snyder for his leadership, dedication, and service throughout the 2023–2026 triennium. His term brought Companions together in service to Cryptic Masonry across the General Grand Council's international jurisdiction, and Florida thanks him for his commitment to the Craft.
We congratulate him on the completion of a successful triennium and wish him continued fellowship and fulfillment in his future service to Cryptic Masonry.
General Grand Council Leadership for the New Triennium
With the conclusion of the 2026 Triennial Assembly, the General Grand Council elected its leadership to serve Cryptic Masonry during the new triennium.
More Than a Business Session
Beyond the formal sessions of the General Grand Chapter and General Grand Council, the 2026 Triennial offered Companions and their families opportunities for Masonic fellowship and unique experiences throughout the nation's capital.
Masonic Programs
The program included the Joint Opening Session, Joint Memorial Service, installations, and the Legendary Origin of the Holy Royal Arch Degree Ceremony.
Fellowship
Companions gathered throughout the weekend and at the General Grand Chapter and General Grand Council banquets.
Washington, D.C.
Tours included Mount Vernon, the House of the Temple, and opportunities to experience Washington during the nation's 250th anniversary year.
Florida Service on an International Stage
With at least 14 Florida Companions making the journey to Washington, D.C., including Most Illustrious Grand Master James E. Draeving, the 2026 Triennial provided an opportunity for the Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of Florida to be represented alongside Companions from throughout the international Cryptic community.
Florida's participation extended beyond attendance. From Henry Adams' appointment as General Grand Steward and Kate Adams' continued service to Tom Olsen's Columbian Award and election to the CMMRF Board of Trustees, Florida Companions and their families contributed through service, received recognition for years of dedication, and accepted responsibilities for the coming triennium.
Congratulations to Our Florida Companions
The Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of Florida congratulates our Florida Companions on these accomplishments, thanks William “Bill” G. Snyder for his leadership and service as General Grand Master, and extends its appreciation to all of the Companions who made the journey to Washington and represented Florida at the 2026 Triennial of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, International.
