Florida Royal Arch Masons Represent Grand Chapter at the 2026 Triennial
At least 14 Florida Companions joined Royal Arch Masons from across the United States and around the world in Washington, D.C., for the 2026 Triennial, held August 29 through September 2 at the Capital Hilton.
The gathering included the 73rd Triennial Convocation of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, International, bringing Companions together to conduct the business of the General Grand Chapter, recognize service, elect and install leadership for the new triennium, support Royal Arch Research Assistance, and strengthen the bonds of Capitular Masonry across jurisdictions.
Florida Companions
September 2, 2026
Washington, D.C.
Convocation
Royal Arch Masons Gather in Washington
The 73rd Triennial Convocation of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, International convened on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C.
The Triennial brought together Royal Arch Masons from across the United States and around the world for the official business of the General Grand Chapter, leadership meetings, recognition, education, fellowship, and the transition to a new three-year term of General Grand Chapter leadership.
Florida Companions Made the Journey
At least 14 Florida Companions traveled to Washington for the 2026 Triennial. Among Florida's delegation was Most Excellent Companion Garry M. Paxinos, Most Excellent Grand High Priest of Florida, joining Companions from the Sunshine State in representing Florida Royal Arch Masonry at this international gathering.
Florida Companions at the 2026 Triennial
Garry M. Paxinos
Garry M. Paxinos, Most Excellent Grand High Priest of Florida, joined the Florida delegation in Washington for the 73rd Triennial Convocation and represented the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Florida at the gathering.
Henry Adams
Henry Adams was appointed General Grand Master of the Third Veil of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, International, placing a Florida Companion among the General Grand Chapter officers serving during the new triennium.
Florida Fellowship
Florida's delegation joined Companions from throughout the General Grand Chapter's international jurisdiction for fellowship, official business, Masonic programs, and the beginning of the 2026–2029 triennium.
Henry & Kate Adams: Continuing a Tradition of Service
One of the most significant moments for Florida came with the appointment of Henry Adams as General Grand Master of the Third Veil of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch 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 long tradition of service. The upcoming Allied Masonic Degrees registration will mark her 19th year assisting with AMD registration.
A New Triennium for the General Grand Chapter
M∴E∴C∴ Chadwick Burks Elected General Grand High Priest
The 73rd Triennial Convocation marked the beginning of a new period of leadership for the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, International, with M∴E∴C∴ Chadwick Burks elected General Grand High Priest for the 2026–2029 triennium.
Companion Burks previously served as General Grand King during the 2023–2026 triennium and now assumes the leadership of the General Grand Chapter as Royal Arch Masonry moves into its next three-year period.
Recognizing M∴E∴C∴ Teko A. Foly
The Triennial also marked the conclusion of M∴E∴C∴ Teko A. Foly's term as General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, International.
The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Florida extends its appreciation to Companion Foly for his leadership, dedication, and service throughout the 2023–2026 triennium and congratulates him on the completion of his term.
We thank him for his service to the General Grand Chapter and to Royal Arch Masonry and wish him continued fellowship and fulfillment in the years ahead.
Royal Arch Research Assistance at the Triennial
The work of Royal Arch Research Assistance (R.A.R.A.) was also part of the 2026 Triennial. The R.A.R.A. Annual Meeting was held on Monday, August 31, between sessions of the General Grand Chapter, continuing the close relationship between Royal Arch Masonry and its support for research into Central Auditory Processing Disorder.
More Than a Business Session
Beyond the formal Convocation, the 2026 Triennial provided Florida Companions and their families opportunities for fellowship, Masonic programs, and experiences throughout the nation's capital.
Royal Arch Programs
The program included the Legendary Origin of the Holy Royal Arch Degree Ceremony, Joint Opening Session, Joint Memorial Service, and installation of General Grand Chapter officers.
Fellowship
Companions gathered throughout the Triennial, culminating in the General Grand Chapter Banquet on Monday evening.
Historic Washington
Attendees had opportunities to visit Mount Vernon, the House of the Temple, and historic sites throughout Washington during the nation's 250th anniversary year.
Florida Royal Arch Masonry on an International Stage
With at least 14 Florida Companions making the journey to Washington, including Most Excellent Grand High Priest Garry M. Paxinos, the 2026 Triennial gave Florida Royal Arch Masons an opportunity to participate in the broader work and fellowship of the General Grand Chapter.
Florida's participation extended beyond attendance. Henry Adams' appointment as General Grand Master of the Third Veil places a Florida Companion in service at the General Grand Chapter level during the new triennium, while Kate Adams' continued volunteer service reflected the many contributions made behind the scenes to help make gatherings such as the Triennial possible.
Together, Florida's Companions represented the Grand Chapter of Florida through fellowship, participation, leadership, and service.
Congratulations to Our Florida Companions
The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Florida congratulates Henry Adams on his appointment as General Grand Master of the Third Veil, congratulates M∴E∴C∴ Chadwick Burks on his election as General Grand High Priest, thanks M∴E∴C∴ Teko A. Foly for his leadership and service during the preceding triennium, and extends its appreciation to M∴E∴C∴ Garry M. Paxinos and all of the Florida Companions who traveled to Washington to represent Florida Royal Arch Masonry at the 2026 Triennial.
