The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of DC celebrates the hard work and dedication of our Companions with the following honors
Ephraim Kirby Award
This prestigious award serves as an opportunity for the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International to recognize extraordinary Companions who have attained past presiding rank in their Grand York Rite bodies (Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commandery); and who have then gone on to continue their work and commitment to service far beyond the term of their office and the normal boundaries of dedication.
2014 Teko A. Foly, PGM, PGHP, PIGM, PGC
2015 Marcus A. Trelaine, PGHP (3)
2016 George S. Nicol, PGHP, PIGM, PGC (17)
2017 Gerald W. Peeters, PGC (8)
2019 Robert H. Starr, PGHP
2020 James W. Mitchell, PGHP, PGC (3)
2021 Daniel D. Darko, PGHP, PIGM
2022 Philip J. Palmer, Sr., PGHP, PIGM, PGC (19)
2023 Sheldon Arpad, PGHP, PIGM, PGC (Fla.)
2024 Charbel T. Fahed, PGM, PGHP
Distinguished Service Medal in Gold
Instituted in 1951, the Distinguished Service Medal in Gold is the most prestigious decoration awarded at the Triennium to individuals by the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International. The award recognizes consistent and extraordinary meritorious service over a period of years to the public and/or has consistently demonstrated exemplary contribution to Capitular Masonry well beyond expected performance, ingenuity, and resourcefulness.
Marcus A. Trelaine, PGHP
Distinguished Service Medal in Bronze
The Distinguished Service Medal in Bronze (DSMB), offered by the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, International (GGCRAMI), is an excellent modus to recognize the leadership, commitment, and resolve of Companions that dedicate their time to ensure the bond of their word; that establish all their actions and deeds as honorable; and demonstrate unyielding faithfulness to the tenets of Royal Arch Masonry. Yet, as these Companions sojourn through Capitular Masonry, awards and titles are not the primary markers of their success. For them, there is no road too rugged or honor too distant to the Companion who labors in the noble and glorious undertaking of rebuilding the House of the Lord without the hope of fee or reward. It is for these reasons GGCRAMI reserves award of the DSMB to those Companions that do not currently serve as an elected Officer of a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, or earned the exalted title of Past Grand High Priest. Any other qualifications, limitations or restrictions shall be imposed by the Grand Chapter as it may deem appropriate.
2011 Philip J. Palmer, Sr., PGHP, PIGM, PGC (19)
2015 Robert H. Starr, PGM, PGHP
Marcus A. Trelaine, PGHP (3)
Bruce F. Gilbert (3)
2017 Teko A. Foly, PGM, PGHP, PIGM, PGC
2018 Emmanuel A. Findlay
2019 Nicholas J. Sampogna, PGHP
2020 Charbel T. Fahed, PGM, PGHP
2021 Patrick N. Nnaji, PIGM
2022 Elijah C. Mills (8)
2024 Roger E. Cundiff (8)2024 Roger E. Cundiff (8)
Sweetheart Award
The General Grand Chapter “Sweetheart Award” is available to all Royal Arch Masons as a way to show appreciation for the support and encouragement their Ladies provide to our Craft throughout the years of a Companion’s service to Capitular Masonry.
Vickie Starr: 2010
Gladys M. Palmer: 2015
Matilda Taylor: 2018
Harold Grainger Metal
The recipient of this prestigious award has shown exemplary dedication and commitment to the principles of royal Arch Masonry in the District of Columbia. Through their outstanding service, they have demonstrated leadership, integrity, and a deep understanding of the values that define this honorable organization. Their contributions have not only enriched the Masonic community but have also inspired other to follow in their footsteps. The recognition is a testament to their unwavering devotion and tireless efforts in upholding the traditions and teachings of Royal Arch Masonry.
2019 Roger E. Cundiff (8)
2022 Annas F. Kamara, PGHP
2023 Nicholas J. Sampogna, PGHP
2024 Bernard J. Michels
2025 Carroll J. Collins
Meritorious Companions Award
The recipient of this award has demonstrated passionate and dedicated service to his Chapter has rendered exceptional service to Royal Arch Masonry
Peter W. Brusoe, PGHP (3)
Richard C. Chandler, Jr. (3)
Sam W. Chin (13)
Douglas N. Cohen, PGC
Caroll Jefferson Collins (13)
John C. Constanza (13)
Kevin L. Coy (3)
Roger E. Cundiff (8)
Daniel D. Darko, PGHP, PIGM
Jean Paul Dongmo, Sr., PGHP (13)
Michael J. Erickson (8)
Charbel T. Fahed, PGM, PGHP
Solomon S. Jackson
Joel R. Kahn
Annas F. Kamara, PGM, PGHP, PGC
Win Keller
Neilbert L. Knights (19)
Eloi K. Kpamegan, PGC (13)
Craig R. Lasher (3)
Patrick J. Logsdon (8, 1)
Bernard J. “Bud” Michels
Philip Palmer, Jr., PGHP, PIGM (19)
Philip Palmer, Sr. PGHP, PIGM, PGC (19)
Anthony R. Pandolfo (3)
Gerald W. Peeters, PGC (8)
George E. Perez (1)
B. Chris Ruli (8)
Joseph P. Smith (1)
Robert H. Starr, PGM, PGHP
Adam N. Tager (3)
Marcus A. Trelaine, PGHP (3)
Andre Vainqueur
Fitzgerald O. Williams (17)
Mark A. Wright, GHP (8)
