The Ephraim Kirby Award provides an opportunity to recognize particular Companions who have attained past presiding rank in their Grand York Rite bodies (Lodge, Chapter, Council, and Commandery) and who have then gone on to continue their work and commitment to service even beyond the term of their office, or beyond the normal boundaries of dedication. This award is named for the first Most Excellent General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, who served from 1798-1804. In the first year (2014), up to three candidates were recipients; in the second year, two; and in subsequent years, only one may be awarded per Grand Chapter. The Ephraim Kirby Award corresponds to the Order of the Secret Vault for the General Grand Council and the Knight Commander of the Temple for Commandery’s Grand Encampment.

The General Grand Chapter Distinguished Service Medal (Silver) is presented for outstanding service for the York Rite, particularly for Royal Arch Masonry within a particular York Rite Region. Nominations may be made by any Royal Arch Mason or by a Grand Chapter, submitted through the Deputy General Grand High Priest for the York Rite Region, where the proposed recipient holds his membership.

In 1951, the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons established the Distinguished Service Medal in Bronze to be awarded in recognition of the recipient’s outstanding and meritorious service to Royal Arch Masonry other than serving as a Grand Chapter Officer. The Bronze Medal corresponds to the Cryptic Mason of the Year for the General Grand Council and the Knight Templar Cross of Honor for Commandery’s Grand Encampment. It cannot be awarded to a Past Grand High Priest or a Companion serving as one of the “progressive” elected Grand Chapter Officers. Only one may be awarded each year per Grand Chapter.

The Grand Lady of York award was created in 2019 by Head Mistress Oxsana Burks to honor ladies for exceptional service to the York Rite of Freemasonry and is an official award of the General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons International. 

A lady is eligible for this award if her husband (or domestic partner) has completed his term in office (or passed away in office) as either Grand High Priest, Grand Illustrious Master, Grand Commander, or Grand Master (Blue Lodge) of a jurisdiction that is a member of the General Grand Chapter, RAMI.  A Grand Secretary/Recorder’s or a Grand Treasurer’s lady is also eligible once her husband has completed at least five consecutive years of service in his grand office.