Grand Chapter of Maryland

ME Companion Rafael A. Rodriguez

Grand High Priest 2024-2025

Companions,

It is an honor to continue serving as your Most Excellent Grand High Priest. I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me and for the support you have shown throughout my first term. Together, we strengthened our Chapters, enhanced our ritual proficiency, and expanded the reach of Capitular Masonry across Maryland.

I extend sincere congratulations to all newly installed officers and heartfelt appreciation to our visiting Grand High Priests—M.E. Mark Wright of Washington, D.C., M.E. James Nunn of Virginia, and M.E. Mark Button of Delaware—for joining us at our Annual Convocation. A special thank you is extended to M.E. Teko Foly, Most Excellent General Grand High Priest, for honoring us with his presence and his inspiring words.

Our first Grand Visitation of the year to Mount Vernon Chapter No. 25 in Annapolis was a true highlight. Seven worthy Companions from Mount Vernon, Talbot, and Enoch Chapters were exalted to the Holy Royal Arch Degree, conferred by an outstanding joint degree team representing Mount Vernon, Talbot, Edenton, Concordia, and Druid Chapters. This exemplifies the cooperation and unity that define Royal Arch Masonry in Maryland.

This year, we will continue to focus on strengthening local leadership, advancing ritual excellence, expanding York Rite awareness, and deepening fellowship across our jurisdiction. Our Fervency and Zeal presentation will soon expand into Blue Lodges statewide, supported by dedicated outreach teams. We remain committed to supporting our youth organizations, enriching Masonic education, and building upon the cooperative bonds we share with the Grand Lodge and our sister York Rite bodies.

The Royal Arch stands at the spiritual heart of Freemasonry. Its lessons remind us that through perseverance and faith, light is rediscovered and truth restored. Let us continue to carry that light into every Chapter and every interaction, inspiring growth, unity, and deeper understanding among all Companions.

Thank you for your devotion to the Craft and for your continued labor in the quarries of Capitular Masonry. May the Great Architect bless our efforts and guide our steps in the year ahead.

Fraternally,

Rafael A. Rodriguez

Most Excellent Grand High Priest 2024-2025

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