Most Excellent Companion Mark W. Bruns’s program for the 2026–27 capitular year calls on Ohio’s Companions to work together, strengthen their Chapters, and make every candidate’s first experience meaningful. His theme and new pin, Rites United, express that shared purpose: supporting one another across Chapter, Council, Commandery, the Scottish Rite, and our Blue Lodges.

A stronger welcome for every candidate

Bruns places the candidate’s experience at the heart of his program. Well-prepared degree work can encourage a new Companion to learn more and take an active part in Chapter life. He encourages District degree teams for the Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch degrees, with Chapters sharing their experience and resources. Joint District inspections can help Chapters work together to deliver these degrees with care.

That cooperation begins with our Blue Lodges. Companions are encouraged to attend stated and special meetings, support Lodge inspections, and make Chapter participation visible. The rollout describes an official Chapter visitation as having at least five Chapter members present. A thoughtful presence gives new Master Masons an opportunity to learn about the next steps in their Masonic journey.

Recognizing Chapters that put the program into practice

The Grand High Priest Award recognizes progress in membership, service, education, charity, administration, and participation. Its activity period runs from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, with recognition planned for the October 7, 2027 Annual Meeting. Chapters submit documentation of their activities to their District Deputy Grand High Priest.

  • Membership: encourage advancements and member reinstatements.
  • Service and charity: undertake joint service projects with other York Rite bodies or Blue Lodges and raise support for Adopt America.
  • Education: offer short programs at stated meetings and participate in District workshops and training.
  • Chapter care: keep Secretary and Treasurer reports current and recognize members’ service milestones.
  • Participation: support District inspections and joint open houses that introduce the Lodge and York Rite to others.

Preparation, education, and new tools

Inspection preparation includes current records, ready regalia and equipment, an orderly Chapter room, and a prepared degree team. The program also stresses proficiency in the Royal Arch opening and closing, a welcoming experience for the candidate, and an action plan following inspection feedback. Grand Officers and District educators are there to help Chapters improve.

Bruns also supports exploring a proposal from Right Excellent Companion Alex Alonzo for augmented and virtual reality tools in degree presentations. The rollout presents these as potential tools for hybrid Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch degrees, with further details to follow. This is a proposal for future consideration, rather than an announcement that a new degree format has been adopted.

Gathering in ways that work for each District

Recognizing the cost and travel involved, Bruns makes District Grand High Priest receptions optional for his year. An Annual District meeting, service awards night, or District Royal Arch Foundation charity event can provide another opportunity to gather with him. The aim is fellowship and participation without placing an unnecessary financial burden on a District.

Rites United invites every Companion to contribute: help with a degree, welcome a candidate, support a Lodge, share an educational program, or join a service project. Through practical cooperation and continued learning, Ohio’s Chapters can build a stronger future for Capitular Masonry together.

Read Mark W. Bruns’s full 2026–27 program (PDF). Based on his Grand King rollout for the 2026–27 capitular year.