WHO ARE THE TALL CEDARS?
More than a fraternity — a family and brotherhood built on fun, fellowship, and service.
The Tall Cedars of Lebanon are a Masonic brotherhood focused on fun, fellowship, family, and service — offering meaningful community, shared experiences, and charitable support.
The Tall Cedars of Lebanon is an appendant Masonic order often described as one of Masonry’s best-kept secrets. Open to all Masons in good standing, the Tall Cedars offer a wide range of fun and fulfilling social activities — from cookouts, sporting events, and day trips to parades and community celebrations. Members are especially well known for their colorful pyramid-shaped hats, proudly worn at public events and emblazoned with the cedar tree, the enduring symbol of the order.
A fraternity like no other...
Tall Cedars is quite unique from other Masonic bodies because they combine all of the best aspects of other Masonic bodies: the charitable aspects of the Shrine, the whimsical aspects of the Grotto, the fellowship and camaraderie of the Blue Lodge, a ceremonial initiation ceremony that resembles a Scottish Degree, and, most importantly, a place where Masons can gather in fun and fellowship with their families.
It’s also one of the oldest appendant bodies (dating back to 1843) and one of the youngest, as well as the least known and the most visible.
The roots of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon trace back to 1843, when the Ancient and Honorable Rite of Humility was created as a fun and informal degree. Performed from memory by Masons across the Mid-Atlantic region during the latter half of the 19th century, it offered a relaxed alternative to the formality of the Blue Lodge degrees.
In 1902, those performing the degree chose to formally establish the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, adopting the Rite of Humility as the order’s second degree and renaming it the Sidonian Degree. They also introduced a new initiatory ceremony, known as the Prologue and Royal Court, which ties the order to the Masonic traditions of the Blue Lodge and the legendary construction of King Solomon’s Temple.
symbolism with a purpose...
The Tall Cedars’ distinctive headgear, known as a pyramid (not a hat), reflects the ancient story of King Solomon’s Temple. According to Biblical tradition, mighty cedar trees were harvested from the mountains of Lebanon, fashioned into rafts, and carried to the port of Joppa before continuing by sea to Jerusalem, where they were used in the construction of the Temple. The pyramid serves as a visible reminder of this enduring connection to Masonic legend and heritage.
Members of the Tall Cedars also wear white roses at meetings and public events which symbolizes the order’s commitment to helping children affected by muscular dystrophy and recalls the long-standing tradition of raising funds for the Tall Cedars Foundation through their sales.
Today, the white rose stands as a sign of compassion, service, and hope for the children and families the Tall Cedars support.
BROTHERHOOD, FELLOWSHIP, FUN, AND FAMILY...
At the heart of our order is a simple goal: bringing people together to enjoy time with family and friends in a relaxed, welcoming environment — while caring for one another and the people who matter most. Fellowship comes first, whether that means sharing a laugh, lending a hand, or simply enjoying good company.
Throughout the year, members take part in a wide variety of activities, including outings, sporting events, banquets, friendly competitions, cookouts, mini-golf, parades, bowling nights, and more. It’s all about having fun, building friendships, and getting to know one another beyond the lodge room.
Massasoit Forest proudly carries this tradition forward with a diverse calendar of social events designed to appeal to a wide range of interests and backgrounds — because the best memories are made when everyone feels welcome.
