Masonic service and fellowship organisation / United States
High Twelve International
High Twelve International is a Masonic service and fellowship organisation built around local Clubs rather than degrees. Its public material emphasises Masonic principles, community investment, youth support and practical club fellowship.
This guide explains where High Twelve International in United States sits, what distinguishes its continuing work and which joining details still need a current answer from the governing body. By Beyond the Craft Editorial Team · Published 14 June 2026 · Last reviewed 21 June 2026 · 8 min read.
What it is
The proper constitutional category of High Twelve International matters. Readers should distinguish its ceremonial subject, its membership qualification and the present organisation that governs it.
Why people explore it
Master Masons seeking regular daytime fellowship, speakers and practical service without another degree system.
What not to assume
High Twelve International is not a rank above Craft Masonry and is not automatically equivalent to a similarly named system in another jurisdiction.
Documented chronology
High Twelve is generally dated to its first club at Sioux City, Iowa, in 1921. [1]
The official site presents clubs, joining routes, club formation resources and service programmes. [1] [2] [3]
A prospective member uses a local Club, a club-formation route or the International President's Club where no local Club is available. [2]
A club, not a degree system
High Twelve's public pages point readers toward clubs, joining forms and club formation rather than ceremonies of advancement. That makes it very different from York Rite, Scottish Rite or invitational degree bodies. [2] [3]
Its usefulness is practical: fellowship meals, speakers, service and support for Masonic youth or educational causes. A reader looking for another layer of ritual should compare elsewhere. [1]
History with a cautious anchor
The organisation is commonly dated to 1921 and the first club at Sioux City, Iowa. The current official website is stronger on present programmes than on a polished historical archive, so this guide avoids embellishing the origin story. [1]
That restraint is important. High Twelve does not need a romantic antiquity claim to be valuable; its identity is modern, civic, club-based and recognisably American. [1]
Membership and commitment
The joining page directs interested Masons toward a nearby Club, a club-formation packet if no Club exists locally, or an International President's Club option for members at large. Those routes are more concrete than a generic 'contact your local body' paragraph. [2] [3]
A realistic commitment is the rhythm of the Club: meals, speakers, service projects, officer roles and state or international events where active. It can be lighter than a degree body but more regular socially. [1] [2]
Who may value it
High Twelve may suit a Master Mason who wants daytime or club-style fellowship, practical service and Masonic civic connection without entering another ritual system. [1] [2]
It may not suit someone looking for esoteric study, Christian chivalry or a formal progression chart. Grottoes, Tall Cedars and National Sojourners are closer social or service comparisons. [1]
Key distinction
High Twelve is not an appendant degree route. Its value is regular fellowship, speakers, service and Masonic civic activity without adding another ritual progression.
Key questions
Frequently asked questions
What most distinguishes High Twelve International?
High Twelve is not an appendant degree route. Its value is regular fellowship, speakers, service and Masonic civic activity without adding another ritual progression.
Who may join High Twelve International?
Membership is for Master Masons under current club and international rules; local meeting availability varies. Use the cited governing body, then ask the nearest active unit in United States about proposal, dates and first-year costs.
How should its history be understood?
High Twelve is generally dated to its first club at Sioux City, Iowa, in 1921. The chronology distinguishes the present organisation's dated record from older legends, symbols and ceremonial settings.
What should I compare with High Twelve International?
Start with Grottoes International and National Sojourners. Compare eligibility, governance and the work members actually support after admission rather than reading the names as ranks.
- High Twelve International: official homepage ↗High Twelve International · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: current purpose, service language, youth support.
- High Twelve International: interested in joining ↗High Twelve International · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: joining route, club locator, member-at-large option.
- High Twelve International: club formation ↗High Twelve International · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: club formation, local club structure, current resources.
Continue exploring
Related Reading
A fraternal and charitable organisation for eligible adults with specified Masonic relationships.
United States guideInternational Order of the Rainbow for GirlsA Masonic-sponsored youth leadership and service organisation for girls and young women.
United States guideJob's Daughters InternationalA youth leadership organisation for girls and young women with its own ceremonies, service and elected offices.