Masonic social and charitable organisation / United States
Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America
Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America is a Masonic social and charitable organisation open to Master Masons in good standing. Its local units are Forests, and its public identity combines fellowship, distinctive ceremony and long-running charitable support for neuromuscular-disease causes.
This guide explains where Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America 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 Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America matters. Readers should distinguish its ceremonial subject, its membership qualification and the present organisation that governs it.
Why people explore it
Master Masons who enjoy visible charity, local social activity and a distinctive American fraternal tradition.
What not to assume
Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America is not a rank above Craft Masonry and is not automatically equivalent to a similarly named system in another jurisdiction.
Documented chronology
The official history says the Tall Cedars of Lebanon of America was established at Trenton, New Jersey, on 18 March 1902. [2]
The history page identifies muscular dystrophy as the organisation's major charitable objective from the mid-twentieth century. [2]
The official joining page states that membership is open to Master Masons in good standing and routes interested men through the Supreme Forest office or a local Forest. [1] [3]
Forests, fellowship and charity
Tall Cedars uses the language of Forests and a distinctive fraternal culture rather than Lodges, Chapters or Valleys. The official homepage emphasises fellowship among Freemasons and a charitable commitment to people affected by neuromuscular diseases. [1]
That places it closer to the social-charitable Masonic family than to degree systems. It can be meaningful precisely because it is not another academic or ritual progression route. [1] [3]
A documented 1902 organisation
The official history traces earlier Tall Cedar degree activity in Pennsylvania and New Jersey but gives 18 March 1902 at Trenton, New Jersey, as the organisational foundation of Tall Cedars of Lebanon of America. [2]
The same history later identifies muscular dystrophy as a major charitable objective from the 1950s. This is more useful than vague claims about 'long tradition' because it explains what the modern body actually became known for. [2]
Eligibility and meeting character
The joining page states that membership is open to Master Masons in good standing. It directs interested men to the Supreme Forest office and provides member-at-large or Forest-starting resources where local availability is limited. [3]
A Forest may involve social events, ceremonial work, parades, fundraising, family activity and regional gatherings. The commitment depends on how active the local Forest is and whether a member takes office or joins units. [1] [3]
Who may value it
Tall Cedars may suit a Master Mason who enjoys visible fellowship, charitable fundraising, local social activity and a distinctively American fraternal style. [1] [2]
It may not suit someone wanting a formal York Rite sequence, esoteric study or a quiet research body. Grottoes and High Twelve are closer social comparisons. [1]
Key distinction
Tall Cedars is a social and charitable Masonic body, not a York Rite or Scottish Rite order and not a rank above Craft Masonry.
Key questions
Frequently asked questions
What most distinguishes Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America?
Tall Cedars is a social and charitable Masonic body, not a York Rite or Scottish Rite order and not a rank above Craft Masonry.
Who may join Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America?
Current membership is based on Master Mason standing and the rules of a local Forest. 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?
The official history says the Tall Cedars of Lebanon of America was established at Trenton, New Jersey, on 18 March 1902. The chronology distinguishes the present organisation's dated record from older legends, symbols and ceremonial settings.
What should I compare with Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America?
Start with Grottoes International and High Twelve International. Compare eligibility, governance and the work members actually support after admission rather than reading the names as ranks.
- Tall Cedars of Lebanon: official homepage ↗Tall Cedars of Lebanon International · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: current identity, fellowship, charitable purpose.
- Tall Cedars of Lebanon: history ↗Tall Cedars of Lebanon International · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: 1902 incorporation, degree-team background, charitable history.
- Tall Cedars of Lebanon: join ↗Tall Cedars of Lebanon International · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: Master Mason eligibility, Forest route, membership contact.
Continue exploring
Related Reading
The network of sovereign state and territorial Grand Lodges often described historically as mainstream American Freemasonry.
United States guidePrince Hall FreemasonryA historic family of sovereign Grand Lodges tracing authority through African Lodge No. 459.
United States guideRoyal Arch Masonry in the USAThe Capitular branch of the American York Rite, normally the first body entered after the Master Mason degree.