Tall Cedars of Lebanon International - Nutmeg Forest 116

01/17/2026

Nutmeg Forest #116 is in the New CEDAR DIGEST
….. To read more, visit:

https://tallcedars.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cedar-Digest-2025-Fall-Winter-Edition.pdf

12/13/2025

12/01/2025

Nutmeg Forest #116 welcomes new leadership by Jeffrey A Blayman

Within the the walls of Columbia lodge in South Glastonbury the Brother Cedars gathered to hold their singular tiled meeting of the year. Scribe PGTC Dave Lafargue put together a fantastic Agenda that moved quickly through line items leading up to the installation of officers. Motions were made and seconded as the business of the evening got under way. GTC Eric Pogg had an impressive year holding the first live Royal Court degree in 40 years as well as cultivating new growth in the form of 13 new Tall Cedars for his Forest. He and Scribe Lafargue both contributed immensely to the newfound success that the Tall Cedars of Lebanon are experiencing in the State of Connecticut. After nominations were made, the scribe cast one ballot for all and PGTC Eric Hoy District Deputy Supreme Grand Tall Cedar took to his duties installing the full line of officers. The newly elected and installed GTC Charles Jewart offered a sermon of his desires for continued growth and participation by the brethren who seemed eager to offer their assistance. In addition to the officers, RWB Ray Choinard DD9B and WB Jeffrey Blayman were appointed as Trustees to assist with Nutmeg #116’s finances. If you are a brother who would enjoy some Fun, Frolic and Fellowship with only four meetings a year (3 dining out & 1 tiled) then consider the Tall Cedars of Lebanon.

For more information or to join a Forest near you please contact:
Bro. Cedar David LaFargue - Scribe Nutmeg 116
[email protected] or 860-402-7265

12/01/2025

Nutmeg Forest 116 gathers in Portland by Jeffrey A Blayman

After the recent portrayal of the Royal court degree in the valley of Hartford members, both new and old of Nutmeg Forest 116 gathered at the Portland Ale House to break bread and have their unique standard communication. Choosing to hold open standard communications multiple times a year at local restaurants, and then one tiled meeting at the end of the year. The forest offers the opportunity to dine with the wives and significant others of the brethren, while completing some routine deliberations.
On this occasion we had the pleasure of breaking bread with Robert T. Goff
Supreme Director of Region 11 of the
Tall Cedars of Lebanon International. Towards the end of the meal, he rose to speak and with great enthusiasm, congratulated the forest on its growth and its passion for Cedarism within the district. Along with numerous brethren, the Grand Junior Steward of the State of Connecticut, RW Robert Eubanks offered his own sentiments of gratitude and appreciation.
Afterwards the chaplain of Nutmeg #116, Eric Hoy District Deputy Supreme Grand Tall Cedar led the group in prayer as the members prepared to make their way home after a very enjoyable evening.

If you would like to know more about the tall Cedars of Lebanon, please don’t hesitate to reach out to:
Scribe David LaFargue - [email protected]

12/01/2025

The Tall Cedars of Lebanon International are an appendent Masonic organization that originated in 1843 as a more social and humorous degree for Master Masons. They are known for fun social events and charitable work, especially for children with muscular dystrophy through the Tall Cedar Foundation. The organization has over 7,000 members and its members are recognized for wearing colorful, pyramid-shaped hats.

Origins: The group started in 1843 as the "Ancient and Honorable Rite of Humility," a less formal degree for Master Masons that contrasted with more serious Masonic rituals.

Official establishment: The organization was officially chartered as the Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America in 1902 and adopted its current international name in 2023.

Motto: The name is inspired by the cedar trees from Mount Lebanon used to build King Solomon's first temple.

For more information or to join a Forest near you please contact:
Bro. Cedar David LaFargue - Scribe Nutmeg 116
[email protected] or 860-402-7265

12/01/2025

New Growth for the Tall Cedars of Lebanon by Jeffrey A Blayman

On a bright and beautiful Saturday morning in September the members of The Tall Cedars of Lebanon (TCL) gathered in the Scottish Rite building in Newington. Thanks to the generosity of the Valley of Hartford and the use of their magnificent theater those who attended were met with a portrayal of the Prologue and Royal Court Degree of the TCL which had not been seen LIVE in over 40 years!
Under the watchful eye of Brother Cedar Eric Hoy District Deputy Supreme Tall Cedar for District 15 a number of local Forests came to initiate 17 new brothers. Members from Nutmeg Forest 116 of Glastonbury, Laurel Forest 130 of Wallingford and Massasoit Forest 91 of Attleboro, Massachusetts all came to participate in this unique and exciting opportunity.
Once everyone had arrived, the vote was taken to initiate these new brothers by the members and the seats of the auditorium filled with Pyramids (hats) of numerous colors as the curtains parted and the prologue began. A number of familiar faces assisted in the degree work including the illustrious brother Guy Whelchel from the Valley of Bridgeport who never ceases to amaze with his numerous portrayals throughout Connecticut.
After the work of the day was done, Grand Tall Cedar Eric Pogg and Scribe David LaFargue PGTC took the opportunity to address the assembled brethren to further discuss the organization and its impact. Although Cedarism has it’s origin in 1843 it was in 1951 that the foundation was founded in order to support children with muscular dystrophy with a mission to provide relief to children and their families affected by neuromuscular diseases in our local communities. It is this philanthropy in addition to the decree for Fun, Frolic and Fellowship that give the Tall Cedars of Lebanon their unique purpose. The work of the Forest is but only four meetings annually (3 dining out & 1 tiled) and thus is a welcome addition to any brothers Masonic schedule.

For more information or to join a Forest near you please contact:
Bro. Cedar David LaFargue - Scribe Nutmeg 116
[email protected] or 860-402-7265