Tall Cedars of Lebanon International - Nutmeg Forest 116

08/29/2026

A fresh start for the Forest by Jeffrey Blayman
On a temperate Saturday morning the members of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon gathered to initiate a record number of new members thanks to the generosity of the AASR. With a fabulous location, Brother Cedars from all over the region filed into the Scottish Rite building of Hartford to take their places for what would be a landmark event. Under the leadership of GTC Chuck Jewart and the stage direction of PGTC David Lafargue, 24 Masons including the MWGM of the State of Connecticut Brother Shane Dufresne and a host of distinguished guests from throughout the Kingdom joined the Supreme Tall Cedar and his suite of officers to watch an all star cast perform the Prologue and Royal Court Degree.
Following the conclusion of the ceremonies of the degree, District Deputy Supreme Grand Tall Cedar Eric Hoy commenced with the educational work of the afternoon instructing the new brothers in rites and ritual. After which the Brother Cedars were treated to a discussion on all that is Cedarism by the Supreme GTC Bruce E Neubauer Sr. and his Sr Deputy Supreme GTC Jerry O Richards Jr. Brother Bruce highlighted the history of the cedars mentioning they started working with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 1951, the same year that the Jerry Lewis telethon began and that Jerry lovingly referred to the Tall Cedars of Lebanon as those guys with the funny hats.
He spoke briefly on the Muscular Dystrophy Relief Fund and their commitment to supporting clinical research for developing a cure and also how the MDRF is used to support families with children suffering from these debilitating diseases. STC Bruce added that today was indeed a momentous occasion as it was not long ago that Nutmeg Forest 116 had only 22 members and now after only two years the Forest is staged for great success with 61 members! This new growth has reversed the decades long decline in membership, giving new life and new hope to the Kingdom.
After brief last words and the rap of the gavel, the brothers of Nutmeg Forest 116, Laurel Forest 130 and Massasoit Forest 91 posed for pictures, shook hands and proceeded out into the sun to live by the Cedars creed of Fun, Frolic and Fellowship. Congratulations to all.

08/27/2026

Rehearsal are underway… We hope you’re getting excited for Saturday the 29th… and our Prologue/ Royal Court Degree in Hartford at the Scottish Rite building.
If you’re interested in joining you still have time please reach out to:
Scribe David LaFargue (860) 402-7265

07/11/2026

I only know of two photos depicting a President of the United States wearing the distinctive Tall Cedars of Lebanon hat. Today’s photo features one of the two: Warren G. Harding with members of the appendant body. From the Library of Congress’ Digital collection.
Can you guess the other?

Left to right: Delaware Senator Heisler Ball, Harding’s secretary George Christian, Harding, and Dr. Frank Grier.

07/04/2026

Onward and Upward by Jeffrey Blayman
As the summer sun hung low in the sky around dinner time the Brother Cedars of Nutmeg Forest # 116 gathered at the Portland ale house for their quarterly communication. Grand Tall Cedar Charles Jewart was pleased to be joined by many familiar brothers from throughout the state as well as five new Cedars.  During the course of normal business the five applicants were elected, then initiated and correspondingly added to the roster thanks to PTGC David Lafargue our forest Scribe. The resurgence of the forest over the last year has been exciting for all of its members as growth yields new growth and the future becomes brighter.
The new brothers along with other petitioners will enjoy the Prologue and Royal Court degree coming up in August on Saturday the 29th. The live degree portrayal will be at 10am at the Scottish Rite Valley of Hartford building. If you have any interest in joining the Tall Cedars of Lebanon International and you would like to participate in this opportunity, please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information. 

Contact Nutmeg Forest 116 Scribe
PGTC David LaFargue - [email protected]

05/15/2026

Sign of the times by Jeffrey Blayman
At a recent meeting of Nutmeg Forest 116 it was decided that by the courtesy of the Columbia Lodge #25 we would be afforded the opportunity to add our logo to the bottom of the sign out front. Brother Cedar Jeff Blayman took the liberty of designing the sign and asked for approval from Grand Tall Cedar Charles Jewart and PGTC David LaFargue our Scribe. With a thumbs up from all involved, Bro. Blayman had the signs produced and dropped off to PGTC Eric Pogg who offered to get them over to the lodge where they were to be installed by Brother Cedar Don Wills. The help of all these wonderful individuals was testament to the rekindled spirit of the Forest. It was clearly a sign that things were well in Nutmeg Forest 116 as the forest continues to enjoy new growth and prosperity in Glastonbury.

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