A ceremony to officially dedicate a Liberty Tree was held Saturday in the Weissport Borough Park.

This tree was grown from the remnants of the last remaining original Liberty Tree in Maryland, which was destroyed by Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

The Liberty Tree for Carbon County was planted in the Weissport Borough Park due to Weissport’s historical significance. Benjamin Franklin, a pillar of the early days of American independence, served in Weissport at Fort Allen, a place now occupied by the Fort Allen Apartments.

The Franklin Well is located behind the apartment.

The Liberty Tree is one of 67 trees to be planted, one in each county across Pennsylvania by the 2026 anniversary, a project sponsored by the Masonic Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The saplings were grown by Tilley’s Nursery of Coopersburg.

Colin Sheffer, America250PA Projects & Programming Assistant, served as emcee for the dedication and presented a certificate of authenticity to Larry A. Derr, right worshipful grand master, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which reads:

“On this date of June 15th, 2024, presented to the Pennsylvania Free Masons in the interest of the environment and in recognition of its historical significance, planted a certified seedling descended from America’s last surviving liberty tree from the 13 original colonies.

“This tree is placed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States and the individuals who achieved American independence in service to our nation and heroic sacrifices. Weissport Park, Carbon County, Pennsylvania.”

Larry Derr talked about the role of the Masons,

“It is no secret that Free Masonry’s fundamental tenets became cornerstones of the new republic,” Derr said in his remarks. “Free Masons’ ideas of faith, hope, charity, brotherly love, relief, and truth can be found embedded in each of the country’s fundamental documents.”

In attendance at the dedication were Weissport Mayor Paulette Watson; Weissport Borough Council President Thomas Ketchledge, and Council members Joe Foster, Brenda Leiby, and Bill Hartzell; State Rep. Doyle Heffley; Sen. David Argall; Carbon County Commissioner Michael Sofranko; Carbon County Treasurer Kevin Zelienka; Carbon County Register of Wills Jean Papay; and Carbon County Controller Kayla Herman.

Among the members of the Masons who attended were Larry Derr, Right Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; Joe Martoccio, Hazleton, District Deputy Grand Master for District 45; Keith Hontz, Albrightsville, Grand Master of Carbon Lodge 242 of Jim Thorpe; Robert Brink, Coopersburg, Deputy Grand Master of Hazleton; plus other members of the Free Masons.

Packer Commandry number 23 Knights Templar stationed in Jim Thorpe raised the Colors, and led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and the singing of the national anthem. David Barlieb of Wind Gap offered a Toast to the Flag. Keith Hontz of Albrightsville, Grand Master of Carbon Lodge 242 of Jim Thorpe, offered the prayers