Page 34 - Sojourner Newsletter-Summer 2024 Final1

34 THE SOJOURNER

LEHIGH VALLEY CHAPTER #56, Jerome J. Phillips,
Secretary. To observe the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s
founding in 2026, Pennsylvania Freemasons have partnered with
the U.S. Semi quincentennial Commission (America250PA) to
sponsor the planting of “Liberty Trees” in all 67 counties across the
Commonwealth. In the years leading up to the American
Revolution, large Liberty Trees were used as symbolic meeting
places for “the Sons of Liberty” throughout the 13 colonies.
Seedlings from the last remaining tree in Annapolis, Maryland,
have produced hundreds of descendants that will be planted
throughout Pennsylvania. The officers of Lehigh Valley Chapter
No. 561 and the George Taylor Heroes of ’76 Camp were proud to
support the Liberty Tree Planting on Saturday June 15,
2024 at the George Taylor House in Catasauqua,
Pennsylvania. Bro. Dave Barlieb presented the Toast to
the Flag which was well received and impressive to not
only Bro. Larry Derr, Right Worshipful Grand Master of
Pennsylvania, but the community as well. There were
many compliments and Bro. Dave's passion brought a
sense of national pride that was contagious throughout the
audience. Lehigh Valley Chapter recommended the
location in Lehigh County (PA) to the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania as a tribute to their Heroes Camp namesake.
The George Taylor House was the home of George
Taylor, a Revolutionary War Patriot who ran a local
Ironworks which provided cannon balls and shot to the
Continental Army.

FORT LEE-RICHMOND
CHAPTER #72, Jeffrey McClelland,
Secretary. On April 11, 2024 the Ft. Lee-
Richmond Chapter #. 72, National
Sojourners and the James Monroe Camp,
Heroes of ’76 presented the “Build the
Flag “ Program at West Point Lodge No.
238 to Brothers and guests. In addition,
the “Bridge of Light” Certificate of
Recognition was presented to the lodge’s
Worshipful Master, Ben Sanders, by
Heroes Commander Troy Isakson. This
was the second presentation made to the
lodge in the past two years.

(L-r) Brothers Bill Sirman, Bobby Bryant, John
Howerton, Jeff McClelland, and Troy Isakson.
Insert is the “Bridge of Light” certificate presented
to Wor. Ben Sanders by Heroes Commander Troy
Isakson .