The Parkland Garden Club held its 27th annual garden tour, titled “Star-Spangled,” July 11. In connection with the Semiquincentennial, the tour included a historical element: a special celebration at Jordan United Church of Christ at the corner of Walbert Avenue and Route 309 in South Whitehall Township.

The church played a significant role during the Revolutionary War. The remains of seven Revolutionary War soldiers are buried in its cemetery.

In May 1776, Rev. Abraham Blumer, pastor of Jordan UCC, and Lorenz Guth gathered 900 local residents to support the independence movement.

Blumer also played a major role in bringing the Liberty Bell to Allentown, where it was hidden in Zion UCC Church to keep the British from melting it down for ammunition.

In cooperation with South Whitehall Township, Township Manager Thomas Petrucci laid a wreath at Blumer’s memorial.

On the day of the tour, a tulip poplar tree donated by the Parkland Garden Club was planted in recognition of the Liberty Tree.

Kendra Coplay, president of the Parkland Garden Club and Jacob Roth, president of the South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners, welcomed guests.

Patti Molitoris, the garden club’s chaplain, led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the national anthem, sung by Lori Zimmerman, a member of Jordan UCC and the garden club.

The invocation was given by Dr. David Smith, senior pastor of Jordan UCC.

Special guest speakers included Pat Wolanski, president of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania. She was introduced by Barbara Campbell, chair of the Parkland Garden Club Tour.

Campbell also introduced historical guests Benjamin Franklin, portrayed by Mitchell Kramer of Philadelphia; John and Ann Bartram, America’s first botanist and horticulturist, portrayed by Parkland Garden Club members Kirk and Sara Brown and guest garden writer Eva Monheim, who spoke about historic trees.

Monheim also answered questions and signed copies of her book, “Shrubs and Hedges,” at the garden of Todd and Sue Heller.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-7th, presented a proclamation to the Parkland Garden Club, as did state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-132nd.

State Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, who could not attend because he was called to military duty, also issued a proclamation to the garden club.

Local historian Edward Quinter spoke about the history of Blumer and Lehigh County.

The dedication of the Liberty Tree 250 was presented by Cindy Haenn, a Jordan UCC and Parkland Garden Club member.

John Bartram had the honor of placing the first shovel of soil around the tulip poplar tree under the watchful eye of his friend Ben Franklin.

Kirk Brown explained the blooms of the tulip tree appear at the very top of the tree, reaching toward heaven, where only God can fully appreciate them.

Franklin explained that the chair John Hancock sat in during the signing of the Declaration of Independence featured a sun carved into its back. At the time, Franklin said, it was unclear whether the sun was rising or setting.

Upon completion of the Declaration of Independence, Franklin said he knew the carving symbolized the rising sun of a new nation.

As several speakers noted, Americans are blessed to live in the United States and should take pride in their country.

The historic bell tower at Jordan UCC rang out patriotic songs at the conclusion of the ceremony, reminding attendees that liberty has been proclaimed throughout the nation for 250 years.

Following the ceremony, visitors continued the tour by exploring the eight private gardens featured on the tour.