Restore The Cross on Irving Cliff

The cross overlooking Honesdale was not simply a religious decoration—it was a long-standing part of our community’s history and identity.

In 1955, Irving Cliff became Gibbons Memorial Park when Frances Haag Gibbons donated the property to the people of Honesdale in memory of her husband, Austin Flint Gibbons. For generations, the illuminated display above our town changed from the Christmas star to the cross during Lent and Easter. It became a tradition recognized by families throughout Honesdale and Wayne County.

Some have claimed that displaying the cross on public property is automatically unconstitutional. That is not what the United States Supreme Court has ruled.

In American Legion v. American Humanist Association (2019), the Supreme Court upheld a large, historic cross standing on publicly owned land. The Court recognized that long-standing religious monuments can acquire historical, cultural, and community significance beyond their original religious meaning. More recent Supreme Court decisions have also emphasized that Establishment Clause questions must be considered in light of our nation’s history and traditions.

The Constitution protects religious freedom—it does not require government to erase every religious symbol from public view. Based on current Supreme Court precedent, there is a strong constitutional argument for restoring Honesdale’s traditional cross, provided the Borough follows a lawful and properly reviewed process.

Bringing the cross back would not force anyone to worship or change their beliefs. It would preserve a meaningful part of our history, honor generations of local tradition, and remind our community of faith, hope, sacrifice, and renewal.

This is not about excluding anyone. It is about refusing to erase the traditions that helped shape Honesdale.

The cross stood above our town for generations. It deserves to shine again.

We will get this cross back! ✝️🇺🇸