This past week, the above red oak tree at the southeast corner of Fernwood and Fairfield Avenue was removed. It carried with it a tremendous amount of church history for Guilford Park Presbyterian Church. It was the location where the church first began. Members worshiped under the oak tree until McGinnis Hall was completed on the property in 1947. The oak tree has long been a symbol of Guilford Park Presbyterian, appearing on church stationery and other church documents. Arborists determined it couldn't be saved and it was not safe. The tree has meant so much to not only church members, but also community members. It carried with it church history and provided great shade for the park and the neighborhood.
The stump reminds us of the brevity, yet generative nature of life, nothing living lasts forever. But one living thing dies and another comes along. It also evokes the message of Shel Silverstein's, "The Giving Tree", reminding us of the gift of giving and loving. The old oak gave and gave for years and was there for the milestones of many people. When we were visiting it, just yesterday, an elderly woman who had lived in the neighborhood her whole life, stopped to tell us of how many memories the tree held for her. She lives a few houses away on the same street and, a while back, had to have an even larger white oak removed from her yard. Perhaps a new tree can be planted in its place and future generations can build memories around the new tree.
Have a lovely Sunday!
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