The Magical Tree will live again

Children of the Universalist Fellowship of Columbia (UUFC) gather under the mighty oak tree that has sheltered Columbians for over 200 years. After worship services on Sunday, July 13, 2008, members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Columbia (UUFC) gathered outside in the children's playground to say goodbye and to say thank you to a mighty oak tree that has stood for 200 years on the property at the corner of Heyward and Woodrow Streets.

UUFC minister, Rev. Dr. Neal Jones, described the life of the great old oak tree that has paralleled the lifespan of Columbia and the nation.

"We gather around this mighty oak to say goodbye and to say thank you. We are grateful for its enduring strength. The tree has weathered rain and snow and wind and ice, and it has eluded lightning.

"Its branches have provided shade and supported swings for the children of the Tree of Life Synagogue and later the children of the UUFC. It has heard their laughter and observed their play until they outgrew their childhood games.

The Magical Tree at Heyward and Woodrow Streets began as an acorn about the time Columbia was established in 1786. "It has survived. It has endured. It has stood strong and proud and watched UUFC members and those before them come and go.

"But now, in its old age, the tree is dying, and regrettably, the UUFC must hasten its end, as its dying branches pose a danger to the children who frolic in the playground. The congregation will save the lum- ber from the tree and from it create walking sticks, trivets, and chalices, perhaps even doors and a pulpit for the building which will be undergoing extensive renovations over the next several years. Seeds from the tree will be preserved and planted to grow new trees for our planet."

The service to honor the tree included the singing of a Native American song by those present accompanied by a drum beat to honor the life of the tree. Members then recounted their memories of the tree and its contributions to the life of the fellowship.

Rev. Neal Jones, UUFC minister, praises the Magical Tree that will live again.