Dear St. Philippians, 

As you may recall, the wonderful ash tree, which has stood in front of the church since before anyone can remember, sustained severe damage last year when two of its main limbs fell to the ground. The tree was previously serviced with fertilizer and insecticide to protect against borer insects, as we have done for several years. Still, there were no early indications that the tree’s condition was so poor. We were advised that the tree was failing due to its advanced age and would likely continue to fail. 

We were fortunate last fall that the limbs both fell at night about two weeks apart and that no one was injured. Therefore, the decision was made to remove the tree before an accident occurred. We were able to find a tree service that could handle a tree of this size, and they have scheduled the tree for removal this Thursday, February 4. If you would like to see the tree before it is removed, we encourage you to drive by the church today, Wednesday, February 3. The firm removing the tree will have heavy equipment and machinery located in our parking lot for the Thursday removal. It would not be safe to have cars parked nearby. 

The clergy are planning a service to celebrate the tree, which will occur later today and be shared digitally. We intend to retain portions of the tree to determine its age and be made into remembrance objects. 

Ultimately we hope to plant another tree in its place. The tree was a beautiful fixture in front of the church for many decades. Its abundant foliage and beautiful yellow color in the fall will definitely be missed.

God’s Peace, 
The Buildings and Grounds Committee

February 4, 2021