Church loses historic tree
DUNKIRK ? On Sept. 2, the old Southern Red Oak, next to Smithville UMCs new Ministry Center suffered a fatal split from stormy weather caused by remnants of Tropical Depression Ernesto passing through southern Maryland.
The tree, whose scientific name is Quercus Falcata, is a Big Tree Champion of Maryland. It is believed to be as old or older than the historic sanctuary, built in 1840. At a 1990 measurement by the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the tree stood 84-feet tall, spread 107 feet, and the trunk's girth was 16 feet, 10 inches.
'Trees, the oldest and largest of living things, are subject to the ravages of humankind, machines, insects, disease, nature and time,' said the Rev. Darryl Zoller, who reports he and the congregation mourn the passage of the tree, which was cut down by professionals on Sept. 4.
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