For generations the towering red oak beside Ohiopyle United Methodist Church has been more than a tree; it is a living symbol of the town’s heritage and a gathering place for worshippers and visitors alike. Now, safety concerns have raised the specter of removal, prompting a heartfelt community effort to keep the historic oak standing.
Community ties to the oak
“It’s part of the community,” said April Forkey, minister of the church. “It’s an identity thing.” Forkey explained that when news spread that the tree might have to be taken down, many locals expressed deep sadness.
Long‑time resident Connie Plume Smithburger recalled growing up in Ohiopyle with the oak as a backdrop to countless church activities. “If you said something about the church you almost had to include the tree,” she said, remembering Vacation Bible School and Sunday school classes held beneath its sturdy branches.
Smithburger also shared a poem by Lillian McCann, a neighbor who described the oak as a “stalwart citizen of the town with a sturdy frame.” That sentiment reflects how the tree has become woven into the spiritual and cultural fabric of the community.
Past and present preservation efforts
About two to three decades ago, the church faced financial difficulties. Community members rallied, raising funds to cable the oak and stabilize it against wind damage. “They paid so that we were able to get that tree cabled,” Smithburger recalled.
That same spirit of volunteerism continues today. Forkey highlighted how congregants regularly assist neighbors, from painting the church and repairing its roof to stepping in when the furnace fails. “It’s just amazing,” she said. “Our church members are always connecting with the community in different ways.”
Safety concerns and possible solutions
Increasingly strong winds over recent years have heightened worries about the oak’s stability. The church is exploring options to trim the tree to address safety while preserving its historic presence. Forkey cautioned that if the tree is deemed dangerous, the church cannot guarantee it will remain standing.
Visitors to Ohiopyle also notice the oak. Smithburger, who once worked at the main concession area near Ohiopyle Falls, said tourists often ask about the tree’s age and some even return specifically to touch its bark.
Faith and hope for the future
While acknowledging that nothing lasts forever, Smithburger expressed gratitude for the oak’s endurance. “I feel that God has blessed that tree and our church also to have them both still together,” she said, underscoring the spiritual significance many attach to the landmark.
The community’s hope is that a careful trimming plan will allow the oak to remain a safe, living testament to Ohiopyle’s faith, history, and neighborly spirit for years to come.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
