PHIPPSBURG, Maine — Poet Joyce Kilmer wrote that “Only God can make a tree."
The congregation at the Phippsburg Congregational Church would surely agree with that.
The church, which has stood on a knoll above the Kennebec River for more than 220 years, has been tied that entire time to a very special tree. A European Linden, in front of the church, that was planted in 1774 and is still thriving.
“They had seeds they brought from England for this Linden tree,” said church pastor Holly Morrison, referring to the McCobb family, who owned the land beside the river.
“So they planted and this tree … saw the church being built, saw generations of people picnicking, raising cattle, building ships.”
Twenty-eight years after planting the Linden tree, the same family gave the land beside it for the new church. More than two centuries later, both are still thriving.
Church and tree have, together, become part of the life of the congregation—something Holly Morrison figured out before she took the job as pastor.
“When the search committee was interviewing me, a woman leaned across the table and whispered, ‘You do realize some of us worship the tree?’ And I laughed and was delighted,” Morrison recalled.
So when they all realized the huge, old Linden tree was marking its 250th birthday, the people of the church knew they had to celebrate.
First was the Sunday morning worship service, where trees and their ties to religion were the dominant theme.
“How lovely are thy holy groves oh God of heaven and earth,” was the pastor’s call.
The congregation responded, “My soul runs and sings for the circle of thy trees. “
Arborist Jeff Gillis, of WellTree in Brunswick, also loves the Linden tree. He has been caring for it for the past 20 years.
“Oh gosh, its an honor,” he says of the work he does to maintain the tree. It is, in fact, listed by the state as the largest European Linden in Maine. And the arborist says it should continue to head that list for some time.
“As long as it's keeping foliage on the tree, so it can provide energy for itself and support itself, its OK.”
On the tree celebration Sunday, the worshipers trooped outside the church, to stand beneath the tremendous, spreading branches and personally greet the 250-year old behemoth. Children showed a long poster they had made, and watered the roots with sugar water, as a treat for the tree.
And, of course, they sang, “Happy birthday dear Linden, happy birthday to you.”
It was a celebration of both the tree and their faith, so interconnected over the years.
“Like a tree planted by the water, we shall not be moved,” said Holly, recalling the word of the hymn. “So this congregation has a strong foundation and the tree is deeply rooted, as we are, in this place we cherish.”