Rockford church plants special tree

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ROCKFORD — The membership of St. Paul’s Country Church of Rockford recently celebrated America 250 with a Christian dedication ceremony for an America 250 Liberty Tree which they planted on their church ground.

Consistory president Susan Cully Etzcorn, in her dedication address thanked God, and said the tree honors the nation’s 250th birthday by blending faith and patriotism.

“We have a Heritage in the United States of America and in our state of Ohio and these roots run deep through our ancestors,” she said.

She then shared this scripture: Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) – says “…They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”  

The scripture was perfect for dedicating the church’s nine foot tall white oak sapling that will grow for generations. White oak trees typically live between 300-500 years. They grow slowly, about 12 inches per year. In Ohio, it is a hearty tree.

Chris Canary read scripture, and reminded the members to share the Heritage of the tree with family and friends and remind them of 250 years of the United States of America and God.

Sheila Baltzell-Linn organized the event for the Consistory, registered the Liberty Tree with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and placed a plaque beneath the tree.