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Date: 1/11/2024
WESTFIELD — After standing for an estimated 200 years, the European copper beech tree at 36 Court St. will come down this month, according to the rector of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement.
The tree is a landmark in downtown Westfield but has become diseased and has to be removed, said the Rev. Sandi Albom, interim rector at the church. She said before the tree is taken down, the church will host an event to honor it at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, after the 10 a.m. worship service. All are welcome to join and share memories of the tree.
“We’re heartbroken that it has to come down,” said Albom. “This tree had provided a canopy that has nourished everyone that has been underneath it or gazed upon it. It has seen Westfield as it grown and has witnessed so much more than all of us.”
She continued, “It’s like losing someone in the family. It’s very precious to us and not just the church, but to the area. It will definitely change not only the landscape, but the way that people have engaged with the space. It really is one of those beautiful pieces of God’s creations. We all have our time, and now is the time for our beautiful beech tree.”
The tree is estimated to be 200 years old and was there before the Civil War. The tree was standing when the church was founded and was on the property when the current building was erected. The tree has provided shade for many church and public events and graced the lawn for the first Church of the Atonement Strawberry Festival more than 150 years ago. Each summer, it is a focal point of the weekly Westfield Farmers Market, where musicians play under its branches, families picnic, children dance and the community gathers together.
The copper beech tree and its companion growing at the back of the church are among the oldest trees remaining in downtown Westfield. Albom said the tree has beech bark disease, which attacks the bark of the tree and prevents it from being able to retain nutrients. It is dying and as it weakens, it would be in danger of collapsing, potentially causing injury or damage to other property, if not taken down proactively.
The tree will be taken down the week of Jan. 14. Once it is removed, the church will have some of the wood saved and kiln-dried to create mementos of the tree. Albom said the congregation hopes to plant another tree in its place on Arbor Day this year.