Press Release—December 16, 2009
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
Gettysburg, PA
December 16, 2009
As a follow-up to our press release of July 13, 2009, we add the
following information:
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gettysburg has finalized plans to
remove the two historic Linden trees located in from of the church
sanctuary on Chambersburg Street. Work will occur sometime during the
period of January 5-8, 2010, weather permitting.
Our intention is to fully utilize the wood harvested from the trees. As
is necessary to preserve this kind of wood, commonly called Basswood, it
will be sawn and dried immediately. We are currently discussing a
variety of projects and uses of the wood honoring its historic
significance.
It is also our intention to replace the trees both in place and in kind.
Two strategies will be pursued to provide genetically identical
replacement trees. First, the trees will be cut to within eight inches
of the sidewalk with the stumps left in place. It is expected that new
shoots will emerge in the spring and that over a period of one or two
years, they will be thinned down to a single vigorous stem. Secondly,
working with the Dept. of Urban and Community Forestry in the Penn State
School of Forest Resources, we will clone trees from cuttings.
Press Release—July 13, 2009
It is with regret and sorrow that we announce the planned removal of two
historic Linden trees located in front of Christ Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Gettysburg. These trees have witnessed the rich history of
Gettysburg for nearly 170 years. They have also been a constant
companion of the Lutheran congregation, which is celebrating its 175th
anniversary in 2011.
The recommendation to remove the trees was prompted solely by a concern
for safety and liability. The dilemma is this: the trees can either be
taken down in a planned, safe manner, or we can stand by and wait until
they fall down, with potentially catastrophic consequences for both
people and property given their proximity to the church building,
neighboring businesses and continuous tourist and business traffic. No
fewer than five arborists and tree professionals agree that the trees
are dying—although none can say exactly when they will fail. Christ
Church has invested significant time and funds in assessing the health
of the trees, which included taking core samples of the trunks. We do
know that efforts in the past to save the trees—that included filling
the trunks with concrete and bricks and aggressive pruning—have
contributed to their critical condition today. Although no specific
schedule has been established, we are in the process of seeking proper
permits and approvals to proceed.
The decision to remove the two beautiful, historic trees was not taken
lightly. Only after extensive discussion and with profound regret and
sorrow we have arrived at this prudent conclusion.
For more information please call the church office at 334-5212, or
Lyle Ask, President, at 338-0777.
Church History
Originally named Christ’s Church, Christ Lutheran Church was founded in
1836. It is the third of three Lutheran institutions started in
Gettysburg by Samuel Simon Schmucker and colleagues. These
forward-thinking Lutherans also founded the Seminary in 1826, and
Gettysburg College—originally named Pennsylvania College—in 1832.
Christ Lutheran was founded for two primary reasons. First, it was
created so Lutherans, especially Seminary and College faculties and
students, could worship in English. In 1836, there was already a
Lutheran presence in Gettysburg, but worship services were conducted
primarily in German. Second, in addition to offering worship services in
English, Christ Lutheran was created to serve as the main assembly hall
for the Lutheran Seminary and Gettysburg College. Often called The
College Church, it hosted numerous graduation ceremonies and similar
large gatherings from 1836 until the 1940s.
Built in 1835~1836, the church has undergone significant change in only
one area—the south end of the building was extended to accommodate the
current chancel. Today, Christ Lutheran still has its original
foundation, brick walls, front pillars, bell tower, bell, floor joists,
rafters, and beams. The original, plain glass windows were destroyed
during the Battle, and were later replaced with stained glass.