Grace United Church selling trees to mark United Church of Canada’s 100th anniversary

Grace United Church member Wayne Shewfelt stands beside some of the trees that will be available for purchase Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon in the church parking lot at 116 Woodstock St. S. Trees are $25 each. Come early for the best selection. Gary West photo

By Gary West

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the United Church of Canada, members of Grace United Church in Tavistock are launching a special tree sale next Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Church member Wayne Shewfelt said the initiative is part of several community projects undertaken this year to mark the national centennial.

“The United Church of Canada came together in 1925,” said Shewfelt. “To mark this centennial, members of Grace United Church have initiated several projects, including hanging a 100th anniversary banner on the church building, collecting 100 boxes of pens and markers for northern communities and donating 100 personal care items for Shelterlink in Stratford. Now, we’re offering 100 trees for sale to church members and the Tavistock community.”

The trees – sourced from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority – include a variety of native species such as Freeman’s maple (a cross between silver and red maple), sugar maple, paper birch, tulip, white pine, black cherry, red oak and white cedar.

Each tree comes in a one-gallon pot with hardwood varieties standing roughly four to five feet tall. Trees will be available for purchase for $25 each (cash only) from the front parking lot of Grace United Church, 116 Woodstock St. S., Tavistock.

Shewfelt encourages residents to arrive early for the best selection, noting the project is not only a fundraiser but also a way for the church to give back to the environment and community.