Copper Beech Tree

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​Durham's cherished Copper Beech Tree stood beside our congregation for about 125 years. From generation to generation, the tree witnessed countless baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and worship services. Many moments were captured under her boughs. Unfortunately, the beloved tree suffered from disease and insect infestation causing dangerous falling limbs. Arborists tried to treat these problems for years. Without warning on a calm sunny day large heavy branches began dropping, a sign her days were numbered. With heavy hearts, the tree was cut down for safety sake in October 2016.  The tree trunk circumference was 184 inches and she stood 62 feet tall with a branch spread 92.5 feet wide. The spirit of the Copper Beech Tree lives on as a cross section of the trunk was studied in a course at Wesleyan University and was placed on permenant display at their College of the Environment.