A 600-year-old white oak tree in Basking Ridge will be cut down starting the week of April 24, 2017. It's expected to take two to three days to take the now-dead tree down. Watch video
BASKING RIDGE - At 1:17 p.m. Tuesday, a young white oak tree came home. It was planted on the north end of the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church among the historic graves that encircle the centuries-old church.
On the south end, a short stroll along a brick sidewalk, the branches from the tree's dead 600-year-old parent great white oak poked over the church's steeple as more than 50 people applauded and welcomed the young white oak.
The iconic great white oak tree is believed to have been the oldest in the nation, a place where George Washington once picnicked.
Seedings from the majestic tree, which will be chopped down beginning the week of April 24, were planted at Union County College in 2001 by Dr. Tom Ombrello, a senior professor in biology at the school, when it was discovered that the ancient tree was dying.
"We're so grateful for this young tree and what it symbolizes for the future," said Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church Pastor Dennis Jones, who grew up in Basking Ridge. "We're blessed to have this next generation of the oak tree living here among us. It's five days from Easter, a day of new life.
"We thank Union County College for this tremendous gift. The 600-year-old parent of this tree lived a full, rich and inspiring life."
Ancient 600-year-old great white oak is in distress
The 20-foot tree is located just outside the church's appropriately named "Tree House Pre-School."
"It's like sending your kid off to college," said Ombrello. "This is my baby. I just admire the folks at this church for having such an intense interest in history."
The day started with the young white oak being removed from Union County College and transported to Basking Ridge.
"I was close to tears this morning," said Kris Emmitt, a member of the church's ruling elders. "This is truly an example of the cycle of life. Nothing lives forever. I remember when we first found out that the tree was going to die. It was difficult for everyone to accept.
"The thought of sitting in church and looking out of the window and not seeing the oak tree was something we never thought about. It has always been there."
As did the great white oak, its offspring will watch over parishioners and the adjacent historic graveyard, which surrounds the church.
"It's kind of neat to have a child of the original tree carrying on the mission of its parents," said Jim Felter of Bernards, a parishioner since the early 1980s. "This tree will be a living reminder."
Jon Klippel, a member of the church's planning board, said the church has still not decided to what to do with the wood from the great white oak. He said a lot will depend on the condition of the wood.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.