The weekend celebration will begin with a parade on Saturday. On Sunday, there will be a morning church service followed by a family and community picnic.
BERNARDS - The Presbyterian Church in Basking Ridge is planning a parade for the ages on Saturday to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the historic house of worship and the grave site of nearly three dozen Revolutionary War soldiers.
On Sunday, the church will hold a celebratory service in the morning in which members from all faiths are invited, followed by a family and community picnic at Ross Farm.
The church, which was founded in 1717 by Scotch-Irish settlers, was constructed around a great white oak tree that stood for 300 years before the church was built. The tree, which came to symbolize the community and is believed to have been one of the oldest in the nation, was cut down in April after it had died.
"It'll be a truly historic day and a show of pride for everybody, not only members of the church but everyone who lives in and around the Basking Ridge community," said Michael Schneider, a member of the church's tricentennial committee.
"We've invited many churches in our faith-based community of Basking Ridge to join us in this celebration. We sincerely hope they come. This is a celebration for our entire community. We hope everyone will come out."
The iconic oak tree, which was cut down during the week of April 24, remains in the collective memory of the community. Hundreds came to say their final goodbyes.
Jon Klippel, chairman of the church's planning council, said a determination has been made that a "fair" amount of the wood from the tree is usable. He said smaller pieces will soon be available to craftsmen and artists but it will be at least a year-and-a-half before larger pieces are available because of a drying out process.
Ultimately, Klippel said the church plans to have a large cross-section of the tree placed on the church grounds. The stump of the tree remains, he said. Other plans on how to honor the tree are still being discussed, he said.
Community says goodbye to 600-year-old tree
A children's book, consisting of a compilation of poems, essays and artwork by students from kindergarten through high school on the history of the tree, will be available at the church over the weekend.
Prior to the parade, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., costumed tour guides representing notable persons buried in the church's cemetery will conduct free tours. The oldest gravestone dates back to 1736. Thirty-five Revolutionary War soldiers are known to be buried in the cemetery.
The parade, which will start at Ridge High School at 2 p.m. and proceed down South Finely Avenue ending at the church, will include county and community dignitaries, the Bonnie Brae Drum Corps, Rampant Lion Bagpipers, Ridge High School Marching Band, community service organizations, antique cars, horse carriages and members of different churches in the community, according to organizers.
Immediately following the parade, the Rev. Dennis W. Jones, the church's pastor, and other dignitaries will speak on the steps of the church, which is located at 1 E. Oak St.
"Our church has been a place of welcome, spiritual nurture, and love of neighbor for three centuries," said Jones. "It is a vibrant and life-giving community of faith! We warmly invite everyone to join us in this magnificent milestone as we celebrate 300 Years of Sharing God's Love with our community and with the world beyond it."
Throughout the day, the church will have historic artifacts, artwork and slideshows on display in the Church House.
On Sunday, a celebratory service will be held starting at 10:15 a.m. at the church followed by a catered family and community picnic at the Ross Farm, located at 135 North Maple Ave., which will include entertainment for children.
For more information on the celebration go to the church website or call 908-766-1616.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com.Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook