Rooted Again: White Oak Dedication Ceremony at the Bond County Courthouse
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Rooted Again: White Oak Dedication Ceremony at the Bond County Courthouse

•By Stephen Ross

Restoring the Illinois State Tree to Greenville

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.

—Isaiah 61:3

On Wednesday afternoon, the Greenville Garden Club hosted a dedication ceremony for two newly planted White Oak trees on the east side of the Bond County Courthouse lawn. The event drew approximately 45 community members and featured 16 speakers and performers — a wonderful turnout that reflected just how much this small patch of green means to Greenville.

The theme of the program was "Rooted Again: Restoring the Illinois State Tree To Greenville" — a fitting tribute, as the two oaks replace trees that were lost to storm damage last year.

A Community Effort

As Club President, I had the privilege of welcoming those in attendance and kicking off what turned out to be a memorable afternoon. The program brought together an impressive cross-section of Greenville and Bond County community life, with remarks and contributions from:

  • Club members Cindy Collier, Tim Pate, Pat Kious, and Becky Pate
  • Retired U.S. Army Colonel David Crandall
  • Bond County Sheriff Josh Hill
  • Emily Brooks, Friends of the Greenville Public Library
  • Dee Armes, Greenville First Christian Church
  • Laura Stine, The Simple Room
  • John Goldsmith, DeMoulin Museum
  • Cary Holman, Bond County Historical Society
  • Circuit Court Judge Christopher Bauer
  • Crystal Grove, Greenville Chamber of Commerce
  • Mayor George Barber, City of Greenville
  • Chris Timmermann, Bond County Board Chairman

It was gratifying to see so many of Greenville's civic, cultural, and community leaders come together around something as grounding — quite literally — as planting trees.

Why White Oaks?

The White Oak (Quercus alba) is Illinois' official state tree, a long-lived hardwood known for its strength, adaptability, and deep roots. Restoring these trees to the courthouse grounds isn't just about aesthetics — it's about continuity, community identity, and honoring the natural heritage of our region.

Thank You

My sincere thanks to everyone who participated, attended, or helped make this event possible. Watching these young oaks take their place on the courthouse lawn was a reminder that small acts of stewardship can carry meaning well beyond their size.

Coverage of the event, including audio from the program, was provided by WGEL Radio.