White Oak Dedication Ceremony
Rooted Again — Restoring the Illinois State Tree to Greenville
Dedicated to the memory of two white oaks lost to the tornado of 2025 and honoring the 250th anniversary of our nation.
Order of Service
Prelude — "This Is My Father's World" Cindy Collier, Vice President, Greenville Garden Club
Welcome Stephen Ross, President, Greenville Garden Club
Opening Prayer Rev. Tim Pate, Pastor, Keyesport United Methodist Church
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 61:3 · Jeremiah 17:7-8 David B. Crandall MD, COL USA (Ret)
Recognition of Honored Guests Stephen Ross, President, Greenville Garden Club
Remembrance: What the Storm Took Josh Hill, Bond County Sheriff
Musical Interlude — "For the Beauty of the Earth" Cindy Collier, Vice President, Greenville Garden Club
Poetry Reading — "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer Emily Brooks, President, Friends of the Greenville Public Library
Hymn — "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" Dee Armes, Pastor, First Christian Church
Comments Dr. George Barber, Mayor, Greenville Chris Timmermann, Chairman, Bond County Board
Poetry Reading — "For the White Oaks of Greenville" Read by Laura Stine, Executive Director, Simple Room
Comments John Goldsmith, Curator, DeMoulin Museum Dr. Cary Holman, President, Bond County Historical Society
Dedication The Honorable Christopher Bauer, Judge, 3rd Circuit Court
Comments & Scripture Reading Becky Pate, Past President, Greenville Garden Club
Reading of Plaque Pat Kious, Past President, Greenville Garden Club
Benediction Crystal Grove, Greenville Chamber of Commerce
Closing Remarks Stephen Ross, President, Greenville Garden Club
A Note on the White Oak
The white oak (Quercus alba) was designated the Illinois state tree in 1973. It is one of the most ecologically valuable trees in North America, supporting more than 500 species of caterpillars, countless birds, and a wide range of mammals. Its acorns have a lower tannin content than other oaks, making them immediately edible to wildlife without leaching — a significant contribution to any local ecosystem.
White oaks develop deep taproots and strong lateral root systems. Young trees grow approximately 12–15 inches per year in good conditions; they reach meaningful shade size in 20–25 years and can live 500–600 years in favorable soil and conditions.
Today's planting is, in the fullest sense, a gift to Greenville's future. The people who will sit in the full shade of these two oaks are not yet born. That is not a discouragement — it is the whole point. Every great tree was planted by someone who would not live to see it finished.