5/3/2009:
In May of 1911, the cornerstone was laid and dedicated for a new Presbyterian church in Grand Forks. The gothic-style church, complete with gargoyles, was finished later on that year. Joseph Bell De Remer, the architect for the church, suggested the landscaping include some sort of religious symbol.
They chose a weeping mountain ash. This species of tree is commonly used for church settings and plantings, due to the drooping branches. Some say the branches represent "God's flowing love" for the members of the church. The branches of the weeping ash were tied in knots, then fastened to stakes on the ground.
As Alexander Pope wrote many years ago, "Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclined to grow." That line well describes the twisted tree, which grew for over 60 years in front of the First Presbyterian Church in Grand Forks.
Dakota Datebook written by Jill Whitcomb
Sources:
~Feast or Fare...Presbyterian Style, First Presbyterian Church cookbook-1975 edition.
Grand Forks, ND
~Joseph Bell DeRemer papers-website
http://www.und.nodak.edu/debt/library/collections/of744c.html.