By Bill Smith
Lakeside Tree Advisory
Several years before Lakeside’s 150th Anniversary, I was having a talk with a neighbor about a memorial tree for the celebration. He suggested that a Cedar of Lebanon would be appropriate.
I knew this tree was mentioned in the Old Testament a number of times but not much more about it. My first search was for its native climate which I learned was very similar to ours.
I started an internet search for where I might find the tree in northern Ohio. There was only one place that even listed the tree on its website, Oakland Nursery in Columbus. However, a quick call revealed they had not seen one in several years. I was on a waitlist to be called if they ever received a tree. We ultimately selected a Heritage Oak for our 150th Anniversary memorial tree.
In March of this year, I got a call from Oakland Nursery. They had just received one, their first in six years. I reserved the tree and Lakeside’s Director of Horticulture Kyle Bueter and I drove to pick it up before Memorial Day. The tree is planted on the slope south of the Memorial Garden.
The spiritual meaning of the Cedar of Lebanon invites us to embrace strength, resilience and steadfastness in our spiritual journey. The Cedar of Lebanon is mentioned in Psalm 92:12 (The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a Cedar in Lebanon) as a symbol of majesty and power, representing the upright and strong character of the righteous.
In the Old Testament, Lebanon and its cedars are associated with prosperity, abundance and majestic beauty, reflecting God’s provision and strength. The cedar is among the materials used in the building of the temple and of David’s and Solomon’s palaces. The cedar’s endurance and timelessness also contribute to its spiritual symbolism.
The Cedar of Lebanon is an appropriate memorial tree as we start our second 150 years.
