Historic Douglas fir marked for removal as precaution

by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor

It is not the first time members of St. John Lutheran Church have debated the future of a tree on the grounds of the church.

A large Douglas fir, quite possibly the oldest and largest in the area, has been leaning precariously toward the church building for more than two decades.

Following the big blow of early August, it lost some lower branches after another tree that didn’t survive the storm, scraped one side of it.

For the church body, the risk of major damage to the building outweighs the sentimental value of the historic tree that was there when P.H. Hoeft’s mansion on the hill was still standing. The property was later purchased from Hoeft in 1959. The new church building was dedicated in 1970.

“With the way that roof is built, the three main trusses are all tied together, it is counterbalanced,” said church member Don Schaedig. “If that tree were to hit on one of those beams on that corner, the entire roof could collapse. So, that would be a tremendous calamity, if anything.”

The tree is slated for removal in the coming days.

VOTING MEMBERS OF St. Johns Lutheran Church in Rogers City decided to remove a leaning Douglas fir tree which some say causes a potential danger to the church building. (Photo by Richard Lamb)
VOTING MEMBERS OF St. Johns Lutheran Church in Rogers City decided to remove a leaning Douglas fir tree which some say causes a potential danger to the church building. (Photo by Richard Lamb)

In 1994, the tree was in the spotlight when the late Fred Trafelet, a longtime member of the congregation, asked Presque Isle Soil Conservation District forester Dave MacArthur to look at it. MacArthur said Douglas firs are normally found out West with its best growth occurring on the West Coast.

“It is a very important lumber tree and normally will live for 300 years,” stated MacArthur in a letter to Trafelet. He also stated that it was a strong tree that appeared to be in exc

ellent health “and could possibly stand for another 100 years” He said it should be monitored for any changes.

That change came a few weeks ago, leaving the church congregation to reconsider its options.

The tree has a lot more history that can be traced than most in Rogers City. It’s the second time in two decades an Advance article has been written about it.

Plus, St. John trustee chairman Jerry Mendrick said it’s not out of the realm of possibilties to believe that P.H. Hoeft planted the tree himself.

Hoeft modeled his bungalow-style house after a trip he took to California.

It is possible he brought some seeds home with him from the West Coast.