Sacred symbol found inside church’s tree

Members of the Korean United Methodist Church in Kettering were marveled to find an old tree on the property with a naturally occurring sacred symbol in the heartwood.

Workers were called to remove two trees on the church’s property, 2675 Galewood St.

Church member Mike Palmer said the trees had to be removed because their roots had spread under the concrete driveway and into the church building’s foundation.

One of the trees, which stood about 12-feet tall and is estimated to be at least 30 years old, has the shape of the cross in the inner, heartwood part of the tree.

Palmer said they’ve decided to leave the trunk with the cross clearly visible at the top. He said they also had a 4-inch section cut out, which is now on display inside the church.

Palmer said they see it as “a sign of healing.”

About the Author