Church Hoping to Turn Its Display of ‘Dedication Trees’ into a Tradition

Some of the 170 'dedication trees' surrounding St. Mary of the Lakes Church during this holiday season. Photo by Nicolas Fernandes

By Bill Bonvie

Staff Writer



MEDFORD—A holiday spectacle of 170 Douglas fir trees, festooned with red and white lights and a variety of unique decorations that have been set up around the perimeter of St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Medford Township, has been drawing visitors from far and wide, according to the parishioner who initiated it.



Bill Scheffold said the “dedication tree” concept is one he thought would be a good idea for a Christmas-themed fundraiser after seeing it done at another parish. He has since become the chief organizer of the project, which has been facilitated by local Knights of Columbus Chapter 6520 to which Scheffold belongs, and whose members bought and set up the trees and lights.



The idea, he said, is for each of the trees to be dedicated to a deceased loved one of a family belonging to the parish for a $150 charitable contribution. Included with each of these ‘tribute trees’ is a laminated card on which is inscribed the name of the deceased family member or friend to whom the tree is dedicated (although those buying a tree also have the option of having the name of a service organization inscribed instead).



Individuals are also free to decorate their trees with whatever ornaments or personal mementoes they see fit, giving them a sentimental value that has drawn family members to travel here from such locales as Morris County, Pennsylvania and Baltimore to view this living memorial to loved ones.



“There are pictures on these trees, family pictures, someone’s favorite color—it doesn’t matter, as long as it comes from the heart.” Scheffold told the Pine Barrens Tribune.



The trees were also blessed by Father Daniel Swift, the pastor of the church, during a dedication service earlier this month, complete with carolers and homemade cookies and hot cocoa.



Scheffold said that as of last week, the majority of the trees had been dedicated, with about 30 tagged for the time being with the names of service organizations still available to parishioners.



While he couldn’t say exactly how much money had been raised, he said the chapter was getting close to its goal of $10,000, with half the proceeds to benefit Knights of Columbus charitable activities and the remainder to go to St. Mary of the Lakes School.



Around Jan. 6, he said, all those who purchased trees will be invited back to collect any personal ornaments or mementoes used as decorations. The trees will then be offered to shore communities to help protect their beaches against erosion.



Among those who attended the dedication ceremony were Francis Babinchuck and his wife Ann, of Medford Lakes, who decorated their tree with angel ornaments. Francis Babinchuck said that when he suggested to one purchaser that she give her tree an Irish theme, she broke into tears because it reminded her of her mother, who passed away 44 years ago.



Scheffold hopes the fundraiser can eventually become one of Medford’s major annual holiday events. Based on the reaction from the community, he believes that is likely.



“I want it to become a town tradition, not just for the Catholic Church, but for everyone in town who celebrates Christmas,” he said.



Nicolas Fernandes contributed to this story.