Conrad Grebel establishes a Russian Mennonite Memorial Garden

Tuesday, September 7, 2004

Russian Mennonite Memorial Garden oak tree logo
Most people of Russian Mennonite heritage have heard stories of the massive old oak tree in Khortitsa, Russia. The tree was an unofficial gathering place for the whole community with picnics, weddings, and meetings often taking place in the cool shade of its leaves. Coined “Hundert-jaehrig Eiche” (Hundred Year Old Oak) by early Mennonite settlers, the tree is estimated to be 700-800 years old.

The oak tree provided an impressive centerpiece for the colony. Historian, N.J. Kroeker wrote,

No one who had ever walked near the gnarled trunk beneath those mighty branches which had the power to draw your eyes upward could help being overcome with a feeling of reverence and peace.

One Ukrainian tradition held that walking around the tree three times would bring good fortune to the newlyweds.

The ancient tree has been dying for about 15 years now, and only a few branches bear leaves anymore. It is dying because a hydro-electric dam has raised the level of the water table, and the ground has been raised around the tree, both disturbing the tree’s roots.

For years visitors have been making the pilgrimage back to Khortitsa to discover their own roots, and while there, to stand under the oak tree. In 1999, Toronto high school teacher, Peter Rempel, participated in a tour through the former USSR to celebrate the bicentennial year of the founding of the Khortitsa settlement in the Ukraine. Rempel pocketed eight acorns from the old oak tree and planted them in his backyard. He later donated the tree that grew from that seed to Conrad Grebel University College.

Thanks to the efforts of Harvey Dyck, John E. Toews, and Victor Heinrichs, the college established a Russian Mennonite Memorial Garden around the oak tree to memorialize and honour the experiences of Soviet Mennonites who suffered and died under Stalin in the Soviet Union, and as a place on the edge of campus for contemplative reflection. Marlene Epp, History Professor at Conrad Grebel, sees the significance of the tree as symbolic,

as both a celebration of the positive times Mennonites recall about Russia and also as a memorial to the tragedies that befell them.

A dedication service will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 3:00pm in the garden at Conrad Grebel. Anyone interested is invited to come and hear the story of the oak and to remember and celebrate the Mennonite experience it represents. Music will be provided by the Conrad Grebel Chapel Choir.


Join the Conrad Grebel community for the dedication of the
Russian Mennonite Memorial Garden, remembering both the beginning and
end of Mennonite settlements in the former Soviet Union.

Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 3:00 pm.
Contact 519-885-0220 for more information.