Conrad Grebel establishes a Russian Mennonite Memorial Garden
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.