ANTIGONISH – One of the most famous views here – for decades the subject of countless photographs – has undergone a change, one that has sparked plenty of discussion.
“There is a season for everything, and this week we marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another at St. Ninian Cathedral,” Father Daniel MacLennan, St. Ninian Cathedral Parish priest, said in a message he shared with The Journal late last week.
He is referring to the removal of the “beloved pine trees” in front of the cathedral on St. Ninian St.
“It is never easy to say goodbye to something that has been part of our parish memories for so long. Yet, our faith reminds us that from every ending comes the promise of new life,” MacLennan added.
He explained that the decision came “after many years of discussion, careful consideration, and consultation with arborists and other tree specialists.”
“Although they graced our grounds for many years and were cherished by many, they had reached the end of their natural lifespan,” MacLennan said.
He remembered how, for years, parishioners “generously gave up their Saturdays to clean up the constant accumulation of pine needles and fallen branches, both large and small.”
MacLennan said, “As the trees continued to age, they deteriorated further, requiring frequent pruning while creating increasing safety concerns because of falling limbs. In that spirit, once we look at the grounds, we will be planting new trees.”
He added, “We are also exploring creative ways to repurpose the wood so that these trees can continue to tell their story in a new way.”
As far as when the iconic pine trees were planted, St. Ninian parish coordinator Mary Farrell told The Journal, “We don’t have an exact date, but according to the memories and stories shared by parishioners, they were planted about 100 years ago. They have certainly been part of the cathedral landscape for generations.”
She confirmed they have been hearing from both residents and parishioners about the removal of the pine trees, noting that “there have definitely been mixed reactions.”
Farrell offered, “Some people are very sad to see the trees go, which is completely understandable given how long they have been part of the cathedral grounds.”
Nevertheless, she added, “Our parishioners have been aware of the concerns for quite some time. The condition of the trees has been an agenda item and discussed over many years. People have seen the ongoing problems with branches and debris, the need for regular pruning, and the deterioration in the health of the trees.
“So, while it is difficult to say goodbye to something that has been such a familiar part of St. Ninian’s, there is also an understanding that the trees had reached the end of their natural lifespan and that safety had to be a consideration.”
Parish officials invited those who would “like to be part of this new beginning” to support the repurposing of the removed trees and installation of new trees and shrubs by contacting the St. Ninian’s parish office at 902-863-2338 or admin@saintninian.ca.
“Thank you for helping us care for God’s creation and for ensuring that St. Ninian Cathedral remains a place of beauty, welcome, and hope for generations to come,” MacLennan said.
