The demolished carob tree will be replaced by a memorial peace rose garden.
Camera IconThe demolished carob tree will be replaced by a memorial peace rose garden. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Christs’s Church will replace historic carob tree with memorial rose garden

Jill BurgessMandurah Coastal Times

CHRIST’S Church Anglican Church will replace the historic carob tree that stood out front for almost 100 years with a memorial peace rose garden.

The decision was taken after more than 12 months deliberation and consultation with church members.

At the end of the First World War, Anzac Private Lancel Butcher planted three carob trees in Mandurah from trees he brought back from the Mediterranean, one of which was planted in the church grounds in memory of fallen comrades, including his brother Leonard, killed in France in 1917.

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Lancel worked in a stable near the church and is believed to have planted the trees in places where he could see them as he went about his daily routine.

The tree was listed on Mandurah’s Significant Tree Register, but last year, two big limbs fell across the road, covering three cars waiting at the roundabout.

Internally, the structure of the tree was found to have been badly compromised by rot and age over the years and was at risk of falling or dropping limbs.

It was removed in late April last year.

The parish council agreed in principal that no other large trees should be planted in the church grounds and the tree should be replaced by a memorial peace rose garden.

It would include a low limestone wall in the shape of a shield of the height of a bench seat so people could sit where the tree had stood.

Peace rose bushes will be planted in the garden along with a bronze plaque telling the story of the tree.

The total project will cost about $9000 of which the church has so far raised $4,982. 55.

Christ’s Church Anglican Church hopes the community might help make up the shortfall and that with this year being the centenary of the First World War, it would be fitting if the project could be completed before the end of the year.

A Go Fund Me Page has been set up at gofundme.com/memorial-peace-garden or donations can be dropped into the church in Sholl Street.