The Rev. Michael Denton says the world needs more 'rootedness' and that the oak has provided shade for many in need over the years. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city celebrated Arbor Day with a birthday party for a 100-year-old red oak tree outside United Church of Christ.

This included a cake and singing "Happy Birthday" to the stately organism that challenges the height of the adjacent buildings.

"The thing that always amazes me about trees is that when you look at the network of branches above it, that same thing is mimicked in the ground underneath it. When I think about that, it amazes me," the Rev. Miichael Denton said to a crowd in the church's yard.

"So when you look up at this, underneath us are even more intricate weavings of branches and roots that support what this tree does. As we look at these times and these days, we recognize that this world needs more of that rootedness. It needs to recognize those things that happen above and those things that happen below as we work in concert with each other, recognize that this planet that we live on is fragile, recognize that the planet that we live on needs our help, and by helping out this planet, we help out ourselves."

Most of the buildings at 110 South St. are more than 100 years old, and the tree was likely planted as a celebration of that work. It now stands about 75 feet tall.

"We don't know for sure, but what we do know is that this shade, this tree, has given shade to many of those who needed it," Denton said.

"This tree has given a quiet place for people to sit. This tree has helped keep this section of South Street green and beautiful."

Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Program Manager James McGrath explained that while the city didn't plant a tree for Arbor Day, which is Friday, "We are doing a heck of a lot of tree planting." 

In the coming weeks, there will be 40 trees planted in a neighborhood off Elm Street, and additional trees will be planted as part of a volunteer effort with students from Wahconah Regional High School.