The Tradition of Mother Oak.
O
ne of the most important traditions at St. Luke's is Mother Oak, a giant oak tree that once stood on the Japonica Campus. Her history began with the founding of St. Lukes Episcopal School in 1961. When the local Episcopal church wanted to expand into a school, they found that a massive oak tree was obstructing their land. Instead of chopping it, they decided to build around it. This turned out to be a wise decision, as the tree soon became an icon of the school. Children could seek refuge from the hot August sun, play tag around it, or sit on its branches. The wide trunk gave the tree a sturdy, immovable base, and its stretching arms shaded the entire courtyard and the school’s roofs, only letting in small rays of filtered sunlight. Its weathered bark gave the impression of extreme age.
This undated photo of Mother Oak on the St. Luke's Japonica Campus displays her grandeur.
It was dubbed “Mother Oak” for the special significance it seemed to have within the school. Ms. Banks, the current Head of School commented, “the giant oak tree that we affectionately called ‘Mother Oak' existed for many years on the Japonica campus and became a symbol of growth and strength.” However, Mother Oak was not only important to the school, it was also widely known in Mobile as well. It was found to be about four hundred years old, making it the oldest tree in Mobile County at the time. Due to its size, uplights that were installed under it, it could be easily viewed by passing cars.
Unfortunately, the tree was later twice struck by lightning, and had to be cut down. Despite its untimely demise, the tradition of Mother Oak lived on. The 50th Anniversary Official Historical Timeline document spoke on the tree’s legacy. “The Live Oak had been an icon in Mobile, lit at night it was visible to passersby from Azalea Road. It served as a gathering place for students to eat snacks, lunch, and play, and it has provided cool shade since the opening of the school.” On the right side of the school’s current theater, a piece of Mother Oak can be found. Because of the tree’s very hard, almost petrified wood, pens were able to be crafted out of it and are given out to every St. Lukes head of school and long-standing employees. A line referencing Mother Oak can be found in St. Lukes’ Alma Matar, “beneath the shade of Mother Oak, we take our stand for you.” This serves as a metaphor for how St. Lukes, represented by Mother Oak, nurtures its students throughout their childhood, providing them with the strong roots and resilience needed to face life’s challenges.
In conclusion, although it was just an old tree, Mother Oak held and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of St. Luke's families and long time Mobilians. It symbolized the strength and caring nature that define St. Lukes. A poem was also written about what the tree meant to St. Lukes:
Mother Oak stood tall and proud
With roots spread far and wide
She will always symbolize the strength
Of the St. Luke’s Wildcat Pride
A tiny little acorn
Starting out not much at all
She became a large majestic oak
Standing grand and tall
Though it seems impossible
That something small become so grand
It makes it quite apparent-
God must lend a helping hand
And so this gift is given
Made from that grand old tree
A symbol of what St. Luke’s is now
And what will come to be
Though this gift is very practical
That is really not the goal
It is given as a symbol
Of St. Luke’s spirit, heart, and soul.
