THE DOGWOOD LEGEND

Centuries ago, the stately Dogwood tree proudly reached toward heaven in praise and in supplication. The cross . . . that which bore Christ's body, was hewn from this proud Dogwood tree.

So great was the tree's humility that it grew twisted in agony, gnarled with disgrace, bent and slender in meekness. Its true grain was stained by Christ's blood, forever to remain a living symbol of His pain and suffering. 

On Easter morning the Dogwood tree caught the radiance of New Life and Reawakened Hope, and burst forth in an array of soft white splendor. Four delicate petals in each bloom formed a cross--each edge marked with brown nail prints. A crown of thorns, as He wore, formed the center of each blossom. 

And down through the long centuries of time, the Dogwood tree, with its downy white petals, vividly reminds us of the precious gift He gave on Calvary, and of His promises, which were fulfilled on the first Easter Morning.