Tree Where Ocean City Founders Met Finds New Home

The trunk of a historic tree that shaded four Methodist ministers as they met in 1879 to establish a Christian retreat they would name “Ocean City” has a new home at the Ocean City Historical Museum. The tree is now on display at the museum, which is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday with free admission for visitors. The display is part of a section of the museum dedicated to the founding of Ocean City. “I love history, and I’m excited to see our Historical Museum continue to evolve,” Mayor Jay Gillian said. “I want to encourage everybody to check out the new exhibit.” The story of the tree. The tree had been housed at the Ocean City Tabernacle, but it was decided that the new location would best serve visitors interested in Ocean City history. The display notes that Rev. S. Wesley Lake and his brothers, Ezra and James, along with Rev. William B. Wood, met under the tree 143 years ago and “prayed for God’s guidance and blessing on their plans.” At the time, the tree was located near what is now North Street.