The historic event of the move attracted crowds of local citizens. “The move of this tree was incredible. It was inspiring to see it being preserved,” said JoEllyn King, lead Clearwater City Gardener.

Terry Mock, President of the Earth Restoration Foundation and member of the Governor’s Council on Florida’s Sustainability, acknowledged the feat at a concert sponsored by the Church in late 1998 to raise environmental awareness.

Mock presented Church of Scientology representative Pat Jones with a plaque acknowledging the Church “for your work in preserving the environment by saving and transplanting ‘Sam’, the largest living oak tree ever moved.”

A West Palm Beach resident and third-generation Floridian, Mock said he has observed a growing commitment in the church community worldwide toward environmental responsibility.