A tree cutter sits on a limb of the 600-year-old oak tree in Bernards, N.J. The tree was declared dead after it began showing rot and weakness during the last few years.

BERNARDS, N.J. — A white oak tree that has watched over a New Jersey community and a church for hundreds of years began its final bow Monday as crews began its removal and residents fondly remembered the go-to spot for formal photos, landmark for driving directions and the remarkable piece of natural history.

Crews at the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church in Bernards began taking down the 600-year-old tree that was declared dead after it began showing rot and weakness during the last couple of years. They were due to return to the church today — weather permitting — to continue the process, which is expected to be completed by Wednesday.

“Over the past few years (the tree’s) health has declined quite dramatically. Our folks did everything possible to help its health be restored, but it was just the end of its life and it was not meant to be,” the Rev. Dennis Jones, the church’s pastor, said as the work got under way.

The removal drew lots of attention from residents of a bedroom community about 30 miles west of New York and other tree fans who saw it as a chance to bid a final farewell to their close friend. Hundreds of people came by during the day to watch the work, many appearing somber as they watched workers.

The tree has been an important part of the community since the town’s inception in the 1700s. Officials say it was the site of a picnic Gen. George Washington held with the Marquis de Lafayette.