The Minister’s Tree House: A Testament to Creativity and Faith
Crossville, Tennessee, is home to an extraordinary marvel – the world’s largest treehouse. Built by Horace Burgess, this towering creation, known as “The Minister’s Tree House,” stands as a testament to human creativity and unwavering faith.
Horace Burgess’s Divine Vision
In 1993, Horace Burgess embarked on an incredible journey to build the treehouse, driven by what he believed was a divine commission from God. Rising ten stories tall, the structure rests on a foundation of six oak trees and spans over 3,000 square meters of “living space.” Burgess’s project used nearly 250,000 nails and took 14 years to complete, costing around $12,000.
“Faith led Burgess to believe that God would provide all the necessary materials, and this assurance fueled the construction of this wooden wonder.”
The Treehouse’s Grand Design
The Minister’s Tree House featured a substantial central area that served both as a prayer space and a basketball court. Its tenth floor housed a penthouse and a half-ton church bell, blending spirituality with playfulness. Visitors left their marks on the structure, etching memories into the wooden planks.
Tragedy Strikes
Despite its charm, the treehouse was closed in 2012 due to fire code violations, as its flammable materials posed a significant fire risk. Tragically, this magnificent wooden structure, standing 97 feet tall, was consumed by flames in less than half an hour, reducing it to ashes.
A Two-Decade Journey of Faith and Community
Construction of the treehouse began in the early 1990s. Architect Harold Burgess relied on local donations of raw lumber, which allowed the treehouse to grow over two decades. The structure expanded across 80 rooms, including classrooms, bedrooms, and a kitchen, all interconnected by an 80-foot-tall white oak tree.
A Tapestry of Rooms and Spiritual Significance
Inside, the treehouse featured a hand-carved Bible, a towering cross, and wooden pews, creating a unique ambiance. The word “JESUS” was meticulously mowed into the grass below. Church services held within its walls drew visitors seeking a distinct spiritual experience.
Closure and Final Flames
In 2012, state fire marshals deemed the treehouse unsafe for tourism due to various infractions, leading to its closure. Burgess defiantly displayed a sign reading, “Closed by the state fire marshal. File your complaints with them.” The treehouse met its untimely end when it was engulfed by flames. Captain Derek Carter of the Cumberland County Fire Department described the aftermath as “a pile of rubble.”
Legacy of the Minister’s Tree House
For many, including Pigeon Forge native Macy Leatherwood, the Minister’s Tree House was the highlight of family trips, a cherished memory despite only being seen from afar. Captain Carter, who visited the treehouse before its closure, acknowledged its undeniable allure and peril.
From its origins as a testament to faith to its tragic demise, the Minister’s Tree House tells a story of human endeavor and divine inspiration. This extraordinary creation may have fallen, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who marveled at its splendor.
