Nestled in Crossville, Tennessee, the world’s most colossal treehouse stood as a testament to an extraordinary vision.
Horace Burgess, its creator, claimed divine inspiration for the construction of what became known as “The Minister’s Tree House”. Since 1993, a staggering 250,000 nails were meticulously placed across its ten stories, all supported by the steadfast foundation of six mighty oaks.
Spanning over 3000 square meters, the living space amalgamated across its multiple floors. Remarkably, this wooden marvel, which took 14 years to complete, supposedly incurred a mere $12,000 in costs
What kind of person embarks on such an ambitious endeavor, you might wonder? Perhaps a lunatic, one might think. However, according to Burgess, God directed him to undertake this extraordinary project, promising an unending supply of wood.
True to his conviction, the treehouse featured a central space designed for both prayer and basketball games, along with a penthouse crowning its tenth floor. A substantial half-ton church bell further accentuated its grandeur.
Over the years, the countless planks that composed the treehouse bore witness to the marks left by intrigued tourists who flocked to witness this architectural wonder.
Despite its popularity, the treehouse faced closure in 2012 due to violations of local fire codes. Concerns mounted as the fire department feared the catastrophic consequences of a blaze in a structure entirely crafted from wood.
Regrettably, those fears materialized as the colossal treehouse succumbed to flames in less than half an hour. Standing at an impressive 97 feet in Crossville, Tennessee, the Minister’s Treehouse became engulfed in a destructive inferno.
Constructed through the 1990s with a promise that building a treehouse meant never running out of material, the structure comprised 80 rooms, including classrooms, bedrooms, and a kitchen. Supported by an 80-foot white oak tree, it featured a wraparound porch connecting the five stories with a winding stairway.
The interior, a blend of the quirky and spiritual, boasted a hand-carved Bible, towering cross, and wooden pews. The name “JESUS” was even mowed into the grass beneath the building, emphasizing its spiritual significance.
Tourism ceased in 2012 due to safety breaches, leading to its eventual closure by state fire marshals.
The demise of the Minister’s Treehouse was swift, and Captain Derek Carter of the Cumberland County Fire Department, who had visited the treehouse as a tourist in the past, described it as “very cool, but also very dangerous”.
For those who once marveled at its grandeur, the Minister’s Treehouse remains a cherished memory, even as it has now returned to the earth from which it was built.
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Bear Refuses To Let Baby Go – Ranger Bursts Into Tears When He Discovers Why
In a stunning turn of events, local ranger Peter, recently suspended from duty, has emerged as a hero after a daring encounter with a black bear carrying a baby. The incident, initially dismissed by fellow rangers and law enforcement, has taken a surprising twist, revealing a heartwarming and tragic story.
Reports initially surfaced when Peter observed the bear in the distance, sparking concern due to recent predator sightings in the area. Approaching cautiously, Peter was shocked to witness the bear carrying a baby. Despite his best efforts to alert his fellow rangers and police, his claims were met with skepticism and ultimately resulted in his suspension.
Undeterred, Peter enlisted the help of his best friend and fellow ranger, Jacob, to investigate the matter further. Against all odds, the two found black bear tracks, convincing even the skeptical Jacob that there might be some truth to Peter’s claims.
As they followed the tracks, the situation escalated dramatically. A tense encounter with the bear unfolded, leaving Jacob in a perilous situation. With the bear charging, Jacob narrowly escaped by climbing a tree, leaving Peter alone in pursuit of the cave where the bear had taken the baby.
Peter’s determination led him to the dark depths of the cave, where, miraculously, he discovered the missing baby unharmed. However, a face-off with the bear ensued, and it was only through the intervention of other rangers armed with sedation darts that Peter and the baby were saved.
The mystery deepened as it was revealed that the bear had been caring for the baby after a fatal car crash had claimed the lives of the child’s parents. Strikingly, no missing baby had been reported to the police.
In a heartrending turn of events, Peter and his wife, deeply moved by the circumstances, decided to adopt the child. The baby, now identified as healthy through medical checks, found a new home with the couple.
The local police captain confirmed the details, expressing gratitude for Peter’s courageous actions and acknowledging the bittersweet outcome. Peter, reinstated as a ranger, expressed profound joy at the unexpected turn his life had taken.
This extraordinary tale serves as a reminder of the complexities of wildlife encounters and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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