In a large wooded area, near Crossville, Tennessee, stands what may be the largest tree house in the world, spreading across seven individual trees. But this solidly built, 10,000+ square foot structure is no ordinary tree house. It is a multi-level above ground church, lovingly built by Reverend Horace Burgess over the past 18 years. The tree house has 10 floors, averaging nine to 11 feet in height, and more than 80 rooms. It is topped by a chime tower, weighing approximately 5,700 pounds. Inside the tower, 10 empty oxygen acetylene bottles serve as bells. The church's main sanctuary is located on the second level.

Burgess, who also runs a full-time landscaping business, built the church in his "spare time". Most of the materials used were taken from old houses and barns, torn down in the area, or rejected/damaged wood from various lumber yards and "big box" stores. There are no plans or blueprints for the structure and Burgess says additions are added, as The Lord provides him guidance. The church has electricity, water and a wood stove for heat.

I was lucky enough to visit the church when Burgess was there and had a nice chat with him. He said the church was still a work in progress. Future plans call for adding an elevator and a fitness-testing "Stairway To Heaven", that will twist all the way to the top of the belfry.

This Tree House Church is an amazing piece of work, visited by many, many people. When he can be on site, Reverend Burgess manages to inspire and spread The Word, as he tells visitors about how the church came to be.