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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At the age of 4, she garnered the title “the most beautiful girl in the world” – Here’s how she looks at 20 years old
In a world where every child possesses a unique kind of beauty, there are some whose allure is so enchanting that they effortlessly claim the spotlight as the most beautiful children in the world. Thylane, a young girl whose mere presence stole the hearts of many, serves as a prime example of such captivating charm.
Right from her earliest days, Thylane’s distinctive grey eyes and curly locks cast a spell on all who beheld her. Even in her toddler years, her arresting features caught the attention of modeling scouts eager to work with her.
While countless individuals spend years navigating the complex terrain of the modeling world, striving to secure coveted roles in fashion shows, Thylane’s path unfolded with remarkable ease, her innate beauty acting as a key to unlock doors of opportunity.
By the tender age of 10, Thylane had already claimed the title of the world’s most beautiful child. She stood out among her peers as one of the rare few to grace the illustrious pages of Vogue and adorn the covers of esteemed magazines.
Yet, amidst the acclaim and adoration, Thylane’s family found themselves under scrutiny for introducing her to the world of modeling at such a young age. Many critics argued that instead of being thrust into the spotlight of photoshoots and fashion events, Thylane should have been free to revel in the joys of childhood, spending time with friends and frolicking outdoors like any other 10-year-old.
However, unmoved by the naysayers, Thylane’s parents stood firm in their convictions, steadfastly defending their choices in raising their daughter.
As Thylane’s star continued to rise, she ventured into the realm of acting, spurred on by the interest of numerous producers eager to collaborate with her.
After a brief foray into the world of cinema, Thylane found herself drawn back to her roots in the fashion and beauty industry once more.
Now a blossomed young woman, recent photographs depict Thylane alongside her beau amidst the picturesque landscapes of the south of France. The images captured during their romantic getaway reveal a deep and abiding affection between them, a testament to the love they share.
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