Have you heard the story of the magnificent tree that is in the church yard at First Presbyterian? Gather round children, and I will tell you the story. Once upon a time there was a family that lived on a farm in Mississippi and they had lots of trees growing all over their property. There was one exceptionally beautiful Leyland cypress tree that was in exactly the wrong place and it had to be cut down. The family was sad to cut down such a beautiful tree, especially so close to Christmas. They wanted to find a way to save the tree.
One of their friends suggested they donate it to a school to be auctioned off as a 20 foot Christmas Tree! They said they could even deliver to the winner's doorstep! That way, the tree would be given to someone who would love it, and raise money for a school at the same time.
So, the tree was listed in the school's auction. But, wow what a big tree!; That probably wouldn't fit into most people's houses. The people attending the auction were a little intimidated by it. Luckily, there was a Lycee Francais parent at the auction and she had an idea. She knew it would be the perfect centerpiece for an event at her child's school- the March d'Hiver. The Marche d'Hiver was taking place in the First Presbyterian Church yard that had recently been used as a pumpkin patch and a parking lot. It didn't look very wintery or very Christmassy. So, she bid on it and she won! Then she very generously donated the 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide Christmas tree to the Marche d'Hiver.
Two days before the event, the tree was carefully cut down from Remington farm in Poplarville, MS, and driven on a trailer all the way to New Orleans. It was so big that it took three men and one truck to stand it up and get it secured into place. They had to dig a hole and use metal poles and ropes to tie it down and get it straight.
It was a magnificent focal point and a delight for all who attended the Marche d'Hiver. There certainly aren't many trees like that in Uptown New Orleans! Everyone commented on how amazing the tree was.
The day after the Marche d'Hiver was over, the church members were sad that the tree had no other purpose. Then, they realized that it was a terrific spot to take photos and offered anyone who still needed holiday photos to come take pictures in front of the tree. There was plenty of parking and plenty of room in case anyone was still trying to get some family photos for the holidays. After that it could be a beautiful addition to the church's Living Nativity event right before Christmas.
And that, children, is the story of the tree. It started out as a wild tree, in the way, that needed to be cut down. Thanks to the thoughtfulness and generosity of one family, creative thinking by the donor, and teamwork of several people, it ended up helping two schools, a church, and brightening the holiday for all the people that got to behold its beauty. Merry Christmas!
The End.
