minister's treehouse
Instagram/pugazi

Tennessee's Mysterious Minister's Treehouse Hides a Powerful Story

Shows like Treehouse Masters might highlight some wild structures, but this colossal treehouse takes the cake in the unbelievable buildings category. This rural Tennessee spectacle stands tall over the surrounding area.

Videos by Wide Open Country

The minister's treehouse stands 97 ft. tall and is built around an 80-foot-tall white oak tree. And this particular treehouse has grown and expanded steadily over the last 24 years by the hands of Minister Horace Burgess and his divine calling.

I think I might have found the coolest treehouse ever.

A photo posted by emily blincoe (@emilyblincoe) on

According to Atlas Obscura, Minister Burgess felt called to create this monumental structure. The way Burgess tells it, God directed the minister to build a monumental treehouse and, in return, the materials would never run out.

So far, that prediction is proving to be true. Over the last 14 years, the Minister Burgess has only spent $12,000 on building materials. And he hasn't expressed interest in stopping the building process. As long as there are materials, he will build.

For many years, he invited everyone to visit his wooden masterpiece. The only major rule declared that people couldn't smoke on the premises. At the last count, the structure boasted 80 rooms and five stories. There was even a chapel and a tower with bells that chimed each day. When past visitors climbed to the top of this towering structure, they could also take in the word "Jesus" spelled out with flora in a neighboring field.

However, the Tennessee State Fire Marshall isn't necessarily pleased with the stability of the structure. In fact, the state closed down the treehouse because it is a fire hazard. And it doesn't look like it will be open to the public in the foreseeable future. Admittedly, the climb to the fifth story does look a little scary.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIf_MDqhiGG/

Now we have to settle for simply enjoying the haunting images of this monumental treehouse from a safe distance.

See Also: The Ultimate Small Town Texas Road Trip

Now Watch: 5 Amazing Hunting Lodges in the U.S.