By Penni Schaefer
CONNEAUT LAKE — Anyone who has been held in awe by the sheer magnitude and beauty of the Living Christmas Tree event at Trinity United Methodist Church is sure to question how it could possibly be surpassed. But this year the addition at the top of the tree is exactly what organizers hope will be what distinguishes it from those of years past.
Even Randy Calvin of Hartstown, who for years has been putting together the gigantic construction, said the adornment added to this year’s tree — a large white angel illuminated from behind — is stunning.
“It’s a beautiful addition, and when the lights are low, it really shines nicely,” he said.
Even though getting the Living Christmas Tree off the ground — literally — is a sizable feat, he never tires of the annual event, which, for him begins with the assembly of the floor-to-ceiling structure that supports more than five dozen singers.
“I’ve been involved for many years, so now it’s just like putting together a very large jigsaw puzzle,” Calvin said. “We begin with the markers on the floor and then build it up to the highest platform at the top of the tree, attaching each level to the one before it.”
The Living Christmas Tree is a framework of interconnected pre-made platforms that lift the interdenominational choir off the ground — some to heights of more than 15 feet, Calvin said. And besides having voices of angels, choir members must not be faint of heart.
“They’re pretty high up there, so they can’t be afraid of heights,” he said. “And those who are at the top, well, they must be people who can take the heat because it could get pretty hot up there.”
According to Calvin, the entire structure takes between three and three and one-half hours to put together “on a good night.” This year the platforms will support a group consisting of 65 choir members from more than two dozen churches. All will converge for four performances over a three-day period, beginning Friday night.
In addition to the glorious sounds produced, those attending are often equally as stunned by the beauty of the three-dimensional evergreen-shaped construction whose framework is forgotten — hidden beneath layers of greenery, garland, lights and beautifully handcrafted papier mache snowflakes.
Despite being the principal organizer of the “nuts and bolts” of the erection operation for the past four years, Calvin humbly credited the group who gathers each year to assemble and dismantle the giant wooden arrangement.
“I won’t credit myself, I just happen to be the one with the knowledge of how it goes up,” he said. “And that comes from years of experience. I’ve got the schematics of the set-up in my head.”
Sharon Smith, co-organizer of the event, agreed wholeheartedly with Calvin’s assessment of this year’s tree.
“When I saw it lit for the first time it almost took my breath away,” she said.
She also didn’t wish to reveal this year’s surprise decoration, but did say that it was “absolutely heavenly.” Each year the group tries to “mix things up just a bit.” But this time around, she thinks the audience’s reaction could be jaw-dropping. She did say that Trinity United Methodist Church has retired the cross that previously graced the top of the Living Christmas Tree.
Smith said this year’s cantata “Tonight, Heaven Touches Earth” will begin with the musical selection being the carol of the same name. And, as in years past, she expects the crowds will fill the church and depart satisfied.
“People also praise the event and say that it’s ‘absolutely beautiful,’ ” Smith said. “And considering it is something that has gone on for more than 25 years, we know we are doing something right.”
Others carols that will be performed include “Still He Came,” “Listen to the Angels Sing,” “Follow the Light” and “Sing Gloria.”
As in previous years, sign language performers will accompany the singers for members of the audience who are hearing impaired.
Churches from around the region that will be participating include: Andover Christian, Cal-vary Baptist, Denny Chapel, Faith Geneva United Methodist, Fallowfield United Methodist, First Baptist, First Church of God, Greenville Alliance, Ham-lin Chapel United Methodist, Harmonsburg United Methodist, Hartstown Presbyterian, High Street Community, Linesville Baptist, Linesville United Methodist, Lyona Baptist, North Shenango, Springboro United, St. James the Apostle and Valley United Methodist.
Penni Schaefer can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at pschaefer@meadvilletribune.com.
This year’s Living Christmas Tree performances at Trinity United Methodist Church are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Before the first two performances, there will be a folk dance beginning at 6:45.
Before the Sunday performances, the children’s bell choir will perform beginning at 3 and 7.
