In 1973 as minister of music, Dwight Mullen had a dream
to put Christ back into Christmas by presenting the
Christmas message to the people of Moncton in a new and
unique way.  He had seen a similar production of a "Living
Christmas Tree" in the United States and felt this would be
the way that his dream would be fulfilled.

The original Tree was designed by Ivan Edgett, and was
built to last only one year.  The first Tree was a marvel to
the audience of the day.  It stood 21 feet high was covered
with 750 lights.  It took an entire truck load of fresh pine
boughs to cover the massive frame, and these were pain-
stakingly chopped an inserted into wire that covered the
front and sides of the frame.  The smell of the fresh pine was
wonderful, but, because of the flammable nature the structure
could only remain up for a week or less.  As a safety precaution,
four hoses were run on both sides of the Tree, and fire extinguishers were strategically placed in the Tree.  As well, choir members were asked to take damp handkerchiefs with them to use in case of a fire.  The lights were woven into the pine, and could be brightened and dimmed by adjusting regular home "dimmer switches" that were attached to a panel.

Ten years later, the original Tree was "worn out" and was replaced by a new structure, built by Ed Stewart in his back yard.  At this time it was decided that something had to be done to lessen the risk of fire.  Artificial boughs, made especially for the Tree, were ordered from the Noma company and were wired onto the framework, one piece at a time, allowing the Tree to be left up indefinitely.

As the years passed, we moved into the high-tech age, adding more lights, which could be programmed to do almost anything with the aid of a computerized light board.  CD technology, fog machines and various other special effects, including dazzling sets designed by Smokey Schella, have enabled us to produce one of the largest Christmas productions in Eastern Canada.

In 1998 we added another dimension with the introduction of a new state-of-the-art Tree, manufactured by Specialties of Dallas, Texas.  But, all of the technology in the world would be useless were it not for the hundreds of man-hours that all of the volunteers put in to make the Tree the success it has become.  The main driving force behind everyone is to get the true meaning of Christmas out to the community and see souls won to Christ.

In 2009 the entire lighting system of the tree was redone moving us from traditional lights to mini lights.  With the addition of 35,000 mini lights in 6 colours and 26 thousand feet of wiring bringing the tree to the age of mini lights.  In 2010 the lighting technology for the tree was upgraded making it possible to synch the music and lighting like never before.

The Living Christmas Tree is an incredible undertaking for all who are involved, with long hour, lots of frustration, and awesome responsibility of "making it happen".  When the last performance is over, however, and all the songs are sung, what is remembered is the joy and excitement as lives are touched by the true meaning of Christmas.

Directors

Since Dwight Mullen acted on his dream in 1973, the Living Christmas Tree has known 6 Directors.  Each of these dedicated individual have, through imagination and unfailing hard work, made the "Tree" a success.  Were it not for the Director , the Tree would remain lifeless.  But, in that moment when he takes his place, the lights dim and the timpani rolls, a breathtaking transformation occurs and the Tree comes to life.

In 1973, Dwight Mullen and his wife Margie, were the driving force from which the first Living Christmas Tree was born.  From that time until 1981, Dwight saw his dream grow to become a tradition in Moncton.  His purpose for the Tree was to put Christ back into Christmas by presenting the Christmas message in a "unique" way, so we could give the gift of love to the community.

Don Ingersoll became Minister of Music in 1982, and along with his wife Janet contributed greatly to developing the Living Christmas Tree into an annual institution.  Don was best known for deciding to do the impossible by saying, "It'll work!", and showing us how to accomplish the task.  Under Don's direction, we saw the first "flying angel", the introduction of humour, as well as contemporary and secular music.  This opened the Tree up to an entirely new audience from outside the church.  Also during the Ingersoll era, a new Tree was built, the selling of tickets for admission was implemented, radio and television advertising was extended, and the orchestra was expanded.

Mark and Lori Welch from High Point, North Carolina, joined the team in 1985 and brought a fresh, new perpective to the Music Ministry.  Mark was a professional Christian performer, having been a member of the Day of Discovery singers, as well as a solo artist.  He had never directed a program as large as the Living Christmas Tree, but with his stage experience, his desire to succeed, and his ability to dream big, the Tree Flourished and began to draw an audience from all over the Maritimes.

From 1990- 1992, the Music program and the Living Christmas Tree were under the direction of Keith Tyler.  Keith was blessed with a fantastic, God-given talen on the keyboard, along with a desire for musical excellence.  This talent was just what what needed to bring the Tree into the 90's.  Up to this time, the music for the Tree had been provided by a live orchesta but, because of multiple performances, it became more difficult to find enough musicians.  Keith introduced CD technology to the Tree, and with the piana and organ accompaniment, the result was a beautiful blend of sound that could easily be controlled.

In the summer of 1992, the Church was without a Minister of Music, and although many inquiries were made, there didn't seem to be anyone who could fill the position at this very critical time.  The people began to pray and God answered in the form of a wonderful, godly, woman named Betty Weatherby.  For the first time, the Living Christmas Tree would be directed by a layperson.  Betty's quiet spirit and desire for musical excellence and ministry quickly won the admiration and hearts of the choir, and all those who worked with her.  She quickly caught the vision, and through her direction sustained us through the commitments and sacrifices necessary to make the Living Christmas Tree a continuing success.