The First Chrismon Tree
Article 4 – Dot Odom, FPC Historian
It was the Christmas Season in the year 1971. Estelle Strickland attended services at the Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah. During that special service, Stell saw something which thrilled and inspired her with its magnificent beauty, and she knew immediately that her own church, First Presbyterian Church of Statesboro, simply must have one, also. It was a CHRISMON TREE! The custom of having a Chrismon Tree in a Church Sanctuary during the Advent Season was just beginning.
Estelle immediately set out to learn all she could about this new custom. She found out the name and address of the lady who had started the idea and sent to her for information. By Easter time in 1972, she was ready, and this notice appeared in the April Newsletter:
“What is a Christmas Chrismon Tree? A “Chrismon” is a combination of parts of two words – CHRISt and MONogram. A CHRISMON is just that, a monogram of Christ. They were designed and carved and drawn by the earliest Christians. They were found in many places – some on jewelry and utensils, others on doors or in catacombs or in buildings. Early Christians used them to identify themselves to one another, to designate meeting places of the church and to show unbelievers were they stood. Even more important, these symbols of the early church served to transmit the faith and beliefs to the viewers. Thus the inspiration was shared and passed on.
These designs are quite beautiful and make lovely Christmas decorations. By using these early symbols of our faith to decorate our tree, we bring out the real reason we celebrate this day of the year. Such a Christmas tree is not only worthy of being placed in the Lord’s House, but also contributes to the spirit of worship.
The tree, always an evergreen symbolizing eternal life, is the background for tiny white lights that speak of Him who is the light of the world. The white of the gold and white chrismons refer to our Lord’s purity and perfection while the gold refers to his majesty and glory.” - -
The members of that first Chrismon Committee were: Stell Strickland, Joye Zettler, Patsy Hoenes, Corlyn Brown (McCrosky), Arlene Chissom and Betty Womack. Other members joined with this group and began to work. Five more notices appeared in newsletters that year, reporting the progress of the committee. As the Advent season approached, Bill Brown offered to supply the tree, Corlyn would make sure that it was placed in the sanctuary, lights were given, and finally the day came to put up the tree. It was lighted during a special service on December 3. This special tree aroused so much interest in the community that the church was open each Sunday afternoon during Advent for visitors from other churches to see. (See Photo)
All during 1973, Stell was called upon by other churches in our community to help them to get started on their own Chrismon Trees. Within a few years the custom had spread to many of our local churches. And each year since then, we have enjoyed the beautiful decorations made by that first committee.
In November of 1997, our congregation celebrated 25 years of Chrismon Trees, by presenting a beautiful plaque to Estelle Strickland commemorating her twenty-five years of dedicated service to the Chrismon Tree project. This plaque was our way of showing our gratitude to Stell, who played such a major role in instituting and maintaining the annual Chrismon Tree tradition. So this year, 2003, will mark our 31st year or using this beautiful tree during the Advent season. And we will remember Estelle Strickland with love.