Friday, July 30, 2010
THE JESUS TREE 
Photo by Marilyn Ferguson ©1998
"The life size figure of Jesus Christ protrudes mysteriously from a knotted growth on an aging pin birch tree that is approximately 150 years old. It is worth the visit to this tiny Roman Catholic Cemetery located in Quincy, Illinois USA (pop. 40,000) which is nestled in West Central Illinois along the Mississippi River. A cemetery worker first discovered the phenomenon several years ago. He stood in awe upon making the discovery and kept the secret to himself for several days before sharing it with others. The miraculous image cannot be fully appreciated unless one stands at a certain distance and angle thereby explaining why the figure had not been discovered earlier. Both the Quincy Herald-Whig newspaper and KHQA television station ran stories on it and provided coverage. When word got out people flocked to the cemetery to see the spectacular site. According to Ruby Cookson, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic Cemetery Association nearly 2,000 people were visiting daily and in a very short time, the guest book located next to the tree had acquired over 30,000 signatures, however, many people visiting did not sign. As of July 1998 there were signatures from 48 states including Alaska and Hawaii and 20 foreign countries. The tree which has acquired the name of "The Jesus Tree" is also known by many in the area as "The Good Shepherd Tree." A fence was placed around the tree to provide some protection because people were peeling pieces of bark from the tree to take home as souvenirs. There was also concern because the grounds around the tree had been worn bare by the many thousands of visitors who visited each week. People have hung crosses on the image, others have laid bouquets of flowers at the foot, and some have gone so far as to leave stuffed animals and photos of loved ones. The first time I visited the site, I immediately saw what everyone had been talking about. Here was a life size figure of Jesus embedded within a huge knot in an old tree. One can quickly see the image of Jesus cradling what appears to be a lamb. The head of the lamb is visible directly above the folded arms of Jesus. Jesus is attired in a long robe and has a staff beside Him, which seems to be leaning on the right side of the tree. It was very obvious to me that the tree has been untouched as far as anyone trying to alter its make up in order for it to appear the way it does. Has it evolved through natural means or perhaps through some divine intervention? Feelings are varied but most walk away with a lingering thought in their minds and that is the figure of Jesus does seem to be outlined in the bark and protruding from the knot of the tree. One of the notes that stood out in the guest book was that of a mysterious fellow who visited on Sept. 05, 1998. Could this man have been a Messenger sent from God???? Please take a moment to read the words he wrote as shared with me by Ruby Cookson, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic Cemetery Assn. in Quincy, Illinois. ************************************************* 9/5/98 "Teach repentance and the remission of sin in this country that has turned its back on God (even to the point of condoning same sex marriages). I tell you to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ. The hand of God will deal with this vile perverseness. God said, "If you belong to me, you will bring up My name." Without delays seek Jesus Christ more than you have ever considered doing so. Understand the only power the devil has is the power you give him. God doesn't care about yesterday. Come to His Son with true repentance today. If you continue putting Him off, you will surely go to Hell. God said to take a strong stand against evil, so do it! Sometimes love requires correction. Be gentle and be firm with God's law and understand there is no middle place. You are either for or against Our Lord. Pray for the entire world that they may seek Jesus. Condemn no one but understand there is no middle place. You are either for or against Our Lord. Pray for the entire world that they may seek Jesus. Condemn no one but understand a time may come when you need to kick the dust from your feet. Love, Peace & Calm A homeless man with an Angel Wayland, Mo.
****************************************** If anyone should decide to take a trip to view this tree, I strongly suggest that they stand about 15 or 20 feet away from the figure at the N.E. corner where it is roped off. From this location you will receive the best view. I recently had a fellow e-mail me to ask me if perhaps the figure had been nailed to the tree. My reply to him was that this was completely natural and untouched by anyone. The figure blends in perfectly with the grain of the wood. Strangely enough, when standing next to the tree, the figure appears completely invisible and looks like nothing more than a big knotted growth, however, when you stand back a ways, the figure just seems to jump out at you. It's rather remarkable, I think. ©2003 Marilyn Ferguson To See More "Jesus Tree Photo's" Click Here ************************************************** I asked a few of my personal acquaintances and family members their thoughts on the tree. Here are some of their responses: ************************************************** Carolyn Potter: Wake up call for us before it's too late. Jesus wants all of us to come to Him and be saved. Hopefully with this and other signs, more people will be saved. Roberta Meyer: Quite taken in by the site. It could mean a number of things. Sandy Searle: The figure is quite interesting. It has been said "the Lord's handiwork is all over creation and I would say that the tree is a good example. Jeanette Jones: It's hard to decipher the meaning of the tree. Peggy Meyer: The tree certainly looks like the figure of Jesus. Pat Kelly: You can definitely see the figure of Jesus in the tree. Darlene Hood: It's a special tree. Rose Carpenter: People are always looking for a sign from God. They probably believe if they can touch it, it will cure them or do away with their sins. It is a wonder. Cindy Drake: The figure is so cool! Ollie Weese: The tree is a reminder that Jesus is watching over us. Evelyn Taylor: The figure of Christ looks exactly as the Bible pictures Him. _____________________________ Coincidence, phenomenon or miraculous discovery...... you decide???? If you have a moment...... e-mail me your thoughts. _____________________________ (SPECIAL NOTE) There is no charge to view the "Jesus Tree" and the cemetery is open to the public from 7:00 a.m. until dark. It can be viewed at the following location: Roman Catholic Cemetery 1730 North 18th St. Quincy, Illinois 62301 United States of America Phone # 217-223-3390 or 217-223-3395 Author/Written By: Marilyn Ferguson ©2002 Click Here to E-mail Marilyn *********************** SPECIAL NOTE: This page and fact that I took this photo in a Roman Catholic Cemetery does not in any way indicate my religious preference. It was placed here solely with the intent of planting a seed of faith in the minds of those seeking to find some visible evidence that Christ does indeed exist in a world where there is so much uncertainty. One thing is for certain! Jesus is as alive today as He was in Biblical times if we will only seek Him! It is my firm belief that God will not discriminate against all forms of religions. I do believe, however, that the road to heaven is narrow but there will be other denominations also lining the entrance to heaven. We will all go before Him and give an account of our lives. I believe the 'day of reckoning' is drawing closer with each breath we take and I take a firm stance in the fact that Jesus is the only way to eternal life. John 14:6 KJV Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh the Father, but by me. Music: "You'll Never Walk Alone" Heavenly Midis ************************ NOTE TO MY VISITORS: Due to the rising costs involved in maintaining my website, I am now accepting donations to go towards my poetry ministry. Thank you for your continued support. Blessings, Marilyn