Worlds Largest Treehouse - ABANDONED - The Ministers Chapel

www.AdamTheWoo.com - In Tennessee sits a lifelong project by preacher who created it to give glory to God. Years ago it was closed by the fire marshal never to open again. I had to see it and all of its glory...Enjoy !

[@janegoodman2604]

It surprises me how everyone commenting on the treehouse thinks they actually have their facts straight about it. The minister that built it is an amazing man. He is kind and loving to everyone he meets and has never met a stranger! His family is equally amazing (his daughter is my best friend) and have a love for the Lord! It was wonderful to watch it grow from the ground up and see how much hard work that was put into it. Building it was a walk of faith and obedience on H.B.'s part but it is also a gift for the community and public to share. If you are lucky enough enough to have the opportunity to visit please treat it with the respect that it deserves. I promise you that you will be amazed!' JEG

[@jkim6181]

jane goodman Where is this place?

[@smeew666]

J Kim Cookville TN

[@iamyourmuse]

jane goodman Jane, seems like a lot of hard work and love went into this place, it's too bad the community couldn't get together and get it to pass or what had to be done to fix it...it doesn't look too far from making it safe or habitable. Maybe to just install some sort of water sprinkler system or something...it would be a shame for it to go to waste!

[@Snugdajoina]

+iamyourmuse at least reclaim the lumber, right?

[@jkim6181]

No god this week? Maybe he'll have a better week next week.

[@AKhellbindeR]

In my world a treehouse is supported only by the tree itself, and does not touch the ground in any way. This is just a tall structure build next to a tree.

[@jkshanahan007]

^ Yep that.^

[@MikeyMcKillYou]

who cares? It's still awesome!

[@EmployeeJoe630]

Anders Kristensen Priorities, this guy has em.

[@salnorton4145]

Anders Kristensen... Man you're fuckin stupid.

[@galeng73]

I am watching this alone right now. I hadn't gotten very far into it, maybe 2:30 or so. He was sort of (poorly) panning the room when I said, "This is awesome." Right after I said that, Adam said the same thing. "This is awesome." It was, quite literally, within two seconds after I'd said it. Which gets me to this... This is awesome. I've watched loads of the urban exploration videos, though I guess this one is pretty rural, and I've just finished watching this one. It's actually one of the better ones that I've seen. Well, no... The video kind of suck and the sound isn't any better. However, the subject matter is interesting as all hell. Still, I appreciate the video and am grateful for the effort that you put into it. I'd prefer slower pans and a steadier cameraman but I imagine it can't be easy as it's not like you can bring in a crew and take your time. They already frown on your being there, I'm pretty sure they'll be even more pissed if they catch you in there with a full production crew and taking the time to compose your shots. They'll be right pissy if they catch you in there with gaffers, grips, setting up lights, and bringing in one of tracks so you can do stable rolling shots. It would be kind of neat to see that though. I'd have no idea how one would go about getting permission (and you'd need it) to make such a production. Then again, there's a certain style appeal and ambiance that comes from it being somewhere that you don't have permission to film. When I was a kid, the closest thing we'd get was a friend who came back with some footage they'd taken somewhere like the catacombs under Paris while they were there on vacation or something. Else, we'd sneak into buildings and tunnels on our own but the tech wasn't really there to easily get video of it. I am much too old to go slinking around and breaking/sneaking into places. So, I live vicariously through the videos you folks put up online. I'm pretty sure that they'd also fine the hell out of me or be convinced that I was in there for some nefarious reasons other than simple exploration. I'm pretty old. I do wish there were some way to do this legally. I can understand that there's a safety issue so perhaps people could sign indemnity waivers and have insurance. If there's something sitting, abandoned, and getting no use by anyone then people should be allowed to explore it so long as they're not doing any damage. Maybe we need something akin to the 'Right to Roam' as is seen in parts of Europe. This could be the 'Right to Explore' or the 'Right to Learn.' If it has been abandoned for ten years, nobody is using it, and no damage is done - then why not? I say this as someone who has property. Except on my property you're quite welcome to use it so long as you clean up after yourself and don't do any unreasonable damage. (Feel free to use an ATV, snowmobile, 4WD truck, start a campfire, and things like that.) I say that as someone who is actually *using* the property. If I left it abandoned, didn't check on it, and hadn't done anything with it - then, by all means, go ahead and explore it. Just don't sue me if you get hurt, don't damage stuff, clean up your mess when you leave, don't piss off others who are using it or will be using it after you, and put stuff back where you got it. At any rate, thanks for taking the time to make the video and for sharing your experience with us. It's much appreciated and this is one of the best places that I've seen people visit so far. My personal favorite exploration sites are quarries, we used to eat a bunch of acid and go find quarries to explore. I imagine that stomping around that tree house, especially on acid, would be a lot of fun. It doesn't even look like that one would be too rough on me, I'd go do that one. Thanks again.

[@jeaniecoudriet6201]

This was awesome to see!! I can imagine how even more awesome in real life going up there! But where the heck is the Rooster? Sounded like he was inside the treehouse cocko-doodiling doo! The would of freaked me out while sneaking around! Great video! A+

[@briangustavson6078]

This whole thing just burned down in 15 minutes :( I saw the headline and remembered watching this when I first discovered your videos many years ago. Thanks for going out to these awesome places and documenting them before they disappear forever, Adam.

[@kymjohnston4571]

what a beautiful job they did on this. would have love to visit when it was in its prime!

[@jon998811]

Adam love the videos I recently came across your channel and have been addicted ever since! Thanks for what you do..much appreciated!

[@LesleyCanterbury22]

I love your videos. Just found your channel the other day and now im obsessed. I didn't even realized I would enjoy watching abandoned things? Keep up the good work. fan from WV.

[@lifewithelie6726]

This might be a little late but he did this before tree house masters

[@GAZ-TRX]

LifeWithElie Was gonna say I've seen it on tree house masters only last year...

[@EllieBowers]

Gareth Adams yes I saw that episode too... sad if still abandoned. I hope the owner is back to his tree house =)

[@norwester7018]

Cool as it is (and it is QUITE cool), yeah... as a Firefighter/Paramedic, I can see exactly why it's been closed by the SFM... its a fire/rescue NIGHTMARE. I bet it'd take next to nothing to put it up fully engulfed and it looks rickety and like there's a LOT of potential for collapse should any one section become compromised. Really a neat structure, but yeah, it's a hazard. I wish someone would take it on as a restoration/historical project cause it deserves to be preserved and shown as it's really quite something. Sadly I'd imagine some kids will eventually either die. get seriously injured, burn it down or all of the above.

[@norwester7018]

Ok, I gotta ask, how long ago was it occupied??? The standing seam metal roof alone looks to be in pretty great shape (and not at ALL cheap btw) as does the rest of the structure aside from the simplistic/"light" construction methods. I'm simply amazed by the LACK of vandalism and looting that's been done. I'd have guessed someone would have come and stolen and or destroyed the statues and broken out or stolen the stained glass windows etc. That's amazing that it's not completely thrashed and grafiti'd like a lot of places end up. Great vids man, I love old abandoned places. We've got an awesome old :haunted" State Mental Hospital here in Oregon and some pretty amazing little ghost towns. I also build adult treehouses for friends and family so this is just amazing to me. I'm not a churchy, but that chapel area was pretty cool and a basketball hoop right in the middle of the place??? Awesome.

[@sgc1959]

D King It was closed in 2012..it's not far from were I live...I have pictures of it that my son took when he was there just before it closed..Lots of people stopped by there it's really amazing to see !! I wish they could open it back up

[@johnsanders186]

I agree with ya on why it's closed off, it would only take one pyromaniac or irresponsible person & the whole thing would go up like tinder, But yeah it does look structurally sound enough for a resto job & would look quite amazing fully restored.

[@whattheheck1000]

Nor Wester It was closed on August 7, 2012 and this video was taken on or before December 15, 2012. So, at most, 4 months. It was kept in good shape while it was open. I visited it August 27, 2011, about a year before it closed. It was beautiful. The tree house was structurally sound. It seemed at no risk of collapse. Even with dozens of college students inside, it felt solid. Best of both worlds: solid as a building, but still very much a tree house (and a very impressive one). I have to say my mind was blown by the architecture and decorations in the tree house. All the little nooks and crannies. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that wood is flammable. If someone doesn't feel comfortable going in the tree house, they don't have to. Even in there, it's up to them how high they feel like climbing. The only part that felt risky to me was climbing that final ladder to the bell at the top. Most people didn't do that anyway. I was 18 at the time though (: www.flickr.com/photos/jimmyyyy1992/sets/72157627431797779/ Here you can see the tree house on August 27, 2011, in its perfectly operational state. April 1, 2015 5:05 am

[@norwester7018]

whattheheck1000 that is really cool.man thanks for that link, I'm heal youve gotten to SE it in its operational state (or just SEE IT in general aye). Again, thanks for the info/link. Cheers.

[@BRUNNENG1]

That place is amazing. Those pulled out nails, showed the place is moving a bit though.

[@britneybxoxo]

This place isn't creepy at all and the owner is extremely nice they built it for people to come and enjoy. I've been through the whole thing. I was there RIGHT before it was closed by the fire marshal.

[@Skitchhiker]

Your catchy song has worked brain ninja magic... I found myself singing it in the shower the other day. Well played, sir... Well played.

[@stargate4698]

Beautiful place. Lots of really nice wood there to be salvaged. Statues are a real treasure, worth quite a bit to collectors of those things. One day someone will most likely get bored, and torch the place. I'm glad you put it on video.

[@hollosteve1]

Why does some bureaucrat with a plastic badge have any authority over a treehouse? Why not let individuals decided for themselves what structures are safe and unsafe to occupy. Everyone else that needs a government stamp of approval before going anywhere or doing anything (the fire marshall) should really look into emigrating North Korea instead of ruining it for the rest of us

[@craignorton3813]

Have you done any videos of "The Abandoned City of Detroit" or of the Chrysler headquarters of Detroit? That whole city is a fire hazard.

[@ejwalsh877]

A fantastic place, definitely my favorite from your videos so far. It's too bad it has been shut down, it seems the creators exerted great effort and passion to create this amazing structure.

[@leftyguitarist47]

This place was recently on a Discovery Channel show about treehouse builders. The owner is currently installing handrails and other components to bring it back up to code. This place is really cool

[@SaltyNationalist]

Now that was an awesome treehouse. All hands up!!! Praise Jesus. Another great job by AdamTheWoo. Travel safe Adam.

[@Commack08]

Very interesting place.. Thanks for bringing it to us Adam !

[@RobertShady]

That is one of the coolest abandoned places I've seen. Thanks Adam!

[@nezlover]

Hello a recent new sub here, hello hello........Love the video! This was my first Adam the Woo video experience. Thank you for showing us such a groovy place.

[@tyrekstupido4759]

Adam i truly cannot thank you enough for what you do. It is thanks to you that i am able to feed my constant obsession with abandoned things.You countlessly time after time put yourself in harms way in order to provide you viewers with the obsession we all share. i have been subscribed to your channel for around a year and a half now and i can easily say that there hasn't been one video you have posted that i have not enjoyed. in addition to all the was said it is good to see a fellow floridian.

[@donnag4940]

This place is amazing. Its sad to see that its just going to waste and not able to be used anymore.

[@ArkMusicFanclub]

+Donna Gilhousen i would shit all over this house.. leave my turds in the doorways

[@ArkMusicFanclub]

It is doomed.

[@stephenwarhurst6615]

Adam your lucky the Ewoks were away on that day

[@pw1630]

darn it. I wanted you to come to Tennessee. But, I was out of town. I still want to show you the rebel playground. just outside tn....in virginia. Keep up the good works Adam. You rock!

[@rjodhan1rr44]

Also wanted to say you're about the only one on The Tube I've subscribed to. Great work, again, be careful. Keep on Tubing.

[@dizzyk54]

That is fab! Thanks for showing us! Vicki

[@jennifergodby3960]

I've been there myself. It was amazing! It's over a hundred feet tall at the peak. It was closed temporarily to bring it up to safety standards by the fire marshal. I can't wait to go see it again!

[@jjlynn2372]

good video like always man keep up the good work sorry i have seen a lot of your video of laet but now you gave me someting to do this week you look like you have a lot of good video i have it seen yet cant what to see them!

[@ericmedia]

Really liked this one! Thanks bro keep em' coming!

[@stage4leukemia36]

Omg!! I live just thirty minutes away from this, in crossville😆!! I practically grew up here!!

[@lifeishooey]

Why did he ever leave this hose? Someone should restore it and call it home.

[@chas717]

I have wanted to visit this place for a long time. Thanks for going for me Adam. You just might want to stick around East Tennessee for a while, there are many adventures to be had!

[@kiefersbird3]

that is so cool! Thanks for sharing, adam!

[@Elburion]

woo you never cease to amaze me

[@3873236]

Absolutely amazing and Beautiful ! Thank You !

[@Cshell777]

Wow! How cool is that?? It's like a church in a huge tree - very well done!! Thanks for sharing! :)

[@GameLifter]

I've been here before! Glad you visited it!

[@wecanthandletruths]

This is so beautiful. I would like to explore this for sure!

[@RangerJ]

This is one of the most unique places you've been! Truly an amazing place, and how one person built it. Wonder why the Fire Marshall closed it. Looked pretty safe to me.

[@mcescher1957]

Absolutely NOTHING wrong with being preachy when someone obviously dedicated so much of himself to build something for the glory of God! So glad it is up and running...a big AMEN!!!

[@8733598]

Awesome Find, Love It !!!

[@ujjc001]

That's got to be the craziest thing I've ever seen! Awesome and thanks for sharing!

[@PanickedTato]

Ahhhh TN... where they don't beat around the bush. That sign actually said "File your complaints with them." Love it!

[@Euro3342]

This is awesome, my nieces live in Tenn, I'm going to tell them about this tree house, they'd be very much interested, great video! :D

[@dandydan2037]

Another cool video by the Master, ATW! Always have desert first!!!

[@Maklarr2000]

I remember reading about this one on the Cracked website. The place is huge, but I had no idea it was abandoned. Very interesting, and well presented, good show sir!

[@clw10ful]

Where is there a "separation of church and state" in the fire marshal closing it down? It is absolutely beautiful!!!

[@BeckyBandJesus]

Technically not a "treehouse" but it's beautiful. I love it and stayed in nice condition. Looks to be no rain coming indoors either. Did the pastor die?

[@dannyasmala]

biggest fan of you from mexico! love your video!!!

[@craignorton3813]

I've seen enough 'tree stump people' to make a cool nativity scene and a basketball hoop on the wall of the chapel at 2:31 and other than that, nothing over the top cool. It's no wonder the Fire Marshall shut it down. If it were me I'd take it apart board by board and build something useful out of it; like a fire. Another amazing video that saps brain cells out of your head.

[@storm_filter]

very cool place. thanks for the vid adam.

[@nidaauto]

Awesome place,thanks for posting.

[@CJSPENO]

A big pile of kindling! I do love a good tree house !!! I can understand the Fire Marshall though! Nice one Woo!

[@fredcarmen4469]

Hey I seen it on tv the same treehouse and a guy who fixes and build treehouse help follow the guidelines. Now it is open again.

[@bmollenhauer70]

I just saw on Treehouse Masters the other night that they did the work that the Fire Marshal required. Have they been allowed to reopen yet?

[@norwester7018]

I find it crazy hard to believe that they could have brought that up to code in anything less then 10 years. The lack of fire-breaks alone in the balloon construction would be quite the job (ome of those stud runs are like 4{!!!} stories from the looks of it), then there's the structural load and integrity issues. I'm not saying I think they should scrap it, quite the contrary, I think its amazing and quite the beautiful bit of work, but from the standpoint of trying to get it past the fire-marshal, I can see it being quite the nightmare. I hope you're right though, cause I'd be willing to make a journey to go see this place it's so cool to me. Also... I gotta throw this out there: "Treehouse Masters" is a sham show... Come up to OR/WA/ID and check out the REAL Treehouse Masters work and the basis for all this frauds claims to fame. He does it all for profit (he's just a contractor who's seen the money to be made in this type of often "for fun" building), not love of the forest or the joy of working wood with your hands. Most real quality builders are more then happy to share innovations that help the trees and buildings survive harmoniously, but this guys just trying to get famous and make money doing it. He's also brought about some "issues" with building regulations as he's also causing a wave of less then skilled do-it-yourself'rs (nothing wrong with doing it yourself, just take the time to learn what it is you're doing) to build ramshackle treehouses that are dangerous and lead to the rest of us being put through pointless redundancy just because some didn't take the time to build with quality and care as their foundations. IMO his show is not something I'd support. There are LOTS of books and other great vids on Treehouses, his is just another hollywood-style production.

[@buffirice2265]

Brett Mollenhauer I saw that episode also and was wondering the same thing

[@midgieboi101]

Oh my Goodness imagine if Adam could come to where you live , anywhere in the world and just find these really cool places for you ... I would love it

[@michpitt42]

So sad it burned down, glad you have this recorded.

[@kjiojdm]

Was watching a show called Treehouse Masters on animal planet and this was on it. Episode title was Sky High Spa ep. number 3 air date 6-14-13. They went and helped do a couple improvements to it to make fire codes. Cool to see it on here and then on tv 6 momths later. Keep doing what you do, Love your work Adam.

[@bulldog81ful]

It is so crazy how a massive piece of art is just left to rot like that. Its also amazing hhow well preserved it is. Thank you for risking prosecution to show us this.

[@alcoholic2412]

Holy crap it's huge! I've had weird dreams about places like this.

[@Kaseyshere101]

friggen amazing. i hate to get all preachy, but imagine someones dedication. how much of an impact God had made in their life to create something so huge and beautiful for Him. what a shame it was shut down.

[@JonDarnbrough]

This has just been on Treehouse Masters, a TV program and this has had a lot of work done to bring it back up to code with regards to safety and fire escapes. With a bit of look it will grow and receive many more visitors in the future. Fascinating place !!

[@icicicles]

I'd like to hear an interview with this priest. I'd like to know what goes on in his head. Pretty awesome conglomerate!

[@perky8509]

Such an interesting structure to explore! :)

[@southernhighlifer8341]

you were right adam that place is cool, its a shame that it was closed down though, great video as always man keep up the good work

[@DogTagCentral]

awesome vid! awesome shirt! awesome beard! just awesome!

[@SuperDiddy10]

Join me, fire marshall you? So I called him up and said my friend has got wood - the line went dead.

[@JonDarnbrough]

Hey there Adam. Your footsteps seemed very tentative while walking around there.... your a braver man than me... scared the crap out of me at times watching that. Was expecting your leg to disappear down a hole. Glad you survived :)

[@Charlexander]

I never saw a place like that before, it's awesome! :-)

[@robinevans7194]

I love this !!! thanks

[@xXxDarkAdeptusxXx]

One of the most beautiful constructions I've ever seen.

[@chroylikesfish]

ADAM I HAVE THE SAME SHIRT!!! and nice video btw

[@stephxwood]

When I was there this past Wed, It still has the "Closed by state fire marshall" sign hanging up. It was decently populated though!

[@AFshortie410]

Your awesome adam the woo

[@eddiesims4556]

A minister with a tree house lol gettin that younger audience

[@heidbrain]

and notice the sign that said " Bonus Room". wonder what "bonus" them kids are getting

[@Hitsuji_Suji]

It has only been a couple of years since they closed it. I think they are working on fixing things up to code and reopening it again. Im glad I got to go to this place before they closed it down.

[@Foxears123]

Dude! Awesome "Space Balls" shirt!!!

[@rjodhan1rr44]

Your TubeVids are really cool! I know you take a lot of care going into these structures, I just wanted to remind you to be careful. Also, maybe a little narration & history of what you're video taping would be really cool. Keep up the great work N keep on Tubing!

[@mattrobertson5237]

you are awsome Adam

[@Chilln187]

Best video yet

[@PrimephotoStudio]

Great video! Enjoy watching it.

[@raleighwooddriftwoodmanor]

Superb structure!! Parts of it, like the spiral staircase, are very pretty. It looks totally air tight~ that would be my main fear, is that the rain would get in, but apparently since you were there during a rain storm, that is not an issue. As to why the Fire Marshall closed it, my brother is an Architect and part of his "licencing" has to do with Civil Codes for Exits, (ie: Fire Exits). Likely it just doesn't meet "code", not that it is actually dangerous per, se. Would make a great house! :)

[@RyDawg084]

That's the coolest treehouse ever!!! I'd love to live in that tree

[@rissyrose]

Someone actually built this with there own 2 hands?

[@kchorton2]

RissyGirl144 their...

[@rissyrose]

lmao dont care lol just a comment

[@kchorton2]

+TedWilliamsFanClub you're really upset about this aren't you?

[@kchorton2]

+TedWilliamsFanClub you're clearly very upset. Breathe kid, breathe.

[@ArkMusicFanclub]

+MyFriendlyPup My brother is gay don't be ignorant

[@audreyanna7628]

I want to hangout there with my friends! That would be cool!

[@smeew666]

I am not easily impressed but when we went to see this amazing treehouse, I was actually amazed. It is awesome! If you ever get the chance to see it, do so....yes, it is still closed down, such a shame, kids defacing it and breaking out windows etc. Still a sight to see

[@DelanRocks]

Im suprised no one tries to remodel and live in that house.... That place looks awesome

[@bradmad8346]

I think basic fire suppression, and that no one can live in this structure, might make it OK for people just to view this cool place. I have seen quite a few places which aren't too safe, that people can still can go in to.

[@phangz8394]

It just looks like a massive house with a few trees growing within in. I thought tree houses was when the structure is built in or on the tree itself. Hope that made sense to you all.

[@Kopa_Malphas]

Its a shame that this place was shut down, its a gorgeous work of art.

[@MewisMe700]

3 Things. 1.) that's awesome 2.) you're brave to go in that because it looks like it'll fall any second 3.) that must of taken forever to build

[@stoshbeast1]

It would be pretty funny if Adam walked in on people gettin it on lol

[@silkysays3557]

amazing....fearless,aren't you....a very unique place

[@MrKelso159]

This place is open now. It was featured on Treehouse Masters on Animal Planet where he asked for some help from the host to take care of some issues with the trees growing through the roof and he had to add hand rails to meet the safety codes so he could get it reopened and make it safe again. The preacher talked about being shut down on the show and he got the help he needed to reopen. The preacher is there now as of the end of last year. You can go there now. It's awesome !

[@nordikax]

Great location for a band video!

[@LiminalSpaceTherapy666]

dude...I am kinda jealous of that shirt.. awesome videos though :D

[@SpecialHandlingUnit]

this would make a good black ops map . (love your videos)

[@Project-Jaden]

they have barbed wire and a bigger fence up now..i couldnt get in this summer :/

[@Buttermilkjug]

+Jaden The Alien That's because this place was built for Christians, not homosexuals~

[@ballajayy6495]

+DiggityDave83 lmao this made my day

[@trippydrew8492]

+DiggityDave83 So is Ted Haggard welcome or not?

[@charleswillsonpeale5739]

Carpetbagger got in with his 12 y.o. daughter a couple of weeks ago.