THOMASTON — Since 1996 — quick do the math, that’s 16 years — the Thomaston Baptist Church has presented the “Living Christmas Tree.” The choir comprises members from the Midcoast community. This year’s program was, “A Celebration of Carols.”

“We invite as many community members as want to come,” said the Rev. Wayne Sawyer, who is also in his 16th year. “The first tree was the brain child of Robert Wiley. He had been an organist in Augusta before joining our church in 1996. He said he had an idea.”

The tree’s platform was designed by Jeff Morse and can hold up to 45 singers.

“It’s a wonderful design,” said Sawyer. “It’s as strong today as the day we built it. When we’re done we fold it all together and it fits in the space of a one car garage.”

The Church Choir and added community members start practicing Sept. 1. The platform is assembled a week prior to the performances.  And performances were given Dec. 1 and 2, with a third scheduled for 7 p.m. this evening, Dec. 3.

The Living Christmas Tree is also referred to as the Singing Christmas Tree.  It is generally constructed to hold between 30 to 50 singers, though there are some designed to hold as many as 450 singers for outdoor performances. The structural tree can be between 18- to 50-feet in height with singers. Height depends on if you count the star or angel that is placed above the single top person.

Composing a Living Christmas Tree: Sopranos and lighter choir members are usually placed higher up on the tree. Altos and tenors come next with the basses, usually placed at the bottom of the tree. Basses usually consist of the heavier males. A fear of heights could also help determine your place on the tree. Singing crosses are also gaining in popularity.

Rebecca Leonard directed the choir, with piano and keyboard accompaniment provided by Elaine Ernst and Tracie Payor. Bob Manning was the narrator.

This year's choir members included:

Sopranos: Jean Boyce, Sharon Chadwick, Shelby Chadwick, Pam Coombs, Stevi Flaherty, Kim Hammond, Joan, Kincaid, Florence Mathieson, Phyllis McNealy, Sue Thurston and Tena Wallace.

Alto: Heather Allen, Jenn Burns, Naomi Crocitto, Christine Dunkle, Jean Faustini, Cheryl Harding, Ruth Holden, Celia Jones, Priscilla Judkins, Donna Manning, Maxine Philbrook, Meg Sawyer, and Marcia Steenstra.

Tenor: Tim Couch, Walden Chandler, Jacqueline Harjula, Bill Leonard, Ken Mahar and Wayne Sawyer.

Basses: Horace Benner, John Coombs, David Holden, Stephan Maxwell, Larry Schooley and William Waldron.