Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
This Lindon tradition started in 1934 during the great depression. Lindon was in the midst of a three year drought. Crops were very poor, there were no welfare programs, and times were hard. Someone in the community got the idea of lighting one of the tall trees on the LDS church lot. The entire town pitched in and put together a strand of 20 lights. On Christmas Eve, Patriarch Thorne read Luke 2, carols were sung and the tree was lit. Lorraine Wadley Wells wrote, "There were oohs and ohs. Throats choked with emotion, tears slid down cheeks. We sang a final "Silent Night," then the crowd dispersed to their homes, each knowing that everyone cared. Each year Christmas trees come and go in all their splendor. But the tree I remember best is the tall Christmas tree on the church house lawn with its 20 glowing lights and message of caring, that said to each of us you are not alone."
The traditional tree lighting was held at the original location at 400 North Main Street each year from 1934 until 1941. The tradition was revived in 1993 at the same location, and was held there each year from 1993 until 2004. In 2005, the ceremony was moved to the City Center, at 100 North State Street, where it will be held again in 2006. You and your family are invited to join us for this warm holiday tradition. |
