Christmas Trees With a Message

by Colonel Richard Munn

Major Sandy Jones is a quite remarkable artist and facility decorator, renowned for the quality and captivating beauty of her work over many years. A retired Salvation Army officer now residing in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, she and her husband, Bill, for many years headed Adult Rehabilitation Centers across the USA Eastern Territory.

Those centers consistently featured head-turning decorations of the lobby, dining hall, or chapel thanks to Sandy Jones, a naturally gifted artist with an inspiring work ethic. Her ministry provided one more avenue of healing for the center residents, the therapy of beautiful art.

For the past several years that creative gift has been shared with the broader Saco, Maine, community through the popular December Festival of Trees, hosted by the local museum. To the general public, Sandy’s Salvation Army Christmas tree is a regular and admired presence.

SAconnects took the chance to catch up with Sandy this Advent season to give you, our readers, the story behind the story.

How long have you been involved in this civic Christmas tree project? And what led you to decorate this tree with a Salvation Army theme?

This is the 20th anniversary of the celebration of the Festival of Trees. It is a fundraiser for the Saco Museum and also provides a creative opportunity for the broader community to celebrate the Christmas holidays. In 2017, Old Orchard Beach Corps Advisory Board member Jim Pate mentioned that he had purchased the sponsorship for an 8-foot Christmas tree for the festival that could be decorated by The Salvation Army. What a great opportunity!

Now the question, “What should the tree look like?” We got the word out to our corps congregation, and people provided distinctly Salvation Army–themed tree ornaments, many purchased through our own territorial trade department over the past few decades. You probably have them on your tree, even now.

What is the theme for 2024?

The museum aptly chose “Past, Present and Future” as this year’s theme. So, the beloved bonnet represents the past, New York Staff Band musicians represent the present, and a globe wrapped with a red ribbon symbolizing John 3:16 represents the future. The title of our tree is “Christ for the Whole Wide World.” I’ve been told every year the first thing people ask is “Where is the Salvation Army tree?”

You are legendary in using beauty and artistry to communicate the gospel. What especially stands out in your mind, and what have been your favorite aesthetic projects over the years?

I have often heard the term “not my first rodeo.” There have been many other special trees for me. One that is vivid in my memory is a 10-foot tree that I decorated with stables, mangers, and all the characters of the Nativity.

My latest is a Chrismon tree that is the currently featured visual in our corps chapel. Members cross-stitched ornaments in white and gold, depicting the traditional Chrismon monograms of Christ. Explaining the deep symbolism of the tree was at the heart of our evening meeting on the first Sunday in Advent.

Any final thoughts or insights that will be of interest to our readers?

I am honored that God has allowed me so many opportunities to get the attention of people through inspirational design. I always aim to highlight the message of God’s love for us, that we might then respond and give our all to Jesus.

Thank you, Sandy. You have shared so much beauty with so many Adult Rehabilitation Centers and Salvation Army corps, and with the general public too. You can be sure the SAconnects team is cheering you on.