[Sly Fox]

Lights moved by music help brighten the holidays
Couple creates Musical Tree for all to enjoy

BY SHERIE SMITH
ssmith@chronicle-tribune.com

Published: Saturday, December 13, 2008 1:09 AM EST

A musical Christmas tree is Rich and Kathy Barnhart’s way of sharing the Christmas season — and their faith — with the community.

This is the first year that Grant County has the opportunity to see the musical, lighted program at the Barnhart’s home, 2757 W. Ninth St.

Its history goes back to 1987 when Rich Barnhart was working in the computer science department at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., and the couple was attending the Thomas Road Baptist Church.

“The church had a living Christmas tree in which the choir members actually stand on risers, and then they threw a switch. It was actually state of the art at the time and quite impressive,” Kathy said.

But Rich Barnhart and others were looking for a new idea.

Hearing about a display in Buffalo, N.Y., they traveled there. The timing was good because while teaching computer science at Liberty, he was also working on his master’s degree at Virginia Tech.


Rich and Kathy Barnhart stand by their constructed Christmas tree Thursday evening made with about 1,600 lights outside their home at 2757 W. Ninth St. Marion. The Barnharts have created a light display that is set to music which is run by a computer for visitors to sit and watch from their cars.

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