Danville’s place historically as the Last Capital of the Confederacy, and as the site of the Wreck of the Old 97, which inspired a ballad that made this train disaster famous, are hits of general knowledge that many tourists can cite already when they visit this city.  More and more too travelers recognize this city along the Dan not only as the home for 125 years of Dan River fabrics and the birthplace of Lady Astor, but also as the natal city of the Chrismons tree, for Chrismons and their message of faith have spread around the world over the past half century.

Appropriately enough, Chrismons began in the "City of Churches," Ascension Lutheran Church.  They sprang from the creative talent of the late Frances Kipps Spencer.  Following the example of other members who had for years given of themselves to decorate the church tree as a simple offering to God, Mrs. Spencer volunteered to decorate the tree in 1957.  Drawing from a book about early Christian symbols presented to her by her husband some years before, Mrs. Spencer resolved to create a tree that reflected Christmas as the birthday of Christ and his ministry.  Her singular ability to translate these "chrisma," designs used by the early Christians to pass along their message to others, resulted in the first Chrismons tree.  Mrs. Spencer fashioned the Chrismons, literally Chris(t) mon(ograms), from humble craft materials she had on hand, Styrofoam, wire and beads.  Colors signified the purity and perfection of Christ (white), and His majesty and royalty (gold).

Since that first tree in 1957 thousands have visited Ascension Lutheran Church to witness the beautiful and unique ministry of the Chrismons tree.  The numbers increase each year.  Using instructional booklets with directions for making these inspirational ornaments, churches of many denominations worldwide now include Chrismons trees an integral part of their Advent and Christmas celebrations.