The Church of the Spiral Tree (CST), an “ecumenical pagan church,” was founded in 1997 by Linda Kerr (Muirghein ó Dhún Aonghasa) in Auburn, Alabama. "It is an ecumenical church in that it encompasses all traditions, and is non-exclusive. It welcomes all who revere the Earth Mother."

Non-dogmatic and independent, the Church defined itself as more shamanic, in the Pagan mystery tradition, than Wiccan. In the earlier period it cultivated awareness of the “Faerie Folk” or “Little People,” as being the reality behind the pagan pantheon: hence its original description as a “Faerie Faith Church.” In 2003 the Church removed mention of the Faerie Faith from its literature, without any marked change in its character or practices.

The Faerie Faith Tradition is a branch of McFarland Dianics. The Church’s chief activities followed the Celtic Lunar Tree Calendar of thirteen moons in the solar year, each of them named for a tree and manifesting specific energies. Other influences were the Huna philosophy of Max Freedom Long; the Bach Flower Remedies; the practice of dowsing; the theory of ley-lines or energy paths in the landscape; Native American spiritualities; women’s mysteries; and analytical psychology. Members seeking initiations followed a rigorous study program, in order to develop their own philosophical concepts along with ritual practices.

A journal, The Hazel Nut, published in 25 issues from June 1993 to 1998, carried articles on Celtic Spirituality, ecology, the sacred trees and lunar energies, poetry, and book reviews. The Hazel Nut was not a publication of CST, but the last issue describes the development of the Church and the handing over of its publication to a Faerie Faith member, which, sadly, sealed its fate. Linda Kerr's focus at this time was on CST, which would allow membership for associated groups. In Fall-Winter 1998 CST released its first issue of their newsletter: The Journey. Official Newsletter of Church of the Spiral Tree. This served for information, networking, announcement of events, and articles of Pagan interest. There was a pervasive emphasis on the ethical conduct of life.

On August 1, 1997 the Church of the Spiral Tree obtained a Certificate of Incorporation from the State of Alabama, and an Employer Identification Number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. These documents were shown at the first meeting of directors on December 14, 1997. Tax-free status followed as a 501(c)(3) corporation. Over the next decade, membership rose to the high double figures. Non-members were welcomed to its rituals, sabbats, and full moon events. There was a Pagan Prisoner Ministry, and participation in wider communal and charitable enterprises through a Community Relief Fund. Some events were held in Columbus, Georgia, at the Unitarian Universalist Church. In the 2000s, the Church chartered smaller branches in Alabama and Georgia, called “Groves” and enrolled from three to thirteen people each. The Grove program was discontinued from January 1, 2015.

From 1999, Linda Kerr also administered the Sacred Grove Academy as a legally recognized church school. It did not offer tuition either in person or online, but for a modest fee it served home-schoolers whom the state of Alabama required to have a “cover school” to authorize their curricula. The Academy enrolled over a hundred members, and continues to operate in the 2022-23 school year.

From September 1, 2019, the Church of the Spiral Tree was “put to bed” and became inactive, with no more rituals, newsletters, or enrolments. The reasons given were the aging of the members and the lack of younger ones willing to take over responsibilities. However, the Church retained its tax-exempt status, and its revival remained, and remains, a possibility.