Dear Readers: If you have never attended this extraordinary choir/orchestra presentation, then this is your year, because you see this is the last year at Highland Baptist Church.

It is with great sadness that we say farewell, but at the same time, we are grateful for the 33 years that the Highland Baptist Church Singing Christmas Tree has been part of our lives.

Franklin Denham was just a youngster when he flew into Meridian and stirred up this phenomenal Christmas musical presentation.

I used the term “flew” because for all who have had the pleasure to know and work with him, we are well aware that Franklin does not slow down, ever. I truly believe he is just as excited, maybe even more so, to present this final Tree as he was the first.

If you have ever participated in the Tree presentation, then you have a story to tell. Hubs and I were there for eight years and the memory is just a flash albeit a super-great-fantastic flash. I was perched on the fifth limb to the right and Hubs in the orchestra.

I admit, at first, I was not comfortable holding to that fifth limb (for dear life), but once the heavenly music began and our voices floated down to join the celestial music from the orchestra, well, all was right in the world.

Each year in August, there is a Singing Tree kickoff banquet for the choir, with a traditional Christmas meal and all the trimmings. A preview of the Tree Christmas music is presented and there is entertainment for the night. I mean real entertainment that will get your attention, which is orchestrated by Franklin and his special helpers. It is always fun, with many chuckles and few downright belly laughs. Yes, Christians DO know how to have fun.

As most of us enjoy summertime activities, such as vacationing on the beach, Franklin Denham hummed Christmas tunes. Yes, each year the planning for the Tree began while the hot Mississippi sun beamed down upon us, but the final product in December always brought more warmth to our souls than any sunny, summer day could ever produce.

I remember Franklin’s daughter, Lauren, once said that her Dad enjoyed his work so much. “It was like going on vacation every day.”

The blessed choir at Highland Baptist could only imagine that once again, yes, for another year, they would receive the great blessing of Tree participation. Yes, they would be allowed to climb the ladder and step to their assigned spots. The choir could actually see The Star in the East and Hear the Angels Sing for one more year, such was the inspiration.

But this is the last year.

Oh, throughout the years, there have been many Tree memories and rumors as well. To begin with, it is really hot when perched upon that Tree no matter the temps outside.

It is so hot that there are portable fans all around the tree floor area and the choir is dressed in shorts and sleeveless tops but the attendee is not privileged to that sight because only the short choir robes are shown among the tree limbs.

Also, most of the time, choir members have not had time to eat prior to the production each night and are very hungry. It was said that one time someone on the 8th limb ordered a pizza one night. That’s the second soprano row and I know they are starved way up there, but a pizza, who knew?

I will ask Carol Sue Wiggins about that rumor.

But, pizza aside, Meridian, East Mississippi and points abroad, during each 33rd second weekend in December, have enjoyed a Christmas program that mightily praised the birth of Baby Jesus and for that, we are grateful to Franklin Denham and the Singing Christmas Tree.

What: The Singing Christmas Tree (final presentation)

Where: Highland Baptist Church, 3400 27th Street, Meridian, MS

When: December 7, 8, 9, 10th (7 p.m. nightly plus 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday)

More info: Call 601-482-0191 for FREE tickets

Anne McKee is a Mississippi historian, writer and storyteller. She is listed on the Mississippi Humanities Speakers Bureau and Mississippi Arts Commission’s Performing Artist and Teaching Artist Rosters. See her website: www.annemckeestoryteller.com