It was 1985 when one of Meridian’s most joyous attractions of the holiday season was introduced to the community – The Singing Christmas Tree at Highland Baptist Church.

The music and drama production was the dream and vision of Franklin Denham when he moved into his office at Highland Baptist Church as minister of music at the age of 27.

Sunday night, Dec. 10 will be the last time Denham will lead the church’s music ministry in sharing the Christmas story through song – with this year’s theme “Unto Us a Child is Born.”

Retiring after 40 years, Denham says selecting the songs for this year was not difficult – he chose his favorites, all parts of the Christmas story.

“This year I selected my favorite Mary song, my favorite angel song, my favorite wise man song,” Denham said. “There is always one song people ask for called “I Have Seen the Light,” a men’s trio.

“That song has been repeated more often in the last 32 years than any other. The only song that is new this year is the theme song – it’s an exciting tune.”

Denham said he chose one of the sweetest Mary songs that has ever been written called “Some Day.”

“I imagined Mary cradling little Jesus,” Denham said. “Mary is saying someday when this night is over, the star has faded, and the angels fly away I will look at you with wonder, dreaming of the first night when I heard you cry.

“Someday you will walk with strangers, but tonight I will rock you.”

For 33 years, the choir and orchestra of Highland Baptist Church have presented more than 400 songs with 500 different singers – 198 times all focused on one thing, the “real” meaning of Christmas.

This year, there are 77 singers and a 27 piece orchestra. About 30,000 people attend the six services each year.

Five of those have been there since the tree’s very first performance: Denham, Carol Sue Wiggins, Diane Delk, Clarice Rasco, and Shelby Collum.

Collum says she has been blessed to be a part of an event that has pointed people to Christ for the past 33 years – beautiful music speaks to the soul, and to worship through singing is the highest praise, she said.

“I am grateful for Franklin’s vision so long ago,” Collum said. “Franklin is sometimes difficult because he is so committed to making each tree the very best that it can be.

“He often reminds us that we are not just singing songs but touching souls for eternity.”

Collum said Denham is not just her music director, but a friend.

“I can’t imagine a church service without him,” Collum said. “Praise God for allowing me to work, sing, and worship with him.”

If You Go

Performances of The Singing Christmas Tree by The Highland Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir will be presented at the following times:

• Thursday – Friday: 7 p.m.

• Saturday – Sunday: 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Attendance is free to the concert, however, tickets are required. Tickets are available at the church office, located at 3400 27th Street and Harry Mayer Clothiers, 3129 Hwy. 39 North. FMI: 601-482-0191.

Carol Sue Wiggins, who has been the angel at the top of the tree for more than 20 years, said she will miss the people who come to worship the most.

“It’s such a joy to see them get a blessing from what we have presented,” Wiggins said. “As for Franklin, he has been a part of the family for so long – the one we can always count on, the one always there for us.”

“That it was the most worshipful time I have ever had,” Denham said when asked what he wants people to remember about the tree. “I don’t think it gets any better than that. The lights, the structure, the notes, and the singers – all that is wonderful, but just a tool to deliver the message – not only did Jesus come, but he came by choice to lay his life down for everyone.

When asked what he wanted people to remember about him, Denham replied, “I want them to know that beyond of a shadow of a doubt I loved them, the other stuff is gravy. Sure I want it to be perfect. I want the orchestra to be in tune, I don’t want a single wrong note, I want the choir to sing with enthusiasm and with perfect accuracy – that’s what makes it great opposed to just OK.

“All of that is important but not as important as for them to know I love them, that is why leaving is so hard.”

“I compare retiring to dying – you know if you are about to die, that what’s on the other side is more wonderful than you could ever imagine,” Denham said. “If I had to walk away from the ministry entirely I don’t think my mind, body, and soul could handle it.

“I have the fire in my belly even now, and when I let myself think about Sunday night, Dec. 10 – well, I just can’t think about it.”

I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Psalm 104:33.

About the tree:

The tree, which is built of pine and steel and stands 35 feet high with nine levels, requires about 30 hours with a team of 30 or more to assemble and decorate. It holds 107 singers and serves as a platform for 60 adult voices that become a part of the decorations interspersed among 2,000 twinkling electronically-controlled lights multi-colored wreaths, gold-leafed angels, and garlands of multi-colored balls.

The 21,000 pound tree, which takes 4,000 feet of wiring and uses 14,000 watts of electricity, is so heavy extra supports had to be added under the choir loft so it wouldn’t crash down into the kitchen below.