Haddie's Holly at Mount Calvary

During the holiday season, Christian churches celebrate the Birth of Christ, while other religious sects honor their founders and join fraternal and civic organizations reaching out to the less fortunate among us. A recent example was celebrated at Mount Calvary Community Church, “the little church by the side of the road” on Beulah Street, across from the intersection of Fleet Drive. Church members, friends and families gather on the second Sunday in December for a Christmas season celebration and the lighting of “Haddie’s Holly,” a thriving holly tree outside the front of the church, facing south on Beulah Street.

Daughters Teresa (left) and Lisa at Mt. Calvary Community Church, embrace “Haddie’s Holly” that is dedicated to the memory of their Mom, Haddie Higham. Haddie raised the two girls before she married Bob Higham, Jr. Haddie, who died in 2020, is shown at the lower left, and Bob Higham is shown at the lower right.

Haddie Higham passed away in November 2020, and the holly tree brings together family and friends in her memory each Christmas season. The tree is lit with a thousand small all white bulbs to emphasize its stature in the early darkness of the holiday season.

The connection to illuminate the tree is made by Robert Higham, Jr., who married Haddie in 2001. She raised two daughters, Lisa and Teresa, as a single mom in Maryland before moving to Franconia. After a career as a legal secretary, Haddie joined Mount Calvary, serving as church secretary and soon became a member of the Mount Calvary singers, a popular local group made up of church members under the leadership of Pastor Charlie Wood.

Bob’s father, Robert Higham, Sr., and his twin brother, Bill, grew up on the family farm on Franconia Road and Beulah Street. The family donated the land for the present Franconia Elementary School in the 1930s. Family members, including Bob, Jr., still occupy homes on what was once part of the Higham farm. The tree was donated by Teri Adams, owner of Dominion Landscapers, in honor of her friend, Haddie. Pastor Wood came up with the idea to light the tree and name it “Haddie’s Holly.” Charlie and his helpers have the task each year of checking the strands of lights and stringing them on the holly. Santa Clause often finds time to join the tribute to Haddie!

The display is an inspiration to all who knew Haddie, of her infectious joyful, funny, generous and caring personality. She and Bob enjoyed dancing, music, church and time with friends. Remember Haddie as you pass the Little White Church by the side of the road this holiday season. Rededicate yourself to her enduring principles.

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For previous stories, go to franconiamuseum.org and click on history blog.

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