Rev. Edwin Holt Hughes IV
Rev. Edwin Holt Hughes IV, known to all as HOLT, moved on from this life on Friday, March 7, 2014, after a gallant 5-year fight with cancer. We will always remember his mischievous smile, his lopsided walk, his boyish enthusiasms (bicycling, gadgets, goofy comedies, ice cream) and his deep loves (his daughters, the ocean, animals, social justice, Red Sox baseball). Even in his last days in hospice, he kept his wry, wacky sense of humor and gentlemanly manners. A man of kind and yet ever-questioning spirit, he offered comfort, understanding, and joy to so many during his years as a Methodist minister. Among his many parishes were North Church (Indianapolis IN), St. Stephen’s (Marblehead MA), Grace Church (Cambridge MA), Old South Church (Reading MA), Maple Street Church (Lynn MA), and Haven United Methodist (East Providence RI). Born in Indianapolis on July 26, 1951, the first child of Ann and Edwin Holt Hughes III, he attended PS 70, PS 84, and Broad Ripple High School, from which he graduated in 1969. Holt was a religion and philosophy major at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, where he was also a 4th-generation member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He received his theological training at Boston University School of Theology, Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, and Vanderbilt University Divinity School. He is survived by his daughters Annie Hughes-Lee and Molly Hughes, his mother Ann Hughes, his sisters Holly and Buffie Hughes, his son-in-law James Lee, his adored grandson Carter Lee, and nieces and nephews Hugh, Tom, and Grace Ward and Frank and Lucy Sternberg. His service will be Saturday, March 22nd at 3pm at the Community Church in Quincy, MA. in Holt’s memory can be sent to: Project Bread at www.projectbread.org/walk — search for Team Hughes Rules.
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Dearest Annie and Molly – I was so saddened to learn of your dad’s passing. I will always remember his kindnesses to me when I worked for him at St. Stephen’s when all you girls were so little. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’m certain you have many wonderful memories to hold on to. Your father was a very kind and knowledgeable man with much to share. He will be missed by many. God bless you and your family. Love, Pat
Molly and Annie,
Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. He always made everyone around him smile.
With deepest sympathy for his family and with deepest gratitude to have been blessed with knowing Holt. Although I hadn’t seen him since we were children, I have enjoyed very much reconnecting on FB in recent years, particularly when his posts were photos with his daughters! What joy you must have been to him! With prayers of peace and comfort, I am sending loving kind regards. Ginny Chandler, Chicago.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all .Remembering Holt’s years at Maple Street United Methodist Church. The Robinson Family
My dearest Holly, I’m so terribly sorry to hear such sad news about your brother. I wish you & your family peace & strength at this very difficult time.
Love,
Lori
Dear Holly,
My deepest sympathies. I wish I had know Holt as an adult. How remarkable he sounds.
Now may the Lord of Peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2Thessalonians 3:16
Rest in peace Holt. Deepest condolences to family and loved ones.
Hi Annie,
I’m sad to hear that your dad passed away. He was kind and warm and welcoming to me.
God bless you and your family!
–Sasha
Molly and Annie,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I used to live on Steven’s Terrace and knew him and the two of you who were adorable, and became reacquainted with him not long before he became ill. Your dad was a super guy…he always remembered my birthday! The two of you were his favorite topic of conversation. May he rest in peace.
Shelley
Holly and Buffie. It was an honor being holts fraternity brother at baker and best man at his wedding. Rip my brother. Chapter eternal
Dear Annie, He sounds like a wonderful human being…I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family at this time which must seem so unreal. God bless you all.
Nancy and Bill Azano
Dear Annie and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your Dad will be with you in spirit always.
Peace and Love,
Di
Annie and Molly I am so sad to hear about your dad. He was so funny and fun….I am so glad I knew him. I hope you both are doing o.k. Hugs and loves… Annie congrat’s on being a mom…you will always be my little red head…=)
Holtie, you are now among the Angels watching over us all. Bless you and thank you for being the best that Family is…Peace my Brother.
Annie and Molly, our love to you…Your Dad is your Guardian Angel now..he will be forever in your and our hearts..
Wally, Mary and Dan
Dear Annie, I am so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how proud your father was of your many accomplishments, your joy in teaching and nurturing youth. I am so happy for you that he got to know baby Carter. He sounds like such a lovely person. Sending prayers and wishing you and your family courage and strength as you miss him. Dana
Ann,
Anta and I are deeply sorry about your loss. I had the privilege to have met this great man with a contagious smile. He made our conversation easy and comfortable while standing at the line at Shaws. I’ll always remember his kind nature. I hope your good memories of him will bring you comfort.
Dear Molly.
I was so very sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Hoping you find some comfort and peace in the memories and the love of family and friends.
Love,
Joyce
Dear Hughes Family,
25 years ago Holt, together with a Pagan Priestess, joined us in a Druid Hand-Fasting (a wedding). Holt rejoiced in our love and wanted to help make our vows sacred. He possessed great integrity, intellect, gentleness, and humor – even when struggling himself. We are richer for having known him. Blessings.
Brenda and Luckett
Annie – May the memories that you hold dear help in this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy for Ann and her family. It was a joy to have watched Holt grow up and know the man, brother, father he became.
Our deepest gratitude to all he touched in life.
Dear Hughes family,
My wife Kathy and I were married by Holt in Indianapolis in 1980 (and we are still married). Holt was a few months older than me and our small age difference was special for me since most ministers that I knew were my fathers age. We only knew him during the preparation and ceremony but he left a lasting impression as a man of great faith and great humor. He joked that we could be the first to go down the aisle to the song “Love Stinks” by the J. Geils Band. We learned of his passing today after I was preparing a document that required a copy of our marriage certificate and my wife decided to see where he was. We are deeply saddened but blessed to have known him for a very important time in our lives.
Warmest regards,
Mike and Kathy Kazacoff
Noblesville, Indiana
We were so sorry to learn of Holt’s passing. We knew Holt from St Stephen’s in Marblehead, MA and were extremely fond of him. Our children grew up with him, and he was kind enough to come back to Marblehead to preside over their weddings. He also came back to bury my sister and my cousin. He was always there for our family, and we loved him dearly.
We know he is resting in peace. Our deepest sympathy to his family from ours.
Ouch…
All my love goes out to you both Molly and Annie. I’m so very sorry for your loss and even more sorry I’ve just found out about this. He was such an amazing person with a wealth of knowledge on everything. May he rest easy. <3