BELTON, Texas—On Wednesday, April 5, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will host its 84th annual Easter Pageant. There will be performances at 12:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. in front of Luther Memorial on the UMHB campus. All three performances will be free and open to the public.
The pageant will be available live online on the UMHB Facebook page and at umhb.edu/live.
The Easter Pageant chronicles moments from the Gospel story, including Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and Christ’s trial by Pontius Pilate, crucifixion, death, and resurrection. This event has become a tradition for many Central Texas families and is expected to attract thousands of visitors.
Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The production is student-led and features a cast of hundreds of students and children and grandchildren of university students, faculty, and staff. Each year, UMHB President Randy O’Rear selects a student to direct the pageant and two students to play the key roles of Jesus and Mary. The selection of the two roles is based on their strong Christian faith and character.
Katy Melton, a junior Spanish and social work major from Katy, TX, has served as this year’s pageant director. Lexy Bardin and Ange Rugira have served as Melton’s assistant directors. Bardin is a senior health science major from Caldwell, and Rugira is a senior general studies major from Fort Worth. Nicholas McDaniel is portraying Jesus this year. He is a senior management major from Bryan. Ruth Lawson, a senior transformational development major from Belton, is taking on the role of Mary.
Pageant organizers said the 5:30 p.m. show is usually the most popular, so visitors are encouraged to attend earlier performances if possible. Audiences are also encouraged to bring sunscreen, as umbrellas are prohibited. After each show, UMHB alumni are invited to the Musick Alumni Center and Museum at the Parker House for refreshments.
The tradition of the annual Easter Pageant at UMHB began in 1940 when it was held during the afternoon on Easter Sunday. At that time, Mary Hardin-Baylor was an all-female campus, so all of the roles were played entirely by women. Over time, the production expanded to include male students and additional performances.
