BELTON, Texas—On Wednesday, March 27, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will host its 85th 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 www.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. 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.
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 Dr. 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.
Zoey Holder, a junior psychology major from Dallas, has served as this year’s pageant director. Aynslee Barber and Jacob Carter have served as Holder’s assistant directors. Barber is a senior psychology and sociology major from Lake Jackson, and Carter is a senior transformational development major from Buda. Dillon Moore is portraying Jesus this year. He is a senior Christian studies major from Adkins. Victoria Hernandez, a senior biology major from Robstown, is taking on the role of Mary.
Olyvia Owen, a freshman church music major from Lake Travis, will sing “In the Name of the Lord.” The song “Arise My Love” will be performed by Avalyn James, senior general studies major from Killeen, and Ethan Leftwich, sophomore Christian ministries major from Rockport. Benjamin Perkinson, a senior vocal performance major from Fort Worth, and Joshua McMiller, a sophomore vocal performance major from Leesburg, Florida, will sing “Joy and Sorrow.”
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.
