UMHB’s 87th Annual Easter Pageant Draws Crowds to Campus and Online

BELTON, Texas-Thousands of people turned out to see the reenactment of the crucifixion of Christ at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's 87^th annual Easter Pageant on April 1 in front of Luther Memorial.

The student-led tradition chronicles moments from the Gospel story, including Christ's triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, Christ's trial by Pontius Pilate, crucifixion, death, and resurrection.

The planning and production involved hundreds of students, children, and grandchildren of faculty and staff. This year's three performances drew thousands of people to campus, and many more worldwide viewed via live stream. The video is still available to view on the UMHB Facebook page and on the UMHB website at https://www.umhb.edu. A Spanish version of the program is also available to view.

Each year, UMHB President Dr. Randy O'Rear selects a student to direct the pageant and two students to portray the key roles of Mary and Jesus. The students who play the two key roles are chosen based on their strong Christian faith and character.

Kinsley Jones, a senior educational advocacy major from Kingwood, took on the role of Mary. She said, "I have had the pleasure of being in the Easter Pageant every year I've been here. I got such different perspectives each year. Since I was eight years old, I've known the Gospel. But during one of those performances, I experienced the Gospel differently. I had so much joy! The Lord reminded me that we're on this side of the Gospel - we get to walk in joy because yes, Jesus died on the cross for our sins, but three days later He rose from the dead! I'm just so grateful." When talking about this year's experience preparing to play Mary, she said, "A couple of weeks ago, the Lord reminded me that I can't do anything without Him. I started clinging to Him, and that completely changed my heart's posture."

Jonathan Diaz, a senior accounting major from Lubbock, portrayed Jesus this year. When asked about serving in this role, he said, "I'm so pumped for today!" He went on to say, "I have been blessed to be part of Easter Pageant for three years in three very different roles, which reminds me that we all play such different roles in our own lives and with Jesus. He calls us to simply say yes to Him. Saying yes to being uncomfortable and going outside of our comfort zone." He added, "I wish I could get to know each person who attends the pageant this year, but obviously I can't. Where I fall short as a human, the most powerful thing is that He does not. He's looking at each and every one of you, and He knows you by name."

Brynne Loya, a senior religion and public life major from El Paso, served as this year's pageant director. Alec Saltzman and Carson Leedy have served as Loya's assistant directors. Saltzman is a senior cybersecurity major from Ponder, and Leedy is a junior transformational development major from Round Rock.

Easter Pageant has had a life-changing impact on Brynne. When sharing about her journey, she said, "I have the privilege of being the director this year. I'm truly honored and humbled by it because the Easter Pageant has been a huge part of my testimony. When I came to UMHB, I was not a believer. In fact, I was a pretty angry person who didn't think I needed God. But over time, people began to pour into me, and I eventually gave my life to Christ. My freshman self really had no idea what that meant, though. While I was serving on the makeup committee for Easter Pageant that spring, I finally understood the weight and wonder of the Gospel. It was the first time anybody had explained the Gospel story. I'd never seen it played out before."

She continued, "What a joy it's been for the past 11 months to put all the pieces together! Easter Pageant is amazing. If I hadn't seen the Easter Pageant my freshman year, I don't know that I would have the faith I do today. The Gospel transforms. It will change you. It changed me."

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.