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UMHB Plans Special 81st Annual Easter Pageant Experience
April 03, 2020
Belton, Texas – For 80 years, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has held its annual Easter Pageant. Regardless of weather or conditions, it is a tradition that has never been cancelled. Not surprisingly, though, the website for the 81st Annual Easter Pageant Experience promises that “this year’s Easter Pageant is going to look a little different.” A special production of the pageant will be live-streamed Wednesday, April 8, at 5:30 p.m.
When it became clear that Covid-19 was going to make a traditional pageant impossible, organizers began brainstorming how, rather than cancel the event, they might make it extraordinary.
We didn’t want this tradition that has gone on for 80 years to just not happen.
Precious Anselm
Easter Pageant Director
It was decided that this year’s Easter Pageant would be edited together to feature both footage from past productions and testimonials from people who have been involved with the pageant over the years.
Earlier this week, UMHB posted a video inviting anyone who has ever taken part in Easter Pageant to submit stories about their experiences. While organizers were not sure how much footage to expect, the response has been overwhelming, with dozens of submissions being sent within the first few days.
“It’s been really eye-opening and inspiring to see how many videos we’ve gotten,” Anselm said. “We’ve heard from people who were involved more than 30 years ago.”
Not only have organizers received videos from students and alumni who served as cast members or helped with productions, but they have also heard from members of the community for whom Easter Pageant has become a tradition.
It goes to show that at every Easter Pageant, seeds are being planted, We are hearing stories of people who found salvation or came closer to God through this tradition.”
PRECIOUS ANSELM
EASTER PAGEANT DIRECTOR
Anselm is confident that, while this won’t be the production she first imagined last year, it is going to be something powerful.
“It was easy to get into the mindset of being upset, but it’s clear that the Lord is doing something here,” Anselm said. “He has a plan that is bigger than mine.”
Emma Spellings, who was cast as this year’s Mary, agrees, noting that, while quarantine means that this year’s pageant won’t draw crowds of thousands as in years past, it also means that more people than ever will be home and able to watch it live together.
I have a very strong feeling that all of this is going to be used by the Lord for Kingdom growing. That’s been really sweet to think about that.
Emma Spellings
Mary, 2020
For more information about this year’s Easter Pageant Experience, visit the event’s official website: umhb.edu/easter-pageant.
