UMHB to Host 87th Annual Easter Pageant Next Week

BELTON, Texas-On Wednesday, April 1, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will host its 87^th 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 https://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-served 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 and hats, as umbrellas are prohibited.

The production is student-led and features a cast of hundreds, including students, 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.

Brynne Loya, a senior religion and public life major from El Paso, has 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. Jonathan Diaz is portraying Jesus this year. He is a senior accounting major from Lubbock. Kinsley Jones, a senior educational advocacy major from Kingwood, is taking on the role of Mary.

Daysha Covarrubias, a freshman music education major from Killeen, will sing "In the Name of the Lord." The song "Arise My Love" will be performed by Avalyn James, a senior music major from Killeen, and Abby Russell, a sophomore music education major from Round Rock. Abby Russell will also sing "Via Dolorosa." Natalie Crayton, a senior vocal performance major from Belton, 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.