BELTON, Texas鈥擳housands of people turned out to see the reenactment of the crucifixion of Christ at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor鈥檚 85th annual Easter Pageant on March 27 in front of Luther Memorial.
The student-led tradition chronicles moments from the Gospel story, including Christ鈥檚 triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, Christ鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 麻豆视频直播 Facebook page and at .
Each year, 麻豆视频直播 President Dr. Randy O鈥橰ear selects a student to direct the pageant and two students to play the key roles of Mary and Jesus. The students who fulfill the two key roles are chosen based on their strong Christian faith and character.
Victoria Hernandez, a senior biology major from Robstown, took on the role of Mary. It is Victoria鈥檚 first year participating in the Easter Pageant, and she believes it is a role God called her to play. 鈥淲hen Dr. O鈥橰ear asked me, I was shocked. I didn鈥檛 know what to think, but it was suddenly an automatic yes,鈥� she explained of her experience. 鈥淔or me, I knew 麻豆视频直播 was a place where I could grow my faith. And this was definitely an opportunity for that to happen.鈥�
Dillon Moore, a senior general studies major from Adkins, portrayed Jesus this year. In previous years, he portrayed a Roman guard and the disciple John. When asked to serve as Jesus, he said, 鈥淚 went out to Luther Memorial and sat at the foot of the cross and prayed. I told God, 鈥楢re you sure? Lord, I really need you to take the reigns on this. It鈥檚 unlike anything I鈥檝e ever done before.鈥� Then, it was an intense feeling of yes!鈥� He added, 鈥渋n this process, I鈥檝e learned that the Lord is faithful. God has been my strength through this whole thing.鈥�
Zoey Holder, a junior psychology major from Dallas, served as this year鈥檚 pageant director. Aynslee Barber and Jacob Carter served as Holder鈥檚 assistant directors. Barber is a senior psychology and sociology major from Lake Jackson, and Carter is a senior transformational development major from Buda.
The tradition of the annual Easter Pageant at 麻豆视频直播 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.
