The Pensacola Easter Pageant
Since 1988, the PENSACOLA EASTER PAGEANT has presented the story of Christ in drama and music to the Pensacola area. The two main groups that drive this presentation are our Sanctuary Choir and Sanctuary Orchestra; many others, though, are involved every year. It takes the contributions of everyone to make such a production possible.
The PAGEANT is traditionally presented on Easter weekend
every four years, with 2013 being the next slated
performance. Starting time will be 8:00 PM. The public is encouraged to attend; there is no admission price, and a nursery is provided.
Reflections of past Pageants:
The Stage is Set...
Anticipation builds as people enter the sanctuary. Shortly before the starting time, the Sanctuary Orchestra presents an exciting prelude. Then following a welcome brought by our pastor, this instrumental group again sets the stage with a resounding overture, often made up of arrangements of familiar songs on the cross.
The Angelic Announcement of His Birth . . .
While the Pageant majors on Christ's final week, it typically begins with Jesus' coming being prophesied, followed by the event of His birth. To the right you see the angels singing about his coming, as the shepherds and three wisemen bow before Jesus, held in the arms of His mother, Mary, with His earthly father, Joseph, looking on.
Jesus' Baptism by John the Baptist . . .
To the left, John the Baptist is baptizing Jesus as the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, descends upon Him.
The Citizens . . .
In this photo you see the Sanctuary Choir and support cast (children) as they act out their parts as the citizens of Jerusalem. As the actual citizens did in that city leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, the choir reflects many moods about Jesus throughout the scope of the Pageant. Scenes the choir portrays include heralding Jesus' triumphant entry into the city during Passover Week, witnessing his performance of miracles, the angry mob at his trial, the pensive crowd at the cross, and the joyful response to the news of His resurrection.
The Miracles Performed . . .
It's always a joyous scene when Jesus performs the miracles. Here He is seen in the process of healing a little girl after being brought to Him by her father.
The Triumphant Entry . . .
The crowd reacts with great enthusiasm as Jesus enters the city; here one person responds with an impromptu dance!
The Last Supper . . .
A tender moment in every pageant is the depiction of the Lord's Supper. Here Jesus gathers with the twelve disciples for His final meal with them.
Before Pilate's Balcony . . .
One of the most dramatic parts in the pageant is the trial of Jesus in front of Pilate. Flanked by Roman Guards and an angry mob, Jesus stands silent before His accusers. Pilate doesn't want to have anything to do with this miracle worker, but eventually gives in to the wishes of the crowd and sentences Jesus to death on the cross.
The Crucifixion on Calvary . . .
Certainly, the most gripping scene is that of Christ's crucifixion. It is from the cross that we hear His famed seven last words. It is on the cross that Jesus, between two thieves, hangs till his death. Here mother Mary weeps as Jesus hangs in anguish; a Roman soldier stands by unaffected by the human drama around him.
 The Glorious Resurrection!
Death could not hold its prey! On the third day Jesus rose from the tomb, victorious over death. The guard who had been posted to assure none of His disciples came and stole His body away was frightened beyond words. When Jesus' followers heard of His being raised, they rejoiced . . . for He who once was dead, now is forever alive!
MUSIC HOME PAGE |
