PAGEANT TELLS EASTER STORY TO LARGE CROWDS

Nearly a quarter of Jackson's population is expected to be involved --as spectators or participants -- in the 15th annual Easter pageant at First Baptist Church of Jackson, April 12-16.

Some 300 church members are annually involved in putting on the mammoth production, while 2,500 to 3,000 spectators are anticipated.

For the church, though, the numbers are not the priority; the message is.

"It's the most important story that anyone can tell," said Dr. Brian Anderson, pastor, who will play Nicademus this year. "We believe everything we do should change lives for the better. The pageant does that every year."

The pageant's script is written each year by a church member. This year the father/daughter team of Scott and Erica McQuay have written it. The pageant will be seen through the eyes of the aging apostle John, looking back on Christ's final days in human form.

Much of the music will be new this year, as well as the direction of the script.

"We've added some new elements we think will make it more attractive and more inspiring," Anderson said.

"Someone can have been to all 14 previous pageants and probably will only recognize two or three songs," said Russell Rowland, director of music. "We're even using Jewish folk music for the wedding scene. I think folks will really enjoy it."

Wendy Hays is in her fifth year of directing the pageant. While she strives to put on a good show, Hays keeps the purpose of the pageant in the forefront.

"The purpose is to reach the unsaved," she said. "It is also a revival time for our church. Everybody in it says it brings back such a personal renewal of their faith."

"Participation in the pageant as part of the audience can really make a difference in your life," Anderson said, "as well as in your relationship with God. We've seen miracles take place in people's lives. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it if it helps people come closer to God."

Rowland noted that a large block of seats up front will be saved for first-time attendees.

"If 30 people a night can see the pageant that have never seen it before, that will be 180 total," he said. "We really want to focus on getting first-time viewers here."

Work is well underway for the show. Currently dramatic practices are being held twice a week, in addition to the choir's preparation. The stage has already been completed -- by church members.

"We've had an unbelievable amount of support within the church and the community, from a baby (playing the baby Jesus) to senior citizens," Hays said. "Everybody has a part, from the guy who picks up the donkey every day and takes it back, to the men who took a whole day and built the stage. It really shows their love for the Lord."

Admission to the pageant is free and videos of the production will be on sale for those wanting a copy. Performances will be nightly at 7 p.m., except for the Sunday (April 16) matinee at 3 p.m.

The pageant has grown and matured over the years.

"It's come from flip flops and bathrobes to well thought-out and very thoroughly researched costumes," said Hays, who began as a crowd "extra," before moving into acting and directing roles. "We've added scenes like the assention, Lazerus rising from the dead and others, over the years. The music is pretty much different form year to year, also."

"One of our concerns as a staff was that we didn't want the story to become trite," Rowland said. "God's word is never trite. It's as powerful and relevant today as it was 15 years ago or 2,000 years ago."

"Obviously there's only one way to tell the story," Hays said. "We try to use a different play every year. Members of the church write the script. We feel that's part of the ministry of the play."

This year new lighting techniques will be added, in addition to new music and a unique script.

It will also feature the entire church staff, including Anderson, Rowland and Carter Frey, minister of education.

"The staff members all have a part in the pageant this year," said Rowland, a Dexter native, who returned to region from Texas, to take the music position in November. "It's a true team effort."

Ticket information is available by calling the church office at 243-8415.