The Pageant

The Pageant started in 1927 and was presented each year until 1987. It consisted of 16 different scenes that had been inspired by many famous classical paintings. The Pageant was never considered a “performance” but an opportunity to provide an experience of worship. The cast was never announced but it always included the youth, Sanctuary Choir, and adults from the congregation. The cast did not move or speak during the scenes. The choir sang Christmas carols and the scripture was narrated. Most of the cast had participated in the Pageant in various capacities from childhood through adulthood and many families had two and three generation of members in the Pageant.

The Pageant was written and directed by Ethel Blalock. The director, narrator, organist, lighting, and various stage help all held these same positions for more than 30 years. Their dedication and love for the Pageant is something truly to admire. Twenty ministers served our Church during the Pageant years.

The Annunciation

Wise Men Follow Star

The Pageant was full of traditions. The same baby doll was used to represent Jesus during the sixty-year time span. The Angel costumes never changed in appearance over the years and were made out of gauze with only a drawstring at the neck. The same donkey, lamb, and cow props were used until they had been worn out and replaced in the late 1950’s. The original costumes were basically rags that were draped over the cast members. The fabric was not tailored in anyway. Each year a free-will offering was collected and always given to the Florida Methodist Children’s Home.

A homemade rheostat was used for the Pageant lighting. The rheostat was a wooden box with a reduction gear from a breaker switch nailed on top. The pulley gear from an old power saw was connected to the breaker switch that was cranked by the handle on a pencil sharpener. When the handle was turned, five live wires were raised or lowered into five coffee cans filled with various levels of saltwater. As the wires were lowered into the water the lights became bright and as the wires were raised the lights dimmed. Since the lights were able to fade in and out it created a beautiful silhouette effect.

The Nativity

The Madonna