UMHB Hosts 87th Annual Easter Pageant

Three free performances draw thousands to campus

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:25pm

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A high-contrast silkscreen print of an iconic Easter pageant prop, such as a crown of thorns, repeated in a grid pattern with bold, neon colors, capturing the celebratory and artistic nature of the long-running university tradition.The vibrant annual Easter pageant at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor celebrates the university's deep-rooted Christian tradition and community spirit.Belton Today

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor hosted its 87th annual Easter Pageant on Wednesday, April 1, with three free performances that chronicled moments from the Gospel story, including Christ's triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and Christ's trial, crucifixion, death and resurrection.

Why it matters

The UMHB Easter Pageant is a long-standing tradition that has been held annually since 1940, originally with an all-female cast. Over the years, the production has expanded to include male students and additional performances, making it one of the university's biggest traditions.

The details

The pageant featured a cast of hundreds, including students and 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 portray Jesus and Mary, based on strong Christian faith and character. This year's director was Brynne Loya, a senior religion and public life major, and the roles of Jesus and Mary were portrayed by Jonathan Diaz, a senior accounting major, and Kinsley Jones, a senior educational advocacy major.

  • The 87th annual Easter Pageant was held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
  • The pageant featured three free performances at 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

The players

Brynne Loya

A senior religion and public life major from El Paso who directed the 87th annual Easter Pageant.

Jonathan Diaz

A senior accounting major from Lubbock who portrayed Jesus in the pageant.

Kinsley Jones

A senior educational advocacy major from Kingwood who portrayed Mary in the pageant.

Dr. Randy O'Rear

The president of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor who selects the student director and the students to portray Jesus and Mary each year.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

The university that has hosted the annual Easter Pageant since 1940.

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What they’re saying

“This was the 87th year of Easter Pageant. It was one of the biggest traditions, if not the biggest tradition at UMHB.”

— Brynne Loya, Student Director

“We gave the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We really wanted people to know what Jesus has done on the cross for them.”

— Brynne Loya, Student Director

The takeaway

The UMHB Easter Pageant is a long-standing tradition that has evolved over the decades, now featuring a cast of hundreds of students, faculty, and staff who come together to share the Gospel story with the community. The pageant's enduring popularity and the university's commitment to upholding this tradition demonstrate the important role that faith and community play in the lives of those associated with UMHB.