Posted by Communications Liaison Ellie Simpson, thanks to Archivist Jon Coss.

The Huguenot Memorial Church has a long tradition of Christmas pageants, but did you know we once had an Easter pageant and an Easter play?

On the evening of Easter in 1932, Huguenot presented a pageant, “From Death to Life,” in the Assembly Room, written by Rev. William Huntsman, Director of Religious Education. There were six scenes: “Pilate Makes a Bargain,” “In the Garden,” “The Trial of Jesus,” “On the Road to Golgotha,” “At the Foot of the Cross,” and “The Glory of Easter Day.” More than 40 adult members and some of the children participated.

In 1933 the Sunday School presented an Easter play (not pageant) entitled “He Arose” in the Assembly Room. That’s all we know about it. The Great Depression was deepening and the Easter event was scaled back. There was no Easter pageant or play after 1933.

Rev. Huntsman may have been inspired by Cecil B. DeMille’s epic film, The King of Kings, released in 1927. Huguenot has long supported Christmas pageants, but Easter plays or pageants were unsustainable. You can watch all or part of it using the Youtube link below.

King of Kings is a silent movie with “intertitles” – Bible verses, narrative, and dialogue printed on boards that move the story along. It was reissued in 1931 with a synchronized musical score added. It includes color sequences, but is mostly shot in black-and-white.

Still photo of Jesus. Color poster showing Roman soldiers at the tomb.

Sources:

Feaster, Felicia. Turner Classic Movies. Article. https://www.tcm.com/articles/62585/the-king-of-kings-1927

HMC Archives. Sunday Bulletins. March 1932, April 1933.

Wikipedia. The King of Kings. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King_of_Kings_(1927_film)

Youtube.com. The King of Kings. Directed by Cecil B. DeMille. Silent movie, music added. Running time, 2:37:17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFbywzfemV4