Christmas Pageant

An Excerpt: A Remarkable Journey 1847-1997: The Story of St. Mary’s Episcopal School by Mary M. Davis

“Probably St. Mary’s most beloved tradition is the Christmas Pageant, which has been in existence over [125] years. It began during the years when the [Episcopal Sisters of St. Mary] were operating the School, but there is no clear documentation about it during those years. When the School was located next door to the original Cathedral, the pageant was performed in the small wooden Chapel. It was an elaborate production requiring many hours of work after school and into the night. After the completion of the present Cathedral, the arches on either side of the chancel in St. Mary’s Cathedral served as frames for the living pictures—usually five or six portrayals of famous portraits of the [birth] of Christ.”

“Within each arch, a stage was built several feet above floor level and electrical fixtures were arranged for proper lighting. Girls who were not in the portraits sang in the choir. Each portrait had its own special song, and other carols were sung between portraits.”

“In recent years, the students who have attended St. Mary’s for twelve years are the participants in the tableaux. The second and third grades from the Lower School accompany the pictures with appropriate songs. It is a moving and spiritual experience to observe these living tableaux and to hear the joyful voices of the little children.”