Easter sunrise service depicts Christ's final moments on cross
24th annual service presented by Eastside Baptist Church
BY TRINA BRADFORD SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Roman soldiers raise Jesus on the cross in this scene from the Eastside Baptist Church Easter Pageant. The scene will be presented Sunday morning in a 7 a.m. sunrise service at Rusk State Park on the Texas State Railroad parking lot. The public is invited to attend.

The 24th annual Eastside Baptist Church Easter sunrise service at Rusk State Park will begin at 7 a.m. Easter Sunday morning. The pageant sponsored by the church is under the direction of Sheri Lankford for the third consecutive year.

The pageant is a portrayal of the last days of Christ, presented by the youth department and 75-100 members of the Eastside congregation. Participants of all ages will be dressed in Biblical times costumes.

The pageant is a community effort and a number of Rusk businesses contribute to its expense.

People from the community participate in the program especially at the end when the song, "People Need the Lord," is being performed. "This part shows people from all walks of life going to the cross as a symbol of everyone needing the Lord, no matter what their race, social status or prestige. Everyone needs Jesus and He is there to accept any and everyone," said Mrs. Lankford.

Several hundred persons will attend the pageant. Eastside Baptist Church will provide some seating. However, those attending are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. In addition to local citizens, a number of persons camped at the park will attend the event.

Planners for the pageant said, "Many people come to Rusk every year on Easter weekend to view the pageant."

Heath Thompson, a member of the youth group, said, "Doing this program helps show God's love for us."

Brittany Lankford, another member of the youth group, said, "It is our way to share God's love for people."

Those who play the part of Jesus say the portrayal is very humbling. One of the hardest parts to play is that of the soldier who beats Jesus.

Richard Davis, who has played the part for several years, said, "Every year some three or four-year child comes up to me and says, "I'm mad at you, you hit Jesus." One year he related that his granddaughter did not talk to him the rest of the day because of his part in the performance.

Sound effects add to the spiritual mood of the event.

Eastside Pastor Mike Bradford said, "This will be the first time for my family and me to see the pageant and be part of such a great ministry."

Former directors of the pageant include, Doyle and Laurie Joyner, Tracy Jinkins, Donna and Mike Hill, R.S. and Esther Dyess, the late Reda Wilcox and Weida Woodruff.