Illustration by Leslie Thompson
A recently released, 280-page, hardcover book documents the 80-year history of the Mesa Easter Pageant.
T
By Cecily Markland Condie
he annual sharing of the story of Jesus the Christ—His life, mission and message—on the grounds of the Mesa Temple has been a gargantuan endeavor, involving thousands of leaders, cast members and crew, spanning more than 80 years and, ultimately, drawing crowds of tens of thousands to what has become known as the largest annual Easter pageant in the world. Woven through it all are the countless individual stories of service and sacrifice, of testimonies being built and of miracles that have occurred to make the production possible. Now, a recently released book—"The Mesa Easter Pageant: 80 Years of Sharing the Story of Jesus the Christ”—not only chronicles the history and growth of the Mesa Easter Pageant, but also conveys the reasons it has endured. Motivated by their own interest and past participation in the pageant, local authors Jill Bishop Adair and Cecily Markland Condie spent 3½ years conducting research, interviewing principal figures and pouring through pictures, library sources and individual collections to compile the book. Then, they worked with graphic designer Leslie Thompson, to organize and design the fullcolor, 280-page, hardcover book. The book gives an up-close-andpersonal view of what the pageant has meant to so many as, over the years, they have testified of Jesus the Christ, as they have portrayed His life and miracles through music,
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Photo by Scott Adair
Co-authors of the recently released book, “The Mesa Easter Pageant: 80 Years of Sharing the Story of Jesus the Christ,” Jill Bishop Adair (r to l) and Cecily Markland Condie, and graphic designer Leslie Thompson at the book launch party held in Mesa in February.
New Book Documents Extraordinary
80-Year HistoRy
Mesa EAsteR PageaNt of the
dance and drama, and, in turn, have inspired others to want to know and share the message of the Savior. Says Adair, “We have endeavored to capture the spirit of the Mesa Easter Pageant and the way it has touched countless hearts and lives in the retelling of the life, ministry and resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Condie added, “Jill and I joked several times that we could write a second book about the opposition we encountered when writing this book, but we also felt an outpouring of the spirit, helping and directing us as we made selections and decided which pictures and stories to use and how, exactly, to convey this incredible history and the message of the pageant.”
Readers have shared their thoughts about the book: “This book is fabulous! The history and the pictures make this a treasure,” says Cathy Spencer. Pageant director Jenee Prince says, “I have spent the past few hours devouring the pageant book. Thank you for the many, many hours of sacrifice that went into it. It's just so thoughtful and beautiful.” Former pageant director Nanci Wudel adds, “I haven't been able to put your masterpiece down. I've read every single word, and it is fantastic ... so well written and so wonderfully organized. It's just mesmerizing. Truly. Unbelievable job you did.” The book was completed during the pageant’s three-year hiatus due to construction and renovation of the Mesa Arizona Temple and grounds. With the return of the pageant this April, there has been an added interest in the book and in the behind-the-scenes stories of the sacrifices, time and talent that have become its legacy. For more information or to order, visit www. MesaEasterPageantBook.com or order on Amazon. com. Follow Mesa Easter Pageant Book on Facebook.
