Christmas Pageant

In 1955, Mrs. Dorothy Mayhew had only $60 in the church budget to start a Christmas pageant at Wesley United Methodist Church, Strasburg, PA. But she had an idea! She wanted to create a Christmas production that portrays one of the greatest stories ever told.
By pooling musical and dramatic talents to recreate a small section of Bethlehem in the church’s sanctuary and there to tell, through music, narrative and pantomime, (a theatrical performance that uses expressive bodily and facial movements instead of spoken words).

The first stable was an old upright piano box from a local piano-and-organ store. They had a few angel outfits, so they improvised some men’s costumes, and off they went. The church members at the time really became excited and involved in the idea. Mrs. Mayhew was serving as the choir director of Wesley when she approached the choir with the idea that they would use Christmas carols and acting to share the true message of the Christmas season. The scenes reenact the Annunciation, Mary’s visit to the home of Elizabeth, Mary & Joseph as they travel to Bethlehem; their arrival at the stable of the birth of the Christ child and the arrival of the angels and wise men at the manager.

Over the years many church members and neighbors from the community have taken part in this long-standing tradition.

It is the oldest Christmas pageant in Lancaster County, best known for its infants portraying the baby Jesus. In the history of the church over 300 babies have taken part of this beloved production as well as a few live animals that included doves, sheep and dogs.

The pageant is a gift that Wesley offers to the community. A gift that portrays the true meaning of Christmas. Plan to join us!

Everyone is invited to attend and celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please check our website www.wesleychurch.org or call the church office (717-697-6392) for the upcoming December dates of the pageant and experience a beloved tradition embraced by the community for generations.