Woman recalls role of her lifetime

If 17-year-old Agnes Farrell Poole had given in to her feelings of stage fright backstage at St. John the Evangelist parish in Rensselaer half a century ago, she would have lost out on what has become a treasured Christmas memory.

Although the audience inside the old Jubilee Building on Herrick Street probably never knew it, the radiant young lady who portrayed the Blessed Mother for three consecutive evenings in December 1945 was "a nervous wreck" prior to opening night.

While honored to be chosen to play Mary, Mrs. Poole recalls today that she fretted that she might forget her lines or botch one of her solos.

Major production

Lines? Solos? Yes, indeed. With the late Sister Mary Rosalie directing the pageant, assisted by Rev. James McManus, those cast in leading roles in "The Nativity Cantata" were expected to convincingly play -- and often sing -- their parts.

Weeks and weeks of rehearsals went into preparing for St. John's Christmas Pageant, which brought community members and parishioners crowding into the upstairs hall for each of the three performances.

With a blue satin cape draped over her long cotton robe and a white mantilla covering her flowing hair, Mrs. Poole, then a junior at St. John's Academy, did her utmost to speak and move in a manner befitting the Virgin Mother.

Joseph and angels

The song Mrs. Poole most vividly recalls singing during the pageant was "O Come Divine Messiah." Also on stage was an equally convincing Joseph (played by a teenaged Frank Hall), some shepherds, three Wise Men, the Archangel Gabriel and a host of other angels.

A swaddled doll took the part of the Baby Jesus. Although she doesn't recall who made the costumes worn by herself and others that year, Mrs. Poole said great pains had been taken to assemble outfits that would appear authentic to the audience.

On-stage life

In addition to portraying Mary in St. John's Christmas pageant, Mrs. Poole (then Miss Farrell) performed in a number of musicals during her years at St. John's, including "Old Kentucky Garden" and "The Red Mill."

Despite the demands of raising five children, Mrs. Poole went on to become a member St. John's choir. Her soprano voice has enriched services for nearly four decades. Now a grandmother of 12, Mrs. Poole is also a dedicated member of the parish's Altar Rosary Society.

Asked what she remembers most about her three nights as Mary half a century ago, Mrs. Poole said: "I was a nervous wreck before I went on stage. But once the pageant finally began, I felt very happy. I was thrilled to be a part of it."

If she encountered a young girl who was feeling apprehensive about filling the role of the Blessed Mother this year, she said, "I'd tell her to just get out there and do it -- and to enjoy herself."

(12-19-96) [[In-content Ad]]