The scene at East Auburn Baptist Church is reminiscent of a clothing factory, with nearly 20 seamstresses cutting fabric, sewing garments and pressing the finished products.

Becky Swan of Turner directs workers in the various tasks that will be showcased at the church’s sixth annual Easter production titled “The Event.”

Seven sewing machines lined up on tables whir as their operators craft 30 new costumes and repair some of the 200 others needed for the pageant. Scissors cut through the woven fabrics stretched out on 10-foot long tables in the auditorium.

“It takes about two Saturdays to work on the costumes, mend some and create the new ones,” Swan said. She had just arrived with several large bags of material from Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts and calls the women together to give instructions.

“We’re going to make new fasteners, buttons and loops. They’ll hold better,” she tells them.

Swan says they use mostly burlap, gauze, cheesecloth, cotton and other woven fabrics which look more authentic.

The director of the production, Randy Corey, says he and Swan look for fabric year round.

“If it weren’t for Marden’s and Jo-Ann (Fabrics and Crafts), we’d be out of luck,” he says.

“We get most of (the fabric) on sale,” Swan said. “I like the muted colors, nothing that looks too bright. We need the dull colors.”

Linda Hubbard, who sews fasteners to a tunic, says, “I’m the hook and eye girl.”

Meanwhile, teens Megan Crowell and Mary Swan iron and steam the new or freshly laundered garments ready for the numerous cast members.

Costumes are not the only items that need sewing. There are banners to be made, too, so Swan solicits a few people to cut strips for them.

And in the background are sounds of lumber being hammered together as a construction crew builds the set to look like the city of Jerusalem in the time of Jesus.

The story of his death and resurrection will be staged at the Park Avenue church from March 28 to April 7. Four shows are already sold out, but tickets are available for March 29 and April 5 at 7 p.m. No tickets are required to attend the dress rehearsal at 7 p.m. March 28. For information, call 782-0348.