Mormon Miracle Pageant 2018

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Mormon Miracle

Pageant June 14-16, 19-23 Manti Temple Hill 9:30 pm

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Welcome to the

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Table of Contents Manti Map.....................................................................................4 Cast.................................................................................................6 National Anthem soloists....................................................... 7, 9 Mayors welcome........................................................................ 10 Visitor info.................................................................................... 11 Pageant History book...........................................................13, 14 Temple closes early................................................................... 15 Rise and fall of ancient civilizations....................................... 16 Enjoy historical reflection.........................................................17 Ute Chief Walkara historical perspective.........................18, 19 Pageant foreseen by temple president.................................. 19 Pleading letters kept pageant in Manti..................................20 True pioneer proposal story.................................................... 21 Pioneer Heritage Garden pays tribute...................................22

Mormon Battalion role....................................................... 24, 25 Angelic Appearances during pageant..............................26, 27 Awesome and magnificent experience..................................28 How the Mormon miracle script came to be........................29 Pageant provides opportunities............................................. 30 Recreation, activities in Sanpete Valley...........................32, 33 Costumes play important role................................................. 31 Temple fine example of pioneer architecture.......................35 Explore Skyline Drive...............................................................36 Youth participation............................................................. 38, 38 Temple highlights Manti Temple Hill...............................39, 40 History of the pageant........................................................ 42, 43 Fun Mormon Miracle Pageant facts.................... 46, 47, 48, 49 Pageant items noted in new historical book.................. 51, 53

The Pyramid and Pyramid Shopper are pleased to present this special Mormon Miracle edition to our readers and visitors. We appreciate the support of local business that have made this edition possible.

Produced by: The Pyramid Shopper/ The Pyramid

We’d love to hear from you. Contact us at 86 West Main, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647, (435) 462-2134 or pyramid@heraldextra.com.

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June 13, 2018

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Mormon Miracle Pageant 2018 cast selections

• Young Joseph: Matt Bigelow, Zach Brown, Carter Mack • Angel Moroni: Trevor Steck, Jacob Norris • Robert: Eastin Cluff, Carsen Lawrence • Mary: Abrielle Hadley, Catherine Ipson • Mature Joseph: Brad Young • Oliver Cowdery: Andrew Olsen • Captain Moroni: Wesley Wright • Zerahemnah: Cody Alder • Sacrifice Scene: Olivia Lindsay, Caoimhe Stoffers, Carrie Everitt • Scene 9 Inner Circle: Abby Mack, Autumn Pipes, Samantha Everitt, Breanna Lindsay, Anna Johnson, Jackie Jensen, Karen Wood, Cambrya Cox, Riley Reedy • Scene 9 Outer Circle: April Christensen, Kianna Brown, Anneke Bahlmann, Talia Cluff, Jozlyn Larsen, Breanna Bratton, Sarah Everitt, Jordan Leatham, Meagan Dennis, Hallie Williams, Rachel Hancock, Alice Grover, Emily Hadley • Scene 11 Dancers: Abby Mack, Autumn Pipes, Samantha Everitt, April Christensen, Anneke Bahlmann, Mariah Dillman, Breanna Lindsay, Anna Johnson, Jackie Jensen, Kianna Brown, Heather Hebert, Megan Thomas, Karen Wood, Cambrya Cox, Riley Reedy, Sarah Everitt, Liora Dineley, Sarah Peterson 6

Mormon Miracle Pageant

• Featured Dancers Scene 9: Adreanna Judd, Sierra Roberts, TaLeah Faumui, Jessica Smith, Lindsay Morris, Erin Frischknecht, Annabelle Taylor • Spear Dancers Scene 9: Kellynn Nielson, Simeon Olsen, Jacob Cox, Ryan Peterson • Male Dancers Scene 11: Mark Bishop, Mark Olsen, Kyle Olsen • Samuel the Lamanite: Josh Peterson, Tyler Bishop • Mormon: Tu Tui, Loren Steck • Mortal Moroni: Jackson Wayman • Hyrum Smith: Sam Young • John Taylor: Andrew Olson • Willard Richards: Keaton Jorgensen • Square Dance Caller: Mike Kohut • Brigham Young: Jacob Williams • Captain Allen: Geoff Westfall • Aide: Aaron Egg • Bugler: Neils Grover • Drummer: Ashton Larsen • Vignettes: Handcuffed: Jordan Durtschi Handcart: Keaton Jorgen, Liora Malone Ammon: Michael Peterson Lamoni’s Queen: Misha Westfall Queen’s Lady: Keyera Cox The Savior: Andy Bahlmann

Noelle Condie

Karen Rowley

Karsten Hunt

Christa Gallegos

2018 National Anthem soloists selected for MMP The National Anthem is sung before each performance of the Mormon Miracle Pageant (MMP) by soloists selected by the music committee.

This year’s committee has auditioned several talented performers and is excited to present the 2018 National Anthem soloist performers. With so many talented young people who participated it took many hours to select the finalists.

The National Anthem will be performed during the dress rehearsal and eight Mormon Miracle Pageant presentations, for a total of nine performances.

Noelle Condie will open the pageant by singing at the dress rehearsal Wednesday, June 13; Karen Rowley, Thursday, June 14; Karsten Hunt, Friday, June 15; and Christa Gallegos, Saturday, June 16.

Lydia Madsen, Tuesday, June 19; Kemish Gaburel, Wednesday, June 20; Rachel Krueger, Thursday, June 21; Fillmore HS Quartet, Friday, June 22 and Megan Huber will sing the final night of the pageant, Saturday, June 23.

Wednesday, June 13 Noelle Condie Noelle Condie, 14, is an eighth grader at Gunnison Valley Middle School. She has been singing and

humming tunes since before she could construct a proper sentence.

While attending pre-school, she discovered the love of performing and draws energy from a crowd.

Whether it is a school talent show, church meeting, party, care center or a family reunion, she can be found with a microphone in hand and a song in her heart.

She credits all of her musical talent to what she has learned from YouTube videos, the radio and her choir teacher, Jody Allred.

Her aspirations are to serve an LDS Church Mission and to become a Broadway singer. She hopes to bring out the spirit and uplift people through music now, and in the future.

Watch her video online at: https://youtu.be/TooR1RZy4XY. Thursday, June 14 Karen Rowley Karen Rowley, 14, is a freshman at Payson Junior High School. She spends most of her time playing piano, ukulele, violin, and singing songs. She comes from a big family and loves living in the orchards of Santaquin.

Watch her video online at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=-aGvgqvDyvk&feature=youtu.be.

Friday, June 15 Karsten Hunt Karsten Hunt is a singer, actor, model, and father with four children. He’s self-employed and loves every chance he gets to sing the national anthem. He’s done it at a few different places and events, such as at a Utah Jazz basketball game, Salt Lake Bees baseball games, and a few other smaller venues.

Watch his video online at: https://youtu.be/HrWWQorbfHc. Saturday, June 16 Christa Gallegos Christa Gallegos, 16, Saratoga Springs, is passionate about the performing arts. As a sophomore student at Westlake High School (WHS), she has been a state finalist for the National American Miss Utah and Nevada, and won first place Miss Talent.

At age 10, she was determined to join Saratoga Springs Got Talent and won first place for singing while accompanying herself with a guitar. She continued performing in elementary and middle school and has been playing piano, violin and guitar since age seven. She also enjoys learning foreign languages.

In May 2017, she performed in “Hairspray,” the live show at Scera Center for the Arts in Orem. She

Lydia Madsen has performed the National Anthem and The Star-Spangled Banner at WHS for different occasions and is currently an honor student amidst responsibilities she has for academics and extracurricular activities.

The ambition to do a perfect performance at every opportunity is important and she hopes to attend Juilliard School in Manhattan, NY; and to seek out Broadway roles.

She currently works part-time to finance voice and dance lessons.

She is also active in the LDS Young Women program.

Watch her video online at: https://youtu.be/GRyME4D_JF8.

Tuesday, June 19 Lydia Madsen Lydia has been singing ever since she could talk, and thoroughly enjoys music. She was born and raised in Sanpete County, and served as Miss Fairview 2016. She is a proud graduate of North Sanpete High School.

Please see SOLOISTS, Page 9 June 13, 2018

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Kemish Gaburel

Rachel Krueger

family and friends, and work on his photography skills.

From 7 Watch his video online at: https://youtu.be/pkh3O1evqVE. She recently finished her Thursday, June 21 freshman year at Southern Utah Rachel Krueger University and while attending Rachel Krueger, 14, loves to there had the opportunity to be a perform and this love has led her cast member for the production, to participate in various local pro“Savior of the World.” ductions and competitions. Last Lydia has been called to serve as a missionary in the Madagascar, year she played Maria in Richfield High School’s production of West Antananarivo LDS Mission, serving in the Reunion Mission Region. Side Story.

She also earned the title of She will report to the Ghana Sevier County Idol in her age LDS Missionary Training Center division, and served the commuJune 28, and will be teaching and nity as Junior Miss Richfield. She speaking French. plans to pursue a degree in vocal Watch her video online performance. at: https://www.youtube.com/ Watch her video online watch?v=W4DgXneolfU. at: https://www. youtube.com/ Wednesday, June 20 watch?v=5agrfqh8D1k&feaKemish Gaburel ture=youtu.be.

Kemish Gaburel lives with Friday, June 22 and loves spending time with his Fillmore HS Quartet family in Clinton. In May 2018, he Fillmore HS Quartet represents married his wife in the Los Angethe Fillmore Utah LDS Stake, with les LDS Temple. His passion for members Emmarie Grose, Ember singing began while a sophomore Moat, Carlee Stephenson and Bryn at Syracuse High School (SHS).

Rasmussen.

At SHS he was able to particEmmarie Grose is an up and ipate in a number of choirs, and coming senior at Millard High later went on to performing in School (MHS) who is a talented A Capella and Madrigals. After soloist, musician and artist. She graduating, he’s had the opportunity to sing in various recitals and has performed with the Accouschicks A Capella group for the past competitions including, “Clinton’s The Voice,” for which he won first two years and has achieved much success. place in the adult section.

She has also performed He served in the Washington individually at community and Yakima LDS Mission. When he church events and in MHS drama has free time, he likes to sing, play guitar, compose music, enjoy productions. She performed in the pageant last year and is honored

SOLOISTS

Fillmore HS Quartet

Megan Huber

to perform again this year.

Ember Moat, daughter of Cody and Leona Moat, Fillmore, is the oldest of four children. She has been involved in music for years, plays violin, piano and is a great vocalist. Besides her musical ability, she enjoys running with the high school cross country and track teams.

Carlee Stephenson, 16, is a sophomore at MHS and loves to play the piano, sing and especially loves drawing. When there is spare time she will be found with a sketch pad and pen, with music playing in the background.

She has excelled in art and had an entry in the Hogle Zoo Art Exhibit. Her artwork has been entered in the Millard County Fair and has earned Sweepstakes honors. Her preferred art specialty is pencil, pen and ink.

She has a busy schedule with academics, sports, music, is involved with an acapella quartet and as a member of the high school honor choir.

As a Millard Eagle, she is proud to be on the soccer, swim and golf teams and also participates in the MHS National Honor Society.

Bryn Rasmussen, 14, is a freshman at MHS. She has loved music from a very young age, especially singing the harmony parts of songs. She enjoys singing and performing with the acapella group.

She is also involved in sports, plays volleyball, basketball and softball for MHS and loves to be

part of a team.

Watch the quartet’s video online at: https://youtu.be/qjVkPJ41Kjg. Saturday, June 23 Megan Huber Megan Huber is married with four young children and comes to the pageant from Delta. She is owner of the dance company she has operated for over 10 years.

Performing arts have always played an important role in her life.

She has performed at many events, including church functions, Mormon Miracle Pageant, rodeos, county fairs and Utah Jazz games.

She believes that music is an important way of touching people’s lives and communicating with those that might not be reachable otherwise.

She continues to develop and share talents through church, private parties and community events. As a member of a local band she has a lot of fun as it provides many opportunities to cover other genres of music and to share her own compositions.

She feels blessed to live in a country where she can raise her children and where her dreams and talents can be pursued. Because of her personal beliefs, she loves singing the National Anthem and is honored to perform for the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

Watch her video online at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=lrw0cDnNWhk&feature=em-share_video_user.

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Welcome to Manti On behalf of the Manti City Council and residents, I would like to welcome you to the City of Manti.

Founded in 1849, Manti is one of the oldest communities in the state and was the springboard of settlement for much of central and southern Utah. Evidences of the early pioneer builders still exist today in the scores of rock buildings including homes, churches and public buildings.

A beautiful community of 3,300 people, Manti is a wonderful place to live, work, play and visit. Relax at one of our parks or cool off at our pool. Take a stroll down our historic Main Street and enjoy our shopping and restaurants or explore our city and see some of the earliest buildings constructed in Utah.

For the outdoor enthusiast, Manti offers excellent camping, hunting, boating, fishing, hiking and ATV riding all within a short distance from our city center.

Thank you for visiting Manti City and we look forward to serving you. We appreciate your visit and hope that you’ll come back to see us again soon.

Sincerely, Korry L. Soper, Mayor

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Manti LDS Temple sits on a hill overlooking the Sanpete Valley and is visible for miles around. Temple hill is the scene for the annual Mormon Miracle Pageant held at 9:30 p.m., June 14-16, 19-23.

The event is open to the public and free to attend.

Important MMP visitor info The Mormon Miracle Pageant takes place at the foot of the Manti LDS Temple in the central Utah town of Manti.

Best routes The best mode of transportation is by charter bus or car, which requires an approximate driving time of two hours from Salt Lake City in northern Utah or just less than two and one-half hours from Cedar City in southern Utah.

There are two separate routes to take coming from northern Utah: The first is as follows: I-15 south to U.S. Highway 6 in Spanish Fork. Take Highway 6 east to U.S. Highway 89. Turn south on Highway 89 which travels directly to Manti.

The other route from the north would follow I-15 south to U.S. Highway 132 in Nephi. Take Highway 132 east to U.S. Highway 89.

Turn south on Highway 89 which goes directly to Manti.

The best route from southern Utah would be I-15 north to I-70.

Take I-70 east to U.S. Highway 89 in Salina. Turn north on Highway 89 which takes travelers directly to Manti.

Convenience locations Translators: Language translation will be provided by missionaries at the missionary booth in the front center section of the seating area on temple grounds. Approximately 200 headphones will be available to those speaking Spanish.

Hearing impaired: Signing for the hearing impaired will be available on a TV monitor each night instead of being signed live so that the service can be offered for each performance.

Culinary water: Drinking fountains are located directly west of the seating area at the temple on 100 East.

First aid: The Visitor’s Center, west of the seating area, will

provide first aid information. An ambulance will be on stand-by during pageant performances.

Emergency medical treatment: a first aid station is located on the west side of the Manti Temple at 450 North 100 East. There will also be emergency medical personnel patrolling the temple grounds on four-wheelers. For all other emergencies, contact the Sanpete County Sheriff ’s Office at (435) 835-2191 or dial 911.

Wheelchair, handicapped: Accommodations for wheelchairs and handicapped seating are available at each performance.

Ushers will be able to assist with locating these accommodations.

Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located at the Visitor’s Center, west of the seating area.

Restrooms: Restrooms are located in mobile trailers behind the distribution center west of the seating area and also in mobile trailers on the east side of temple grounds, next to temple worker housing.

Lost and Found: The Mormon Miracle Pageant maintains a “Lost and Found” station where lost and found items are reported and turned in. Lost children or family members are also taken to this location for quick and easy reuniting with family. The “Lost and Found” station is located northwest of the Temple grounds at the east door of the Family History Center.

Security: There are at least 30 security personnel and 20 ushers on site for the Friday and Saturday performances.

More information: For more on the Mormon Miracle Pageant or tourism information for the Sanpete area, listen to the county information radio station at 1610 AM on the radio; or call (435) 835-3000 or (866) 961-9040.

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

Merilyn Jorgensen publishes Mormon Miracle Pageant history MANTI — The long storied history of how the Mormon Miracle Pageant came to be has been put to pen and ink, typed, edited and sent to press. The book is now available to purchase thanks to Merilyn Jorgensen and her assistants.

Interested pageant history buffs are encouraged to order as soon as possible to assure an accurate printing count. To pre-order a copy today, visit www.mantipageant.org and select the History tab, then select the book, to order. Current pricing is $69.95 including tax, plus $11.95 for shipping.

For more information, call (435) 835-3000 or (435) 835-5872.

Pageant book history In 2014, Merilyn was called by the pageant presidency to serve as editor-in-chief to create a book for publication, which would highlight the history of the pageant, people and stories.

Merilyn Jorgensen, Manti, and her family have been heavily involved in the pageant since the first production in 1967. She has served as pageant historian since 2000, and over the years, has collected and preserved hundreds of photos, publications and articles on the pageant.

Tawnya Olsen, Manti, was also called to assist with the project.

Olsen and her family likewise have performed major roles and assignments since the early years.

The process Jorgensen and Olsen formed a book committee, which encouraged all of those who had been a part of the pageant in any capacity to record their memories of the people, events and impressions they have experienced.

In addition to recording memories, people were encouraged to share any recorded notes for possible inclusion in the commemorative publication and to pass the request onto family and friends.

Topics, questions There were a lot of topics to be considered for the book, for instance, some questions asked included, “In what ways were people and or family members involved with the Mormon Miracle Pageant, and in what years?” or, “Did someone have pageant experiences, feelings or observations that impacted their testimony or actions?”

Everyone was encouraged to share memories such as weather, incidents or people who touched a life or to tell about responsibilities

or experiences in production areas of the pageant, such as director, actor, costuming, stage or prop crew, lighting, chaperon or supervisor, make-up, etc.

Requests for remembrances of support services such as Ladies’ Guild, language service, ushering, food service, search and rescue or EMT, or cast bus driver. What memories concerning friendships, romances, etc.

Where was costume checkout located? Describe costumes. What rules are recalled from being on the ‘hill?’ Were people allowed to walk or sit in order to not be seen by the audience? How close were the Lamanites allowed to be to the Nephites? What were some rules behind the downstage wings?

Was there anything people had to give up or that might be considered a difficulty in order to participate in pageant and was it worth it?

Did the pageant impact missionary service? What feelings did someone experience in later summers when they were not longer able to be part of pageant?

During the Mormon Miracle Pageant’s half-century span, there have been thousands of good people, unsung and largely unnoticed, heroes working behind the scenes of production. For over 50 years, anonymous service has ever been their watchword.

The book Over time the many collections, recordings, photos, recollections and memories were organized, categorized, edited and have been pressed into the new book, “The Mormon Miracle Pageant” history book.

This 600-page, full-color book offers a comprehensive history of the production’s evolution, with a view to honoring the thousands of participants, unsung workers as well as the behind-the-scene services, of which most guests are unaware.

Even those who serve in specific sections, such as costuming or food service, likely comprehend little of the particulars going on in other spheres of preparation.

With almost 2,000 photos, the historical, hardcover volume covers the inside story of 50 years of miracles and will be off the presses in June of this year. The narrative adds to the richness of the pageant saga and its gospel message.

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BOOK From 13

Readers should prepare to learn much, laugh some, and perhaps shed a tear or two as they read the tales of sacrifice and dedication, enjoy fun anecdotes, all while being uplifted with spiritual manifestations shared by cast and crew.

About Merilyn Jorgensen Merilyn Anderson Jorgensen is a native of Manti. She graduated from Manti High School and Snow College, then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from Utah State University in 1960.

Merilyn has been a teacher at Manti High School, Ephraim Middle School and for a short time at Snow College. Subjects she taught included dance, drill team, physical education, health, physiology, English and history.

Her Mormon Miracle Pageant service began as a choir member in 1967. Then she was called as dance director and choreographer, performing and directing until 1992. She then spent eight years in the costume department as costume mistress.

In 2000, she was called to become the pageant historian and the call to write and create the volume came in 2014 as the end result of her decades-long connection with the pageant.

In addition to her own half-century of pageant service, Merilyn’s husband, LaMar, their five children and numerous grandchildren are or have also been involved in the annual Mormon Miracle Pageant productions.

Mormon Miracle Pageant History Book Get the inside story of 50 years of Miracles! The longawaited Mormon Miracle Pageant history book by Merilyn Jorgensen, Pageant Historian, will be off the presses in June of this year. This 600-page, full-color book offers a comprehensive history of the production’s evolution, with a view to honoring the thousands of participants, unsung workers as well as the behind-the-scenes services.

This historical, hardcover volume includes almost 2000 photos.

Merilyn A. Jorgensen

36 Years o f Experience

Please order as soon as possible to assure an accurate printing count.

Pre-order your copy today at: www.mantipageant.org, click on History tab, then on the book to order. $69.99 (includes tax) + $11.95 Shipping For additional information, call (435) 835-3000 or 835-5872.

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

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Samuel the Lamanite preaches to Nephites

The north entrance to the Manti LDS Temple as seen from the recently constructed Pioneer Heritage Gardens, a short walk west of the Manti LDS Temple. The annual Mormon Miracle Pageant is presented on the sloping hillside on the south side of the temple. (Photo courtesy of Ray LaFollette)

Temple closes early during the pageant

Samuel The Lamanite, stands atop a wall to preach to the Nephites and calls them to repent of their many sins and abominations. He also prophesied about signs of the birth of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. Nephite archers tried without success to shoot him down off the wall.

Persons wishing to attend the Manti Utah LDS Temple during the Mormon Miracle Pageant will need to be aware the last temple session of the day will begin at 3:30 p.m., due to preparations for the pageant. The early closing also assists with traffic flow and maintaining reverence.

The temple is open to all members of the LDS Church who hold a current temple recommend. Endowment sessions are Tuesday through Saturday every hour on the half-hour beginning at 7:30 a.m., with doors opening at 7 a.m. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to make an appointment.

Anyone wishing to use the baptistery must make an appointment. Those without an appointment will be regretfully turned away. Sealing ordinances during the pageant will be confined to family files only.

There are no facilities in the Manti Utah LDS Temple for language sessions except English. However, language cards are available by request for some aspects of the ordinances.

American Sign Language interpreters are available by appointment only.

For more information call the Manti LDS Temple at (435) 835-2291.

June 13, 2018

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Pageant depicts rise and fall of ancient civilizations Clashing armies and phenomenal natural events depict the rise and fall of two ancient American civilizations.

These civilizations disappeared long before Columbus landed, leaving records carved on plates of ore, telling stories of both turbulent and peaceful times. The plates were later translated and published as The Book of Mormon.

“Reverent and dazzling rendition of America’s past and future,” wrote one visitor to the Mormon Miracle Pageant. “Unexpected, stimulating and rewarding,” are other frequent comments.

The pageant portrays the Americas in a different light as a parade of unforgettable scenes unfold on temple hill.

When the scenes on temple hill fade, the words of Moroni, the book’s last author, echo in the mind, “Remember, O remember, he that possess this land shall serve God or be swept off.”

The pageant portrays how those who accepted the message of the Book of Mormon were driven from settled areas of the U.S. soon after its publication.

Love of America’s Constitution, felt by those members of the new but rapidly growing LDS Church, is powerfully contrasted with some of the distress they suffered at the hands of mobs in several states.

Many who lived through that era of persecution, crossed the plains and struggled up and through the Rocky Mountains to build a new life in the valley of the Great Salt Lake.

Along with farming tools, they brought books, fine china and even pianos to the valley and soon had it “blossoming like a rose.”

Though they faced severe weather, hostile Indians, rattlesnakes and primitive living conditions, they found joy through their faith in God and a hope for a better tomorrow.

Scenes and messages such as these and more are brought to life by a tremendous cast and production staff each year in the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

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An ancient prophet who lived during the last, devastating battle between the Nephites and Lamanites carefully engraved events and his feelings on plates of gold, which were later translated

by Joseph Smith into the Book of Mormon. According to the record, Mormon was the last surviving Nephite and lived alone for more than 30 years, hiding from the Lamanite army.

Relax, enjoy historical reflection The city of Manti is home to the Sanpete County seat and welcomes travelers seeking quiet relaxation and historical reflection.

Visitors can spend a night or two at the quaint bed and breakfasts, or tour the grounds of the historic Manti LDS Temple, built in 1888. Others come for the thrills offered on nearby ATV trails. But each June Manti comes to life and presents a grand production full of wonder and excitement.

The Manti LDS Temple grounds are transformed into a giant outdoor stage, larger than a football field, for the Mormon Miracle Pageant (MMP). The town truly comes alive as a cast of over 900 combine dance, music, and drama in a unique production for a large audience seated under the canopy of stars. The pageant runs for eight Each year large crowds gather for the annual Mormon Miracle Pageant held on the Manti LDS Temnights, June 14-16 and 19-23. ple hill. The pageant is open to the public and free of charge. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve Each year, the pageant retells basis on more than 14,000 seats. There is also a large area where families can spread blankets to the account of the resurrected view the event. The gates open at 6 p.m., pageant takes place at 9:30 p.m., June 14-16 and 19-23.

Jesus Christ visiting the people on the American continents. The dramatization includes Christ able in the Food Court located at 200 North Main. Visitors are asked healing and teaching the people, as well as blessing the children, just to clean up after themselves and carry out any garbage brought into as he did in Jerusalem. the area.

Time then fast-forwards to the 1800s, when farm boy Joseph On Friday and Saturday mornings, during the pageant, a pancake Smith receives and later translates the record of the ancient Ameri- breakfast will be available from 7-10 a.m., at 100 North 300 West, can people. The record is known today as the Book of Mormon. hosted by the Manti LDS Stake young men and young women.

Finally, the presentation concludes with the story of a fictional Travelers are advised to plan in advance to stay overnight in Mancouple searching for religious truth and enlightenment and the joy ti the night of the pageant. Traffic is always exceptionally congested the couple find upon discovering that family relationships can be at the conclusion of the production. eternal.

Many visitors find that staying at a bed and breakfast adds to the First time pageant-goers will find the following tips useful: Arrive experience, providing a unique local perspective, plus great service. early for optimum seating. First-come seating is provided for 14,000 Whether choosing a bed and breakfast, hotel, or campground, be and there is room on the grass in the blanket area for additional sure to make reservations well in advance. spectators. June evenings can be cool so bring a sweater or blanket.

Take some time before or after the pageant to explore the region.

Blankets may be used on chairs but are not allowed in the aisles.

Take scenic drives, rent ATVs, or visit the unique boutiques and Coolers are not allowed on temple grounds. craftsman shops.

Many pageant attendees arrive hungry and either bring their For those not familiar with the story of The Book of Mormon, it own food or purchase food in the area. Attendees are encouraged to may help to learn a bit about its history before attending the pageant. eat in the large grassy area across the road west of the seating area Background information can be obtained from locals or members of because food and drinks are not encouraged on temple grounds. the LDS Church or check out a copy of The Book of Mormon from Attendees can purchase a barbeque turkey or roast beef dinner the library in Ephraim, Mt. Pleasant, Manti or Gunnison. near the pageant grounds. The tasty meals are reasonably priced Interested persons can also visit https://history.lds.org or https:// and will be served each evening during the pageant at the National www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm.

Guard Armory, 100 West Union, in Manti.

For more information about the pageant call (866) 961-9040 or In addition, a variety of food and craft booths will also be avail(435) 835-3000 or visit http://mantipageant.org.

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Ute Chief Walkara, a historical perspective Chief Colorow Ignacio Ouray Walkara (aka Wakara or Walker) 1808 — 1855, was a leader of a Ute Timpanogo band, with a reputation as a diplomat, horseman and warrior and a military leader in the Walker War. Walkara was born along the Spanish Fork River in what is now Utah, one of five sons of a chief of the Timpanogo band. He gathered a raiding band of warriors from Great Basin tribes, including Utes, Paiute and Shoshone.

Walkara learned to speak English, Spanish and became fluent in several native dialects. His band raided ranches and attacked travelers in the Great Basin and along the Old Spanish Trail between New Mexico and California. Small native bands and tribes in the area paid him tribute in return for protection and assistance.

Walkara created a disciplined cavalry and organized effective raiding campaigns. Sections of his cavalry, under the leadership of his brothers and other trusted band members, were distinguished by appearance, adopting bright dyes and metal ornaments. Walkara’s public name, translated as “yellow,” was based on the yellow facepaint and yellow leather which he wore.

In California, Walkara was known as a great horse thief, primarily due to an 1840 campaign through the Cajon Pass into Southern California, which resulted in the capture of a large number of horses, with estimates ranging from several hundred to 3,000 horses.

In some of these raids, the band fought Cahuilla leader Juan Antonio. Mountain men James Beckwourth and Thomas “Pegleg” Smith were involved in this campaign and were known to trade with Walkara, providing the band with whiskey in return for horses.

In 1845 Justice of the Peace and assistant for Indian affairs in Riverside County Benjamin Davis Wilson was also commissioned to track down Walkara and his marauders and bring them to justice.

Their mission was interrupted by the discovery of the Big Bear Lake area and no additional story of the pursuit was ever given.

Relations with the Mormons Walkara invited Latter-day Saint president Brigham Young to send Mormon colonists to the Sanpitch (now Sanpete) Valley. In 1849, Young dispatched a company of about 225 settlers, under the direction of Isaac Morley.

The settlers arrived at the present location of Manti, in November, and established a base camp for the winter, digging temporary shelters into the south side of the hill on which the LDS Manti Utah Temple now stands.

It was an isolated place, at least four days by wagon from the nearest Mormon settlement. Relations between the Mormon settlers and the local Ute Indians were helpful and cooperative.

Morley and his settlers felt that part of the purpose of the settle18

Mormon Miracle Pageant

Chief Wakara invited the pioneers to Sanpete. This statue represents the story and can be seen in the Pioneer Heritage Gardens located a short walk east of the Manti LDS Temple. (Photo courtesy of Ray LaFollette) ment was to bring the gospel to the Indians.

Morley wrote, “Did we come here to enrich ourselves in the things of this world? No. We were sent to enrich the Natives and comfort the hearts of the long oppressed.”

During the severe winter, a measles epidemic broke out and the Mormons used their limited medicine to nurse the Indians.

When supplies ran low, Indians helped settlers haul food on sleds through the snow.

Walkara negotiated a trading relationship with the colony through Young, and, in 1850, allowed himself to be baptized into the LDS religion. However, relations with the Mormon settlers deteriorated rapidly.

Walkara’s raiding lifestyle was under pressure from an increasing number of federal troops in the Great Basin and southwest and from the expansion of LDS settlements.

Mormon settlers also strongly objected to the profitable traditional trade in native slaves and interfered in many transactions.

In addition, central and southern Utah saw increasing numbers of non-Mormon trading expeditions and settlers traveling through the area.

Some isolated natives were killed, and Walkara and other leaders became increasingly angry with the Mormons as well as the non-Mormon Americans.

Walker War These pressures, additional measles epidemics in the 1850s, Please see WALKARA, Page 19

Pageant foreseen by Temple President The production of the Mormon Miracle Pageant was foreseen

by Manti LDS Temple President L.R. Anderson, several years before it became a reality.

Glen A. Nelson and his friend, Billy Duncan, were hauling rock for a parking lot on the south slope of Temple Hill during the summer of 1956.

Despite working on the project, Nelson felt the excavation of the hill was desecration and being an outspoken individual, confided his feeling to President Anderson.

In a witnessed letter, signed by Nelson and presented to LDS Church officials, he reiterated the encounter as follows: “In the summer of 1956, I was working for the Oakland Construction Company with my large dump truck, engaged in making the south parking lot at the Manti LDS Temple.”

“I would park my truck and the huge machinery would load it. I would always stand away from my truck while it was being loaded.

This gave me the opportunity for a few minutes’ chatting with President L.R. Anderson, who was president of the temple at that time. He would come out from time to time to see how the work was progressing.”

WALKARA From 18

and the rise of competing bands of Shoshone raiders, ultimately led to a brief conflict known as the Walker War. Local historical accounts attribute the outbreak of the war to Walkara’s failure to acquire a Mormon wife. However, it more likely began with a July 1853 confrontation with settlers in Springville, in Utah Valley, which resulted in the death of several band members.

The war primarily consisted of raids conducted against Mormon outposts in central and southern Utah. Casualties probably totaled 12 white settlers and an equally modest number of Indians.

Young directed settlers to move from outlying farms and ranches and establish centralized forts for a passive defense.

The Walker War ended through an understanding negotiated between Young and Walkara during the winter of 1853 and finalized in May 1854 in Levan. In his contemporary work, “Incidents of Travel and Adventure in the Far West” (1857), photographer and artist Solomon N. Carvalho gives an account of the peace council held between Walkara, other native leaders in central Utah and Brigham Young.

Carvalho took the opportunity to persuade the Indian leader to pose for a portrait, now held by the Thomas Gilcrease Institute, Tulsa, OK. Although immediate hostilities ended, none of the underlying conflicts were resolved. Walkara died in 1855 at Meadow Creek.

Mormon baptisms After the Walker War had ended, on July 27, 1854, under the direction of stake president Welcome Chapman, 120 members (103 males, 17 females) of Wakara’s tribe were baptized members of the LDS Church in Manti’s City Creek. Wakara was possibly re-baptized at this time.

One day as we stood on the south rim of the hill, I told him I didn’t like what we were doing, as we would haul the huge rock excavated over the hill. President Anderson put his arm around me, and waving his other hand back and forth he said, “Brother Nelson, some day this will be the most beautiful spot of the entire Temple Hill.”

“And now I am going to tell you something that you cannot comprehend and I don’t know what it is that is going to happen.

You will live to see it, but I will not, but there will be thousands of people come to this hillside.”

“He repeated again, ‘I will not see it, but you will.’ It ran through my mind at that time that it must be the gathering of the 10 tribes or some such event during the millennium, or some far off end-of-the-world time, but now I know he envisioned the Mormon Miracle Pageant, which his own son, R. Clair Anderson, was instrumental in starting, which sees over 100,000 people come to the spot L. R. Anderson was talking about.”

On June 12, 1976, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Utah Symphony performed a concert at the foot of Temple Hill as part of the bicentennial celebration.

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Pleading letters kept pageant in Manti In the early 1970s rumors were circulated that the Mormon Miracle Pageant might be taken from Manti to be presented somewhere else, with casting and all phases of the production to be professionally done.

Those who knew of the rumors were concerned, and Mabel Anderson, wife of Executive Committee Chairman R. Clair Anderson, wrote a letter on March 10, 1972, to Elder Mark E. Peterson in Salt Lake City, expressing her concern.

The letter says in part: “My husband told me something this morning that shook us to our very roots. And I can’t believe it might be true-that the most successful and beautiful thing we have ever done in our stake, the pageant that has become such a labor of love from young to old could be taken from us.”

“After shedding many tears I got the feeling I must write to you what I feel, and I know just speaking as a member of Sanpete South Stake that I express the feelings of nearly all, if they had the opportunity.”

“I know you brethren will be inspired to do what is right and this letter may seem most presumptuous yet still, I feel that because you are “away” from our locale and might not understand all about our pageant and our feelings on the subject that you might not mind this “look” into our hearts, so I would surely appreciate it if you would read my plea.”

Anderson continued with three full pages outlining the

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great dreams and hopes for the pageant, as well as the growth and development that came to those who were working with it.

She concluded with the following, “We believe that more and more our valley will become identified with the Mormon Miracle Pageant. That people will come again and again to renew their spirits and that visitors from all over the world will find their way to our hillside, that it will be the Mecca for many a pilgrimage.”

“We believe that each year will find more and more people taking the road leading to the pageant on Temple Hill in Manti.

Don’t take that dream away from us. Don’t take away the best thing our stake has tried to do, all working in unselfish devotion and dedication to the miracle, getting involved in something beautiful that is ours.”

On March 11, that same year, the late Grace Johnson, the pageant’s author, wrote a letter to Elder Peterson, formally donating the use of the “Mormon Miracle,” as she had written it, to the LDS Church.

She said, “The Mormon Miracle was freely given by the Lord and must be returned to Him just as freely for His blessing. The knowledge that I have done the right thing will give a peace of mind in my older years I couldn’t have otherwise known.”

In a Mormon Miracle planning meeting held at the Visitor’s’ Center on Temple Hill in Manti, March 28, 1972, under the direction of Elder Mark E. Peterson of the Council of the Twelve, a new organization for the pageant was formed.

Elder Peterson was unanimously approved as chairman and Elder Gordon B. Hinckley as vice-chairman. Members of the Advisory Committee included Temple President Reuel E. Christensen and Stake Presidents of the region, Wilbur W. Cox, Ralph Blackham, Roger Allred, and Lamar Stewart, as well as Sister Grace Johnson.

Macksene Rux was to continue as pageant director with Helen B. Dyreng and Jane Braithwaite as assistant directors.

Eight additional committee members named were R. Morgan Dyreng, Production Chairman; Larry Stahle; Elliott R. Braithwaite; Carole Braithwaite; Dorothy Gray; Leslie J. Anderson; Glen W. Lee; Vernon L. Kunz and Louis G. Tervort.

President Wilbur W. Cox was designated as chairman of the Regional Advisory or Executive Committee. He has been followed by President Lee R. Barton and President Greg Maylett of the Manti Utah Stake. Elder Petersen promised favorable and immediate action on tree removal.

Other business included a pageant budget of $15,000 from general church fund, improvement of roads, publicity, arrangements for restroom facilities and the sale of programs.

A final paragraph in those minutes’ states: “Priesthood leaders in the local stakes are to encourage their people to come the forepart of the week, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, reserving the weekends for those out of the immediate vicinity.” In keeping with the Church’s emphasis on Family Home Evening, Monday evening performances were discontinued.

A true pioneer, unusual proposal story HELEN DYRENG Manti Mary Artemesia Lowry was a pretty young lady living in the new settlement of Manti. This day she felt especially lucky because it was her turn to stay at home with Grandma.

Of course, there were numerous tasks to attend to, but anything was better than working in the field all day long under the hot August sun.

Mary quickly planned her day. First, she would care for Grandmother Brown, then she would clean the eggs, mix the bread, churn the butter and maybe, just maybe, she could work on her quilt blocks before she had to start supper for the family.

She was busily working through her jobs, when a loud knock came at the door. Before she could answer it, the door flew open and a deep voice in broken English said, “Me come in! Me come in!”

To her frightened dismay, there stood Walker, chief of all the Ute Indians, in his finest Indian regalia and with him were several of his young Indian braves.

Mary was so startled she could hardly move, but somehow she did manage to slip back of her invalid Grandmother’s chair, as if she could protect her. (Grandmother Brown was a helpless, speechless invalid.)

Mary herself could not speak and she began to shake with fear.

Oh, the thoughts that went through her mind! What did he want?

What could she do? The settlers had been told it is better to ‘feed than fight’ the Indians. Could she give him the food she was preparing for supper? She soon found that the savage had come on a most amazing errand.

The great, powerful warrior came all bedecked in his feathered headdress, beads and paint. He bound his ebony locks with copper wire and had tied tinkling bells to his legs. Tossing furs, blankets, and beads on the table, he said, “You be my white squaw! I give you more, you marry me.!”

This was his proposal of marriage to this beautiful, innocent young maiden. He promised he would line her wigwam with buffalo robes, costly furs, ermine, sable, and bear skins, sheep pelts and cowhides.

He would give her many horses because he was rich. He promised her he would never take her to the mountains to live as he did his other squaws. But she could live in his wigwam and he would learn the white man’s ways and live with her.

Mary listened with trembling lips and a faint heart to his lengthy, powerful proposal of marriage. Oh what could she do? What could she say?

She thought, “Nothing could be worse than to marry this old reprobate.” But she knew she could not make him angry. If only her father and brothers were here they could defend and help her.

The refusal of his proposal could cost the lives of every man, woman and child in Manti. He was known for his murders, his pillage, his assassinations and she remembered well the horrors of Indian massacres.

She knew she should not lie, but what else could she do under these circumstances?

Throwing aside all her young romantic dreams, but being resourceful and as courageous as possible she falteringly declared, “Oh, I can’t marry you. I’m already married, a white man’s squaw!”

“Who?” Walker demanded.

She quickly thought of all the names of her friends who were

eligible for marriage. Then, in desperation, the name of her twin sister’s husband, a prominent man in the settlement, came to her mind and she blurted out, “Judge George Peacock.”

He hardly believed her and with fire flashing from his eyes, the old warrior glared at her and took from his belt a knife and plunged it into the pine table, indicating what Judge Peacock could expect.

Haughty and hurt, the old chief grabbed his furs and jewelry and said, “We will see!” as he stomped out slamming the door behind him.

Mary was frightened and agonized as she paced the floor. What had she done? Lied to save herself! This could cause serious trouble in the whole settlement.

It was a great relief when her family came from the fields. She ran to her father’s arms and she told them what had happened. Her father consoled her but said, “Your word must be made good.”

He sent the boys to summon Judge Peacock and Father Morley to come quickly. The brethren knew the seriousness of the problem. They knew Chief Walker had visited Brigham Young and requested a white squaw.

President Young had told him he could have one if he could find one who would marry him. Little did Brother Brigham know that he already had one in mind, Mary Lowrey, the Mormon Bishop’s daughter.

Judge Peacock smiled and said he would be pleased to marry her.

The ceremony was performed in haste by Father Morley and when he tied the knot, it was tied fast and sure!

A message was sent to Brigham Young in Salt Lake City of the incident. Word came back from Brother Brigham, “Come to Salt Lake City and remain in hiding until the passion of the old chief has had time to cool!”

They left immediately and did not return until Walker’s passion had subsided.

Mary’s very ordinary day turned into her wedding day and the incident was told over and over again to her posterity.

Pageant changes through the years

Costumes are an intricate portion of the pageant and changes have been made periodically through the years, due to wearand-tear and other issues. Costumes are hand-made by individuals throughout the county.

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Pioneer Heritage Garden pays tribute to stalwart settlers The Pioneer Heritage Garden, located a short walk west of the Manti LDS Temple pays special tribute to those stalwart settlers who braved a myriad of obstacles as they set forth to tame a wilderness.

Visitors to the area are strongly encouraged to take a stroll to the garden and enjoy the presentations and thought provoking historical reflections there.

The site includes a reflection pond which illustrates Faith; a small amphitheater represents Education; a beautiful entry and pathway from the Manti Cemetery into the garden helps people show Cooperation; and stories of successful pioneer work in signage explain Industry.

The four principles, Faith, Education, Cooperation and Industry were identified by Dr. John A. Widtsoe, an Apostle of the LDS Church, as the four principles essential to the pioneer’s success and to success today.

Widtsoe taught people to have faith. Faith will give people courage to face daily tasks; learn, all of life should be a process of education; the future must be built on cooperation; this is a practical expression of love and concern for one another; and the pioneers would not forget industry, be industrious. We learn this from John A. Widtsoe’s book, “How The Desert Was Tamed”, Deseret Book, 1947.

The intent of the Pioneer Heritage Center and Gardens is to share the personal stories and events that reveal how and why the pioneers persisted in making a home under such trying circumstances and conditions.

People may be surprised by how timely and relevant the lessons are for people today, which can be learned from the early pioneers.

The answers to questions posed, such as the following can be found: Why did the pioneers come and settle in the arid and less desirable

Pioneers driven from their homes Early members of the LDS Church were driven from their homes, often during horrible weather conditions, and were forced to seek safety and peace out west. Brigham Young led the saints to the Salt Lake Valley and then urged members to settle other regions of Utah, from St. George to Logan. In 1849 many saints traveled to Sanpete Valley and settled Manti.

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

lands of central Utah when they could have gone on to California or returned to the fertile area in the east? What held the pioneers, a diverse collection of immigrants from many nations, together?

The pioneers stayed and worked through the many challenges of settlement. They had an abiding faith in God and a commitment to values that proved to be their success.

Faith and sacrifice were combined in such a way that commands respect and appreciation. Faith, education, cooperation and industry were values central to their success.

The Pioneer Heritage Center and Gardens offers examples and stories of how the guiding values enabled the pioneers to overcome challenges and establish a home.

There is much to gain from a study of the pioneers and today’s people are presented a personal challenge from the pioneers, to apply these same principles today. This is the legacy of the pioneers who settled central Utah.

From the settlement of Manti in 1849, smaller satellite communities were established as circumstances allowed. The first wave of settlements during 1851-54, established Spring City, Mt. Pleasant, Ephraim and Wales. A second wave between 1859 and 1865 brought into existence Fairview, Fountain Green, Moroni, Gunnison, Chester and Centerfield.

All of the settlements experienced challenges and difficulties that tested the mettle of the hardy men, women and children. They all deserve to be identified and recognized for what they sacrificed and accomplished.

One area of the Pioneer Heritage Center and Gardens provides information on the individuals and families who settled central Utah with additional information on where they are buried or specific locations where they lived.

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Mormon Battalion role From the diary of Zadock Knapp Judd In 1846, President James K. Polk instructed Colonel Stephen W. Kearney, the Commander of the Army of the west to enlist 500 Mormons for the purpose of assisting the U.S. Army in the Mexican War. Captain James Allen was ordered to go to the Mormon Camps in Iowa to recruit five companies of men with 75 to 100 men in each company.

Captain Allen told the settlement of Mormons: “I have come among you, instructed

by Colonel S.F. Kearney of the U.S. Army, now commanding the Army of the West, to visit the Mormon camp and to accept the service for 12 months of four or five companies of Mormon men who may be willing to serve their country for that period in our present war with Mexico; this force to unite with the Army of the West at Santa Fe, and be marched thence to California, where Brigham Young received orders from Colonel Stephen W. Kearney to provide 500 men they will be discharged.” to assist the U.S. Army during the Mexican War. Even though the Mormons had been “They will receive pay rations and forced into exile and were outside of current U.S. boundaries, the challenge was acceptother allowances, such as other voluned and fulfilled. teers or regular soldiers receive, from the day they shall be mustered into the service and will be entitled to all comforts and benefits of regular soldiers of the army and when discharged as contemplated, at California, they will be given In 1846, 11th President of gratis their arms and accouterments for the United States James which they will be fully equipped at Fort K. Polk (shown) instructed Leavenworth.”

Colonel Stephen W. Kear“This is offered to the Mormon people ney, the Commander of the now. This is an opportunity of sending a Army of the west to enlist portion of their young and intelligent men 500 Mormons for the purto the ultimate destination of their whole pose of assisting the U.S. people, and entirely at the expense of the Army in the Mexican War. U.S. and this advanced party can thus pave This became the longest the way and look out for the land for their military march in history. brethren to come after them.”

They traveled 2,000 miles “Those of the Mormons who are from Council Bluffs, IA; desirous of serving their country, on to San Diego, CA. (Photo the conditions here enumerated, are courtesy of Library of requested to meet me without delay at Congress. their principal camp at Council Bluffs, whither I am going to consult with their principal men, and to receive and orgathem from the persecutions and mob actions that took place in nize the force contemplated to be raised. I will receive all healthy, Missouri and Illinois. able-bodied men from 18 to 45 years of age.” J. Allen, Captain 1st There were hundreds of miles of land to cross that was filled Dragoons with hostile Indians. How could they leave their families at a time The Mormons were destitute and had many reasons to refuse this enlistment request. The government had done nothing to protect Please see BATTALION, Page 25 24

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The army was happy to accommodate them as this cost the government nothing. There were 15 or 16 families and 50 or more children who left Council Bluffs with the Battalion.

From 24 After a long march to Fort Leavenworth, KS; in August, the men were outfitted for the march, which included a musket or rifle, a like this to support a government that had so little regard for the bayonet, ammunition, knapsacks, haversacks, blankets and canprotection of their families? teens, and specific training in the use of this equipment.

However, at the encouragement and urging of President Brigham They were also issued tents to be used by six men. There they Young, over 500 men were finally mustered in at Council Bluffs, in also received the clothing allowance of $42 for the year, which was Iowa on July 16, 1846. President Young told them it was their patriot- mostly sent back to their families and friends in Council Bluffs. This ic duty to join and so they did. became the longest military march in history. They traveled 2,000 President Brigham Young said to them: “Brethren, you will be miles from Council Bluffs, IA; to San Diego, CA. blessed, if you will live for those blessings which you have been Among these men was James (Polly) Brown and his wife, Eunice taught to live for. The Mormon Battalion will be held in honorable Reasor Brown. James was a private in Company D, with Captain remembrance to the latest generation; and I will prophesy that the Nelson Higgins and First Lieutenant George Parker Dykes. James children of those who have been in the army, in defense of their was born April 22, 1803, in Taylorville, Shelby/Spencer, KY. He country, will grow up and bless their fathers for what they did at married Eunice Reasor, who was born March 4, 1808, in Renbrely, that time.”

Shelby, KY. They had nine children.

“And men and nations will rise up and bless the men who went By 1851, the family was in Manti, Sanpete County. It was here in in that Battalion. These are my feelings in brief respecting the com- Manti that Eunice died on July 18, 1858. She is buried in the Manti pany of men known as the Mormon Battalion. When you consider City Cemetery along with two daughters, Sarah Jane Brown, who the blessings that are laid upon you, will you not live for them? As married John Lowry, Jr., and Eunice Ann Brown, who married Peter the Lord lives, if you will but live up to your privileges, you will Mikkel Munk. never be forgotten, without end, but you will be had in honorable Eunice’s grave is marked with a plaque stating that she was remembrance, forever and ever.” among the women who marched with the Mormon Battalion. The Twenty women were hired at private’s pay to do the laundry. In plaque was placed by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. addition, some of the officers chose to take their families, wagons James died Nov. 6, 1871, in Rockville, Washington County, and was and possessions with them. buried in the Rockville Cemetery.

BATTALION

June 13, 2018

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Angels are traditionally perceived as divine messengers. During each Mormon Miracle Pageant performance, angels are seen on the hill, to the east of the temple. In addition, the angel Moroni appears to Joseph Smith and also appears on top of the west spire of the Manti LDS Temple.

Angelic appearances take place during pageant MERILYN JORGENSEN Pageant Historian Angels are an integral part of miracles. Humankind seems to yearn for a personal connection to angels, as guardians, protectors, guides and teachers. Angels are traditionally perceived as divine messengers in our lives.

The Mormon Miracle Pageant begins with a search for divine direction and ends with the angelic reward for following the path given.

There is a fascinating mystique about angels and angels portrayed in the pageant carry this same quality. There are certain scenes that have always seemed to elicit comments like, “Ooh, how did they do that?” Not surprisingly, these “mystery” scenes contain angels.

Every time a single angel is seen in the pageant, one particular person, Moroni, is the one represented. He is portrayed in the production as a mortal man and then as a glorified, resurrected being.

Several years ago, new scenery required some major changes in staging, so the first “Ooh” scene occurred prior to that time. This scene took place as the Angel Moroni appeared to a young boy named Joseph Smith. “Moroni” was lighted gradually, until his white personage appeared very bright.

With use of a hand-painted theatrical scrim and with benefit of the sloping hill, the “angel,” beautifully, seemed to materialize and stand in the air. Audience reaction has always been quite audible.

The next angelic appearance comes shortly after the bedroom scene.

Moroni again appears, this time on the hillside.

Both scenes are made very impressive with clever costuming, lighting 26

Mormon Miracle Pageant

and makeup. The bright spotlight, turned onto a dazzling white robe in the same instant the black covering is removed, gives a stunning effect.

The next time Angel Moroni is seen, he stands on the top of the west tower of the temple. This is definitely another “Ooh” for the audience.

Questions such as, “How did he get up there.” “Is that a real person,” How come he doesn’t blow off ?” have all been heard.

Another related question is, “How come the Manti LDS Temple has a flat top on the west tower?” A native of Sanpete might facetiously answer, “So the Angel Moroni can stand there for the pageant.”

Answers to the other questions are the angel “gets up there” with a temple escort via a narrow stairway in the tower, through a small trap door, out onto the approximately six-foot-square platform.

The little decorative railing is only about 18-inches high, but the angel doesn’t “blow off” because of support. In the early years, that stabilizing consisted of the temple escort, John Henry Nielson and later, Dean Harmer, reaching through the trap door opening to hold Moroni’s ankles. Now however, there is a steel rod with a waist-high back brace into which the performer leans.

The performer sometimes has raised the trumpet to his lips after the light comes on, to show he’s an honest-to-goodness living person.

The beautiful robe glows brilliantly and flows in the breeze, which usually whips the fabric handsomely. However, once in a while, there is dead calm, no breeze at all. On one such occasion, Brother Nielson tried to remedy the calm by blowing as hard as he could to get the robe to move.

Please see ANGELIC, Page 27

In the history of Joseph Smith, the Angel Moroni showed Joseph Smith where the gold plates were hidden, but instructed young Smith to not take the plates until a later date.

behind the gate to the top of the hill where they appear.

As they raised their arms, the wind caught the full sleeves of a very From 26 small angel and literally blew her over. No injury, but a story to remember for one actually “blown away” by the pageant.

After that performance, a small fan was positioned at one corner, just in Costumes have evolved from tinsel-trimmed old sheets to lovely, soft case. cotton, still with tinsel on sleeve, belt and in the hair. Christmas tinsel may Many stories have been told and re-told about unsuspecting travelers sound amateurish, but it does catch the light beautifully. driving down the highway toward the temple, when suddenly an “angel” These costumes were mostly made by the mothers of the “angels.” By appears in the dark sky. Some reports have had the car going off the road 1992 or so, the costumes were made of tricot, still with tinsel trim. The as the shocked driver vows to “repent” or to “never touch another drop!” present costume is a double-knit material and is brimmed with braided Whatever truth is in these stories, the fact is, the Angel Moroni on top sequins in place of the tinsel. of the Manti LDS Temple is indeed a real person, not just a statue, as is At least one major miracle concerning the lights on the angel choir found on other LDS temples. needs to be reported. Some years back, a fierce electrical and rain storm The beginning of the final “Ooh” scene is when one of the lead characpassed over the valley just before pageant, not unusual. ters, Robert, dies, leaves his mortal body behind and is “resurrected.” It is The storm quieted just as the performance began, again, not unusual, truly a memorable scene and this writer has no wish to spoil the surprise but it left no time to check the myriad of lighting cables, connections, fuse by revealing the secret of the resurrection. boxes and sockets.

So that part must remain a mystery. Suffice it to say, Robert and wife, These all had to be checked prior to the beginning of each scene. They Mary, rise to be greeted by a spectacular heavenly host of angels. If this had to empty rain water from some of the home-made, tin-can lights as sight doesn’t produce chills, you haven’t been watching. they went, a miracle, of course, that no one was shocked.

The technical logistics of getting this host of well over 100 young As a young Mr. Findlay sneaked up to check the lights for the angel angels on the hill positioned, then off the hill, in the dark, is no small task. choir, he called on the headphones to the control booth, reporting possible These angels wait on the north side of the temple until near the end of the trouble.

Everyone said silent prayers, repositioned all the spot lights to the pageant. Their trek up behind the temple to the top has been an evolution, hill top and waited. from a climb in darkness and with obstacles, to a well-lighted path.

At the appointed time, the switches were flipped and all the lights Lighting that scene is another huge challenge. In recent years, extra came on. A collective sigh of relief and gratitude went up from the crew. spot lights and a new lighting system have aided tremendously with safety, “Coincidence” you say? “Blessing” you say? Or more appropriately, “Anas well as ease. gelic miracle?”

Whichever it was, few in the cast or crew that night knew Prior to about 1997, the spotlights were arranged in rows on the hill of the discovery made when the electrical system was inspected. The and the angelic girls had to get on and off without tripping over the light lightning strikes prior to performance had hit the fuse boxes on top of the cans. There have been several sprained ankles and numerous scrapes, but hill, those fuses were melted. in all the years, only one broken bone. Another little miracle of course.

Lights without fuses are “Impossible” you say? Maybe. Unless, of One humorous incident with angels occurred on an extremely windy course, you believe in angels and miracles. performance night. The angels were going through their routine just

ANGELIC

June 13, 2018

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Beautiful costumes displayed

An awesome and magnificent experience The Mormon Miracle Pageant unfolds in sweeping and rewarding fashion on Manti’s LDS Temple Hill. “An awesome and magnificent experience,” commented one visitor. “A reverent and dazzling rendition of America’s past and future,” another one voiced.

The pageant is a procession of mesmerizing portrayals of historic events that happened in the Americas centuries ago.

The records of two ancient civilizations, who vanished long ago from wars and natural catastrophes, were compiled onto gold plates then given to Joseph Smith, who translated and published them as The Book of Mormon.

Portrayals of some of the ancient events are carried out on temple hill and even on the walls and terraces surrounding the temple, including a resurrected Christ, appearing to the Nephite people.

Also, events in the life of Joseph Smith, founder and first president of the LDS Church and the trials and persecutions of those who followed his teachings, including pioneers who sailed across the ocean, then trekked across the country in all kinds of wagons, handcarts.

The Mormon Miracle Pageant is one of those spectacular events that brings people from all over, year after year, to watch the panorama unfold without tiring of seeing it.

The pageantry, costumes, lighting and the wonderful outdoor atmosphere keep them coming back, time after time.

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

How did the Mormon miracle script come to be?

The script for the original presentation, which was later used for the Mormon Miracle Pageant was written by the late Grace Johnson. She relates that the script came to her as an idea while she was pondering man’s existence, and asking herself questions, such as, “Why am I here? Where am I going? Is there a God? If a man dies, shall he live again?”

She answered her questions because Jesus gave the answers in the Meridian of Time. Again, when a boy, Joseph Smith, who went into the woods to pray.

She wrote, “There ought to be a work portraying a picture of both Mormon theology and history in a single presentation. Not only fact — but feeling. It’s so easy to become complacent and forget about the impact the ‘Mormon Story’ had on the settlement of America,” she said some years ago in an interview.

“The story of the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or ‘Mormons’, with their constant movement westward, until they finally settled in what is now Utah, was a factor that completely changed the face of America.”

They launched a thousand ships of immigration, flooding the New World with divergent cultures, bringing skills, trades and arts with them to meld a unique commonwealth as they worked together to make the barren desert blossom.”

She presented her lecture tour to service clubs in the eastern U.S. and thought she was probably the first Mormon woman to present the Mormon story from the lecture platform. Information of the success of the lecture tour reached LDS Church Headquarters.

Johnson was requested to present her “Mormon Miracle” in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, as part of the June Conference of the church in 1947, which commemorated the centennial of the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in Utah.

From there, “The Mormon Miracle” was published by Deseret Book Company and was subsequently sponsored for a tour of LDS Stakes in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada and Utah, concluding with a presentation at the Assembly Hall in Salt Lake City.

Brigham Young University presented it in 1964 with a cast and narrators and with music provided by a 75-voice choir. It was also presented as a baccalaureate service in the LDS Church College of Hawaii. It might be said the pageant is a product of many dreams and aspirations.

It was quite a few years after Johnson’s original lecture tour in New England, and after her historic presentation in the Salt Lake Tabernacle and subsequent lecture tour that Trevor and Clover Christensen, who were then working in an administrative capacity at the Church College of Hawaii, read Miss Johnson’s story of The Mormon Miracle as part of the graduation exercises.

On a later visit to Trevor’s mother, they again presented Grace’s story in a ward sacrament meeting in Ephraim. About the same time, a number of people in the area were discussing what could be done to hold a meaningful celebration on the 24th of July.

Some felt it might be fitting to return to the old-time celebrations that would stir up a feeling of patriotism and love for the nation, as well as

Mormon pioneers traveled across the plains, walking thousands of miles to escape persecution by mobs who forced them out of their homes in Nauvoo, IL. The first company, under the direction of Brigham Young, arrived in the Salt Lake Valley July 24, 1847.

A 14-year-old Joseph Smith knelt in a grove of trees to ask which church he should join. He received a vision from God and His Son, Jesus Christ, who told him not to join any church. He was persecuted for relating his story and later organized the LDS Church. something that would help people hold in sacred remembrance the sacrifices of those early pioneers who settled the Sanpete valley, and the cause for which they came.

It was felt that perhaps a day-long activity with a proper program, parade, flag drills, racing and ball games would be symbolic of earlier celebrations. Maybe there could be a campfire in the evening, surrounded by square dancing and drama to help us remember who we are and why we are here. There was talk of having ice cold melon and other treats available.

And then someone said, “Why not dramatize Grace Johnson’s Mormon Miracle?” It was as if many people were thinking along the same lines at the same time.

June 13, 2018

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Pageant provides opportunities For participants, visitors and residents of Sanpete County, The Mormon Miracle Pageant held annually in Manti, plays an important role in their lives. Participants, whether as part of the cast or crew means being part of an exciting and unique production.

“Being in the pageant was the highlight of every summer,” said one former cast member. “I always missed it when it was over.”

Even though pageant participation means many long hours of practice and preparation for cast and crew, it is a wondrous and memorable time.

It gave them a chance to have fun and socialize with a group of kids they would not have met otherwise.

Participation in the pageant brings satisfaction and friendships that could be found in other summer activities, but the pageant brings another dimension of meaning.

A former pageant president mentioned the participants come away with more understanding of the great heritage of the west, pioneers, settlers, their sacrifices and challenges.

The pageant also provides unique opportunities to play the part of someone cast members may have read about in a book. One cast member asked, “How often can people read a book and get to play a person they are reading about?”

He said it made the stories of LDS Church history, the Book of Mormon and American History come alive.

Many visitors also find they enjoy the atmosphere of excitement and inspiration when they include the pageant in summer activities.

Because there is not as much instant entertainment in rural areas,

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

families and groups that visit the pageant count on each other to make their own fun.

Participants discover things about each other they wouldn’t otherwise, because they have to rely on each other, making it more meaningful that way.

The pageant also gives visitors an opportunity to spend time rubbing shoulders with others. One person said, “Not a year goes by that I don’t see someone in the crowds at pageant that I haven’t seen in years.”

The pageant provides the perfect atmosphere for people to come together and renew acquaintances. Visitors who come find they get more out of the pageant experience than just a social interaction. The inspiring message of the play, combined with the unique setting, reinforces the spirit.

“To get out into the country and the mountains in the cool evenings and to be in the influence of the beautiful temple as a group, couple, single or as a family is a treasure.”

As people think toward the summer ahead, many automatically think of the treasure that awaits them as they spend at least part of their time at the Mormon Miracle Pageant. Some make it an annual part of their year.

Approximately 400 people set up and later take down about 14,000 metal folding chairs. Another several hundred people, the directing crew, wardrobe and make-up artists, ushers and security personnel, stage and production crew, as well as those who serve dinner to the cast, volunteer in various ways.

Sanpete County Search and Rescue and Manti-Ephraim Emergency Medical Technicians are also on hand to assist when needed. Lastly, dozens of Primary children and adult leaders from local wards of the LDS Church walk the temple grounds the morning after performances to clean up trash.

“I doubt there are this many volunteers for an ongoing project anywhere else,” said Merilyn Jorgensen, a longtime Manti resident and official pageant historian.

Devotionals are held each night for cast members, frequently presided over by a visiting general authority.

Lamanites, Nephites battle throughout Book of Mormon

Clashing armies and phenomenal natural events depict the rise and fall of two ancient American civilizations. Remnants of Lamanite civilizations remained when Columbus landed, but the Nephites had been destroyed, leaving records carved on plates of ore, telling stories of both turbulent and peaceful times.

Miracle of pageant costumes

Costumes for the Mormon Miracle Pageant are magnificent. Each and every one fits the wearer as if it were custom made for them. With a cast of over 900, that in itself is a miracle. Every year, due to the widerange of sizes and shapes, costume designers and seamstresses work diligently to make sure each cast member looks the part.

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Recreation, activities galore in Sanpete Valley In addition to visiting Manti City there are several activities and places of interest to be enjoyed by the entire family. The Sanpete Valley area offers some of Utah’s best opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hunting, fishing, camping, biking and ATV riding. The Sanpete County tourist website can be found at http://sanpete.com.

Here is a list of interesting things one can do before the Mormon Miracle Pageant begins each night at 9:30 p.m.

Driving tour Why just drive to Manti for the pageant, plan in advance and take a driving tour on the way to the event. There are several scenic driving tours and audio tours available online at http://sanpete.com/pages/drives.

So take some time to explore a scenic byway, heritage tour, or view mountain flowers and do some bird watching. The site includes links to many other suggestions to explore.

Manti On Friday and Saturday mornings, during the pageant, a pancake breakfast will be available from 7-10 a.m., at 100 North 300 West, hosted by the Manti LDS Stake young men and young women.

Every evening during pageant, attendees can purchase a barbeque turkey or roast beef dinner near the pageant grounds. The tasty meals are reasonably priced and will be served each evening during the pageant at the National Guard Armory, 100 West Union Street, in Manti.

In addition, a variety of food and craft booths will also be available in the Food Court located at 200 North Main. Visitors are asked to clean up after themselves and carry out any garbage brought in.

While in Manti, visit Historic Manti City Hall, 191 North Main Street.

The building is used for city functions and the office of the Sanpete County Economic Director. When open, brochures and maps are available. For more information call (435) 835-4321.

Also located in Manti is the Historic Patten House, 97 West 300 North.

It is open every day of the pageant from 2 to 8 p.m.

A replica pioneer dugout is located at 300 East 400 North. It will be open for tours from 5 to 9 p.m., every day during the Mormon Miracle Pageant. A volunteer will be on hand to give an oral history of the dugout’s use by early pioneers.

The Manti Aquatic Center, 64 West 500 North, just east of Manti High School, features a pool, lazy river, and water slide which are a great way to keep the kids entertained. It is open Monday thru Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information call 435-835-4320.

Sterling Palisade State Park offers an 18-hole golf course, a picturesque lake suitable for swimming, non-motorized boats and fishing. Camp sites, hiking and biking trails, and other facilities. The park is located one mile up the canyon from Sterling, which is about five miles south of Manti. For more details, call (435) 835-7275.

Sterling is also home to Skyline Recreation, which offers ATV rentals and access to three major canyons with 550 miles of ATV Friendly trails right from their parking lot. NO truck or trailer required! Located at 88 32

Mormon Miracle Pageant

Camelback is one of the sights to watch for while traveling the Ferron to Mayfield State Scenic Backway. (Photo courtesy of USFS) North Main Street. For more information call (435) 851-2288 or visit http://www.skylinerec.net.

Gunnison Learn about the ghost town of Clarion, it was a settlement of Jewish immigrants located southwest of Gunnison, founded in the fall of 1911.

The immigrants tried to earn a living from the poor, rock-strewn soil with very little resources, and abandoned the site in November 1915. The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area has placed plaques on key sites in Clarion and developed an interpretive display near the clock tower, 29 South Main, in Gunnison.

Ephraim Snow College Activity Center, 350 East Center Street, Ephraim, has a variety of activities for the entire family. Activities include an indoor swimming pool, racquetball courts, indoor tennis and volleyball courts, basketball, weight lifting and exercise room, indoor soccer, a climbing wall, and more. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Friday’s 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m., and on Saturday 12 noon-8 p.m. For more information call (435) 283-7039 and for group reservations (435) 283-7040.

The Granary Arts Center hosts exhibits of local, regional, and international artists in two buildings: a restored oolite limestone granary built in 1876 and the restored C. C. A. Christensen pioneer wood cabin. Located at 86 North Main Street, open 12 — 5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday. For information call (435) 283-3456 or visit http://www.granaryartcenter.org.

Please see RECREATION, Page 33

RECREATION From 32

Spring City The entire town of Spring City is a National Register Historic District, making this an area visitors don’t want to miss. Spring City, originally known as Canal Creek, was settled by James Allred in 1853. It is also the final resting place of Orson Hyde, an early apostle and figure in LDS Church history. Drop by and get a drink from the historic Old Spring which has provided water for passers-by and read the marker which commemorates its existence while in town. Located at the corner of 100 North and Main Street.

Be sure to visit the fully restored Old School Community Center, 45 South 100 East, Spring City. Originally completed in 1899, the building now serves as a museum, event center, and city offices. The Old School includes a large ballroom for receptions, community programs, art and cultural events. For more information call (435) 462-2244.

Mt. Pleasant Visit the Relic Home and blacksmith shop, 150 South State, Mt. Pleasant. The museum is filled with pioneer histories and artifacts. The Relic Home is open most afternoons, but special arrangements may be made by calling Judith Jackson, (435) 462-3760 or Tudy Standlee, (435) 462-7456.

For more information online visit https://mtpleasantpioneer.blogspot.com.

Liberal Hall, located at 67 West Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, is a carefully restored 139-year-old major landmark now serving as the museum and cultural center for Wasatch Academy. Hours of operation will be posted at the museum or call (435) 462-1443 for an appointment.

Go swimming in the new Mt. Pleasant Aquatic Center located at 74 East Main, Mt. Pleasant. For information visit www.mtpleasantcity.com or call (435) 462-1333.

Fairview Skyline Mountain Resort Golf Course is a nine-hole course available for public and member use. The course is UGA approved with two certified golf instructors with clubhouse, pro shop and cart rentals. Campsite and cabin reservations are available in the resort. The golf course is located 2.5 miles south of Fairview on the Mountainville Highway, which begins on 300 South in Fairview. For more information call (435) 427-9590 or the Pro-shop (435) 427-9575.

Skyline Motorsports offers UTV rentals and repairs, one mile south of Fairview. Including all the riding gear needed to make the best of the outdoor experience. For more information call (435) 427-3900 or visit https:// www.skylinemotorsports.com.

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Big Pine Sports also offers ATV rentals and repairs located at 340 North Milburn Road, Fairview. For more information call (435) 427-3338 or visit http://bigpinesports.com.

The Fairview Museum of History and Art, 85 North 100 East, Fairview, is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. In addition to many other arts and artifacts in the two-building complex, visitors can also view the world famous Colombian mammoth, which was discovered in the mountains east of Fairview. For more information call (435) 427-9216 or visit http://fairviewmuseum.org.

Fountain Green Maple Canyon is a popular area to camp, hike and provides worldclass rock climbing. Over 40 cliffs can be found dispersed throughout the canyon, ranging between 30 to 300 feet in height. For those who are experienced climbers, over 140 bolted climbing routes can be found (grades 5.4-5.14).

Maple Canyon is located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest west of Fountain Green. There is a developed campground (not recommended for large RVs) in the canyon. Vault toilets are provided but campers must bring their own water.

The Fountain Green fish hatchery raises 1,000,000 fish or about 180,000 pounds of trout yearly. It is truly fascinating to see the thousands and thousands of fish swimming in the tanks which are used to stock primarily the lakes and reservoirs in the region along with other waters throughout the state.

Visitors are welcome 8 a.m.-4 p.m., seven days a week and on holidays.

It is located northwest of Fountain Green at 1600 West Fish Hatchery Road. When traveling on Highway 132 between Nephi and Fountain Green watch for the signs just north of Fountain Green.

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Makeup artists spend countless hours adorning pageant participants with period makeup to enhance the costuming. Behind the scenes are many diligent people who lovingly give service to make the Mormon Miracle Pageant a memorable occasion for all who witness the production.

Costumes play important role at pageant Take yards and yards of multiple kinds of fabric and other materials, hours without numbers of sewing, hand-stitching, tender fingers, endless patience and sleepless nights and a miracle occurs; the costumes for the Mormon Miracle Pageant are magnificent.

Each and every one fits the wearer as if it were custom made for them.

With a cast of over 900, that in itself is a miracle. Every year, due to the wide-range of sizes and shapes, costume designers and seamstresses work diligently to make sure each cast member looks the part.

A large crew of volunteers who are truly dedicated to repairing, re-working and checking costumes work in an effort to make the production a success.

One of the areas of concern for designers was choosing materials for costumes that will catch the lights and show up against the green grass of Temple Hill.

Bright colors, gold-like fabric, sequins and other flashy materials are incorporated in different outfits. Notes are taken each year 34

Mormon Miracle Pageant

so improvements can be made to make the next production even better.

Costumes are divided into groups; principal actors, New England, dancers, pioneers, Christ in America, warriors and others.

Individuals are assigned to work with a particular group and costumes have to be made in advance so they can be easily altered when cast members are chosen.

Distributing and collecting all the costumes for the actors in each dress rehearsal and performance, keeping everything straight and organized is quite a “miracle� in itself.

Some performers appear in more than one scene and there is little time and limited space for costume changes, so many of those who play dual roles dress in layers. Staying warm on a cool summer Sanpete evening is not usually a problem when an actor has on two layers of clothing.

Most things go back to the way they were before the pageant, but the costume crew starts right away with new ideas and designs to make sure the next pageant is better than the last one.

Manti LDS Temple a fine example of pioneer architecture Standing majestically on a hill on the north end of the city, the Manti LDS Temple is an unforgettable sight, especially at night when all the lights are on and it seems to glow.

Admired for the beautiful design and craftsmanship, the wonderful example of pioneer architecture recalls the artistic sensitivity, technical skill and religious devotion of the early settlers.

Long before the temple was built, the hill where it stands was the center for much of the history of the area. When the first families were sent to the Sanpete Valley by President Brigham Young, arriving in November 1849, they sought shelter in dugouts on the side of the hill from the bitter winter storms.

Buttressed walls and battlements show the influence of the Gothic Revival in the The settlers found layers of oolite stone, Manti LDS Temple. The stone walls were built three-feet thick at the base and which was later used for the building of the elegant towers recall the French Second Empire style. The taller east tower rises temple and many other structures through179 feet above the ground. Workmanship throughout is superb and two circular out the valley. The stone was also used in stairways rise 90 feet in graceful spirals without central supports. Murals in the areas all across the U.S. A temple in Manti had been discussed as rooms were painted by well-known LDS artists C.C.A. Christensen, Dan Weggeland, John Hafen, J.B. Fairbanks, Minerva Teichert and John Shepherd. early as 1854, but it was not until April 25, 1877, just three months before his death, that spirals without central supports.

President Young formally dedicated the site.

Unlike most LDS Temples, there is no Angel Moroni on the temple Settlers in the valley and surrounding areas worked, sacrificed and gave freely of time and labor for the 11 years of temple construction. Much spires, The only time anyone will see an angel up there is during the Mormon Miracle Pageant and that one is live. of the cost had to be paid from local contributions.

The late temple president Ruel E. Christensen, said he supposed an Volunteer labor, cash, lumber, meats, butter, wheat, cloth, quilts, angel with a trumpet to his lips, his robes blowing in the evening breeze tools and many other items were accepted as donations. Eggs laid on as portrayed in a wonderful scene in the pageant, might suggest why the Sunday were called “Temple Eggs” and were donated to the temple tower was finished with a platform instead of a spire on the tower. storehouse.

Due to the fact that there is usually a breeze, sometimes a strong one,

By March 3, 1879, less than two years after the ground was dedicated, there is a rod on the platform for the live “angel” to take hold of and steady $117,406.29 had been received in “Sunday Donations,” with an additional $4,889.74 from monthly donations of $.50. This was at a time when money himself. A former “angel” commented it is a “wondrous adventure” to be on the top of the temple during a rain storm. was scarce and people lived in humble circumstances.

Murals in the rooms were painted by well-known LDS artists CCA Preparation of the temple site took two years of labor with horseChristensen, Dan Weggeland, John Hafen, JB Fairbanks, Minerva Teichert drawn scrapers and dynamite. William H. Folsom, a Salt Lake City architect, moved to Manti to supervise construction. Canute Peterson, a Danish and John Shepherd.

Thousands attended the temple dedication in May 1888. In almost convert, supervised the raising of funds.

Many of the workmen were artisans and craftsmen who brought with continual use since that time, the temple was closed for renovation in the them excellent skills learned in Europe. Most building materials were ob- fall of 1981 and rededicated in June 1985.

Originally planned with terraces, the temple grounds were landscaped tained locally, although some fine hardwood for the interior was imported in 1907, when lawns, trees and shrubs were planted. The beautiful gardens from the east. form the setting for the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

Buttressed walls and battlements show the influence of the Gothic Recognized as one of the best examples of pioneer architecture in the Revival. The stone walls were built three feet thick at the base and the west, the Manti LDS Temple is listed on the National Register of Historic elegant towers recall the French Second Empire style.

Places. The temple remains as an impressive monument to the courage, The taller east tower rises 179 feet about the ground. Workmanship endurance and faith of the early settlers. throughout is superb and two circular stairways rise 90 feet in graceful June 13, 2018

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Explore Skyline Drive’s splendid scenery while in Sanpete County Some of the most scenic spots in the county can be witnessed from Skyline Drive; it’s a mountaintop adventure on a high elevation road that winds for over 100 miles along the very top of the Wasatch Plateau from Spanish Fork Canyon to above Salina.

At elevations ranging from 9,000 to 11,000 feet above sea level, Skyline Drive is one of the highest roads in America and is located on the east side of the Sanpete Valley.

Some of the road should only be traveled by ATV, but a four-wheel drive vehicle can make it through most of it. Many hunting, fishing and camping spots can be found there as well. Depending on past winter conditions it is common for snow to still be on sections of Skyline Drive during June.

It can be reached via the following canyon roads: Fairview Canyon The best road is the Fairview Canyon road which is paved all the way to the top and a section of Skyline Drive is actually UT-31.

Travel east out of Fairview on UT-31 for 8.5 miles to the top of the canyon. At that point travelers can choose to take the UT-264 turnoff into a large paved parking area and head north on Skyline Drive, which is graveled.

Or travelers can stay on UT-31 for an additional 4.9 miles to the Skyline Drive exit which heads south. The drive is periodically repaired and improved, but at times is impassable due to snow or road conditions.

Mt. Pleasant Canyon Go east on 200 South, Mt. Pleasant, for 4.3 miles and travelers will find the Power Plant Park, which has picnic tables and lots of shade. Or travel 11.3 miles to reach Skyline Drive, this road has been improved on the lower half, but gets steep and can be muddy and slick if wet on upper road.

It is recommended the adventurous use 4x4 vehicles or ATVs. The road is narrow and twisting in parts.

Ephraim Canyon The Ephraim Canyon Road is actually State Highway 29, and is currently graveled. The road is scheduled to be paved all the way to the top, but has not been completed. It is one of the best roads for access to Skyline Drive.

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

130 S. Main 528-3296

Skyline Drive State Scenic Backway is 98 miles long, begins on the north end at a junction with U.S. Highway 6, at Tucker, then travels south to the Fishlake National Forest boundary. (Photo courtesy of USFS) Travelers will find that the road not only gives access to Skyline drive, but continues over the mountain to Joes Valley Reservoir in Emery County.

From Ephraim go east on 400 South, then turn right on 300 East and head south to approximately 900 South where is becomes the Ephraim Canyon Road. From Main Street to Skyline drive is 15.1 miles.

Manti Canyon The Manti Canyon road begins on 500 South Main Street and heads east. The road was scheduled to be graveled last year and there may be construction on the road.

Travelers can access a nice fishing pond, Yearns Reservoir, right next to the Manti Community Campground, which is 6.1 miles up the road, or go to Skyline Drive by following the road for 13.3 miles.

Mayfield Canyon The Mayfield Canyon Road will take travelers up to one of the highest areas along Skyline Drive. Once a traveler reaches Skyline Drive, they can reach the elevation of approximately 10,500 feet by traveling north about 4 miles.

The road has a clay base with no gravel. If the road is wet, travelers are advised to stay off the road till it dries as it can become extremely slippery and dangerous.

In Mayfield take East Canyon Road and travel east, stay on Road 0022 for 7.4 miles to reach the Twin Lake Campground, or travel the full 18.6 miles to reach Skyline Drive and the Twelve Mile Flat Campground. It is expected that there will still be snow on top during June.

To check on road conditions call Sanpete Ranger District at 435-2834151.

Reasons youth participate in the pageant Each year hundreds of Latter-day Saint youth participate in the Mormon Miracle Pageant (MMP). In the pageant cast members have the opportunity to share their testimonies by reenacting stories surrounding the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. People come from all around the world to see the pageant held in Manti, every year in June.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes peak at what it’s like to be a cast member in the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

Being a cast member A month before the Mormon Miracle Pageant begins, cast members practice two or three times per week for about two hours. As the pageant draws closer, cast members practice Monday through Saturday from 8 p.m., until about midnight.

Despite some very cold nights, children of all ages gather to rehearse their parts.

Besides the cool weather, some challenging aspects of practicing include practicing on Manti LDS Temple’s steep and often slippery hill.

Another challenging aspect for cast members can be switching costumes in between scenes. For example some cast members are dressed as Native Americans in one scene and pioneers in the very next scene.

Costumes Every cast member in the Mormon Miracle Pageant has a costume to wear, many of which are homemade. On top of their costume, cast members wear an identification badge. Generally cast members cannot take their costumes home; rather, they wear their costumes for the duration of the practices and then return the costumes to be cleaned.

According to cast members, some of the most interesting costumes include the costumes for Queen Lamoni, Lamanite dancers, warriors and the sacrifice.

Set-up Several weeks before the Mormon Miracle Pageant begins, pageant staff begin setting-up. This includes placing artificial rocks and trees on temple hill. Several large light and speaker towers are put in place. As the pageant draws closer local priesthood leaders enlist local volunteers to set up thousands of chairs.

In between each scene, cast members move around props, such as handcarts, a volcano and an ancient temple.

Cast missionaries Before each performance of the pageant, many of the cast members go out in costume to mingle with the audience. They have a special cast missionary meeting before going out. They go in pairs of two following the pattern of full-time LDS missionaries, welcoming the audience, bearing testimony of the gospel and asking people for missionary referrals.

Devotionals Before each performance, there is a special cast devotional. Sometimes general authorities come to speak. It’s a great way to keep the whole cast

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Please see YOUTH, Page 38 June 13, 2018

37

YOUTH

Joseph Smith translates as Oliver Cowdrey writes

From 37

in a spiritual mindset, strengthen testimonies and remind them of the purpose of the pageant. The devotional helps cast members understand their role in helping the audience feel the spirit of the message of the restoration.

“For years I have been waiting for someone to do justice in recording in song, story, painting and sculpture the story of the restoration. Our writers, our motion picture specialists, with the inspiration of heaven, should tomorrow be able to produce a masterpiece which would live forever.” — Spencer W. Kimball One of the Boekweg twins said, “I enjoyed participating as a cast member in the pageant for several years. It strengthened my testimony of Jesus Christ and the church He restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. If you’ve never had a chance to see the pageant, I’d highly recommend it.”

A blanket separated Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey during the process of translating stories from metal plates into what became known as the Book of Mormon.

The process was hampered by those wishing to steal the “gold plates,” causing Smith and his family to move several times.

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

Manti Temple Hill highlights fifth worldwide LDS temple The Manti LDS Temple was the fifth constructed temple of the LDS Church. Located in the city of Manti, it was the third LDS temple built west of the Mississippi River, after the Mormon’s trek westward.

The Manti Temple was designed by William Harrison Folsom, who moved to Manti while the temple was under construction. The temple dominates the Sanpete Valley, and can be seen from many miles, especially at night when it is lit.

Like all LDS temples, only church members in good standing may enter. It is one of only two remaining LDS temples in the world where live actors are used in the endowment ceremonies; all other temples use films in the presentation of the endowment.

The Salt Lake City LDS Temple had been announced in 1847 and construction was underway when Brigham Young considered the need for additional temples. The decision to build an LDS temple in Manti was announced June 25, 1875, by Brigham Young.

On the morning of the site dedication April 25, 1877, Brigham Young confided to Warren S. Snow that Temple Hill was the spot where Book of Mormon Prophet Moroni dedicated the land for a temple site.

The Manti Temple was built, along with the St. George and Logan

The Manti LDS Temple sits majestically atop Temple Hill, overlooking Manti City. Brigham Young announced the decision to build the temple June 25, 1875, and it was dedicated for use in May 1888. It was the fifth temple to be Please see FIFTH, Page 40 constructed and is especially picturesque when lit at night.

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39

FIFTH

May 17, 1888, with a prayer written by Wilford Woodruff. Three public dedications were held May 21–23, 1888, and were directed by Lorenzo Snow.

From 39 The Salt Lake City LDS Temple was not finished until five years later temples, to satisfy the church’s immediate need for these structures. The in 1893.

Renovations site for the temple was the Manti Stone Quarry, a large hill immediately The Manti LDS Temple has undergone various remodeling and rennortheast of town. ovations. Construction of a great stone stairway leading up the hill to the Early Mormon settlers in the area had prophesied that this would be the site of a temple. When Brigham Young announced the building of the west temple doors began in 1907. In 1935, the temple was fully lit at night for the first time. temple, he also announced that the 27-acre plot would then be known as In 1940, the stone stairs were removed and work began to beautify the “Temple Hill.” grounds. Between 1944 and 1945 the annex, chapel, kitchen, Garden Room The Manti Utah LDS Temple was built on a rattlesnake-infested site, known as the Manti Stone Quarry. The quarry’s stone, Manti oolite, is the and men’s and women’s areas were remodeled.

There was once a tunnel beneath the east tower of the temple through same cream-colored stone used for the temple exterior. which wagons and cars could pass. It was once said the temple was the The temple design is castellated style having influences of Gothic Revival, French Renaissance Revival, French Second Empire and colonial only one people could go through without a recommend. The tunnel was closed off in the 1960s. architecture. There is no Angel Moroni atop this temple.

In 1981, church officials decided the interior of the temple needed Open-center spiral staircases wind up each of the 179-foot towers of the Manti Utah Temple. The dramatic stairways are an engineering marvel extensive remodeling, which renovation took four years to complete.

The beautiful murals and original furniture were restored, offices of the Mormon pioneers. The temple has 100,373 square feet of floor were enlarged and remodeled, a separate door was made to the baptistery, space, eight sealing rooms, four ordinance rooms and a Celestial room. water and weather damage was repaired, an elevator was installed, three The Manti LDS Temple is the oldest temple retaining original mural sealing rooms were added, a nursery, dressing rooms were improved and paintings on the walls of its progressive-style ordinance rooms: Creation the pioneer craftsmanship and artwork was restored to their former glory Room, Garden Room, World Room, Terrestrial Room (no murals), and among many other projects.

Celestial Room (no murals).

In June 1985, the Manti Utah Temple was formally rededicated by The Manti Utah Temple is one of only two temples that still employ live acting for presentation of the endowment. The other is the Salt Lake LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley. The three-day open house was attended by 40,308 visitors. Exterior preservation efforts have also occurred since that Temple.

The temple was completed in 1888, and a private dedication was held time.

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

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Early history of the Pageant The first Mormon Miracle Pageant (MMP) performance took place on July 23, 1967, when a small crowd of about 2,000 people sat quietly chatting together in the early evening in the grandstands of the Sanpete County Fairgrounds in Manti, and listened as rain fell on the metal roof above them.

Two angry dark storm centers wheeled together overhead and occasional flashes of lightning were answered with the sharp cracking and rolling of thunder. In the arena, where broncs and bulls are ridden at fair time, the soft earth had been set with transplanted sagebrush, a grove of trees and a wooden platform which served as a stage.

The pioneer movement was represented by one handcart. Two Book of Mormon prophets, Mormon and Moroni, were seen on Temple Hill across the fences to the east, portrayed as a mortal on the west slope by Larry Stable, and as an angel on the temple annex by LeGrand Olson.

Doug Barton had hung 100 watt light globes in gallon cans on steel posts to light the hill. Trees east of the fairgrounds had been trimmed to make the temple hill visible to the audience.

Directors for that first production were Helen and Morgan Dyreng, with Jane Braithwaite assisting. Communication between the set on the fairgrounds and those on temple hill was maintained by walkie talkie’s, which were hand-held by Lynn Nielsen and John Henry Nielsen.

A 25-piece orchestra composed mostly of local musicians trained by Richard Nibley, would serve as accompaniment to the songs and incidental music used as background for the pageant.

McLoyd Erickson, Evan Bean and Harry A. Dean were music directors, and Richard Nibley would play first violin using his imported instrument.

Ted Olsen ran up temple hill to blow his trumpet as Moroni made an appearance. Unfortunately, that part of the program was later cut.

A choir from Sanpete South LDS Stake was seated on open bleachers.

As they tried to protect their music from the light rain that was falling, some wondered how much rain it would take to ruin a violin.

One lone woman sat apart from the audience, oblivious to threatening storm, but reluctant to take shelter in the grandstand. When encouraged to come up into the protected seats, she commented that this first night of the pageant was very crucial. “If it doesn’t go tonight, it will never go.”

She chose to sit by herself in the rain. That woman was Grace Johnson.

And although she felt the initial presentation was vitally important, she could never have known the scope and grandeur that would come to the pageant, or the impact that it would have on the lives of people world-wide years later.

As time for the first presentation of the Mormon Miracle Pageant drew near, an air of expectancy was felt by those assembled. A roving dog trotted onto the stage area, and Johnson, who was also known for her efforts in behalf of animals, and anxious that nothing disturb this fledgling production, called the dog to her and held it.

As LDS Stake President Vernon L. Kunz stood to give the opening prayer, his supplication was simple and direct, and he prayed for the elements to be held in abeyance during the performance.

Rain did stop falling as the pageant began and everyone was soon engrossed in the production as Duane and Martha Ryan stood at a portable lectern and read the words to the story written by Johnson.

Action suited to the spoken word took place in the setting before them.

There was a boy kneeling in humble prayer in a grove, there was a hand42

Mormon Miracle Pageant

Each year volunteers prepare for the Mormon Miracle Pageant by helping in many various ways. With over 14,000 chairs to be set up for the annual event, it has to be planned, because volunteer crews come early on a designated morning and set them all up in about two hours. cart and pioneers. There was dancing and laughter, heartache and dying, eviction from civilization, and triumph in the valleys of the mountains.

Music from the chorus and orchestra supported the changing scenes and lightning broke forth occasionally to emphasize the pathos of “12,000 homeless, under rain drenched skies.” Then as the pageant concluded, before everyone could get to their cars, the clouds broke apart and rain came down in torrents.

That first year was something those who were there will never forget.

Even though it was modest by today’s standards, still that first performance was memorable and many remember the warmth of the special spirit that has prevailed each year at the pageant. It is the spirit of peace and love and brotherhood to which people respond.

The first stage was a raised platform directly in front of the grandstand at the Sanpete County Fairgrounds, draped with curtains borrowed from the Manti American Legion Hall. Plywood panels on the left of the stage hid the waiting cast from view of the audience.

Both readers stood at one lectern. Make-shift spot lights in the grandstand focused on the stage, along with two Leiko lights from Snow College.

Local square dance caller Merritt Bradley loaned his sound system.

A ‘Ways and Means’ committee was organized to raise funds for the pageant, with Claude Braithwaite as chairman. Donations of all kinds, Please see HISTORY, Page 43

HISTORY From 42

including monetary gifts, supplies, materials and labor made those first years possible.

The second year the pageant was moved to a natural terrace on the southwest slope of Temple Hill. Manti LDS Temple President Bent Peterson agreed to have the pageant on the temple grounds with the understanding that no cars or vehicles could be brought into the area. All scenery and equipment had to be hand-carried from trucks, backed up by the fence, to the stage area.

The street immediately west of the temple grounds was blocked off for seating. Bleachers, moved from the fairgrounds and additional chairs, brought by members of the audience, were placed in the street.

The choir and orchestra were set up below the stage and again furnished background music as the scenes unfolded. Some of the scenes of the pageant took place on a wooden stage loaned by Snow College, and some on various areas higher on the temple hill.

Two more locally-built handcarts were used that year. The pageant was held in August of 1968, and played for two nights. Threats of rain were still present, so the next year pageant dates were moved back to July to be nearer the anniversary of the arrival of the first pioneers in Utah.

The move to the temple hill was a great step forward. However, tall trees partially blocked the spectators’ view, making it difficult to see the progression of the story. More than twice as many people viewed the pageant the second year and there was a call for it to be repeated the next year.

Permission was again given to use the temple hill and the First Presidency of the LDS Church agreed to have a few trees removed to make the stage more visible to the audience. People were allowed to sit on the grass among the trees near the base of the hill, but equipment and staging still had to be carried in by hand.

In 1978 Richard Olsen designed and built a large ramp leading from the upper stage to the stone stairway by the retaining wall south of the temple for Robert and Mary in the finale.

Someone once said, “That must have been a lot of work to build the wall for the pageant.” Surely the Lord’s hand was in the making of a setting for the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

The wide, sloping lawn under the shadow of the great temple offers peace and serenity, beauty and simplicity found in but few places on the earth.

The pageant continues to improve each year and is now one of the largest and most attended pageants in the U.S. Even with additional seating, the crowds were so large that some in the streets had to stand.

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Author Grace Johnson, set the stage for the evolution of the Mormon Miracle from a one-woman show to the spectacle of drama, music and technical effects it became.

“To fulfill itself, there must be in this pageant a free flow of ideas. It must improve from year-to-year. If there are better ways of telling the story, they should be used.”

Some changes were forced by human circumstances. When the talented narrators of the first two seasons moved from the valley, replacements were sought. R. Clair Anderson called Francis Urry to narrate and asked him to recommend a female voice. He submitted the name of Macksene Rux. Rux, who like Urry was an established artist in theatre and broadcast, had never been to Manti. When contacted by telephone, she was initially reluctant to commit herself to the project.

She later related that after hanging up the telephone she turned to her husband in disbelief at her own affirmative response. “Did I really say I’d do that?” She confesses the only thing which kept her from immediately returning the call and declining the request was that she had forgotten the name of the man who called.

For the two performances of the 1969 season, Rux and Urry narrated the Mormon Miracle Pageant live in front of screens on either side of the stage.

Fast forward to June 2016, that is the year when The Mormon Miracle Pageant celebrated 50 years of continued performances. For 50 years the people of the Sanpete Valley have come together to serve in the Pageant.

The people have given freely of their time, talent, and other resources to make the Pageant enjoyable for those who come to view the miracles displayed on the Temple Hill. This service makes the Pageant happen each year.

Year after year, for over 50 years this service has continued. Most people thought it would be impossible to create such an event in a small community like Manti. Then many said it will only last a few years, yet it grew and grew as more people gave of their time to serve in the Pageant.

At one time there was an announcement that the 25th year was to be the last year of the Mormon Miracle Pageant, but here we are over 25 years later. The Pageant meets the definition of a miracle because it can’t be explained by “natural or scientific law”.

Imagine 14,000 chairs neatly in place in less than two hours! Imagine a cast of over 900 coming together to present history. It really defies logic. It is a miracle!

A big wish of appreciation goes out to all who have served and contributed in countless capacities to make a dream come true for the many founding fathers and mothers of the Mormon Miracle Pageant. Are another 50 years possible? Time will tell.

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June 13, 2018

43

Moroni appears to Joseph Smith

Moroni, the young son of the prophet Mormon, appeared to Joseph Smith multiple times from 1823 to 1827, instructing him about the plates of brass that contained the history of the ancient inhabitants of the land before finally allowing Smith to take possession of the plates. Following the translation, Smith returned the plates to Moroni.

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45

51 fun MMP facts

Hugh Nibley.

10. Grace Johnson’s story was adapted to true pageant form in 1970 by Macksene Rux. For over 50 years the Mormon Miracle Pageant has been performed. In that span, millions of people have witnessed the pageant’s 11. The recorded soundtrack was produced by Bonneville International of Salt Lake City in that same year. story unfold on the hill beneath the Manti Temple. A list of 51 fun 12. Much of the original recording is still in use today. pageant facts has been compiled: 13. Current LDS Apostle M. Russell Ballard’s father, Apostle Melvin R. Ballard, is the recorded voice of the prophet Mormon.

1. The pageant debuted in 1967.

2. The pageant was originally a relatively small 24th of July celebration 14. Elder Ballard (nephew of Macksene Rux) donated some props to the pageant in 1971. for the South Sanpete LDS Stake.

15. Virtually the total cost of production for the first two decades was 3. The first performance was held just west of the temple, at the Sanby local donation. pete County fairgrounds.

16. The first production in 1967 sported only one handcart to represent 4. The pageant was moved close to its current location in 1968. the entire westward trek of the Mormon pioneers.

5. The original story was written by the late Grace Johnson in the 17.

In 1968, no vehicles for the production were allowed on temple 1940s. property, so all scenery and equipment was hand carried over the 6. BYU and BYU-Hawaii used Johnson’s story as a readers’ theater in fence. the 1950s.

7. A live choir provided music for the pageant for the first three years, 18. Seating for 1968 was outside the temple grounds. The audience brought lawn chairs to sit on the sidewalk, or bleachers brought from 1967-1969. from the fairgrounds provided seats on the road.

8. A 25-35 piece orchestra also accompanied the pageant those early 19. The present seating area of the pageant used to be a hay field, with years.

9. One of the noted musicians, whose violin playing is also heard on the soundtrack, was Richard Nibley, brother of Mormon scholar Please see FUN FACTS, Page 47

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FUN FACTS

32. There are now six huge light towers, with hundreds of spotlights available to illuminate the huge stage area.

From 46 33. Since 1998, the LDS Church’s light and sound technical equipment has been shared by all Church pageants, including Manti; Hill 20 to 30 large trees along the north edge.

Cumorah , NY; Nauvoo, IL; and others.

20. It was a process of five years, until 1972, before permission was 34. Operating technicians from Salt Lake City accompany and superobtained to remove the last of the trees. vise the imported technical equipment, but the balance of the light 21. From 1967 to 1971, pageant attendance increased from about 1,500 crew remains mostly local youth. to 83,000.

35. Many of the first costumes, including all angel costumes, were 22. In 1972, pageant attendance jumped to 121,000. made from donated bed sheets.

23. For several decades, the American Bus Association named the 36.

Practically all costumes have been made by local seamstresses for pageant as one of the top 100 productions in North America. all 50 years.

24. The National Institute of Outdoor Theater lists (as of 2014) the 37. Rumors circulated in 1972 that the pageant would move away from Manti pageant as having the largest nightly attendance of any Manti, but locals fought to keep it in the Sanpete Valley. production in America (including all Shakespeare festivals).

38. Efforts and plans to rewrite or change the pageant have been fre25. Over 4.5 million visitors have watched the pageant in its 50-year quent—an announcement was made that 1991, the 25th year, would history. be the last year of the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

26. About 100,000 people now watch the pageant annually.

39.

Gordon B. Hinckley, former president of the LDS Church, serving 27. Visitors have been registered from all 50 states and many foreign then as the vice chairman of the pageant committee, refused the countries, on every continent. plans to cancel.

28. The sound technology was provided from 1969 to 1997 by volun40. In the early years, chairs for the audience were borrowed from teer technicians from the BYU audiology department.

BYU in Provo and LDS wards from Spanish Fork to Richfield, and 29. Most of the spotlights used for the first decades of the production many in between. were homemade from gallon cans sprayed black, then wired with 41. Now there are about 14,000 pageant-owned chairs set up each light globes. season.

30. Alvin Beal conceived the idea, and his family made most of the ‘can 42.

400 volunteers from area LDS stakes set up and take down the lights.’

31. Douglas Barton worked with the pageant lighting for 46 of the 50 Please see FUN FACTS, Page 48 years.

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FUN FACTS From 47

chairs each year.

43. The process of setting up and removing the 14,000 chairs has been streamlined to about 1½ hours.

44. The present scenery design was donated by renowned designer Gary Daynes. Construction was done in Provo.

45. Music for the new Christ in America scene, in 2000, was composed and conducted by prominent musician Merrill Jenson especially for the pageant.

46. Between 1,500 and 2,000 volunteers, in addition to cast, work for the pageant.

47. 2016 had a record number of cast members—1,100. About 80 percent of the cast is under 18 years of age.

48. One original dance director served 24 years.

49. Morgan Dyreng served as Chairman/President from 1967 to 1990.

Subsequently, there have been eight pageant presidents to supervise the production.

50. There were only six directors during the first 50 years.

51. Macksene Rux directed from 1970 to 1989.

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

Perched atop a rising knoll, known as “Temple Hill,” the magnificent Manti Utah Temple dominates the Sanpete Valley of central Utah. Located just off Highway 89, approaching travelers can glimpse the distinctive towers from miles away. Thousands flock to the spacious temple grounds each summer to watch the popular Mormon Miracle Pageant. This year marks the 52nd anniversary of the pageant to be held June 14-23 except Sunday and Monday.

Pioneers crossed plains to build new life Many Mormon pioneers who lived through the era of persecution, crossed the plains and struggled up and through the Rocky Mountains to build a new life in the valley of the Great Salt Lake and some were buried in shallow graves along the trek, leaving loved ones to travel on without them.

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Pageant portrays Carthage jail martyrdom

Joseph Smith, his brother Hyrum, John Taylor, and Dr. Willard Richards were being held in Carthage jail’s upper bedroom on June 27, 1844, when they noticed a large group of men with disguised faces and guns rush toward the jail. The four men tried to hold the door against the mob, but Hyrum was immediately killed by a bullet that penetrated the door. The mob forced the door open just as Joseph turned to leap out of the window, perhaps to distract attention from his friends. He was shot twice in the back and twice in the chest as he fell from the second-story window. John Taylor was shot four times but miraculously survived. Willard Richards escaped without even a hole in his clothing.

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

Historical pageant items noted in new MMP book The following are a few selected portions of the Mormon Miracle Pageant book which has been compiled by Pageant Historian Merilyn Jorgensen. The book has been sent to press and is now available to purchase. To pre-order a copy, visit www. mantipageant.org and select the History tab, then select the book, to order. For more information, call (435) 835-3000 or (435) 835-5872.

Bus Ushers “Bus Usher” may sound a little strange, but that is just what Dorothy Gray was in the early years of the pageant. After all, she felt responsible that so many buses were coming, she had personally called as many of the tour-bus companies as she could, to encourage them to bring groups to the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

And come they did.

The dynamic little lady could be seen hurrying up and down that graveled road on the west side of the Manti City Cemetery, motioning to bus after bus to come, as she directed them to park at an angle in order to get as many as possible all along both sides of the two-block roadway.

Kim Aagard, one of Mont Madsen’s Moroni committee for many years, explained that they tried to also give helpful instructions, such as telling guests to remember the number on their bus and recognize their bus driver. With 40-to-90 buses, it was important that the people not get on the wrong bus and wind up at an unintended destination.

Gates Ushers at the gates to the Mormon Miracle Pageant seating area on the temple grounds, and also those assigned inside the seating area, at first just wore a long ribbon-badge labeled USHER. Much later they were furnished with blue USHER-marked vests.

They were responsible for those entering the gates to the temple grounds, pointing out seating areas, answering questions and, for many years, watching for food containers, pets etc. Much of the early work at gates was originally done by the Ladies Guild.

Merrill Ogden explained it was difficult to ensure the sections roped-off to reserve an area for the seating of bus-tour groups stayed “reserved.” Some people are not inclined to observe restrictions; they sit where they like, and are not amenable to moving once they are settled. Currently, there are no reserved seats other than in the ‘handicap’ or ‘language’ areas.

Almost all ushers at the gates agree that one of the “not fun” things was trying to keep food and drink from being brought onto the temple grounds. Even though there are grassy areas just outside or adjacent to the fenced seating area, there are those who insisted they needed to bring forbidden items inside.

In a more recent time, these restrictions were lifted, making ushers’ jobs easier, but cleanup a much more difficult and “messy” task. Those bringing snacks or drinks are encouraged to clean up after themselves.

Security Security people wore bright yellow vests for a time, and then they evolved to bright red. These people may be seen mingling in the crowd, outside the grounds, but also at the gates, especially guarding the roadways to the top of the hill where equipment, wiring etc. would be a danger.

These people make sure that no one without the ID badge of cast or crew goes past the seating area. With cast members, not to mention necessary staff, numbering well over 1,000, it is imperative that badges be checked carefully.

Pageant security works closely with temple security to keep people in safe places and quickly solves a myriad of problems.

They also watch to diffuse any disagreements between pageant goers or between guests and those who have come for many years to “protest” the church and message of the pageant.

Flag poles For almost 40 years, from the mid-1970s to about 2011, large flag Please see ITEMS, Page 53

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

ITEMS

where to put them.”

Ken Lindsay now acquires artificial greenery to aid at the From 51 various scene stages. That has more recently negated the need for numerous trips to the canyon during each season, to cut dozens poles were put up all along the curved entrance on Manti’s north Manti Street. It was an impressive sight to come into town and be of Quaken Aspen saplings and other greens, which needed to be greeted by all the beautiful flags, flying just west of the temple hill. replaced every couple of days during each season.

Pageantry The poles were donated by Manti City, but flags for more than a Pageantry is, “One of the oldest and most versatile theater decade were put up during the Mormon Miracle Pageant season by art forms, pageantry transcends the limits of a play and may be E. Donald Olsen and his sons. During a span of years, those flags were international flags, sent home by LDS missionaries from the likened to a single wall of an extended mural, painted with broad strokes to be viewed from a distance.

Sanpete South Stake, Manti, Ephraim and Sterling.

Usually featuring a central theme, developed through narration Grounds care, greenery and dialogue, the action is described and made clear through a The production of the Mormon Miracle Pageant requires abundant greenery at a number of sites and stages. With hundreds series of related incidents. Traditionally, pageants are colorful, spectacular, and build to an emotional climax in the last scene.” of cast, in positions all over the temple hill, it’s more than a small (Quote from an early pageant program.) concern to preserve the beauty of the flower beds and general A pageant covers so much more, in terms of space and time condition of the grounds. than any other type of play or stage production. It may actually The Manti LDS Temple grounds crews are heavily involved, supervising placement of light towers, scenery, stages, fencing, etc. include a saga covering centuries. The Mormon Miracle Pageant Platforms have been constructed and placed in key spots to make fits perfectly the definition of a pageant.

Another thing about pageantry is that in spanning several eras, it possible for dozens of cast members to climb over the flower beds and onto the hill without completely destroying the flowers. it is not possible to show details of everything. There isn’t time to “cover” the long history. So, scenes are developed which put bits No matter how careful, there is some damage to flower beds. and pieces of several different events or phases together into one Ted Olson recalls the many hours spent with his dad in the scene to leave strong impressions of all of the related ideas mountains cutting the greens, about every other day. He said So, just a bit of literary license is used in order to bring all of the they had specific instructions about what were needed and speelements together into one short scene, with impressions of all of cific sizes. “And we didn’t go poke them in a hole just any place. the component parts.

We had to wait for Macksene Rux to come and tell us exactly

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Mormon gives Moroni the plates

The last Nephite prophet, Mormon, gave his son, Moroni, possession of the plates to hide in a hill to preserve them from destruction so future generations would have a record of the history of the Nephites and Lamanites.

Jesus Christ appears to Nephites

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

Jesus Christ made an appearance to the Nephite people following His crucifixion in Jerusalem. Three days of darkness and terrible destruction had occurred when He died on the cross. He blessed and healed the people and their children whom had survived the destruction.

Top-notch golf courses call Sanpete home Sanpete County is the home of two top-notch golf courses. East of Sterling in Palisade State Park is the Palisade Golf Course. Southeast of Fairview, golfers will find Skyline Mountain Resort Golf Course. Both are unique and each have their challenges.

Palisade The Palisade 18-hole, par-72 golf course measures 6,360 yards from the back tee markers but plays longer because all the par-5s play uphill.

However, the golf course will challenge even the most advanced player because of the difficulties encountered around the greens. The mountain layout has an elevation change of 230 feet from 5,885 feet at the base to 6,115 at the top.

Though it’s expansive undulating greens are truly a test, the greatest challenge may be signature hole number 4. This 179-yard par-3 has an elevation drop of 70 feet and requires golfers to carry the ball over a canyon, and land it precisely on the green. A ball hit too long will hit into the mountain behind the green and ricochet anywhere.

On the other hand, a ball hit too short will certainly come to rest in the canyon below. The Salt Lake Tribune has likened this hole to the famous 12th at Augusta National and the Deseret News had it on its “Best Holes” list for 2005.

Clubhouse amenities include golf shop, restaurant, club rental, clothing, equipment, and accessories, food and beverages, private and group lessons, driving range, and cart rental. Tee times may be made seven days in advance.

Views and vistas of the natural surrounding are stunning. Many golfers use their cameras as much as their clubs. In addition to golf, Palisade State Park next door offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking, off-highway

vehicle access, and a variety of other activities. Golf professional is Jordan Van Orman.

For information about any of the following tournaments call the pro shop at (435) 835-4653.

May 19, 9 a.m., Sanpete Open, shotgun start.

June 9, 9 a.m., Child Abuse Prevention fundraising golf tournament, shotgun start, four man scramble, Participants support survivors of child abuse and services of Sanpete County Children’s Justice Center. To register, call Jordan Van Orman at Pro Shop (435) 835-4653 or Joan Shand (435) 835-5211. Donations can be sent to: Friends of Children’s Justice Center, PO Box 292, Manti, UT 84642.

June 11, 9 a.m., Palisade Senior Amateur (UGA PPR event), shotgun start.

July 16, 10 a.m., Palisade Pro-Am. Aug. 13, 9 a.m., Two-Man Senior Four Ball (Best-ball), shotgun start.

Sept. 15, 9 a.m., Palisade Amateur, shotgun start.

Oct. 12-13, 10 a.m., Central Utah Two-Day Amateur, shotgun start.

Skyline Mountain Resort Skyline Mountain Resort Golf Course is a nine-hole course in Fairview for public and member use. The course is UGA approved with two certified golf instructors with clubhouse, pro shop and cart rentals. Campsite and cabin reservations are available in the resort. The resort is located 2.5 miles south of Fairview on the Mountainville Highway which begins on 300 South in Fairview.

For information on all of the following tournaments call the pro shop (435) 427-9575.

June 9, 8:30 a.m., Seventh Annual Drive4Food Tee-off, two person scramble, hole-in-one, contest prizes and lunch. This is a donation tournament for the Sanpete Pantry food bank.

July 7, 8 a.m., Skyline Motorsports Men’s Tournament. Shotgun start, all entrants must have a UGA Handicap Individual Stroke Play. For information call pro-shop (435) 427-9575.

June 23, 8 a.m., Mt. Pleasant Hub City Days/Sponsor Golf Tournament, shotgun start, two-person, Register 7:30 a.m., tee-off 8 a.m. For information call the pro shop (435) 427-9575.

July 14, 8 a.m., Fairview Pioneer Days Golf Tournament. Shotgun start, two-person scramble with UGA handicaps.

Aug. 11, 8 a.m., Optic Cup Tournament. Shotgun start, two-person scramble. This is a handicap tournament, however anyone that does not have a handicap will be provided a Peoria handicap. This is a donation tournament to provide eye glasses to local children in need. Register at 7:30 a.m., tee-off at 8 a.m.

Aug. 25, 8 a.m., El Mexicano Senior Men’s Scramble. Shotgun start, all participants must be at least 50 years of age. Two person scramble UGA handicap required.

Sept. 15, 9 a.m., Fairview Parks and Recreation Golf Tournament.

Shotgun start, two-person scramble, no handicaps required. This is a donation tournament to assist with the Fairview Sports Complex.

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City parks provide peace, play Most towns or cities in Sanpete County are fortunate to have a beautiful park that offers a quiet place for a picnic, family reunion, stretching travel weary legs or just to relax for the day while the kids have fun on the play equipment. Consider spending the day exploring the sites of a town and relaxing at a park.

Ephraim Ephraim City Ball Park, 300 North 200 East. Call 435-283-4631 for reservations.

Ephraim Heritage Park, 15 South Main Street.

Ephraim Pioneer Park, 100 North 75 West.

Ephraim Canyon View Park, 700 South 100 East.

Fairview Iven R. Cox Park, 85 South 15 East. Call (435) 427-3858.

Fountain Green Fountain Green City Park, 300 West Center. Call (435) 445-3453.

Gunnison Gunnison City Park, 300 North 45 West. Call 435-528-7969 for 56

Mormon Miracle Pageant

reservations.

Gunnison Park, 100 South 350 West.

Manti Manti City Park, 200 North 300 West. Call 435-835-2401 for reservations.

Mayfield Mayfield City Park, 175 North Main Street (Park Road). Call 435-5285061 for reservations.

Moroni Moroni City Park, 150 South 200 West. Call (435) 436-8359.

Mt. Pleasant Mt. Pleasant City Park, 1000 South State. Call (435) 462-2456.

Mt. Pleasant Power Plant Park, 3.5 miles East on 200 South.

Spring City Spring City Park, 150 East Center. Call (435) 462-2244.

Wales Wales City Park, 150 South State. Call (435) 436-9634.

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Mt. Pleasant Hub City Days celebrates June 23-July 4 Why celebrate the Fourth of July on only one day? In Mt. Pleasant it’s more than just a one-day event, it’s called Hub City Days. It has always been a family affair, and festivities include a golf tournament, Mountain Man Rendezvous, 10k/5k Fun run, carnival rides, tractor contest, parade down State Street, early bird breakfast in the park, food, games and entertainment.

Also included are two days of RMPRA Hub City Rodeo, and a spectacular fireworks display.

First up is the annual Hub City Days Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 23. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., at Skyline Mountain Resort Golf Course. It will be a two-person scramble and first tee-off is at 8 a.m.

The golf course is located 4.5 miles northeast of Mt. Pleasant on the Mountainville Highway, which begins at 200 North in Mt. Pleasant. For information call the pro-shop at (435) 427-9575.

Saturday June 30 through Wednesday, July 4, visitors will be able to experience the excitement of carnival rides and vendor booths with fun, food and crafts.

The Skyline Freedom Fest Eventing returns again this year on Friday and Saturday, June 29-30, at the Cleone Peterson Eccles Equestrian Center and ConToy Arena, 1000 South 955 West.

Eventing features an equestrian triathlon, where horse and riders tackle three phases of competition, dressage, show jumping and high speed cross country jumping. The fest begins at 9 a.m., each day for a full day of competition. Best of all, admission is free.

Monday, July 2, at 7 p.m., there will be a free rodeo family fun night in the outdoor Mt. Pleasant Rodeo Arena, just east of the city park. This event will include barrel racing, stick horse race, calf ribbon pull, hide race, dog race and musical tires (think musical chairs).

Interested participants can sign-up prior to the event at 5 pm. No late entries taken.

July 3, presents the first night of the annual RMPRA Hub City Rodeo, which takes place on two nights, Tuesday and Wednesday, July 3 and 4, at 8 p.m. Rodeo tickets can be purchased online at www.hubcityrodeo.com. All reserved seating and all persons entering the rodeo must have a

Come one, come all, to the annual Hub City Days celebration in Mt. Pleasant June 23-July 4. While in town be sure to visit the 19th annual Please see HUB CITY, Page 59 Mountain Man Rendezvous in Mt. Pleasant City Park, 1000 South State.

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HUB CITY From 58 purchased ticket, including babies.

At 7 p.m., each night there will be pre-show entertainment, Mutton Bustin.’ Youth ages seven and under can be contestants, but must pre-register by calling (801) 830-1508, on June 25, from 6-8 p.m. There are 25 contestants each night.

Then at 8 p.m., after each night’s pre-show, the main RMPRA Hub City Rodeo begins featuring the Circle J Rodeo Company.

The 19th Annual Mountain Man Rendezvous will be in town Wednesday, July 4, at Mt. Pleasant City Park, 1000 South State Street.

The rendezvous comes with muzzle loader shoot-outs, exhibits, trading, displays, candy cannon explosions, tomahawk and knife throwing contests, frying pan toss, Dutch oven cook-off, historical reenactments and more.

Participants camp out in authentic tee pees and wall tents during the event. Spectators are always welcome at these rendezvous.

On Wednesday, July 4, at 6 a.m., runners register for the Third Annual 5k-10k Drive 4 Food Fun Run race which begins at 6:30 a.m. Meet in the parking lot at North Sanpete High School, 700 South 400 East, Mt. Pleasant.

Runners can register in advance on-line at http://www.sanpetepantry.com/drive4food. Proceeds will go to the Sanpete Pantry food bank.

At 7 a.m., early birds get the worm with breakfast in the city park sponsored by Sanpete Valley Hospital.

At 8 a.m., there will be a tennis tournament at North Sanpete High School, 700 South 300 East.

The Mt. Pleasant City Library will have a book sale, at 9 a.m., with games and prizes on the library lawn, 24 East Main.

From 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the Mountain Man Rendezvous gets things started with a Rifle Shoot in the city park. They will also have a Shotgun Shoot at 3 p.m., and a Knife and Hawk event between

3-4:30 p.m.

The Mammoth Parade line-up begins at 10:30 a.m., at 700 South State between State Street and 500 West. To be in the parade, contact Coleen Oltrogge at (435) 462-3034.

At the same time, the children’s parade will line-up at 700 South State Street by the high school sign. The parade route will travel north on State Street to Main Street and then travel west.

At 11 a.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department will lead the children’s parade which will be followed by the Mammoth Parade at 11 a.m.

At noon, look for the restored and ugly tractor contest. Located across the street east of Mt. Pleasant City Park, participants will be showing their prize tractors hoping to win prizes sponsored by Mt. Pleasant City. Participants just need to bring their tractor.

Also at noon there will be plenty of entertainment and vendor booths in the city park. During the afternoon there will be performances by “Rock of Ages”, and “White Hot.” From 1 to 4 p.m., there will be free wagon rides at the park. At 2 p.m., free games and prizes at the city park fire pit sponsored by the Mt. Pleasant Youth City Council.

At 2:30 p.m., the pie and cake contest with prizes will take place by the city park stage. Entries will be judged by members of the Mt. Pleasant City Council. To enter call Coleen Oltrogge (435) 462-3034.

The Mountain Man Dutch Oven Cook-off will begin at 3 p.m. followed by judging at 5:30 p.m. Sampling will be available for sale at 6 p.m. To enter the cook-off call Pat Gonzalez at (801) 367-9849.

At 7 p.m., the raffle and awards will take place. For all Mountain Man Rendezvous questions, contact Pat Gonzalez at (801) 367-9849.

The second night of rodeo action will take place beginning at 7 p.m. with Mutton Bustin’ followed by the RMPRA Hub City Rodeo at 8 p.m.

After the rodeo stay at the park to view the spectacular fireworks show.

For all Hub City Day information contact Colleen Oltrogge, (435) 462-3034 or (435) 851-6943.

The 19th Annual Mountain Man Rendezvous will be in town Wednesday, July 4, at Mt. Pleasant City Park, 1000 South State Street. The rendezvous comes with muzzle loader shoot-outs, exhibits, trading, displays, candy cannon explosions, tomahawk and knife throwing contests, frying pan toss, Dutch oven cook-off, historical reenactments and more.

June 13, 2018

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thePyramid

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THE MORMON MIRACLE PAGEANT! 60

Mormon Miracle Pageant

On display at the Fairview Museum of History and Art is a large collection of interesting devices, machines, beautiful art and historical artifacts. For instance, any idea what this machine is? It is a steam powered combine.

Many other curiosities await those with inquiring minds.

Come explore the grounds and buildings at 85 North 100 East, in Fairview.

(Photo by Ray LaFollette, The Pyramid)

Fairview Museum of History, Art an often missed treasure The Fairview Museum is one of Utah’s jewels. Unfortunately, though, it is often missed by visitors to Sanpete County. The museum has two main buildings, the Heritage and Horizon buildings and grounds located at 85 North 100 East.

Heritage The Heritage Building is a former school built in 1900, where visitors can explore room after room of displays on two floors. There are thousands of historical artifacts, and over 100 pieces or art created by world-renowned sculptor Avard T. Fairbanks, which Dr. Fairbanks donated to the museum.

Fairbanks sculptures are displayed world-wide, many in Washington D.C. He also sculpted many larger-than-life size works representing major events in the history of the LDS Church.

Many of the rooms in the Heritage building display settings from the 1800s; a sitting room including furniture, knick-knacks, and piano; a fully furnished bedroom; a complete kitchen; and one unusual room shows an 1800s dentist office (try not to wince when you see it).

Horizon The more contemporary Horizon building houses regional art,

historical displays such as the Blackhawk Indian War, a large Clark Bronson bronze collection, a historical and genealogical library, and the center piece, an enormous mammoth skeleton that was discovered just 13 miles from Fairview.

Also for viewing is a geological display, and a gorgeous shell collection. Another unusual display is the history of turkeys in the region, starting with how they were used by the Native American culture.

On the grounds Outside, visitors can see a large display of antique machinery and wagons, including a horse-drawn hearse and huge horse-drawn harvesting machines, many of which can be touched and explored.

About FMHA Fairview Museum of History and Art (FMHA) has an all-volunteer staff and is funded by donations and grants. There is no entry fee to visit the museum, although donations are encouraged.

To learn more about the museum visit the website, http://fairviewmuseum.org, drop in for a visit at 85 North 100 East, or call (435) 427-9216. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

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The Fountain Green State Fish Hatchery grows thousands and thousands of fish seven days of the week, in preparation for stocking the many lakes and ponds statewide. The hatchery is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, and on holidays, located at 1600 West Fish Hatchery Road, northwest of Fountain Green. (Photo courtesy of Utah DWR)

Fish hatchery welcomes visitors daily Anyone who likes fishing and plans to go this summer, needs to know there is a pretty good chance the fish they catch may have come from the Fountain Green State Fish Hatchery located northwest of Fountain Green at 1600 West Fish Hatchery Road.

The hatchery has thousands and thousands of fish swimming in tanks just waiting as they grow. It is truly fascinating to watch the fish in their various stages of growth.

Raising fish is a year-round project and always in demand because most reservoir fisheries are heavily used and not able to sustain themselves through natural recruitment or reproduction of the fish in the pond.

So the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has implemented a management program dependent on stocking hatchery-reared fish statewide. The Fountain Green facility is just one of the division’s hatcheries.

The hatchery is a great location to bring the whole family as it provides an opportunity to view some of Utah’s fish species close up and a 62

Mormon Miracle Pageant

sense of the work that must go into stocking Utah’s lakes and streams.

To grow healthy fish requires clean water and one of the things Fountain Green is well-known for is its clean, pure water. The water comes from an artesian spring that flows from the base of the San Pitch Mountain range known as “The Big Springs.”

This spring is the source of water for the hatchery and is channeled through multiple tanks where the fish grow and are separated by size.

The Fountain Green hatchery raises 1,000,000 fish or about 180,000 pounds of trout yearly. Species include Rainbow, Cutthroat and Tiger Trout. The fish raised here are used to stock primarily the lakes and reservoirs in the region along with other waters throughout the state.

Visitors are welcome to drop in between the hours of 8 a.m.-4 p.m., seven days a week including holidays.

When traveling on Highway 132 between Nephi and Fountain Green, watch for the signs just north of Fountain Green.

For more information, call (435) 445-3472.

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Mason A. Schmutz, MD Glaucoma Specialist

MOUNT PLEASANT 1100 S Medical Drive

RICHFIELD 1000 N Main Street

1.800.854.6201 or 801.374.1818 PAY S O N | S PA N I S H F O R K | P R O V O | O R E M | A M E R I C A N F O R K | L E H I | S A R AT O G A S P R I N G S

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