Mormon Miracle Pageant

Mormon Miracle

Pageant

June 15-17, & 20-24, 2017 Manti Temple Hill 9:30 pm

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Table of Contents

The Pyramid and Pyramid Shopper are pleased to present this special Mormon Miracle edition to our readers and visitors.

Cast.......................................................................... 3 National Anthem soloists...................................... 4-5 Mayor welcomes all................................................. 6 Manti Map............................................................... 7 Pageant theme.................................................. 10-11 Temple closes early................................................ 11 51 fun pageant facts.............................................. 12 Visit Skyline Drive................................................... 14 Questions raised by Angels.............................. 16, 19 Mormon miracle story...................................... 20-21 Pageant’s beginnings.................................... 22,23,25 Buses, gates, security........................................ 26-27 Important info........................................................ 27 Opportunites provided by pageant ����������������������� 29 Youth strengthen testimonies ������������������������������� 30 Recreation, activities abound............................ 32-33 Reflection greets visitors........................................ 35 Temple built with sacrifices.................................... 36 Unique design highlights temple �������������������������� 37

We appreciate the support of local business that have made this edition possible.

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June 2017

Mormon Miracle Pageant

Cast selected for 2017 pageant performances • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Preacher 1…Fred Frischknecht Preacher 2…Steve Malone Preacher3…Ken Glenn Young Joseph…Devin Tanner, Kaden Anderson, Jackson Wayman.

Lucy Mack Smith… Mandy Tanner, Shelley Anderson, Cora Lee Wayman.

Robert…Justin Bawden, Cody Alder, Mark Bishop.

Mary…Mariah Dillman, Brynn Peterson, Sabrina Winkel.

Mature Joseph…Brayden Shelley Angel Moroni…Kellyn Neilsen, John Cutler.

Oliver Cowdery…Brad Young Captain Moroni…Marcus Bahlmann Zerahemnah…Joshua Morris Sacrifice…Autumn Pipes*, Olivia Lindsay, Misty Johnson. *One to be sacrificed.

Sacrifice Warrior Lifters…Isaac Olsen, Aaron Hughes.

• Scene 9 Dancers…Naomi Boorman, Libby Simmons, Lucy Eddy, Kaitlyn Wegener, Brooklyn Brighton, Meagan Dennis, Samantha Everitt, Savanna Larson, Allison Wegener, Alexis Naylor, Kodie Godfrey, Jesse Godfrey, Laetitia Gaillard, Tamyra Moylton, Annie Hansen, Avery Sterner, Jenica Kitchen, Rylee Brinkerhoff, Kaylin Morris, Karen Wood, Hope Marsing, Rawlee Mickelson, Jennie Harrison, Jessica Smith, Janna Thompson, Mikale Morris, Mesa Cartright, Emily Landon, Janica Baker, Hadley Tidlund, Brooke Baird, Bethany Malone, Camien Pritchards, Emma Bean, Elizabeth Hughes, and Alyssa Tanner.

• Scene 11 Dancers…Naomi Boorman, Libby Simmons, Lucy Eddy, Brooklyn Brighton, Meagan Dennis, Savanna Larson, Allison Wegener, Jennie Harrison, Hadley Tidlund, Brooke Baird, Jessica Everitt, Alaina Adams, Kathryn Christensen, Cambria Cox, Kiara Hansen, Cambria Phelps, Lynden Phelps, BreAnna Bratton, Keyera Cox, Emma Bean, Anna Johnson, Kyleena Boylan, Darianne Poulson, Nicole Paystrup, Abby Mac, Meg Childs, Sonora Childs, and Sara Nederhouser.

• Warrior Spear Dancers Scene 9 and 11…Joseph Nelson, Tyler Boylan, Zach Brown, David Taylor, Kyler Kerksik, Isaac Olsen, Aaron Hughes, Tyler Boehrer, Andrew Olsen and Jordan Durtschi.

• Warriors for Scene 9 and/or 11…Hunter Lutes, Kyler Kerksik, Bryce Poulson, David Taylor, Jacob Norris, Gavin Watkins, Noah Pack, Gideon Watkins and Zack Brown.

• Caller…Michael Kohut • Angel on the Temple…TBA • Ammon…Jordan Durtschi • Lamoni…Easton Cluff • Lamoni’s Queen…Alyssa Tanner, Beth Hughes.

• Queen’s Lady…Beth Hughes, Alyssa Tanner.

• 3rd Nephi…Gerald Wayman • The Savior…Andy Bahlmann • Henshaw children…Kyler Kerksik, Samantha Everitt, Sariah Peterson and Wesley Peterson.

• Samuel the Lamanite…Brian Weissberg, Jared Fulmer.

• Mormon…Loren Steck, Bryan Fletcher.

• Mortal Moroni…Trevor Steck, Mitch Fletcher.

• Mormon Messenger…Andrew Olsen • Hyrum Smith…David Christensen • John Taylor…Josh Douglas • Willard Richards…Keaton Jorgensen • Brigham Young…Brandon Nordell • Captain Allen…Geoffrey Westfall • Tableaus…Keaton Jorgensen, Leorrna Malone, Britney Lloyd, Shalise Watkins, Joseph Ditti, Sam Young.

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June 2017

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

Chairman, Barbara Barton, along with her committee, Gaylen Thomas and Susan Huff have worked with music all their lives sharing musical talents with others and were excited for the 2017 pageant soloist auditions.

This year the pageant presidency decided to try something new and requested that all who auditioned to sing the National Anthem must be 25 years of age or younger.

The committee was overjoyed and impressed with the response they received. There were so many talented young people who participated that it took many hours to select the finalists.

The National Anthem will be performed during the dress rehearsal and eight official pageant presentations, a total of nine performances.

Kyler Nelson will open the pageant by singing at the dress rehearsal Wednesday, June 14; Lynden and Cambria Phelps, Thursday, June 15; Local Vocals, Friday, June 16; and Abigail Huff, Saturday, June 17.

Lydia Madsen, Tuesday, June 20; Abby and Madi Terry, Wednesday, June 21; Jonathan Barton, Thursday, June 22; Half Notes Performance Choir, Friday, June 23 and Michaella Mecham will sing the final night of the pageant, Saturday, June 24.

Kyler Nelson

Wednesday, June 14 Kyler Nelson Kyler Nelson, from Ephraim, is a current member of the Local Vocals

performing group based in Manti, UT. He is a former member of the Resonance Show Choir and has been involved in several musical productions at Manti High School. Nelson also attended the 2016 Utah All-State Choir and was a soloist at the 2017 Utah Honor Choir. In addition to his vocal work, Nelson has played the piano for over 10 years and the trombone for seven years in concert, pep, and Jazz bands.

movement with vocals and expressive vitality and performance.

Members of Local Vocals are from Ephraim, Gunnison and Manti. The group was created in 2016 to be the opening group for headliners at the 50th Anniversary Concert Series for the Mormon Miracle Pageant. But their popularity demanded that the group continue.

Individual members come and go as missions, marriages, schooling and life happens, but the group goes on and audiences leave a Local Vocal performance felling a little lighter and a little happier.

Lynden and Cambria Phelps

Thursday, June 15 Lynden and Cambria Phelps Lynden and Cambria Phelps have both been singing and performing since they were very young and have a passion for music.

Lynden Phelps is a freshman at Syracuse Arts Academy and has been in performing arts for two years. She just finished her spring performance as Sandy in the play “Grease.” She loves to sing with her headphones on and off.

Cambria Phelps is a junior at Syracuse High School. She has been an alto in the school cadence choir for the past two years. She loves to play guitar and piano and make up songs on both in her spare time.

Local Vocals

Friday, June 16 Local Vocals Local Vocals is more than just a singing group, it is a powerhouse performing troupe combining high-energy

Abigail Huff

Saturday, June 17 Abigail Huff Abigail Huff is an award-winning singer/actress, having played leading roles in Manti High School productions (Annie Sullivan, The Miracle Worker; Fairy Godmother, Cinderella; Tap Dancing Secretary, Singing in the Rain). She has loved being on-stage since childhood. Her vibrant voice and versatile acting have made her a local favorite.

Huff was born in Salt Lake City, raised in Bountiful and Nibley, Utah, and now has recently located with her family in Ephraim. Huff ’s goal is nothing less than a career in Musical Theatre, with sights set on Broadway.

“I just love to perform…” said Abigail Huff after recently winning top honors in Musical Theatre at the Utah State Theatre competition. Huff comes to the stage quite naturally, with generations of performers in her family line.

Her great-grandmother was a prominent piano instructor in early 20th century Salt Lake City; her twice-great aunt was a notorious Salt Lake City area singer/entertainer; her aunt performed on the West Coast and in New York; her mother enjoyed a successful concert and stage career and now teaches sing-

ing at Snow College; and her father, Dr. Michael Huff, is a well-known conductor, pianist and music professor at Snow College.

Lydia Madsen

Tuesday, June 20 Lydia Madsen Lydia Madsen has been singing ever since she could talk, and thoroughly enjoys music. Born and raised in Sanpete County, she has had the opportunity to serve the community she loves as Miss Fairview 2016.

She was involved in the concert choir at North Sanpete High School for three years and served in the choir presidency. She participated in concert band for four years and served as clarinet section leader. She also attended All-State Choir and sang in the Salt Lake LDS Tabernacle on Temple Square.

Madsen was a member of the girls’ tennis team for four years, and played varsity singles for three. She is a member of the National Honor Society, graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA, and is excited to start her college experience this fall.

She has been coming to the Mormon Miracle Pageant her whole life, and is excited for the opportunity to sing in it.

Abby and Madi Terry

Wednesday, June 21 Abby and Madi Terry Abby and Madi Terry are musically talented sisters from Manti.

Abby, age 10, attended fourth grade at Manti Elementary School where she

Mormon Miracle Pageant

June 2017

This year the pageant presidency decided to try something new and requested that all who auditioned to sing the National Anthem must be 25 years of age or younger. was a member of the Applause performing group. She has performed on stage in several productions since the age of three with her mom’s studio Manti Music and Dance.

Abby has played parts in the Manti City Children Theater’s productions of Cinderella and Aladdin. She also performed in Manti High School’s production of the Wizard of Oz. She loves to sing, dance, act, play the piano, play the violin, and read.

Madi, age eight, attended third grade at Manti Elementary School where she was also a member of the Applause performing group and also performed on stage in several productions since age three with her mom’s studio Manti Music & Dance. She performed in Manti High School’s production of the Wizard of Oz and played the part of an orphan in the musical Annie at Utah COPA in American Fork. She loves to sing, dance, act, play the piano, and bake.

for a production of Aladdin and enjoyed attending Boys’ State last summer.

In addition to performing and competing, Barton has participated in the National Federation of Music Clubs piano solo festival for 12 years, receiving superior ratings every time. For three years he attended and staffed a teen leadership conference in Las Vegas which helps kids open up and learn to let go of things in their lives.

Barton is now is in the music program at Snow College. His Sterling Scholarship and another music scholarship have helped cover financials. He enjoys working and studying with a professional pianist at Snow and is also in the college choir which performs multiple times per semester.

Having started piano lessons in first grade, Barton’s whole life has been passionate about the piano. He has now played the piano for almost 13 years and has performed many times, in many places. He has always had a natural gift of listening to music and then playing it. He enjoys working with the piano and has made a couple of his own musical arrangements.

Half Notes Choir Jonathan Barton

Thursday, June 22 Jonathan Barton Jonathan Barton is a fun, outgoing, talented person and has accomplished amazing things in his life. In high school, he was the first runner-up Sterling Scholar in Speech and Drama.

He placed first with an original pantomime at both region and state competitions two years ago. During his freshman year he and a friend performed a pantomime which took second place at region. During his senior year he did another pantomime which took second place locally and third place at State.

Barton was theater vice-president and had several leads in high school plays. He worked as assistant director

Friday, June 23 Half Notes Choir Half Notes Performance Choir is an a cappella team composed of four young ladies, Emmarie Grose, Carlee Stephenson, Bryn Rasmussen and Ember Moat from the Fillmore Utah LDS Stake.

Emmarie Grose, daughter of Craig and Becky Grose, Fillmore; is a junior at Millard High school and has a love for music. She is talented in voice, piano, flute, guitar and ukulele. Drama and performing in the high school plays is one of her loves. She also has an eye for art and is a beautiful artist which works with multiple mediums but prefers watercolor. She feels most at home with a pencil and a sketchbook in her hands.

Grose participates in high school swim team and always has a song to sing.

Carlee Stephenson, daughter of Dean and Sheri Stephenson, Fillmore; is a freshman at Millard High School.

She has been blessed with many talents and music is at the top. Stephenson has been playing the piano for over eight years and loves to sing whenever she can. She also has a talent for drawing and painting art and enjoys playing on the soccer and golf teams.

Bryn Rasmussen, age 13, is the daughter of Shon and Sherilyn Rasmussen, Fillmore; she is the fifth out of six children in her family and will be entering high school next year.

She has loved music and singing from a young age and especially loves singing at home with her siblings and picking out a harmony part. In addition to singing, Rasmussen plays the piano and is quite athletic participating in volleyball, basketball and softball.

Ember Moat, daughter of Cody and Leona Moat, Fillmore; is the oldest of four children. She has a great rapport with peers and children and has a very congenial personality.

Moat’s smile radiates from her character and is a light to those around her. She has been involved in music for years, plays the violin, piano, and is a great vocalist. Besides musical ability she enjoys running cross country and track for the high school teams.

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Michaella Mecham

Saturday, June 24 Michaella Mecham Michaella Mecham, 22, is overjoyed to be returning to the Manti Miracle Pageant to sing the National Anthem for the fourth time, after performing at the ages of 14, 16, and 18. While growing up in Bountiful she acquired the love of music, literature, and the arts from her family.

Mecham has been performing in choirs, solos and musical theater performances since the first grade. She is currently studying Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Arts at Utah State University and plans to graduate in the fall of 2018.

She is grateful for the opportunity to sing the National Anthem and share her love for the pageant by its performance.

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June 2017

Mayor Soper welcomes all 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.

Please join the Fairview City Mayor and Council in

“Honoring Pioneers: Past, Present and Future” 2017 Miss Fairview Royalty are (left to right) Ireland Rawlinson, first attendant; Kelsie Nielson, queen; and Nicole Day, second attendant. www.fairviewcity.com or see us on Facebook at Fairview City

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 see us again soon.

Sincerely, Korry L. Soper, Mayor

A Tradition of Helping Proud to Serve the People of Sanpete County Customer Service Toll Free...................888-418-5333 Ephraim Branch....................2 N Main........................283-6395 (Fax: 283-6395) Fairview Branch....................310 N Milburn Rd...........427-3361 (Fax: 427-3359) Mount Pleasant Branch.........210 S State....................462-2457 (Fax: 462-3166)

June 2017

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June 2017

Joseph Smith translates as Oliver Cowdrey writes 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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June 2017

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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 size and shape, costume designers and seamstresses work diligently to make sure each cast member looks the part.

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

June 2017

Pageant president presents 2017 theme

The 2017 Mormon Miracle Pageant presidency (left-right) are: Meagan White, financial secretary; Ken Lindsay, executive secretary; Norman Jensen, counselor; Milt Olsen, president; Troy Shelley, counselor; Denise Hagemeister, director; and Jean Bradley, secretary.

The Theme for the Manti Pageant this year is; “That you may see, feel and know”. This concept is taught in the Book of Mormon, in 3 Nephi 11:15, when Jesus Christ visited among the inhabitants of this continent, after his resurrection. He invited each of the people to come and witness for themselves, individually, the tokens of the atonement.

As they did this they …”did see with their eyes and feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets that should come”.

It is our hope and prayer that as you enjoy the pageant this evening that you will be able to “see”, as you come face to face with people from the past, those who witnessed the visit of Jesus Christ to the Americas and our pioneer ancestors who have given us our pioneer legacy. We are blessed to be able to build on the legacy of those who have gone before us and prepared the way.

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I believe that as you see people and scenes, and hear doctrines taught tonight, that this will increase your understanding of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our day. I believe that you will feel the truth of the doctrines which are presented in your hearts, and that you will be taught of the spirit, as you see and hear the doctrines presented in the pageant tonight. Through this experience your testimonies will be strengthened and you will have an increased knowledge of the truthfulness of the doctrines of the restoration and that this will lead you to trust more fully in the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Many of you may have heard that there are some changes to the pageant this year. I will confirm that some of those rumors are likely true. The primary reason for change is so that we can improve and more effectively share this story and teach the doctrines of the restoration. These changes were not made for the sake of change.

This is a unique pageant season, we are a new pageant presidency, and there is a new director, Denise Hagemeister, who will bring to the pageant a wonderful background of theater experience. Many of the changes will be implemented, because of her vision as the new director.

Some of the changes which you will see, have come about through counseling together

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as a pageant presidency, and counseling together by the creative team led by Sister Hagemeister, in all cases we have sought to be “lead of the Spirit”. We have sought and received approval from our ecclesiastical leaders, namely the Presidency of Seventy. The changes have been implemented by the missionary department of the Church. Now we have “the great and exciting task” of bringing this all together and presenting it to you.

Let me conclude with this final thought.

The Lord is very aware of the changes that have been made. The Spirit has been working with each of us to prepare us for this experience. The Spirit has also been working with you who will come, that your hearts will be prepared to receive the story and message in the way that it will be presented this year.

We have a compelling story to tell. The power comes from the fact that this story teaches doctrines of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and when these doctrines are taught correctly the Holy Ghost can then bear witness of these truths. It is through this process that each of us may come to “see, feel and know” of the truthfulness of this powerful story.

Sincerely, Milton Olsen Mormon Miracle Pageant President

Temple closes early during pageant 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 regretfully be 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.

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June 2017

51 Mormon Miracle Pageant fun facts

by Samuel Benson and Merilyn Jorgensen

2017 marks the 51st year of the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

In that span, millions of people have witnessed the pageant’s story unfold on the hill beneath the Manti Temple.

In an effort to commemorate the pageant’s 51st year in operation, a list of 51 fun pageant facts was compiled: 1. The pageant debuted in 1967—50 years ago.

2. The pageant was originally a relatively small 24th of July celebration for the South Sanpete LDS Stake.

3. The first performance was held just west of the temple, at the Sanpete County fairgrounds.

4. The pageant was moved close to its current location in 1968.

5. The original story was written by Grace Johnson in the 1940s.

6. BYU and BYU-Hawaii used Johnson’s story as a readers’ theater in the 1950s.

7. A live choir provided music for the pageant for the first three years, from 1967-1969.

8. A 25-35 piece orchestra also accompanied the pageant those early years.

9. One of the noted musicians was Richard Nibley, brother of Hugh Nibley, whose violin playing is also heard on the soundtrack.

10. Grace Johnson’s story was adapted to true pageant form in 1970 by Macksene Rux. 11. The recorded soundtrack was produced by Bonneville International of Salt Lake City in that same year.

12. Much of the original recording is still in use today.

13. Current LDS Apostle M. Russell Ballard’s father, Apostle Melvin R. Ballard, is the recorded voice of the prophet Mormon.

14. Elder Ballard (nephew of Macksene Rux) donated some props to the pageant in 1971.

15. Virtually the total cost of production for the first two decades was by local donation.

16. The first production in 1967 sported only one handcart to represent the entire westward trek of the Mormon pioneers.

17. In 1968, no vehicles for the production were allowed on temple property, so all scenery and equipment was hand carried over the fence.

18. Seating for 1968 was outside the temple grounds. The audience brought lawn chairs to sit on the sidewalk, or bleachers brought from the fairgrounds provided seats on the road.

19. The present seating area of the pageant used to be a hay field, with 20 to 30 large trees along the north edge.

20. It was a process of five years—until 1972—before permission was obtained to remove the last of the trees.

21. From 1967 to 1971, pageant attendance increased from about 1,500 to 83,000.

22. In 1972, pageant attendance jumped to 121,000.

23. For several decades, the American Bus Association named the pageant as one of the top 100 productions in North America.

24. The National Institute of Outdoor Theater lists (as of 2014) the Manti pageant as having the largest nightly attendance of any production in America (including all Shakespeare festivals).

25. Over 4.5 million visitors have watched the pageant in its 50-year history.

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

27. Visitors have been registered from all 50 states and many foreign countries, on every continent.

28. The sound technology was provided from 1969 to 1997 by volunteer technicians from the BYU audiology department.

29. Most of the spotlights used for the first decades of the production were homemade—from gallon cans sprayed black, then wired with light globes.

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

31. Douglas Barton has worked with the pageant lighting for 46 of the 50 years.

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

33. Since 1998, the LDS Church’s light and sound technical equipment has been shared by all Church pageants—Manti, Hill Cumorah (NY), Nauvoo (IL), and others.

34. Operating technicians from Salt Lake City accompany and supervise the imported technical equipment, but the balance of the light crew remains mostly local youth.

35. Many of the first costumes, including all angel costumes, were made from donated bed sheets.

36. Practically all costumes have been made by local seamstresses—for all 50 years.

37. Rumors circulated in 1972 that the pageant would move away from Manti, but locals fought to keep it in the Sanpete Valley.

38. Efforts and plans to rewrite or change the pageant have been frequent—an announcement was made that 1991 (the 25th year) would be the last year of the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

39. Gordon B. Hinckley, former president of the LDS Church, serving then as the vice chairman of the pageant committee, refused the plans to cancel.

40. In the early years, chairs for the audience were borrowed from BYU in Provo and LDS wards from Spanish Fork to Richfield (and many in between).

41. Now there are about 14,000 pageant-owned chairs set up each season.

42. 400 volunteers (from area LDS stakes) set up and take down the chairs.

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 1500 and 2000 volunteers, in addition to cast, work for the pageant.

47. 2016 had a record number of cast members—1100. 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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June 2017

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Mormon gives Moroni the plates

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June 2017

Spring City’s Funner Explorers can visit Skyline Drive to enjoy Summer! splendid scenery

May 26th Dedication of Old School Community Center 1-2 p.m.

Tour the Old School

May 27th Heritage Day –all day Old School Historic Home tours

June 5th 3rd Annual Pet Show 7 p.m. City Park –bring pets & chairs

PIONEER DAYS July 21st Family Street Dance 8:30 -10:30 p.m. “Rock of Ages”

July 24th

Fireman’s Breakfast 7- 9 a.m.

Fun Run/Walk 7 a.m.

Mammoth Parade 10 a.m.

No parking on Main Street!

Park Party 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

–bring chairs Pioneer Games for all ages, Old Car Show, Horseshoe Tournament, Music in the Park, Lunch in the Park, Hand-made Crafts DUP Museum Grand Opening Ceremony 1 p.m.

Old School Community Center Saga of Spring City 7 p.m. City Park –bring chairs

Other Spring City summer events: Aug 4th - 5th

Bluegrass Festival –days & evenings

July 22nd

Aug. 29th - Sept. 2nd Park Concert & Ice Cream Social 7 p.m. “Cross Strung” Plein Air Painting Competition — 10 a.m.

–bring chairs Artist Studio tours July 23rd Old Time Gospel Music Revival 7 p.m. City Bowery -bring chairs

Sept. 9

School Bell Run— 6:30 a.m.

1 mile Fun Run & 1 mile or 3K Walk/Run

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 car can make it through most of it. Many hunting, fishing and camping spots can be found there as well.

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. It is skinny and twisty 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 done yet. It is one of the best roads for access to Skyline Drive.

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 is scheduled to be graveled this year so 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 be snow on top during June this year. In late May, this year, there was a landslide that closed the road nine miles east of Mayfield, east of Twin Lake Campground. To check on road conditions call Sanpete Ranger District at 435-283-4151.

June 2017

Mormon Miracle Pageant

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

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June 2017

Questions raised by angels during pageant

By 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 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. After that performance, a small fan was positioned at one corner, just in case.

Many stories have been told and re-told about unsuspecting travelers driving down the highway toward the temple, when suddenly an “angel” appears in the dark sky.

Some reports have had the car going

See ANGELS, page 19

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June 2017

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2016-17 Miss Mt. Pleasant Royalty are from left to right: Callie Goble, second attendant; Julianna Armstrong, Miss Mt. Pleasant; and Mariah Hafen, first attendant

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Mormon Miracle Pageant

June 2017

Mormon Miracle Pageant

June 2017

ANGELS, from page 16 off the road as the shocked driver vows to “repent” or to “never touch another drop!”

Whatever truth is in these stories, the fact is, the Angel Moroni on top of the Manti LDS Temple is indeed a real person, not just a statue, as is found on other LDS temples.

The beginning of the final “Ooh” scene is when one of the lead characters, Robert, dies, leaves his mortal body behind and is “resurrected.”

It is truly a memorable scene and this writer has no wish to spoil the surprise by revealing the secret of the resurrection.

So that part must remain a mystery. Suffice it to say, Robert and wife, Mary, rise to be greeted by a spectacular heavenly host of angels.

If this sight doesn’t produce chills, you haven’t been watching.

The technical logistics of getting this host of well over 100 young angels on the hill positioned, then off the hill, in the dark, is no small task.

These angels wait on the north side

of the temple until near the end of the pageant. Their trek up behind the temple to the top has been an evolution, from a climb in darkness and with obstacles, to a well-lighted path.

Lighting that scene is another huge challenge. In recent years, extra spot lights and a new lighting system have aided tremendously with safety, as well as ease.

Prior to about 1997, the spotlights were arranged in rows on the hill and the angelic girls had to get on an off without tripping over the light cans. There have been several sprained ankles and numerous scrapes, but in all the years, only one broken bone. Another little miracle of course.

One humorous incident with angels occurred on an extremely windy performance night. The angels were going through their routine just 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 small angel and literally blew her over. No injury, but a story to

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remember for one actually “blown away” by the pageant.

Costumes have evolved from tinsel-trimmed old sheets to lovely, soft cotton, still with tinsel on sleeve, belt and in the hair. Christmas tinsel may sound amateurish, but it does catch the light beautifully.

These costumes were mostly made by the mothers of the “angels.”

By 1992 or so, the costumes were made of tricot, still with tinsel trim.

The present costume is a doubleknit material and is brimmed with braided sequins in place of the tinsel.

At least one major miracle concerning the lights on the angel choir needs to be reported. Some years back, a fierce electrical and rain storm passed over the valley just before pageant, not unusual.

The storm quieted just as the performance began, again, not unusual, but it left no time to check the myriad of lighting cables, connections, fuse boxes and sockets.

These all had to be checked prior to the beginning of each scene.

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They had to empty rain water from some of the home-made, tin-can lights as they went, a miracle, of course, that no one was shocked.

As a young Mr. Findlay sneaked up to check the lights for the angel choir, he called on the headphones to the control booth, reporting possible trouble. Everyone said silent prayers, repositioned all the spot lights to the hill top and waited.

At the appointed time, the switches were flipped and all the lights came on. A collective sigh of relief and gratitude went up from the crew.

“Coincidence” you say? “Blessing” you say? Or more appropriately, “Angelic miracle?” Whichever it was, few in the cast or crew that night knew of the discovery made when the electrical system were inspected. The lightning strikes prior to performance had hit the fuse boxes on top of the hill, those fuses were melted.

Lights without fuses are “Impossible” you say? Maybe. Unless, of course, you believe in angels and miracles.

Mormon Miracle Pageant

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June 2017

Author relates Mormon miracle story The script for the Mormon Miracle Pageant came as an idea as the author Grace Johnson, pondered man’s existence. “Why am I here?

Where am I going? Is there a God? If a man dies, shall he live again?”

She answered her question 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.

See STORY, page 21

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.

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

STORY, from page 20 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 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 daylong 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.

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June 2017

MMP, a look at the beginning

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.

A special commemorative coin celebrating the 50th year of Mormon Miracle Pageant performances was distributed to pageant cast and crew during 2016. The coin is available for collectors by calling (435) 835-3000 or (866) 961-9040.

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

See BEGINNING, page 23

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June 2017

BEGINNING, from page 22 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 worldwide 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 handcart 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

Mormon Miracle Pageant

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, 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 pag-

See BEGINNING, page 25

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June 2017

Mormon Miracle Pageant

June 2017

BEGINNING, from page 23 eant 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.

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 hang-

ing 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

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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.

Special 50th year commemorative coins were presented to participants in the 2016 Mormon Miracle Pageant. Collectors can purchase coins while still available by calling (435) 835-3000 or (866) 961-9040.

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June 2017

Buses, gates, security: Important parts of pageant The following are a few selected portions of the Mormon Miracle Pageant book being compiled by Pageant Historian Merilyn Jorgensen. The book is expected to be published in the near future.

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 USHERmarked 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 ropedoff 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

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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 the 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 mid1970s to about 2011, large flag 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 greeted by all the beautiful flags, flying just west of the temple hill.

The poles were donated by Manti City, but flags for more than a decade were put up during the Mormon Miracle Pageant season by E. Donald Olsen and his sons. During a span of years, those flags were international flags, sent home by LDS missionaries

from the Sanpete South Stake, Manti, Ephraim and Sterling.

Grounds care, greenery The production of the Mormon Miracle Pageant requires abundant greenery at a number of sites and s le grounds crews are heavily involved, supervising placement of light towers, scenery, stages, fencing, etc. Platforms have been constructed and placed in key spots to make it possible for dozens of cast members to climb over the flower beds and onto the hill without completely destroying the flowers. No matter how careful, there is some damage to flower beds.

Ted Olson recalls the many hours spent with his dad in the mountains cutting the greens, about every other day. He said they had specific instructions about what were needed and specific sizes. “And we didn’t go poke them in a hole just any place.

We had to wait for Macksene Rux to come and tell us exactly where to put them.”

Ken Lindsay now acquires artificial greenery to aid at the various scene stages. That has more recently negated the need for numerous trips to the canyon during each season, to cut dozens of Quaken Aspen saplings and other greens, which needed to be replaced every couple of days during each season.

Pageantry Pageantry is, “One of the oldest and most versatile theater art forms, pageantry transcends the limits of a play and may be likened to a single wall of an extended mural, painted with broad strokes to be viewed from a distance.

Usually featuring a central theme, developed through narration and dialogue, the action is described and made clear through a series of related incidents. Traditionally, pageants are colorful, spectacular, and build to an emotional climax in the last scene.” (Quote from an early pageant program.)

A pageant covers so much more, in terms of space and time than any other type of play or stage production. It may actually include a saga covering centuries. The Mormon Miracle Pageant fits perfectly the

See PARTS, page 27

June 2017

Mormon Miracle Pageant

Important MMP information noted

,

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

Get to the pageant 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.

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1-800-262-5347 www.cobuildings.com

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 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.

For 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.

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) 8353000 or (866) 961-9040.

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PARTS from page 23 definition of a pageant.

Another thing about pageantry is that in spanning several eras, 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 and pieces of several different events or phases together into one scene to leave strong impressions of all of the related ideas So, just a bit of literary license is used in order to bring all of the elements together into one short scene, with impressions of all of the component parts.

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June 2017

Mormon Miracle Pageant

Opportunities provided by pageant 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, 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.

Opening night at the pageant

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 Opening night at the Mormon Miracle Pageant. There have been up to 20,000 attendpresided over by a visiting general ees during nightly performances. authority.

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By participation in MMP, youth strengthen testimonies 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 erected. 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 in a spiritual mindset, strengthen their 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 and story and 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.”

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.

Mormon Miracle Pageant

June 2017

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Recreation, activities abound 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 the 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 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. They offer 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.

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 First 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. It 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) 4623760 or Judy Standlee, (435) 632-6633. 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.

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. It 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.

Big Pine Sports also offers ATV rentals and repairs located at 340 North Milburn Road, Fairview. For more information call (435) 4273338 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 world-class 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

See RECREATION, page 33

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33

RECREATION from page 32 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 of the 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.

Lamanites, Nephites battle throughout Book of Moromon 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.

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Each year large crowds gather for the annual Mormon Miracle Pageant held on the Manti LDS Temple hill. The pageant is open to the public and free of charge. Seating is on a firstcome, first-serve basis on more than 14,000 seats. There is also a large area where families can spread blankets to view the event. The gates open at 6 p.m., pageant will take place at 9:30 p.m., June 15-17 and 20-24.

Relaxation, historical reflection greets MMP visitors 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 800 combine dance, music, and drama in a unique production for a large audience seated under the canopy of stars. The pageant runs for eight nights, June 15-17 and 20-24.

Each year, the pageant retells the account of the resurrected Jesus Christ visiting the people on the American continents. The dramatization includes Christ healing

and teaching the people, as well as blessing the children, just as he did in Jerusalem.

Time then fast-forwards to the 1800s, when farm boy Joseph Smith receives and later translates the record of the ancient American people. The record is known today as the Book of Mormon.

Finally, the presentation concludes with the story of a fictional couple searching for religious truth and enlightenment and the joy the couple find upon discovering that family relationships can be eternal.

First time pageant-goers will find the following tips useful: Arrive early for optimum seating. Firstcome seating is provided for 14,000 and there is room on the grass in the blanket area for additional spectators. June evenings can be cool so bring a sweater or blanket. Blankets may be used on chairs but are not allowed in the aisles. Coolers are not allowed on temple grounds.

Many pageant attendees arrive hungry and either bring their own food or purchase food in the area.

Attendees are encouraged to eat in the large grassy area across the road west of the seating area because food and drinks are not encouraged on temple grounds.

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, 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 into the area.

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.

Travelers are advised to plan in advance to stay overnight in Manti the night of the pageant. Traffic is always exceptionally congested at the conclusion of the production. Many

visitors find that staying at a bed and breakfast adds to the experience, providing a unique local perspective, plus great service. Whether choosing a bed and breakfast, hotel, or campground, be sure to make reservations well in advance.

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

Take scenic drives, rent ATVs, or visit the unique boutiques and craftsman shops.

For those not familiar with the story of The Book of Mormon, it may help to learn a bit about its history before attending the pageant.

Background information can be obtained from locals or members of the LDS Church or check out a copy of The Book of Mormon from the library in Ephraim, Mt. Pleasant, Manti or Gunnison.

Interested persons can also visit https://history.lds.org or https:// www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm.

For more information about the pageant call (866) 961-9040 or (435) 835-3000 or visit http://mantipageant.org.

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June 2017

Manti Temple built with sacrifice, temple eggs 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.

The settlers found layers of oolite stone, which was later used for the building of the temple and many other structures throughout the valley. The stone was also used in areas all across the U.S. A temple in Manti had been

discussed as early as 1854, but it was not until April 25, 1877, just three months before his death, that President Young formally dedicated the site.

Settlers in the valley and surrounding areas worked, sacrificed and gave freely of the time and labor for the 11 years of temple construction. Much of the cost had to be paid from local contributions.

Volunteer labor, cash, lumber, meats, butter, wheat, cloth, quilts, tools and many other items were accepted as donations. Eggs laid on Sunday were called “Temple Eggs” and were donated to the temple storehouse.

By March 3, 1879, less than two years after the ground was dedicated, $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 was scarce and people lived in humble circumstances.

Preparation of the temple site took two years of labor with horse-

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Manti Temple was built with volunteer labor, cash and many other items were accepted as donations. Eggs laid on Sunday were called “Temple Eggs” and were donated to the temple storehouse.

drawn scrapers and dynamite.

William H. Folsom, a Salt Lake City architect, moved to Manti to supervise construction. Canute Peterson, a Danish convert, supervised the raising of funds.

Many of the workmen were artisans and craftsmen who brought with them excellent skills learned in Europe. Most building materials were obtained locally, although some fine hardwood for the interior was imported from the east.

Buttressed walls and battlements show the influence of the Gothic Revival. The stone walls were built three feet thick at the base and the elegant towers recall the French Second Empire style.

The taller east tower rises 179 feet about the ground. Workmanship throughout is superb and two circular stairways rise 90 feet in graceful spirals without central supports.

Unlike most LDS Temples, there is no Angel Moroni on the temple spires, The only time anyone will see an angel up there is during the Mormon Miracle Pageant and that one is live.

The late temple president Ruel E. Christensen, said he supposed an angel with a trumpet to his lips, his robes blowing in the evening breeze as portrayed in a wonderful scene in

the pageant, might suggest why the tower was finished with a platform instead of a spire on the tower.

Due to the fact that there is usually a breeze, sometimes a strong one, there is a rod on the platform for the live “angel” to take hold of and steady himself. A former “angel” commented it is a “wondrous adventure” to be on the top of the temple during a rain storm.

Murals in the rooms were painted by well-known LDS artists CCA Christensen, Dan Weggeland, John Hafen, JB Fairbanks, Minerva Teichert and John Shepherd.

Thousands attended the temple dedication in May 1888. In almost continual use since that time, the temple was closed for renovation in the fall of 1981 and rededicated in June 1985.

Originally planned with terraces, the temple grounds were landscaped in 1907, when lawns, trees and shrubs were planted. The beautiful gardens form the setting for the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

Recognized as one of the best examples of pioneer architecture in the west, the Manti LDS Temple is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The temple remains as an impressive monument to the courage, endurance and faith of the early settlers.

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Unique design, placement highlights Manti 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 Mormons’ 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 temples, to satisfy the church’s immediate need for these structures. The site for the temple was the Manti Stone Quarry, a large hill immediately northeast of town.

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 temple, he also announced that the 27-acre plot would then be known as “Temple Hill.”

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 same cream-colored stone used for the temple exterior.

The temple design is castellated style having influences of Gothic Revival, French Renaissance Revival, French Second Empire and

The Manti LDS Temple sits majestically atop Temple Hill, overlooking Manti City. The temple is visible along U.S. Highway 89 and is especially picturesque when lit at night. Brigham Young announced the decision to build the temple on June 25, 1875. It was dedicated for use in May 1888.

colonial architecture. There is no Angel Moroni atop this temple.

Open-center spiral staircases wind up each of the 179-foot towers of the Manti Utah Temple. The dramatic stairways are an engineering marvel of the Mormon pioneers. The temple has 100,373 square feet of floor space, eight sealing rooms, four ordinance rooms and a Celestial room.

The Manti LDS Temple is the oldest temple retaining original mural paintings on the walls of its progressive-style ordinance rooms: Creation Room, Garden Room, World Room, Terrestrial Room (no murals), and Celestial Room (no murals). The Manti Utah Temple is one of two temples that still employ live acting for presentation of the endowment. The other is the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

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

The Salt Lake City LDS Temple was not finished until five years later in 1893.

Renovations The Manti LDS Temple has undergone various remodeling and renovations. Construction of a great stone stairway leading up the hill to the west temple doors began in 1907. In 1935, the temple was fully lit at night for the first time.

In 1940, the stone stairs were removed and work began to beautify the grounds. Between 1944 and 1945 the annex, chapel, kitchen, Garden Room and men’s and women’s areas were remodeled.

There was once a tunnel beneath the east tower of the temple through which wagons and cars could pass. It was once said the temple was the only one people

could go through without a recommend. The tunnel was closed off in the 1960s.

In 1981, church officials decided the interior of the temple needed extensive remodeling, which renovation took four years to complete.

The beautiful murals and original furniture were restored, offices were enlarged and remodeled, a separate door was made to the baptistery, water and weather damage was repaired, an elevator was installed, three sealing rooms were added, a nursery, dressing rooms were improved and the pioneer craftsmanship and artwork was restored to their former glory among many other projects.

In June 1985, the Manti Utah Temple was formally rededicated

by President Gordon B. Hinckley.

The three-day open house was attended by 40,308 visitors. Exterior preservation efforts have also occurred since that time.

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Thirsty?

Whether you’re passing through or staying for the weekend, stop by these locations for Hot Deli Take-out, Cold Drinks, Ice, Fresh Baked Items or Picnic Supplies.

Thanks for sharing your day with us.

Cavalier

Pizza Mt. Pleasant

Come into Cavalier Pizza for the best Pizza in Central Utah!

435-462-3388