Mormon Miracle Pageant 2012

Mormon MiraclePageant

2012 Special Section

June 21, 22,23, 26-30 Manti Temple Hill

9:30 pm

Free

Please take one

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Cover photo courtesy of Thomas R. Berryman

The Mormon Miracle Pag-eant is as much a part of summer in Sanpete County as raising turkeys. People and sometimes entire fami-lies anticipate participating in the pageant, just like they anticipate the end of school. Being selected to participate is a highlight of the summer for many participants.

Participation in the pag-eant brings satisfaction and friendships of another dimension other activities don’t always offer. It gives participants the opportunity to have fun and socialize with others from all around Sanpete County that they might otherwise not have met.

Even though there are many long hours of practice and preparation for cast and crew, it is a fulfilling and memorable time. The pag-eant provides unique oppor-tunities to play the part of someone who cast members have read about. One cast member said the pageant made the stories of church history and The Book of

Mormon become much more real.

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

The pageant provides the perfect atmosphere for people to meet and renew acquaintances. Visitors find they get more out of the experience than just social interaction. The inspiring message of the pageant, combined with the unique setting, reinforces the spirits of those who attend.

To get out into the coun-try and the mountains in the cool evenings and to be in the influence of the beauti-ful temple as a group or as a family is a memorable time. As many think towards the summer ahead, people think of the treasure that awaits as they spend at least some of the time participating in or experiencing The Mor-mon Miracle Pageant.

Experiencing the Mormon Miracle Pageant

The 46th Annual Mormon Miracle Pageant will be held June 21 through 30, except Sunday and Monday. The Pageant begins at 9:30 p.m., and is free of charge. Gates

open at 6 p.m., and seating is first-come first-serve. There are approximately 14,000 chairs.

Remember to bring a blan-ket or jacket to stay warm in the cool summer evening. Personal chairs may be set up outside the seating area but are not permitted on the temple grounds.

Blankets may be used over chairs for warmth and com-fort but are not allowed in the isles of the seating area.

Strollers are discouraged. The Pageant and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assumes no responsi-bility for personal items left or lost in seating area.

The “Mormon Miracle Pageant,” performed each June at Temple Hill in Man-ti, is the remarkable story of how The LDS Church was founded and of the Mormon pioneers who colonized the west. A cast of more than 500 stage the eight-night production for numerous spectators.

The pageant includes three separate but related faith-promoting dramatiza-tions: The story from the Book of Mormon of the post-resurrection appear-ance of Jesus Christ to the native Israelite inhabitants of North America in the first century A.D.

Experiences of Joseph Smith, Jr. during his young-adulthood in the 1820s in-cluding the recovery and translation of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of the “Church of Jesus Christ” in 1830, and the death of Smith in 1844.

The journey of the Mor-mon pioneers who followed Brigham Young to Utah,

Mormon Battalion trek and much more.

Special needs Handicapped, signing,

closed-captioned, Spanish soundtrack and other lan-guage seating are available. Ask an usher to assist in situating wheel chairs.

Public restroom facili-ties are located to the west of pageant seating behind Beehive Distribution and to the southeast of the seating area. Handicap restrooms are in the back of Beehive Distribution.

Water fountains are pro-vided south and also west of the seating area and behind Beehive Distribution. Lost and Found is northwest of the seating area at the Fam-ily History Building. Call 435-835-9685.

LDS Sunday services are held at 9 and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the Manti Taberna-cle and 9:30 a.m., 1 and 1:30 p.m., at the LDS Stake Cen-ter. The Manti LDS Temple is open during pageant at 7:30 p.m., with no sessions after 3:30 p.m.

Additional information is available by calling 888-255-8860 or go to [email protected].

46th annual Mormon Miracle Pageant on temple hill

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Mini Stocks, Bombers, Pure Stocks, Streets, Tuff Trucks, Sport Mods, Trucks, Mini Sprints. (We can work

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Michael J. Jorgensen, Manti, was named as new Mormon Miracle Pageant president, early this year. He has also served as an associate director. He suc-ceeds Douglas Barton.

In an interesting ‘flip-flop,’ Jorgensen was re-leased as a bishop to take this assignment. Barton, on the other hand, was re-leased from the presidency and called as a bishop.

Growing up in Manti, the Pageant has been a part of Jorgensen’s life since he was a young boy. He and all his siblings have been in the Pageant since they were old enough to go on the hill.

Jorgensen began tag-ging his mother, who was the first dance director and choreographer to re-hearsals before he was old enough to participate. He, along with his four sib-lings, have cleaned-up the grounds in early morning as a child with the local primary children, served breakfasts to visitors with the local youth, all while be-

ing part of the production. He absorbed Pageant as a child and has never left.

His roles have included pioneer, square dancer, scout, honor guard for the flag when that was part of the opening ceremony, warrior, Captain Moroni, Lamanite dancer, Robert, mortal Moroni, General Mormon and angel Moroni on the tower.

With his perspective from that lofty height, as well as all the places on the hill where he has performed, you might say Jorgensen knows the Pageant from top-to-bottom. His family jokes that the only roles he hasn’t played are Brigham Young, he was too tall and skinny and Samuel the Lamanite.

When asked to name his favorite part, Jorgensen replied, “It’s hard to pick a favorite. They have all had special meaning and inspired me at different times in my life. If I have to pick one, it would have to be that of the Savior.”

He went on to explain that he shared a special

moment with his young daughter in the scene as the Savior. It was also a won-derful experience to play General Mormon while his son played Mormon’s son, Moroni. And portraying Young Joseph, while he himself was just “14 years of age” was a spiritual ex-perience he will never for-get.

Portraying Joseph the Prophet while his brother, Todd, played Hyrum in the martyrdom scene was also something choice to him. A bonus while playing that role was meeting and courting his wife, who was also in the production.

Pageant is definitely a Jorgensen family affair, for three generations. Know-ing how it has impacted his own family, Jorgensen feels a responsibility to continue to provide the opportunity to share this with other par-ticipants and audiences.

He is committed to work-ing with the directors to provide the best production possible this season and in the future.

Mike Jorgensen is pictured here as he portrayed Moroni engraving plates. Jorgensen was named president of the 2012 Mormon Miracle Pageant and has portrayed most of the characters in previous pageants.

Michael Jorgensen named MMP president

Persons wishing to at-tend the Manti LDS Temple during Mormon Miracle Pageant time will need to be aware that the last ses-sion will be at 3:30 p.m., to accommodate dress re-hearsals and performances, Saturday, June 16, through Saturday, June 30.

The Manti LDS Temple is open to all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who hold current temple rec-ommends.

Endowment sessions are Tuesday through Sat-urday every hour begin-ning at 7:30 a.m. Groups

of 10 or more are encour-aged to make an appoint-ment to attend.

Anyone wishing to use the bapistery must make an appointment. Those without an appointment wil l unfortunately be turned away. Sealings at this time will be confined to family files only.

The early closing of the temple during the pageant assists with traffic flow and maintaining a rever-ence that should prevail at the temple.

Contact the Manti LDS Temple at 435-835-2291 for further information.

Manti Temple to close early during pageantThe Historic Manti City

Hall, 191 North Main, will be open from 2 to 8 p.m., with a museum-type display of old pictures and artifacts to honor the early pioneer settlers of Manti. The build-ing is also the Tourist Infor-mation Center to answer questions about the Pag-eant, where to eat or stay and places to go for fun and sightseeing.

The Horseshoe Mountain Quilt Guild will host the an-nual quilt show at 39 North Main Street. Many beautiful and unique hand-made quilts will be displayed.

The replica pioneer dug-out 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.

Fairview Museum, 85 North 100 East, Fairview, will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. There are also museums in Spring City and Mt. Pleasant.

Several art galleries in Spring City offers visitors a small glimpse at the wide ar-

ray of artistic talent residing in Sanpete County. Be sure to make a stop at Horseshoe Mountain Pottery while in Spring City.

Manti City recently dedi-cated the Pioneer Heritage Gardens, located directly north of the city cemetery.

Visitors who enjoy search-ing through old cemeteries will find one in Spring City, Fairview and Ephraim.

Sanpete points of interest during pageant

As people arrive in Manti for the Mormon Miracle Pageant, the Sanpete Count Sheriff’s Office reminds ev-eryone there is no stopping or unloading along Main Street or U.S. Highway 89, in order to ensure the flow of traffic.

All parking is located with-in Manti City limits, with no parking permitted on either side os U.S. Highway 89 or in the Manti City Cemetery. There is also no parking on 100 East between 300 North and 400 North, after 5 p.m.

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and park on the east side of town, if trav-eling north after the conclu-sion of the Pageant. If visi-tors plan to leave Manti to the south, they are encour-aged to park on the west

side of town. This will make the departure more timely and convenient.

Handicap parking is also available on 400 North. Signs and traffic officers will direct those with spe-cial needs to the proper area for handicap parking. Tour bus parking is located on the west side of the Manti

Cemetery, which may be accessed by turning west on the road just north of the cemetery.

To ensure safety, pedes-trians are asked to only cross Main Street at the des-ignated crosswalks. There are several crosswalks that will have crossing guards to assist.

Pageant parking guidelines

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Bring the Family...

June 308 a.m.: Hub City Days “Throw Mama From the Train” Golf Tournament Peoria Handicap,

two-person best ball. Shot gun start at Skyline Mountain Resort Golf Course.July 2Mountain Man Rendezvous, Mt. Pleasant City Park7 p.m.: Free family fun night, Mt. Pleasant Rodeo GroundsJuly 3Mountain Man Rendezvous, Mt. Pleasant City Park7 p.m.: Mutton bustin’ at the rodeo grounds8 p.m.: Rocky Mountain Professional Rodeo Association RodeoJuly 47 a.m.: Breakfast in the city park; Cancer Fun Run beginning at El

Mexicano parking lot. $5 entry with free t-shirts8 a.m., Tennis tournament at North Sanpete High School, $3 entry9 a.m., Book sale on Mt. Pleasant Library lawn11 a.m.: Children’s parade led by Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (Line-up at 10:30 at 700 S)11:30 a.m.: Mammoth parade (Line up begins at 10 a.m., 700 S. west of State St)Rubber Ducky race on the creek following parade at the city

park $5 per duck. Grand prize $500.On-going Craft and food booth sales in the park

1-4 p.m.: Wagon rides around the park2 p.m.: Free games and prizes for youth by Mt. Pleasant Youth Council

Mountain Man Rendezvous, Mt. Pleasant City Park7 p.m.: Mutton bustin’ at the rodeo grounds8 p.m.: Rocky Mountain Professional Rodeo Association rodeo

Entertainment all day and evening before Fireworks by “Rock of Ages” and “White Hots” bands

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Saturday, June 30th, thru Wednesday, July 4th

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for your summertimeGrilling!

In July 1846, under the au-thority of U.S. Army Captain James Allen, and with the encouragement of Mormon leader Brigham Young, the Mormon Battalion was mus-tered in at Council Bluffs, Iowa Territory.

The battalion was the direct result of Brigham Young’s correspondence to Jesse C. Little. Young instructed Little to meet with national leaders in Washington, D.C., and to seek aid for the migrating Latter-day Saints, the major-ity of whom were then in the Iowa Territory.

In response to Young’s let-ter, Little journeyed to Wash-ington, arriving eight days after Congress had declared war on Mexico.

Little met with President James K. Polk and urged him to aid migrating Mormon pi-oneers by employing them to fortify and defend the west. The president offered to aid the pioneers by permitting them to raise a battalion of 500 men, who were to join Colonel Stephen W. Kearny, Commander of the Army of the West and fight for the U.S. in the Mexican War.

Colonel Kearny designated Captain James Allen, to raise five companies of volunteer soldiers from the able-bodied

men between the ages of 18 and 45 in the Mormon en-campments in Iowa.

When Allen arrived at the encampment of Mt. Pisgah, he was treated with suspi-cion as many believed that the raising of a battalion was a plot to bring trouble to the migrating saints.

Allen journeyed from Mt. Pisgah to Council Bluffs, where he allayed Mormon fears by giving permission for the saints to encamp on U.S.lands if the Mormons would raise the desired bat-talion.

Young accepted this, rec-ognizing that the enlistment of the battalion was the first time the government had stretched forth its arm to aid the Mormons.

On July 16, 1846, some 543 men enlisted in the Mormon Battalion. officially the First Iowa Volunteers. Also ac-companying the battalion were approximately 33 wom-en, 20 of whom served as laundresses, and 51 children.

The battalion marched from Council Bluffs arriving at Fort Leavenworth, where they were outfitted for their trek to Santa Fe. Battalion members drew their arms and accoutrements, as well as a clothing allowance of

$42, at the fort. Since a military uniform

was not mandatory, many of the soldiers sent their cloth-ing allowances to their fami-lies in the Mormon refugee encampments in Iowa.

The march from Fort Leav-enworth was delayed by the sudden illness of Colonel Al-len. Captain Jefferson Hunt was instructed to begin the march to Santa Fe; he soon received word that Colonel Allen was dead.

Allen’s death caused con-fusion regarding who should lead the battalion to Santa Fe. Lt. A.J. Smith arrived from Fort Leavenworth claiming the lead and was chosen the commanding officer by the vote of battalion officers.

Smith and his accompa-nying surgeon, a Dr. Sand-erson, have been described in journals as the “heaviest burdens” of the battalion. Un-der Smith’s dictatorial lead-ership and with Sanderson’s antiquated prescriptions, the battalion marched to Santa Fe. On the trek the soldiers suffered from excessive heat, lack of sufficient food, improper medical treatment, and forced long-distance marches.

As the division of the Mor-mon Battalion approached

Santa Fe, their approach was heralded by Col. Alexander Doniphan, who ordered a 100-gun salute in their honor. At Santa Fe, Smith was re-lieved of his command by Lt. Col. Philip St. George Cooke. Cooke, aware of the rugged trail between Santa Fe and California and also aware that one sick detachment had alrea been sent to Fort Pueb-lo in Colorado, ordered the remaining women and chil-dren to accompany the sick of the battalion to Pueblo for the winter.

The remaining soldiers, with four wives of officers, left Santa Fe for California. They journeyed down the Rio Grande del Norte and eventually crossed the Conti-nental Divide Nov. 28, 1846.

While moving up the San Pedro River in present-day Arizona, their column was attacked by a herd of wild cattle. In the ensuing fight, a number of bulls were killed and two men were wounded.

Following the “Battle of the Bulls,” the battalion con-tinued their march toward Tucson, where they antici-pated a possible battle with the Mexican soldiers garri-soned there. At Tucson, the Mexican defenders tempo-rarily abandoned their posi-tions and no conflict ensued.

On Jan. 30, 1847, Cooke issued orders enumerating the accomplishments of the Mormon Battalion. “History

may be searched in vain for an equal march of infantry. Half of it has been through a wilderness where nothing but savages and wild beasts are found, or deserts where, for lack of water, there is no living creature.”

During the remainder of their enlistment, some mem-bers of the battalion were assigned to garrison duty at either San Diego, San Luis Rey, or Ciudad de los An-geles. Other soldiers were assigned to accompany Gen-eral Kearny back to Fort Leavenworth.

All soldiers, whether en route to the Salt Lake Valley via Pueblo or still in Los An-geles, were mustered out of the U.S. Army July 16, 1847.

Eighty-one men chose to reenlist and serve an addi-tional eight months of mili-tary duty under Captain Dan-iel C. Davis in Company A of the Mormon Volunteers. The majority of the soldiers mi-

grated to the Salt Lake Val-ley and were reunited with their pioneering families.

The men of the Mormon Battalion are honored for their willingness to fight for the U.S. as loyal American citizens. Their march of some 2,000 miles from Council Bluffs to California is one of the longest military marches in history.

Their participation in the early development of Califor-nia by building Fort Moore in Los Angeles, building a courthouse in San Diego, and making bricks and building houses in southern California contributed to the growth of the West.

Following their discharge, many men helped build flour mills and sawmills in north-ern California. Some of them were among the first to dis-cover gold at Sutter’s Mill.

Men from Captain Davis’s Company A were respon-sible for opening the first

Mormon Battalion served under adverse conditions

The Mormon Battalion was organized in July under the authority of U.S. Army Captain James Allen and was mustered in at Council Bluffs, Iowa Territory with 543 men, 33 women and 51 children. Following the 2,000 mile march, the Battalion was mustered out in California. The march was one of the longest military marches in history.

(435) 835-2401

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July 4th CELEBRATION

An old Fashioned 4th is planned with games, programs, food and fun! Call Manti City

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SANPETE COUNTY FAIRAugust 18-25

MORMON MIRACLE PAGEANTJune 21-23, 26-30

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National Anthem soloists have been selected for the 46th annual Mormon Mir-acle Pageant by the music selection committee, with Barbara F. Barton, chair-person, Gay Bastian and Dr. Roy Ellefsen..

Molly Bingham will sing the anthem for the dress re-hearsal Wednesday, June 20. Natalie Hullinger will sing for the first performance, Thursday, June 21; Marissa Sheppard, Friday, June 22; and Kimberlie Marsden, Saturday, June 23.

George B. Richardson will sing Tuesday, June 26; Ar-lene Bartholomew, Wednes-day, June 27; Jessica Boren, Thursday, June 28; Chelsea Dyreng, Friday, June 29; and Steve Meredith, Satur-day, June 30.

Molly BinghamMolly Bingham wss an

18-year-old senior at Manti High School. She plans to attend Brigham Young Uni-versity where she intends to continue her musical educa-tion.

Music has had an impact on her young life, playing the piano for over 12 years and singing since before she can remember. Bingham was a member of the show choir at Manti High School and has participated in many small ensemble groups amd has performed in each of the school musicals, having lead roles in two.

Natalie HullingerNatalie Hullinger, Pleas-

ant Grove, is 20 years old and grew up in a musical home. Her mother, Becky Barton Hullinger was a vo-cal coach.

Hullinger participated in theatrical plays, musicals, beauty pageants and talent contests at a young age. When Hullinger was 16 years-old, she dived into the singer, songwriter scene and released her first CD, “Chronic Case of Love.” She continues to write songs and is working to release a second album in the near future.

Marissa SheppardMarissa Sheppard is a

soprano from Sandy. She is a Snow College graduate and is currently pursuing degrees in both vocal per-formance and speech com-munication from the Uni-versity of Utah. She will graduate in fall 2012 and will then pursue a gradu-ate degree in vocal perfor-

mance. She recently performed as

a soprano soloist, along with the Snow College choirs and orchestra, Brahm’s German Requiem. Other recent op-era performances include Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Gio-vanni, Damigella in Monte-verdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea, Despina in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte and Sister Alice in Poulenc’s Dialogue di Carmelites.

Sheppard loves perform-ing opera but also loves to sing jazz and contemporary Broadway.

Kimberlie MarsdenKimberlie Marsden has

had a love for music since she was a young girl. Grow-ing up in a musically-inclined home gave her the opportu-nity to discover her musical talents at a young age.

She has had the opportuni-ty of being a soloist in Snow College production of the Messiah, by George Frideric Handel; singing to Mozart’s Requiem at the Provo Tab-ernacle under the direction of Mack Wilberg and sang Brahm’s Requiem under the direction of Craig Jessop.

Marsden recently gradu-ated from Snow College and will study vocal perfor-mance and opera at Utah State University this fall.

George B. RichardsonGeorge B. Richardson be-

gan singing with his mother at an early age. When he was nearly two, she would sing a harmony part while he sang the melody. This was the beginning of his love of music.

Performing duets with his sister, high tenor in “The Music Man” barbershop quartet, Fredric in “The Sound of Music” and sing-ing in school and church choirs kept him busy. He continues to participate in ward and stake choirs.

A resident of Manti, Rich-ardson has helped with the Mormon Miracle Pageant for many years as a Laman-ite warrior, John Taylor, a handcart pioneer and an usher.

He has also helped grill the marinated turkey and prepared food in the kitch-en for the turkey dinners. He currently teaches at Ephraim Middle School and enjoys hiking in the moun-tains, gardening and family outings.

Arlene BartholomewMusic has always played

an important part in Arlene Bartholomew’s life. She be-gan singing solos at age 10 and has had 12 years of vo-cal training.

Throughout high school and into college, she en-joyed leading roles in mu-sicals and choirs. For five years, Bartholomew was di-rector of various children’s performing groups. For the past three years, she has served as choir director at Central Utah Correctional Facility.

Bartholomew and her hus-band reside in Mayfield and she has enjoyed teaching kindergarten for 30 years . The couple have four chil-dren and 10 grandchildren.

Jessica BorenJessica Boren has always

loved music. Her first solo performance was at age three. Some of her fondest memories are as a young child singing at various community programs, espe-cially with her grandfather, church meetings and family reunions.

During high school, she was involved with music and drama department and was student director for the middle school choir. She had been chosen as soloist at state honor choir.

In 1999 and 2001, Boren toured Europe with the Utah Ambassadors of Music. She attended Snow College as a music education major and is involved with community and church-related music programs in Payson.

She met her husband, Craig Boren on the 1999 tour. The couple have been married for 10 years and are the parents of Brady, Mckenzie, Zackery, Eli and Mckell.

Chelsea Dyreng Chelsea Bagley Dyreng

was raised in Wyoming and Idaho. Her formal musi-cal training began with the trumpet, which she played throughout high school and college. In high school she was selected as Idaho’s Ju-nior Miss and later Miss Ricks College. She studied jazz voice at BYU and won best female vocalist at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festi-val. She also served as presi-dent of the BYU Concert Choir. She has performed leading roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Bye-Bye Birdie. Chelsea has sung the National Anthem at basket-ball games, baseball games,

gymnastic meets, rodeos and even horse races, but this will be the first time she has performed at the Manti Pageant. She now resides with her husband in North Carolina, where she takes care of her four young chil-dren.

Steve MeredithDr. Steve Meredith is an

associate professor of mu-sic at Snow College, where

he is director of the Horne School of Music, director of choral activities and theory area coordinator as well as specializing in music tech-nology.

A gifted vocal performer with a tone described as ‘seamless and superb, Dr. Meredith is one of the most sought-after concert per-formers in the U.S. He has performed Messiah with the Utah Symphony, Bach’s

St. John Passion and Weill’s Seven Deadly Sins with the Phoenix Symphony and many others.

Dr. Meredith has enjoyed success as a studio singer, voice-over artist and pro-ducer. He was a soloist for the KBYU-TV miniseries Fires of Faith and has also served as music director at the Synagogue for the Per-forming Arts in Los Ange-les for the past 25 years.

Molly Bingham Natalie Hullinger Marissa Sheppard

Kimberlie Marsden George Richardson Arlene Bartholomew

Chelsea Dyreng Steve MeredithJessica Boren

Soloists selected for MMP National Anthem

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Dear Visitors:It is a pleasure to welcome visitors to Manti City. While you are here for the Mormon Miracle Pageant, I encourage everyone to take time to explore our community. Walk through town and look for the many historical homes and weathered barns. Take some time to shop on our beautiful Main Street, sample the food in our cafes and enjoy traditional barbecue turkey dinners. Swim in our new aquatic center and try the new circular slide.Stroll through the recently dedicated Pioneer Heritage Gardens across from the Manti LDS Temple. At various times during the pageant, visitors will �nd storytellers at the old city hall, an art show at the historic American Legion Hall and more.We hope you enjoy your time in Manti and encourage you to come back and visit again soon.

Manti Mayor Natasha Madsen

The new Pioneer Heritage Garden in Manti pays spe-cial tribute to those stalwart settlers who braved a myr-iad of obstacles as they set forth to tame a wilderness.

The site was recently dedi-cated by Marlin K. Jensen and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Tem-ple Square provided a beau-tiful program at the Snow College Activity Center.

The project commenced late summer 2010, with hard-scape containing interpreta-tions of the four values in the fall of 2011. A reflection pond illustrates ʻfaith,ʻ a small amphitheater repre-sents ̒ education,ʻ a beauti-ful entry and pathway from the Manti Cemetery into the garden will help people show ʻCooperationʻ and stories of successful pioneer work in signage will explain ʻindustry.ʻ

If the pioneers were here today, what would be their message? Dr. John A. Widt-soe, an Apostle of the LDS Church, posed this question and provided an answer that identified four princi-ples as essential to the pio-neer’s success and to suc-cess today:

He taught, have faith; faith will give people courage to face daily tasks; learn; all of

life should be a process of education; the future must be built on cooperation; this is a practical expression of love and concern for one another; and the pioneers would not forget industry, be industrious. (John A. Widtsoe, “How The Desert Was Tamed”, Deseret Book, 1947)

The intent of the Pioneer Heritage Center and Gar-dens is to share the personal stories and events that re-veal how and why the pio-neers persisted in making a home under such trying cir-cumstances and conditions.

People may be surprised by how timely and relevant the lessons they can learn from the early pioneers are for people today. Why did the pioneers come and settle in the arid and less desirable lands of central Utah when they could have gone onto California or returned to the fertile area in the east?

What held the pioneers, a diverse collection of immi-grants from many nations, together?

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

sacrifice were combined in such a way that commands respect and appreciation. Faith, education, coopera-tion and industry were val-ues central to their success.

This area of the Pioneer Heritage Center and Gar-dens will offer examples and stories of how the guiding values enabled the pioneers to overcome chal-lenges and establish a home.

There is much to gain from a study of the pioneers and a personal challenge from them to apply these same principles today. This is the legacy of the pioneers who settled central Utah.

From the settlement of Manti in 1849, smaller sat-ellite communities were es-tablished as circumstances allowed. The first wave of settlements that took place

during 1851-54, established Spring City, Mt. Pleasant, Ephraim and Wales. A sec-ond wave between 1859 and 1865 brought into existence Fairview, Fountain Green, Moroni, Gunnison, Chester and Centerfield.

All settlements experi-enced challenges and dif-ficulties that tested the mettle of the hardy men, women and children. They

all deserve to be identified and recognized for what they sacrificed and accom-plished.

One area of the Pioneer Heritage Center and Gar-dens will provide informa-tion on the individuals and families who settled central Utah with additional infor-mation if available on where they were buried or specific locations where they lived.

New Pioneer Heritage Garden pays tribute to stalwart settlers

Visitors to the 46th annual Mormon Miracle Pageant will be able to stroll through the newly-dedicated Pioneer Heritage Garden, located south of the city cemetery. The garden is a tribute to the early settlers who braved a harsh climate, hostile Indians, rattlesnakes and much more to make Sanpete Valley sprout and blossom.

Arrive early for optimum seating. First-come seating is provided for 14,500 and there is room on the grass for additional spectators. June evenings can be cool,

consider bringing a sweater and blanket.

The pageant is free, but dinner is not. Bring a picnic dinner, or plan to purchase a barbequed turkey or roast beef dinner at the pageant served at local wards. The tasty meals are reasonable priced.

Plan to stay overnight in Manti the night of the pag-eant. Traffic will be excep-tionally congested at the con-clusion of the production.

Many visitors find that staying at a bed and break-

fast adds to the experience. Whether choosing a bed and breakfast, motel or camp-ground, be sure to make res-ervations 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, muse-ums and craftsmen shops.

Blankets may be used over chairs for warmth and comfort, but are not allowed in the aisles of the seating area. Strollers are discour-aged.

The Pageant and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assumes no responsi-bility for personal items left or lost in the seating area.

For people not familiar with the story of The Book of Mormon, it may help to learn a bit about its history before attending the pag-eant. Background informa-tion can be obtained from locals or LDS people (mem-bers of the Mormon Church). Or check out a copy of The Book of Mormon from the library.

Tips for first time pageant-goers

6 P Y R A M I D S H O P P E R Wednesday,June20,2012Wednesday,June20,2012 P Y R A M I D S H O P P E R 7

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Near the Manti LDS Temple is an obscure structure which con-trasts dramatically in comparison with the prominent religious build-ing. It is a small earthen and log replica of a pioneer dugout, and like the originals, has actually been carved into the hillside on which the temple now stands.

To visit the site is an easy stroll along the sidewalk extending east on 400 North (immediately south of the Pageant seating area). Tours of the primitive little abode are available each night of Pag-eant from 5 to 9 p.m. The volun-teer guides can provide informa-tion about the setting—the history of “Temple Hill.”

The story is a fascinating one because it’s hard to imagine what human existence must have been like over a century-and-a-half ago in the valleys which the pioneers settled. The modes of travel and the time involved making a jour-ney, would be so foreign to what we are accustomed. A try at life in 1850 for even the most passion-ate of 21st century horse lovers or seasoned historic trail riders would likely result in severe cul-ture shock and serious physical strain.

The region was isolated and dif-fered remarkably from what many travelers, contemporaries to the period but fresh from “back east,” would have termed “civilized.” Nevertheless, diverse peoples did inhabit the land and made from it an existence. Several thousand Na-tive Americans lived in the Great Basin vicinity, most roaming in modest sized bands from one sea-sonal camp to another according to the harmony of nature and the traditions of their culture.

They were the keepers of an-cient pathways, always following the sacred paths of their forefa-

thers, the poles from their horse drawn travois freshly grading and ever widening the future road. These wilderness trails would also be used later by explorers and wagon companies.

The remaining mountain men, rugged characters on horseback, had by this time been compelled to largely abandon trapping due to economic and environmental changes. Now, thoroughly adapt-ed to a life between their present and their past, some had taken an Indian wife and had children.

Somewhat settled down, they existed as traders between the worlds they knew. A unique breed of men, they could maneuver with ease along the bypaths and trails, alone or in small groups, almost always followed by their pack ani-mals in tow.

An unusual population center, now going into its third year of settlement, continued to grow at a place called “the Valley of the Great Salt Lake.” Furthermore, a small fort had been established about forty-five miles south near the shore of Utah Lake.

Relations there, between the na-tive Timpanogas band of the Ute people and the “Mormonee” set-tlers, were seriously strained from the beginning and had recently re-sulted in bloodshed on both sides.

In late spring of 1849, Wakara, the most notable war chief in the Ute nation at the time, had ar-rived with a group of men from his council to speak with Brigham Young. Respected for his bravery and physical strength, Wakara’s reputation and powerful influence was felt throughout a vast region encompassing the Rocky Moun-tains southward to Santa Fe and at San Xavier del Bac, outside of Tucson.

His name was known at the missions along the Pacific coast,

as Wakara’s raids for horses had been especially hard on the Mexi-can ranches of southern Califor-nia. And he was notorious for supporting the Indian slave trade carrying captives both directions on the Old Spanish Trail.

Wakara approached Young as an equal and requested that the Mormon leader send some of his people to settle in the “Sanpeech” Valley to live among and teach members of his tribe. Young agreed to the Indian leader’s re-quest. In August he sent a small contingency to investigate the area and they returned with a fa-vorable report.

At October Conference the names of fifty families were called on a colonizing mission. They left the following month, traveling on a trail previously traversed by na-tive people, Spaniards, mountain men, and most recently, gold seek-ers bound for California.

The first company of Mormon pioneers called to settle the San-pete Valley cut east off from the California road and made their way up Salt Creek Canyon. Al-though a well worn trail existed, progress for wagons was impeded as the company had to improve a road and cross the stream at sev-eral different places.

Between Nov. 18 and 22, the par-ty’s scattered wagons stretched from Uintah Springs (Fountain Green) to Shumway Springs (south of Ephraim) and finally reached the prominent hill on the north edge of present-day Manti.

The group’s leader, Isaac Mor-ley, a venerable and highly-es-teemed individual, had significant experience behind him. A veteran of the War of 1812, and a Mas-sachusetts man by birth, Morley helped fulfill America’s vision of Manifest Destiny from Ohio to Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska

and now on lands recently disput-ed between Mexico and the U.S.

More importantly to the people whom he led, “Father Morley” had stared death in the face on a num-ber of occasions as he was beaten and tarred and feathered by men attempting to intimidate and force him to deny his faith. He had stood resolute.

Upon arrival at the site designat-ed for their settlement, members of the group immediately set to work preparing homes for winter. Due to the lateness of the season, individuals worked together to dig out and then construct earthen and log homes on the south face of the hillside. The next several months were eventful but space does not permit a recounting of de-tail, which ranged from assisting a major exploration of hundreds of miles to the south to an introduc-tion to Ute culture and relations.

The overriding experience for the group, however, was one of enduring an incredibly difficult winter consisting of more than three feet of snow on the valley floor; the newcomers constantly yearning for the arrival of spring.

May of 1850 could not have been greeted with greater joy. It was a happy time for some because they could finally pack up and leave. And perhaps it was a happier time for the rest to see the malcontents

go. Complainers had a hard time

fitting into the type of close-knit community that was necessary to build a settlement in such a re-mote and forbidding place. Wag-ons rolled out amidst the scattered remnants of carcasses, reminders of the scores of cattle lost during the unusually hard winter.

Those determined to stay were probably breaking the virgin soil as their old associates left. Per-haps within earshot came the fran-tic screams and shrill cries from women and children who discov-ered the first wave of hundreds of venomous snakes slithering from the ledges down into their dugout homes.

War ensued against the rattler, and with motivation and determi-nation renewed, trees were felled for the rolling up of cabins. Neigh-bor helped neighbor to erect more permanent homes…farther south some distance from the hill. The pioneers’ goal was fixed to accom-plish the task Brother Brigham had given them.

Before long, other wagons with like-minded men and women and children arrived to help fortify the vulnerable and struggling settle-ment. It would be the first Euro-American community established south of Provo to southern Arizo-na. And it would survive.

No humbler home than a pioneer dugout

8 P Y R A M I D S H O P P E R Wednesday,June20,2012Wednesday,June20,2012 P Y R A M I D S H O P P E R 9

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Speaking parts:Preacher 1 ..................Geoff WestfallPreacher 2 ..................Isaac TerryPreacher 3 ..................Jathan GilbertYoung Joseph ............Benjamin Cottam, Jacob Durtschi, Josh-

ua RoundyLucy Mack Smith .....Miriam Cottam, Jonda Purper,

Tanya RoundyRobert ........................Brock Fletcher, Logan Adams, Michael

LutesMary ...........................Diana Bishop, Miesha Westgall, Heidi

RichardsonMature Joseph ..........Spencer Walser, Ben BishopAngel Moroni ............Brendon Hansen, Tim BishopOliver Cowdery ........Kelly Elison, JD RoundyCaptain Moroni .........Chad Mason, Matt DaleyCaptian Moroni’s sons...Jefferson Jensen, Caleb JJensenZerahemnah ..............Austin Jackson, Daniel CoxWitch Doctor .............Justin Larsen, Preston ClarkHigh Priestess ...........Elizabeth Frischknecht, Taleah Cox,

Alex Hancock, Richae Mellor, Mckenna Roberts, KayDee Jarrett

Sacrifice .....................Amy Nielson, Sabrina WinkelSamuel........................Mark Bishop, James WestfallMormon .....................Gerald WaymanMortal Moroni ..........Dillon Rasmussen, Travis MonsonFather Morley ...........Tom Morris, Jeff MarkworthWoman on the Plain.....Katy Woodruff, Devan StevensNauvoo Father and Family.....Lyons Family, Michael

FrischknechtHyrum Smith ............Ben Bhisop, Spencer WalserJohn Taylor ...............Kelly Elison, JD RoundyWillard Richards ......John SumsionBrigham Young ........Ken Glenn, Dave GundersonOliver ..........................Kelly Elison, JD RoundyCaptain Allen ............Taylor RayAides, Drummer, Bugler......Nathan Thomas, Paul Henry,

Richie Armstrong Fiddler ........................Josh RoundyBucket bass player ...Blake CoburnCaller ..........................Mike KohtGeorge Washington.........Nathan WaymanThomas Jefferson .....Duncan StevensIndian Chief ...............Jared LymanFriend at grave .........Berkley Ross, Sara SandersWoman at grave.......Janet Averitt, Amy CarlileVignettesHandcuffed ...............Tate HowellGo West .....................Melanie Mitsvotai, Braden ShelleyTar and feathers .......Anthony Henrie, Esther LyonsHandcart ....................Sara Sanders, Conner MeachamAngel on the Temple......Brennan Jackson, Jerry Cluff,

Jason Maylett, Blaine SumsionAmmon ......................Nathan LyonsLamoni .......................Michael CoxLamoni’s queen .........Kai Howard, Mckenzie Morris3rd Nephi ...................Eric Anderson, Tom MorrisThe Savior .................Caleb MitsvotaiHeavenly child ..........Adrienne Shelly, Abigail Cox,

Tiffany and Breean Wayman, Megan Maylett, Sarah Roundy

Oldest Henshaw son........Justin Taylor, Brayden Otteson, Layne Jensen

Oldest Henshaw daughter....Miriam Bishop, Kaylin Morris, Lydia Ruttenber

Little Henshaw daughter .....Rebecca Bishop, Jaycee Purper, McKell Morris

Little Henshaw son .. .......Matt Bishop, Dallin Nielson, Kellyn Nielson

1st Noah female tableau......Daynera Miller 2nd Noah female tableau......Abigal Lyons1st Nephite Shaman.....Justin Larsen2nd Nephite Shaman.....Preston ClarkApostlesKen Sumsion, Jon Sumsion, Tom Williams, Matt Daley, Mike

Kohut, Mark Lyons, Jathan Gilbert, Nathan Lyons, Ken Glenn

Mormon Miracle Pageant cast 2012

People visiting Sanpete County during the Mormon Miracle Pageant will dis-cover there are plenty of events and activities to fill their time. In Manti, there will be the annual Sanpete artist and quilt exhibits, the Aquatic Center has open swim from 12 to 6 p.m., each day excluding Mondays. Monday hours are 12 to 8 p.m.

Craft fairThere will be a craft fair

in the Exhibit Building at the Sanpete County Fair-grounds each day of the pageant. Free admission.

Sanpete Artist ExhibitThe annual Sanpete Art-

ist Exhibit will take place Thursday, June 21, through Saturday, June 30, in the Le-gion Hall, 185 South Main Street. Manti City and San-pete County residents as well as pageant visitors are encouraged to attend the Celebration of Art, spon-sored by Manti City from 2 to 8 p.m. Contact Mayor Natasha Madsen at 435-835-4141.

Quilt showA display of beautiful

quilts will be held Thursday, June 21 through Saturday, June 30, in the old city hall, 30 South Main Street during the Mormon Miracle Pag-eant. Tickets for the quilt raffle may be purchased at a nominal cost. Contact Beverly Armstrong at 435-835-1271.

Rock climbingMaple Canyon is one of

Utah’s most unique rock climbing areas. Climbers from around the world come to test their skills on Maple Canyon’s unique cliffs. On any given weekend climb-ers of all abilities, ranging from novice to expert, can be seen.

Maple Canyon has more than 550 routes with climb-ing grades from 5.4 to 5.14 in difficulty. Routes are eas-ily accessed from the road and various hiking trails. Rock in the canyon consists of cobblestone-sized con-

glomerate that has eroded to form cliffs and an impres-sive natural arch. The arch can be found along the Mid-dle Fork trail, which begins at the campground.

ATV, OHV trailsThe Arapeen ATV Trail

System, located 2 hours south of Salt Lake City, Utah on Highway 89, is a great family trail with plenty of advanced sections for ex-perienced riders. The Utah Arapeen ATV Trail System is a great place to ride a four wheeler if riders want to avoid the crowded canyons closer to the city.

Exciting ATV trails can be found up every canyon in Sanpete. Trails are side-by-side (UTV) friendly with hundreds of miles of OHV riding. Although only 350 miles of trail have been des-ignated as the Arapeen Trail System, there are more than 1,000 miles of forest trail in the central Utah area.

The ATV trail system as-cends from 6,000 to 10,000 feet (1,829 to 3,048 meters) through aspen and pine for-ests of the Manti-LaSal Na-tional Forest and includes the “Skyline Drive” and trails branching off from it. Skyline Drive is a moun-tain road that winds for 87 miles along the spine of the Wasatch Plateau and is perhaps one of the highest roads in the nation. From the Skyline riders can often see both sides of the moun-tain.

Some routes are pass-able only by ATVs, UTVs, or dirt bikes; others can be traveled in a high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle. The National Forest is also a great place to camp, fish, hunt, and rock climb. All ATV and OHV trails are open to hikers, bikers, and

horseback riders. Look for deer, elk and other moun-tain wildlife. Be sure not to miss the colorful summer wildflowers.

Primitive backcountry camping is allowed so find a nice location in a grove of trees and set up camp. Mo-tor vehicle use off of desig-nated roads and trails for the purpose of dispersed camping is permitted for up to 150 feet from the center-line of the road or trail.

The road to Log Canyon is located approximately 1.7 miles north of Fountain Green on Highway 132. Ma-ple Canyon is located North-west of Moroni City. Look for road signs to Maple Canyon on the West end of Moroni or on the South end of Fountain Green. To ATV the Big Hollow area, head east in Fountain Green on 100 North. The Water Hol-low ATV trail leaves High-way 132 approximately 3.5 miles north of Fountain Green. The Big Hollow/ Wa-ter Hollow loop is a low al-

titude ride (6,300-7,400 feet) that can be done when snow covers higher elevations.

CampingCamping is popular in the

Sanpete area and many ex-cellent campgrounds can be found in canyons and moun-tains. Developed public and private campgrounds exist in Sanpete. In addition, prim-itive backcountry camping is allowed in the Manti La-Sal National Forest. So find a nice location in a grove of trees and set up camp.

Camping rules on the Manti-LaSal National Forest are as follows:; Vehicles may be no more than 150 feet off the road for picnicking and camping unless other-wise posted. Camping time limit is 14 days. People must move their camp at least 10 miles after 14 days.

Camping equipment may not be left unattended for longer than 72 hours. “Pack it in, pack it or,” is forest policy. Dumpsters are not available for public use. Weed-free hay or pellets are required for livestock.

Shooting is not allowed within 150 yards of camp-sites, roads, or lakes. Camp-ers in developed sites must use the toilet facilities, trail-er holding tanks, or porta potties and campers must abide by current fire restric-tions.

Extra activities during MMP

8 P Y R A M I D S H O P P E R Wednesday,June20,2012Wednesday,June20,2012 P Y R A M I D S H O P P E R 9

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Standing majestically on a hill on the north end of the city, the Manti LDS Temple is an unforgettable sight, es-pecially at night when all the lights are on and it seems to glow.

Admired for the beauti-ful design and craftsman-ship, the wonderful exam-ple of pioneer architecture recalls the artistic sensitiv-ity, technical skill and reli-gious 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 fami-lies were sent to the San-pete 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 for-mally 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 construc-tion. Much of the cost had to be paid from local contri-

butions.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 store-house.

By March 3, 1879, less than two years after the ground was dedicated, $117,406.29 had been re-ceived in “Sunday Dona-tions,” 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-drawn scrap-ers and dynamite. William H. Folsom, a Salt Lake City architect, moved to Manti to supervise construction. Canute Peterson, a Danish convert, supervised raising of funds.

Many of the workmen were artisans and crafts-men who brought with them excellent skills learned in Europe. Most building mate-rials were obtained locally, although some fine hard-

wood for the interior was imported from the east.

Buttressed walls and bat-tlements 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 cen-tral supports.

Unlike most LDS Temples, there is no Angel Moroni on the temple spires, The only time anyone will see an an-gel 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 eve-ning 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, some-times a strong one, there is a rod on the platform for the

live “angel” to take hold of and steady himself. A for-mer “angel” commented it is a “wonderous 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 Chris-tensen, 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 rededi-cated in June 1985.

O r i g i n a l l y p l a n n e d 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.

The Manti LDS Temple

John B. Keeler, was re-cently named director of the Mormon Miracle Pageant. He was in the first perfor-mance of the Pageant when it was performed in the San-pete County Fairgrounds as a production for the 24th of July celebration, 46 seasons ago.

John has played numer-ous parts in the Pageant in-cluding Zarahemna, Robert Henshaw, Willard Richards, a pioneer, Third Nephi, a disciple and on the stage crew. He has also served as executive secretary in the Pageant Presidency and as-sociate director.

The Mormon Miracle Pageant is a family event and John and his wife, Di-ane, agree it is a marvelous blessing to youth in the com-munities. It also is a great outdoor drama event that has brought millions of visi-

tors to our area through the years. Diane has also been an associate director.

The Keelers live in Manti and have four children and 11 grandchildren. His wife, daughter, daughters-in-law along with two granddaugh-ters and two grandsons will be in this year’s pro-duction. Two of the Keeler sons have been in the Pag-eant, one as Zarahemna, and another as a battle master.

Keeler is a native of Man-ti, having graduated from Manti High School, Snow College and Utah State Uni-versity, with a bachelors de-gree in animal science. He is employed by the Utah Farm Bureau Federation where he has worked for 38 years. He is the Southern Regional Manager for the Farm Bu-reau and works in the 10 southwest counties of the state.

Keeler named Mormon Miracle Pageant Director

John Keeler

10 P Y R A M I D S H O P P E R Wednesday,June20,2012

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We would like to welcome you to this, the 46th season of the Mormon Miracle Pag-eant. What a wonderful his-tory we have had through the years and hope to again have in this year’s perfor-mances. We are grateful for your attendance at this years pageant.

We know many of you have traveled far, yet oth-ers closer, all to witness this year’s production. We hope and pray you will feel the Spirit and message of the restoration of the gospel, which the pageant portrays, here on these sacred Manti LDS Temple grounds.

Our theme this year is, “Come, be Ye Fishers of Men.” In both Matthew chapter 4 and Luke chapter 5, Christ offers the invita-tion to all “Come Follow Me” and I will make you “Fishers of Men”.Those that the invitation was first given to, “straightway” left their nets and followed him.

We offer you all that same invitation to “Come follow Christ,” and “Be Fishers of Men.” Will you accept that wonderful invitation and help share the gospel of Je-sus Christ, by inviting those you know to hear the mes-sage of the restoration of the gospel, whether at the pageant, in your home, or with the full-time missionar-ies?

It has been estimated that over 4.5 million people have attended the pageant over the past 45 years. Because of this marvelous bless-ing and miracle, so many people, like yourself, travel

to this small, central Utah community to experience the Mormon Miracle Pag-eant each year.

The Mormon Miracle Pageant is one of the largest attended outdoor pageants in the U.Ss. Last year alone we had over 86,000 people attend the performances.

This year marks another historic milestone for the pageant, with it moving into the social media age, with an Official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/MantiPageant.

You are welcome to go and check us out, and look at some of last year’s pic-tures. If you like what you see, go ahead and give us a “Like” and share it with your friends.

We would especially like to invite you to share your wonderful experiences of the pageant with us on our facebook site, or you can go to www.mormonmira-cle.org and share it, or just e-mail us at [email protected]. We would love to hear of your choice mem-ories and experiences.

There are many blessings and miracles in connection with the Mormon Miracle Pageant each and every year. This year, the pageant has another year, with one of its largest casts ever, with around 900 participat-ing.

It is truly a “miracle” that a cast of over 900 are so willing to freely donate their time and talents to participate in this year’s production. To all of those, who help and donate of their time and talents, we

offer a heart-felt thank you. For without them, and you, there would be no Mormon Miracle Pageant.

Tonight you will be part of the wonderful history and legacy of the Manti Mormon Miracle Pageant. The first performance was on July 23, 1967, in the San-pete County Fair Grounds Rodeo Arena, just west of the Temple Hill. That first performance was inspir-ing and miraculous. The next year, the pageant was moved to the south slope of the Temple Hill which has been the staging venue for the past 44 years.

Tonight you wil l be taught in a very simple and easy to understand manner about the restoration of the fullness of the Gospel of Je-sus Christ. You will witness early LDS Church History unfold with inspiring scenes from the Book of Mormon, including the appearance of the Savior to the ancient people of the Americas. The Lord’s Plan of Salvation will also be beautifully explained and portrayed.

May the Spirit of the Gos-pel message and Spirit of the Pageant touch your hearts this night as you sit here on these scared grounds, at the foot of the historic and majestic Manti LDS Temple and witness the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

We again invite you, as you leave tonight, that you may reflect upon the eter-nal truths you have been taught and felt this night and think how YOU may become a “Fisher of Men.” It may be as simple as invit-

ing a friend to attend one of the remaining performanc-es.

May the Lord bless you in this endeavor, for the rest of your life.

Sincerely,The Mormon Miracle Pag-

eant Presidency

Pageant Presidency Message for 2012