Summer Pageants Tell Story of the Church

More than a quarter million people witnessed summer salutes to the Latter-day Saint pioneers and the history of the Church as pageants were held at the Hill Cumorah, near Palmyra, New York; in Oakland, California; and in Manti, Utah; and the annual Days of ’47 parade was held in Salt Lake City.

The giant parade celebrated the 125-year history of Salt Lake City, and the many floats, bands, and other entries from church and civic organizations were led by members of the First Presidency in an open-topped car.

More than 110,000 people witnessed the thirty-sixth annual presentation of the Hill Cumorah Pageant. The 625-member cast had the usual week of rehearsals before presenting what has been termed the largest religious pageant in the United States.

From its small beginnings in 1967 as a stake presentation, the Mormon Miracle Pageant on the grounds of the Manti Temple has grown to a seven-night presentation with a cast of 300. This year’s event attracted some 100,000 people.

Approximately 1400 young people participated in the biennial Oakland Temple Pageant, which this year drew an audience of 20,000. Originally written in 1954, the pageant achieved renown when it was made a part of the Oakland Temple dedication in 1964.

Scene from the Mormon Miracle Pageant in Manti, Utah