August 2, 1961 (?)
By Clarence S. Barker, Deseret News Staff Writer
Palmyra, N.Y. – Approximately 4,000 spectators from many states Tuesday night attended the dress rehearsal of the annual Hill Cumorah Pageant.
Weather permitting, a total of 100,000 more persons are expected to witness nightly performances of the epic music drama Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
“I am convinced that this is one of the great religious events of America and it deserves permanent and continually improved facilities,” said Elder Richard L. Evans of the Council of the Twelve, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Our production has been rearranged and shortened and many physical improvements have been added,” he said.
Known internationally as commentator for the Tabernacle Choir weekly broadcast, Elder Evans noted that the production and dress rehearsal moved with more precision than in other years, due in part to new and permanent electrical equipment.
The major objective of the pageant, he said, is to present the Book of Mormon testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ and His loving interest in all humanity.
It was on this same hill in 1827, Church history records, that Joseph Smith obtained ancient gold plates from which, by the power of God, he translated the Book of Mormon, a religious history of ancient America.
Today, the Angel Moroni, Nephi, Abinadi, Samuel, the Lamanite, Alma, Mormon and other great characters from the Book of Mormon speak forth their messages to the world through the pageant.
It is entitled, “America’s Witness for Christ.” Their voices, as interpreted by leading artists of the West and recorded on five track stereophonic tape, are carried with amazing fidelity over the 500 area spectator area.
Symphonic accompaniment was composed by Crawford Gates and played by the 80- piece Utah State Symphony and the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
Source: David McKay Barker
Transcribed by: Emily Barker Farrer, 2007