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A Story On Canvas, Paper, And Glass: The Early Visual Images Of The Hill Cumorah, Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, Cameron J. Packer
A Story On Canvas, Paper, And Glass: The Early Visual Images Of The Hill Cumorah, Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, Cameron J. Packer
Journal of Book of Mormon Studies
Since time immemorial, humans have found meaning and purpose in revering sites because of events that transpired there. Such sites offer an opportunity for pilgrims to visit sacred places. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ have tried not to create shrines or pilgrimage sites per se, but they often experience deep religious attachment to sacred places where significant events occurred. In the early 19th century, however, relatively few people traveled for tourism or pleasure. The few who were able to visit sites associated with the early years of Mormonism provided word pictures or visual presentations for those who did …
Designing Costumes For The Hill Cumorah Pageant, Rory R. Scanlon
Designing Costumes For The Hill Cumorah Pageant, Rory R. Scanlon
Journal of Book of Mormon Studies
The costume design for the Hill Cumorah Pageant reflects a strong understanding of the physical and artistic needs of the production as well as a good grasp of the historical setting of the Book of Mormon. Through a rich blending of theatrical techniques, the pageant dramatically re-creates scriptural episodes to underscore the wisdom of human agency based on moral choice—a message made poignantly relevant by the historical realism conveyed in large part by authentic costuming. This article explores the physical challenges of creating costumes for an outdoor drama and the historical research that influences the costume construction while staying true …
The Hill Cumorah Pageant: A Historical Perspective, Gerald S. Argetsinger
The Hill Cumorah Pageant: A Historical Perspective, Gerald S. Argetsinger
Journal of Book of Mormon Studies
Almost every summer since 1935, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has staged a pageant at the Hill Cumorah. This article starts with the history of the pageant from its beginnings in the 1920s as a Cumorah Conference of the Eastern States Mission convened by mission president B. H. Roberts and held at the Smith Family Farm. Details about the pageant’s move to the Hill Cumorah as well as scripts, directors, music, costumes, props, set design, lighting, and choreography are included. The author concludes with the details of retiring the original script after 50 years of use and …
A New Beginning For The Pageant: 1948 To 1951, Harold I. Hansen
A New Beginning For The Pageant: 1948 To 1951, Harold I. Hansen
Journal of Book of Mormon Studies
Harold I. Hansen directed the Hill Cumorah Pageant from 1937 to 1977 (excluding the years 1943–47 when the pageant was suspended for the duration of World War II). He passed away in 1992. This article is an excerpt from his unfinished history of the pageant. His narrative includes details of his efforts to revive the pageant in 1948 and mentions the assistance of Bishop Thorpe B. Isaacson of the Presiding Bishopric, who visited the pageant in 1949. Because of his visit and recommendation to the First Presidency, the pageant was again established as an annual event and moved from an …
The Hill Cumorah Monument: An Inspired Creation Of Torleif S. Knaphus, Allen P. Gerritsen
The Hill Cumorah Monument: An Inspired Creation Of Torleif S. Knaphus, Allen P. Gerritsen
Journal of Book of Mormon Studies
From the time the church acquired the property comprising the Hill Cumorah, artist and sculptor Torleif S. Knaphus had often spoken to the Brethren about creating a monument on that hallowed hill. His testimony of the restoration of the gospel created a desire to honor in a tangible way the sacred event of the angel Moroni’s visit to Joseph Smith and Moroni’s eventual transfer of the gold plates to Joseph for translation. This article chronicles Knaphus’s upbringing, artistic development, and conversion to the church. The design and creation of the Hill Cumorah monument were his consuming passion for five years …
The Delights Of Making Cumorah's Music, Crawford Gates
The Delights Of Making Cumorah's Music, Crawford Gates
Journal of Book of Mormon Studies
As a missionary in the Eastern States Mission, Crawford Gates participated in the Hill Cumorah Pageant in 1941. Although he loved the music and considered it appropriate to the Book of Mormon scenes of the pageant, he thought then that the pageant needed its own tailor-made musical score. Twelve years later he was given the opportunity to create that score. Gates details the challenge of creating a 72-minute musical score for a full symphony orchestra and chorus while working full time as a BYU music faculty member and juggling church and family responsibilities. When that score was retired 31 years …
“Hail, Cumorah! Silent Wonder”: Music Inspired By The Hill Cumorah, Roger L. Miller
“Hail, Cumorah! Silent Wonder”: Music Inspired By The Hill Cumorah, Roger L. Miller
Journal of Book of Mormon Studies
A varied body of musical works inspired by the Hill Cumorah’s prophetic history attests to the dramatic and emotional appeal of this great landmark of Mormonism. The author surveys a variety of musical works, including compositions, anthems, hymns, oratories, plays, operas, and musicals, that show a wealth of musical potential in the Hill Cumorah’s history. Despite the variety and quality of works composed thus far, the author considers the potential largely untapped and hopes that the music of Cumorah has only just begun.
Look Once Again At Cumorah's Hill: The Poets' View, Louise Helps
Look Once Again At Cumorah's Hill: The Poets' View, Louise Helps
Journal of Book of Mormon Studies
Robert Hughes collected eighteen poems about the Hill Cumorah from 170 years of church magazines and periodicals. Author Louise Helps presents these poems in their entirety in this article and discusses the themes, images, and techniques of the poets. The poems give insight into the feelings and attitudes of the poets as well as the then-current fashions in poetry.