Item Detail
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Anderson, Mabel Luke
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MSS SC 313
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Mabel Luke Anderson was the daughter of Charles William and Tackla Amanda Anderson(Mattson) Luke. She married Robert Clair Anderson and they instigated the creation of the Pageant in Manti, Utah. The Pageant chronicled the events of the Book of Mormon and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mabel's husband died 1 November 1972.
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Although very little biographical information can be found in this collection, a very important part of the Mabel Luke Anderson's life is included. This collection contains printed programs, news articles, brief histories, and typescript testimonials about the evolution of the Mormon Miracle Pageant staged in Manti, Utah. There is also a letter written on 11 March 1972 giving permission to the church to own materials relating to the Pageant. It states, "It (the pageant) was freely given by the Lord and must be given freely for the blessing of His children." In a nine, typewritten-page letter written by R.C Anderson on 15 April 1972, he says that the Pageant's audience contained representatives from 35 states, 15 foreign countries, and 12 religious faiths. Copied pages of testimonials written about the Pageant praise the actors, sets, lighting, and music. Members of the L.D.S. Church write their testimonies were strengthened and non-members write of their interest in learning more about the Church after witnessing performances of the Pageant. In another letter, Larry Stahle and R.C. Anderson write of the fulfillment of Richard Nibley's comments that, "this Mormon Miracle Pageant started as an acorn and has grown to a mighty oak and will eventually be an entire forest." Several other documents are included, which publicize the Pageant and talk of its history. The most detailed history is written by Mabel Luke Anderson, who writes of the many miracles associated with the Pageant. Six programs containing the cast lists, scene synopsis, and Pageant dates are also included.