The Book of Mormon and its chronicles of the rise and fall of ancient civilizations on the American continent come to life for those attending the 54th annual production of the Hill Cumorah Pageant, "America's Witness for Christ."

The pageant takes place at the site where young Joseph Smith received the gold plates from the Angel Moroni. The Book of Mormon was translated from those plates.The pageant's special effects bring a feeling of reality to the outdoor stage as a volcano erupts, added this year, in the scene portraying the destruction after Christ's death. During the final scene of the pageant, an actor portraying the resurrected Christ descends from the night sky (with the help of a wire and pulleys) and moves toward the audience to visit the ancient people of the American continent.

The script also calls for a scene enacting fire consuming a prisoner, rain storms, lightning, earthquakes and a new star springing into the night sky depicting the birth of Christ.

Nearly 90,000 people were expected to attend the pageant, which ran July 12-13 and 16-20.

The powerful message of the struggles of the people in Ancient America have been well-received by those attending the pageant, said Elder Larry Udall, public affairs missionary for the pageant.

A record crowd of about 20,000 attended this year's opening night of the seven-day pageant, he added. Most of those attending the free performances are non-members. "In the first two days we had more referrals than ever before."

This year marks the first time that nearby communities surrounding Hill Cumorah were involved in the pageant. Service clubs, such as the Rotary and Lions Clubs, were allowed to sell food and soft drinks before performances. All profits will go to local charities.

More than 2,400 members volunteered for the cast of 605, which is proof of the spiritual and artistic experience they have during their 16 days at Hill Cumorah, he added.

Many choose to take their vacation time to be in the pageant, paying their own travel and living expenses. More than 65 children under the age of 13 participate with their families. Cast members are given one week to learn their parts before the pageant begins.

"The Hill Cumorah Pageant is truly a labor of love by all who bring it to life," Elder Udall commented. "There is a special spirit here."

Authentically designed costumes and real human hair wigs and beards help the history of the people of ancient America come alive on this hillside in rural New York.

Interest in the pageant has continued to grow since its beginning in 1937. This year 1,500 chair seats were added, giving the hillside viewing area 6,500 seats. Thousands still prefer to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.

Church leaders hosted area religious leaders at a dinner before the pageant July 13. Elder Richard G. Scott of the Council of the Twelve spoke at the dinner, telling the local clergy that the Church values what they are doing for the community and mankind.