As if sweeping across the centuries, the story of the early Christian Church, the apostasy and the Restoration is told in "And It Came To Pass," commonly referred to as the Oakland Temple Pageant. Including music and the spoken word, the production opened for a 22-performance run on July 7, and will continue through July 29.

"And It Came To Pass," which is performed in the auditorium of the Interstake Center adjacent to the Oakland Temple, begins with Christ, His teachings and crucifixion. The production touches briefly on Constantine's rule which ended the persecution of Christians, but added confusion to beliefs about the Holy Trinity - further compounding the apostasy. The pageant moves on to the early reformers. Their important work influenced the migration of Pilgrims and Puritans to America in search of religious freedom, which, eventually, allowed Joseph Smith to bring about the Restoration. The familiar story continues to unfold in song, dance and word as an actor portrays the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph and another actor depicts Brigham Young leading the Saints westward."Opening night, actually Preview Night, was set aside for missionaries and non-members, as well as stake presidents and bishops with their families and friends," said Clair Wright, this year's producer. "It was a good crowd, and the auditorium was nearly filled, which is very good for a first night.

"This year's production is outstanding - not only the pageant itself and the participants - but we must give special recognition to those behind the scenes: the technical people and their crews, make-up artists, lighting and sound people, stage crews, casting people, coaches, musicians, dancers and their directors, and all those who worked on costumes. Nearly 80 percent of the costumes were new this year."

Brother Wright added, "On stage, everything looked so bright and new and refreshing."

Pres. Phil K. Smartt of the California Oakland Mission noted that there were at least 100 investigators he knew of in the crowd on opening night. "Most of those were already committed to baptism," he said. "The pageant experience solidified that commitment. It was well received, and I heard positive comments."

Director Ed Wakefield felt the first-night crowd was "wonderfully responsive," and he was pleased when he saw the months and months of work come together. "We started with 700 auditions for the stage alone. Unfortunately, we had to turn many away, but we rewrote some of the minor scenes so we could use extra young people wherever possible."

The director said he marveled at the spirit of cooperation. This year, Brother Wright and the production staff agreed that those who did understudy work would share in the actual performances.

"This was a new concept," said Brother Wakefield, "but it is working out well, and more young people are getting a chance to participate and actually be on stage. We also have three balcony choruses that will rotate during the month."

Norvel "Bud" Alexander, public affairs specialist for Oakland Temple Hill and a former producer of the pageant, agreed that this is one of the most polished presentations yet.

"There has been a good spirit throughout," he said. "Everyone seems to see the real missionary objective and are so supportive. The cast members have been trained to meet with the audience before and after the performance. They introduce themselves and share their testimonies through the characters they are portraying. It's a warm, spiritual experience for everyone."

Brother Alexander added that 40,000 are projected to attend the 22 performances.

In addition to the cast of 150, there was a 75-voice stage chorus, and 100 dancers, 500 in each balcony chorus, and a 60-piece symphony, directed by Steve Harris. There were also more than 3,000 participating in production services - greeters, ushers, security, parking attendants, doctors, nurses and food service personnel.

"And It Came to Pass" has come a long way since James Ira Young and R. Whitney Groo Jr. wrote the original trilogy in 1956. The first production was presented by three groups on three consecutive nights at the request of San Bruno Ward Bishop Thomas J. Curtis. A few years later as the Oakland Temple neared completion, Church Mutual Improvement Association officials asked Brothers Groo and Young to work on a pageant to commemorate the temple's opening in 1964. They condensed their lengthy work, and "Pageant," as it has been affectionately named by the participants, was born.

Today, ticket requests for "Pageant" have come from as far away as Kentucky, Oregon and Texas. Admission is free of charge, but tickets are required.