COPENHAGEN, Denmark — In the days of biblical history, the playing of musical instruments, singing and dancing were natural forms of rejoicing when great and wonderful events occurred. So it was on May 22, the eve of the dedication of the Copenhagen Denmark Temple, as members of the Church gathered from throughout the temple district for a cultural program, a festival titled "A Bridge of Faith." The title had significant meaning to members in a geographic area where bridges link and help unite peoples and cultures.

Members from Denmark, Sweden and Iceland filled the stage in Denmark's Forum, a multipurpose indoor arena. With some dressed in traditional costumes of their countries and geographic regions and others attired in contemporary clothing, they presented to an audience of some 4,000 people a history of the Church, from the restoration of the gospel to the present-day Scandinavia.

Video and audio presentations helped round out the program, which featured original music and lyrics by Eva-Linda Herrey. Historical vignettes were acted out on stage. The festival opened with Katrin H�glund of the V�stra Fr�lunda Ward, G�teborg Sweden Stake, singing a plea. She and others from her stake were attired in costumes, representative of people in Medieval times. "Come light, come truth," she sang as a lamentation of individuals in the Dark Ages waiting for the Restoration to bring the dawning of a new day.

Per Herrey of the G�teborg Sweden Stake portrayed Brigham Young, who called the first missionaries to serve in Scandinavia. Elder Erastus Snow was called in 1849 to open the work in Scandinavia. He and Elder John E. Forsgren (acted by Louis Herrey of G�teborg, Sweden) arrived in Copenhagen on June 14, 1850. Elder Forsgren went on to his native country, Sweden. Peter O. Hansen, who arrived in Denmark about a month before Elder Snow, was acted by Tomas Kofod of Denmark. Brother Kofod was the artistic director of the festival.

Even before the festival began, the participation of 24 members from Iceland drew comment. It seemed a matter of pride among Danish and Swedish members that they were being joined also by members from Iceland who live more than three hours away by jet travel. "This is a new sensation to have a temple so close," said Valgerdur Knutsdottir. "Now we have a temple in our own mission. Before, we went to London to the temple. This is a marvelous blessing."

A large number of young people participated in the festival. A highlight was the gathering of several hundred Primary children on the stage near the end of the program. Of their participation in the cultural event, President Gordon B. Hinckley commented, "When I saw those young people and children, I saw the future of the Church. . . . If those young people remain faithful, the Church is in good hands."