Preston Town Square was taken back in time when several families belonging to the Mormon faith dressed up in Victorian-era costumes to invite members of the public to attend the upcoming British Pageant. The families enjoyed telling people about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Pageant.
The Obelisk that stands in the Flag Market in Preston is the site where early Mormon missionaries came to preach their first sermons in 1837. Twelve-year-old Nike Poli said, “I feel honored to be here where they preached. Not many people have this opportunity, and I am grateful that I have it.” His brother, sixteen-year-old Benjamin Poli, adds, “The Spirit here is so strong.” The Poli family are also cast members in the Pageant again this year as they were in 2013.
The Edwards family consider their time at the Flag Market as a positive experience. “You get a real spine-chilling feeling to know this is where the first missionaries came when they arrived in the British Isles and stood exactly we stand and shared the same message we have been sharing today”, says James Edwards. “It has been really special.”
After leaving Preston Town Square, 9-year-old Kayla Poli went to the office of Rt Hon Lindsay Hoyle MP to invite him to the Pageant. Says Mr. Hoyle, “I remember the Pageant in 2013 and I am looking forward to attending in 2017.”
The British Pageant is the story of the first Mormon missionaries coming to the British Isles, bringing with them a message of hope and love. The Pageant will take place 1-5 and 8-12 August on the grounds of the Mormon Temple in Chorley, Lancashire. Everyone is invited to attend. Tickets are free of charge. For more information and to reserve tickets, please visit http://www.ldsbritishpageant.co.uk