25 years ago
The premiere of the popular Church film "The First Vision" was scheduled for Sept. 2, 1976, in Salt Lake City's Promised Valley Playhouse, according to the Aug. 28, 1976, edition of the Church News.
The 15-minute movie was first shown to General Authorities, their families and others by invitation. It was based on the scriptural account of Joseph Smith's First Vision in the Sacred Grove which led to the restoration of the gospel.
"It is the first of a new series of movies now being produced by the Church and is intended to have universal application in assisting with instruction in the Church," the article stated.
It added that the movie was produced by Brigham Young University, directed by David K. Jacobs and starred Stewart Petersen, noting, "Stewart Petersen was in his 15th year when the film was being made during the past year, the age of Joseph Smith when the First Vision occurred."
The article concluded: " 'The First Vision' is the first in a series planned by the Church Instructional Development Department. According to Wayne Lynn, manager of instructional development, the movies are being prepared in such a way that they will not be dated nor tied to particular programs or organizations within the Church."