At first, LDS Church members were reluctant to sign on. "This was a tumultuous time for the church. Its members were being driven from place to place." Moreover, they received no protection of any kind from persecution and mob action in Missouri and Illinois. "However, Brigham Young gave his approval for the Saints to form the battalion," Paul said.

In the end, five companies totaling more than 500 men assembled in Council Bluffs in July 1846. They were joined by 32 women, 20 of whom were hired as laundresses. The remaining 12 were wives of some of the enlisted men. They trekked 2,000 miles, much of it over uncharted terrain, until they reached San Diego. "It took courage to do it," Paul said.

He added that without the Mormon Battalion, the pioneers would have had a much more difficult journey to the Salt Lake Valley. "The battalion provided their clothing allowance to the pioneers for their journey to Utah. In 1848, Brigham Young said, 'Had it not been for the Mormon Battalion, we would not be here today.' "

Paul said he hopes that Saturday's program will give the audience an inkling of the role the battalion played in developing the West. "The battalion became famous to the church and to the country. They are a part of our history."

Paul said that LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley has authorized Saturday's program to be filmed. "President Hinckley has pulled out all the stops. This is the first time in 157 years that we're paying this great tribute to the Mormon Battalion, and President Hinckley is so pleased with it. This is a great blessing for us."

The film will be presented to every mayor in the cities along the trail the battalion took from Iowa to California. The film will also be shown in the new theater that is being constructed in Pioneer Park. "This will be the first building built in the name of the battalion," said Paul.

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If you go. . .

What: "They, The Builders of the Nation"

Where: Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square

When: Saturday, 7 p.m.

How much: Free (tickets required)

Phone: 278-2954 or 943-9393

Web: www.mormonbattalion.com

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E-mail: ereichel@desnews.com