What did we learn on our Self-Guided Church HistoryTour? The following is my synopsis. The remaining part of the blogpost is much, much more:
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The best of the best, with my eternal companion in the Sacred Grove
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Church History Self-Guided Tour – September 7-17, 2021
This is a long blogpost! We recorded our new learnings and spiritual impressions at the end of the day of our trip. I summarized each day in a short Facebook post with several of the photos that we had taken. This blogpost includes each of those items for each day, including more photos than we had shared on Facebook. At the end of the trip, I tried to summarize some of my overall lessons learned during these two weeks. This has been done for our personal benefit, so that we can retain this special experience and our new knowledge and our impressions in our memories.
Overall lessons learned:
As we studied and remembered the History of the Church in a two-week period, I saw that persecution and affliction was a way of life in the restoration and growth of the Church. The lessons of the past strengthen us. As I look back with the perspective of time, I see no tragedy in the afflictions of the Saints, even the losses of homes and life, even the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum. Looking at things from an eternal lens sees the blessings, even the eternal blessings. I am thankful for so many lessons and examples of faith.
In the middle of these afflictions, I was able to see the Lord’s constant hand to strengthen, comfort and guide, even to redirect. The many stories of Saints being directed and influenced to do good and to play important roles in the history of the Church has been gratifying to me. I recognize the great principle of agency. I mourn with those for the leaders who left the Church. Many played their important role but did not persevere. I will leave their judgement to the Lord. I did see so many others raised up to take their roles and the strength of the Church continued forward. I was overwhelmed to see the numbers that came to Nauvoo from missionary efforts all over, including some of my own ancestors. Even after Joseph was killed, Brigham was raised up and prepared to continue in the next critical phases of the Church. This was not Joseph’s Church but the Church of Jesus Christ.
I have gained a much stronger realization and testimony of Joseph Smith who was clearly a prophet, seer, and revelator. He certainly was called for this purpose and learned to speak for God always. His continual flow of personal prophecies and expounding of Doctrine and true principles was amazing. He was not perfect but repented so quickly. His ability to trust totally in God’s word was exemplary. I have pondered how he followed the revelations that he had received. For example, after bearing the abuse of the jailers in Richmond well more than three times, he warned them in the name of the Lord, exactly as counseled in D&C 101. Many of his prophecies were personal such as those given to Willard Richards a year before the martyrdom and Dan Jones on the night before the martyrdom. Each was perfectly fulfilled.
I also gained a much greater admiration of Hyrum Smith. He was always dedicated and serving in the right place. He moved to Colesville to preside over that branch. He led the building committee in Kirtland by example as he started on the temple immediately. He brought almost half the men for Zion’s Camp. He welcomed, taught and baptized many who came to New York or Kirtland while Joseph was busy with other responsibilities. He always had Joseph’s back and went with him to give his life as a martyr. An amazing example of dedication, love and support for his brother prophet.
I learned the history of the Church is the history of individuals, each having their own witness, their own connections to heaven. This really became clear to me as I watched “Remembering Nauvoo” in the Visitors Center. It was reemphasized in everything we saw in Nauvoo, including the amazing dramatization of the Trail of Hope with the young missionary performers reenacting individual stories and statements of Hope as the Saints left Nauvoo.
I learned about many more heroes. Men and women such as John Smith, Dan Jones, William Gheem, Levi Hancock, Addison Pratt, Edward Hunter, Josiah Stowell, Sarah Conrad, Sarah Granger Kimball, Phoebe Woodruff, and so many more. These men and women who did not falter but gave what they could and did even more with the help of the Lord. I added to my heroes many of the nonmember friends to the Saints who were instruments in the hands of the Lord. These include Alexander Doniphan, Michael Arthur, Shubael Allen, E J. Grandin and the communities of Liberty, Missouri and Quincey, Illinois. I even add to that a greater appreciation for Joseph’s descendants who founded the Community of Christ Church, trying to make Zion a reality in Independence to honor the memory of Joseph.
I learned from God as I pondered in sacred places, specifically in the sacred grove and at Adam-ondi-Ahman. I found that he can inspire me in my own life. I also found even more unity with my wife as we received similar answers while independently pondering. I love it as we grow and learn together. This trip has been another step forward in our united efforts to understand and serve our God. These experiences and others have strengthened our temple experiences in the Palmyra, Kansas City and St. Louis Temples.
I have pondered how I feel the Spirit. It has occurred so frequently during these two weeks. Each video at the visitors centers was well done and brought strong confirmations of the Spirit. Often this came as I remembered special moments in Church History that affected me earlier in our studies. For example, when Oliver Cowdrey receives the revelation from Joseph about the witness that he had personally received in the “Days of Harmony” video or in the video Kirtland” when Joseph says “Newell K. Whitney, Thou art the man!” This image has meant so much to me to think of Newell and Ann Whitney praying Joseph to their house and his recognition that they had prayed him there. Also, to know that those words are repeated in the doctrine and covenants when he was called as a Bishop that leads to an additional strong source of Spirit, when I hear special scriptures. A few examples would be as the senior missionary quoted Section 76:22-24 in the room at Hiram or when I read James 1:5 in the sacred grove. Also, when I see images such as the statue of Joseph and Hyrum on horses in front of the Nauvoo Temple, remembering their departure for Carthage. Or songs such as A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief that we sang in the Carthage jail, although I could not finish the song, being overcome by emotion. Other times would include pondering the sacred events that have occurred and will yet occur at Adam-ondi-Ahman. I certainly am impacted when I hear sacred events or sacrifices of so many members of this Church over the years, we heard so many in Nauvoo. In short, I feel the Spirit when I hear, see and recognize truth in whatever form it comes.
I certainly have learned of the geography of Harmony, Colesville, Palmyra, Kirtland, Independence and Nauvoo. This helps me to understand history and the history becomes much more personal. For example, the sequence of events in the various jails or locations where Joseph was held in Missouri in 1838-39 clarify the significant events and revelations that occurred. I found that Joseph and Emma lived in so many different places, often with the goodness of others. I found that many significant early members came from the vicinity of Palmyra such as Porter Rockwell (2 miles from Joseph’s home) and W. W. Phelps, only 10-15 miles south of Palmyra.
Finally, the Lord intervened in our preparation and actual tour with so many tender mercies, from finding Amish fudge, making connections with others, having near perfect weather, receiving lost clothes and a missing book by delivery to our hotels, serving as the witness couple in both the Palmyra temple and the St. Louis Temple, resolving car issues and being prompted (Debbie) to watch Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the restoration on our date night in Kirtland, and many more.
In summary I am not sure what I expected in this tour, I had hopes for a memorable experience, but my expectations were far exceeded. The time with my eternal companion has made it so much more than it would have been. Her love and support and promptings and perspective make it heavenly. She even puts up with my constant desire to see “one more thing”, praying for patience for her and success for me as she did while I searched in the dark for the monument marker on the banks of the Mississippi River in Quincey, Illinois. She is my everything!
DAILY SUMMARIES
Day 1 (Monday, September 6, 2021) - Harmony, Pennsylvania and Colesville, New York. Current names of these locations are Oakland, PA and Nineveh, NY.
Facebook Post:
The Priesthood restoration site is well presented, including an amazing video, tours of the Isaac and Elizabeth Hale home and Joseph and Emma’s home and access to the “sugar bushes” (maple syrup trees) where John the Baptist likely appeared and the estimated baptismal site in the Susquehanna River. We met an ordinance worker from our Wednesday shift. We learned a lot of new things about these sites and the spirit bore witness of the special revelations, translations and manifestations that occurred here.
Later we went to the home of Joseph Knight Sr. and we were hosted by a couple who knows our niece, Rondi Rueckert, very well. They gave us the premium tour of this home and the home of Josiah Stowell and also the location where Joseph and Emma were married. Thus, included much additional information about these two men and their role in the courtship and marriage of Joseph and Emma. We also learned more about the first branch of the Church organized in Colesville, which included 82 dedicated members. 67 of them lived together as the first settlers in Zion, in Missouri.
We learned today that these “days never to be forgotten” as described by Oliver Cowdrey, should never be forgotten by us. We see the Lord’s hands through divine design in all of these events. We know that His hand continues to guide His Church, and our lives, if we allow Him.
New Learnings:
· Hyrum Smith was appointed the branch president of the Colesville Branch and moved to Colesville with his family
· Joseph started learning how to use a seer stone, with a gift from God, before the translation of the Book of Mormon. This included seeing the residence of Josiah Stowell while in Palmyra. He was known as a seer before he received the gold plates.
· Josiah Stowell had a bigger role than I had understood in the marriage of Joseph Smith and Emma Hale. Josiah Stowell knew Isaac Hale and was even in a higher social stratus. He had no problem helping Joseph marry Emma against the wishes of her father. In fact, he facilitated the act, providing his home for a honeymoon location and helping Joseph and Emma move to Palmyra after the wedding.
· After Joseph finished working with Josiah Stowell, and made his annual visit to Hill Cumorah in 1826, he returned to work with Joseph Knight so that he could continue courting Emma, which he did, using the wagon of Josiah Stowell or Joseph Knight. Both supported him in this endeavor. Emma came to Colesville to visit her sister in January 1827. She was persuaded to marry Joseph in that month and never returned to her home in Harmony until the end of the year, when she returned as a married woman.
· 67 of the original 82 members of the Colesville Branch ended up moving to Jackson County. Josiah Stowell never did go, but was faithful until the end and wanted to move to Nauvoo in 1843, but his health didn’t permit it. He died a month before Joseph Smith.
· I learned more about the process of writing down the translation and revelations. There was a special sand that was poured over the manuscript to absorb the extra ink, after the page was written.
· For the two and a half months that Joseph lived in the home of Isaac Hale, he hid the plates in the sugar bushes every night. This was both for security and because Isaac Hale told him the plates could not be in his house if he couldn’t see them. The plates weighed about 50 pounds.
Special impressions or learnings:
· As we watched Days of Harmony in the visitor’s center, I was touched over and over again by the special spirit of this presentation and the things that occurred in Harmony. I especially felt strongly about the revelations to Oliver Cowdrey, showing him how the Lord had answered his prayer previously. Also how Joseph knew that the Lord would send a scribe to him. Throughout this film I could feel strongly the hand of the Lord in this important place in history.
· I hurt when I see these things about Oliver and then know that he left the Church for some time. I realized that Emma didn’t go to Utah and Joseph died. None of them had posterity that remained with the Church. As I pondered this, I remembered that this is The Church of Jesus Christ and it is not dependent on any mortal man. We each have a role to play to help build up Zion, but the Church is led by the Savior, which is clearly sufficient. I also am happy to know that His judgement on all of us will be just.
· When we went into the rebuilt home where Joseph and Emma lived in Harmony and saw the table where the translation had occurred. I had a strong feeling of sacredness from that site. I recognized the amazing translation and revelations that were given in that location and felt confirmations of the truth of what occurred there.
· We were told about a devotional given to the senior missionaries by Elder Niei A. Anderson just two weeks previous. In it he said that Oliver had written that these were days never to be forgotten. The problem was that Oliver had forgotten when things got too difficult. The lesson is for us to never forget.
· As we learned and remembered about Joseph Knight Sr. and Josiah Stowell, it was so clear how the Lord orchestrates everything so that HIs work can go forward. The involvement of these two good men in helping Joseph and Emma get married and aiding in the receipt and translation of the Golden Plates was no coincidence. It was clearly divine intervention. I hope that I can be used by the Lord to help His work go forward.
· The Church has identified more definitely the approximate location of the visit of John the Baptist and the baptism site for Joseph and Oliver. Identification of where Joseph’s property covered has led them to assume that he prayed and baptized on his own property. Because the water is high in the spring on the Susquehanna River, there were many boats going down the River each day. Based on this, they have concluded that the prayer and manifestation of John the Baptist most likely occurred in the “sugar bushes” or maple syrup tress west of Joseph’s house. This area is so serene. The experience there is similar to that in the Sacred Grove. Debbie and I had the privilege to be alone in that grove today. We could imagine John the Baptist coming to that site. We felt a very special spirit there today.
· The baptism site would also be identified by Joseph’s property, which went until the middle of the Susquehanna River. Again, the baptismal site is identified at a location close to the home site of Joseph and Emma.
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| By statues of Joseph and Oliver receiving the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood |
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| Visiting the Isaac Hale home |
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| In front of home where Joseph and Emma lived in Harmony, Pennsylvania |
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| Room where the translation of the Book of Mormon would have occurred |
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| Facsimile copy of translation of Book of Mormon which occurred here |
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Original gravestone for Joseph and Emma's infant son in the back of new gravestone
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| New gravestone for infant child of Joseph and Emma |
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| Pondering in the "Sugar bushes" near Joseph's home, site where John the Baptist would have appeared |
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| In grove of "sugar bushes" where John the Baptist would have appeared |
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| In front of Susquehanna River, where Joseph and Oliver were baptized |
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| In front of baptismal site where Joseph and Oliver were baptized |
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| With Brother and Sister Bradfield, tour guides and descendants of Joseph Knight and friends of our niece, Rondi Rueckert |
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In front of Joseph Knight home in Colesville
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| Original well from the time of Jospeh Knight |
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| Description of Colesville Branch |
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| Original members of Colesville Branch |
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In front of Josiah Stowell home, friend to Joseph Smith
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| In exhibit in Josiah Stowell home where Joseph and Emma spent their marriage night |
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| Original mangel piece from the judge's home where Joseph and Emma were married |
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| At site where courthouse once stood where Joseph and Emma were married |
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| Marker on site where Joseph and Emma would have been married |
Day 2 - Palmyra
Facebook Post:
Today we visited the sites in the vicinity of Palmyra, New York. This included the Smith homes, the Sacred Grove, the Hill Cumorah, E. B. Grandin press, Alvin’s grave, Martin Harris farm and the Eerie Canal.
Our new discoveries included learning how the Book of Mormon was printed in detail, realizing that all 5,000 copies were not available until the middle of 1831. We also learned more details and challenges with the golden plates which once again confirmed the hand of God in all of this process.
We hiked to the top of the Hill Cumorah, since vehicle access was not available. It was worth it.
We received strong spiritual confirmations and learnings at the Smith homes and especially in the Sacred Grove. We had perfect weather and felt like we had the Sacred Grove to ourselves. This facilitated immense feelings of love and understanding from our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We testify that they did appear to Joseph Smith in that sacred place and ushered in this last dispensation. We are excited to keep learning about the restoration of God’s gospel for His people, which includes all of us.
New Learnings:
· How to print and publish a book from the Grandin Press - I was amazed at the details that were explained to us today. The intricacies of the type setting, applying ink and drying pages, 2,500 at a time (2 sets of pages per sheet). Then the binding, including folding, trimming, sewing and gluing and more trimming and finally applying the leather cover and embossing. What I also did not know before is that the printing of the 5,000 copies was complete in 7 months, but the binding took 2 years. This means that the final books were not bound until after the Saints left New York, sometime in 1831. I was overcome by the immensity of this project.
· E.B. Grandin appeared to be placed in Palmyra for this purpose. He was slightly younger than Joseph Smith but was in Palmyra with the most up to date equipment and ability to accomplish this enormous task of publishing 5,000 copies. After publishing these books by 1831, he left the printing business in 1833. He died at the age of 39, just a year or two after Joseph Smith.
· The major effort to reforest The Hill Cumorah, after the dismantling of the Pageant. This is a major effort that will take years to complete.
· When Joseph returned to his home the day after the visits from Moroni, he was visited by Moroni again while under the apple tree. This comes from the history of Lucy Mack Smith. This identifies much closer the appearance of this 4th visit, being where the apple orchard would have been.
· Clarification that Joseph Smith hid the plates in the log the early morning that he got them from Moroni and then returned home with Emma in the wagon, without the plates. He returned that night to carry the 50 pound plates for 3 miles to the Smith Home without benefit of the wagon.
· I learned that often the locations that Joseph hid the plates did not make sense (i.e. among the rye in the loft of the Cooper barn, in the bed with his sisters). However, Joseph hid them where prompted by the Holy Ghost. The grace of God made it always work out. That is what we need to do, trust in the Lord and He will provide.
· We got lost in the Sacred Grove, unable to find an exit for some time. It is such a large grove. The Church has done an amazing job of placing many benches for individuals to meditate. It all encourages meditation in this sacred place. What insight and wisdom to create such a place to bless the children of men.
· We learned that the current day Eerie Canal is still functioning, primarily with pleasure boats (yachts, etc.). It was moved to a different location further north of Palmyra in 1915, so it wasn’t near the city center as we had pictured in our minds.
· Today we learned that we left clothing in the closet in Pennsylvania, including my suit and Debbie’s blouse. They have agreed to send it on to our hotel in Kansas City by Saturday. It looks like I will go to the temple tomorrow with jeans, a white shirt and tie. Today we received the book of Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants, a second shipment since the first one was delivered to our home in South Jordan after we left. Now we will be able to use this book throughout the rest of our trip.
Special impressions or learnings:
· I felt strong impressions throughout the time that we were in the Smith Log cabin. The spirit was very strong, witnessing the events of the restoration.
· As I sat in the Sacred Grove, the peace was amazing. I tried to understand what helps the spirit witness to me. I decided that it often comes when I read words of scripture that are so meaningful that the Lord witnesses that truth to me. Debbie and I talked about this. Sometimes we try too hard to feel the spirit. It generally comes when I am not tryng to hear the spirit, but when I am pondering the word of God or remembering spiritual experiences. Debbie had suggested that she read the account of the first vision from her phone while in the Sacred Grove. I tried this and as I reread James 1:5, I was overcome. I realized that Joseph was afraid of a God that upbraideth and was pleased to pray to a Father that upraideth not. Certainly after the experience with the adversary, God did not upbraid but delivered. I also pondered the words that the Savior told Joseph that the other creeds were an abomination to him. These strong words must have helped him to know that the entire truth comes from God and not from man. I was impressed by the comment that their hearts are far from me. I know that religion has everything to do with our hearts. They must be drawn out to our Savior, not to the commandments of man. All of these impressions came to me in the Sacred Grove. As I imagined the Father and the Son appearing in that sacred place, my heart was touched and my testimony confirmed.
· We had the privilege to have probably over a half hour alone in the Sacred Grove without anyone walking near us. We spent time individually and then together. The day was clear and beautiful with sunlight coming through the trees and a temperature of about 75 degrees. It was perfect setting where the Spirit of peace and truth abounded. I would like to return again tomorrow before we go to the temple.
· Debbie was listening to and then reading the words of the song, Joseph Smith’s First Prayer in the Sacred Grove As she read “brighter far then noon day sun”, the looked at her phone and it was exactly noon. This was the culmination of a spiritual experience, put to music, as is often Debbie’s source of inspiration. She also felt special spiritual confirmations in the Smith Frame Home when hey discussed the hiding of the plates under the bricks on the hearth. She also felt these confirmations when discussing the appearance of Moroni in the upper room of the Log Cabin.
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| In front of Smith Log Cabin |
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| In loft of Smith Log Cabin where Moroni appeared |
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| Leaving from the back of the Smith Log Cabin |
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| In Front of Smith Frame Home |
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| By the original hearth where the Golden Plates were hidden |
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| Together in the Sacred Grove |
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| Time to contemplate in the Sacred Grove |
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In the peace of the Sacred Grove
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| Hill Cumorah Visitors Center, a witness of Jesus Christ |
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| Climbing up The Hill Cumorah |
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| Finding a stone and lever on The Hill Cumorah |
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| At The Hill Cumorah Monument |
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| In front of Book of Mormon Publication Site |
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| In front of room where books were sold at Grandin Building |
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| March 26, 1830 facsimile of The Wayne Sentinel, Book of Mormon introduced and for sale |
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| 2 Styles of Paper for the Manuscript |
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| Holding a sheet of 16 pages of the Book of Mormon |
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| Original Headstone for Alvin Smith |
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| Updated headstone of Alvin Smith, same words |
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| In front of the Martin Harris home and farm |
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| At Eerie Canal in Palmyra |
Day 3 - Palmyra Temple, Whitmer Home in Fayette and more
Facebook post:
Today we had a rainy morning and stayed in the hotel and studied Come Follow Me while doing laundry. We then visited the visitor’s center in Fayette and many lesser-known sites near Fayette and Palmyra. We finished our day at the Palmyra temple. Debbie and I were selected to be the witness couple in an endowment session, our first opportunity to be witnesses since COVID. We are feeling more at home in this community as we explore the different sites and visit with missionaries and residents.
We find some of our greatest impressions come as we watch the videos in the Visitor’s Center. In this one we watched “A Day for the Eternities”. As we pondered the events that had occurred here, the Spirit was extra strong, again confirming the truth and importance of these events. We love the special role that the Whitmer family played in the restoration of the Church. We also love the story of 15 year old Sarah Conrad, a neighbor girl who was helping Mary Whitmer in her home during the translation of the Book of Mormon. Sarah had noticed light shining from the faces of Joseph and Oliver as they came downstairs. When she learned from her employer that the change in the men’s countenances was “connected with a holy sacred work,” she believed and later joined the new church. She remained faithful throughout her life. Several of her posterity have come to this site recently according to the Sister missionaries.
As we reviewed the revelations given at Fayette, one of the last was Section 38 where the Saints were commanded to gather at “The Ohio”. They were promised that there they “would be endowed with power from on high”. We were blessed to receive the endowment for two of Debbie’s great . . . Grandparents in the Palmyra Temple this very day. As we sat in the temple, we both were moved by the same thought. All the powerful principles, ordinances and covenants that we enjoy in the temple had their beginnings just a few blocks away in the Sacred Grove. It was awesome to have that thought come to each of us independently.
New Learnings:
· We found out that the replica Whitmer Farm House may not be in the actual spot. They are unsure, the foundation didn’t match up as perfect as they thought.
· We loved a new film that we saw at the Visitors Center Called by Small and Simple things in a small room called The Growth of the Church. It beautifully showed the evolution of the Church from its humble beginnings to the worldwide Church with so many temples, missionaries, welfare system, etc. What really touched both Debbie and I was at the end it showed the conference center with everyone raising their hand to sustain President Nelson and his Counselors and immediately showed those in the Whitmer home sustaining Joseph and Oliver as the First Elders of the Church almost two hundred years ago. The contrast and consistency were marvelous.
· We found a Church camp site for girls camps and youth conferences by the Seneca Lake. It was fun to see these type of recreational properties in other places. It was especially significant because many of the early members were baptized in the Seneca Lake, including Hyrum Smith.
· We were looking for an original School house on Stafford Road and met with the owner of the house, a non member. First of all he told us that his understanding is that part of the material from the original school house was used in the construction of his house. He also added that he was missing listening to The Hill Cumorah Pageant, which he could hear from his home.
· It was a rain day for the first half of the day, a good time to get some laundry and study done before we went out.
· We did get to the village of Canandaigua where W.W. Phelps was the editor of the newspaper before he joined the Church.
· We tried to find Elder and Sister Boone, who are friends of Elder and Sister Matheson. We asked Elder Nielsen at the Fayette Visitors Center and he told us that they were in the Grandin building today. When we were back downtown, we stopped in and talked with Sister Boone and shared a hello from the Mathesons.
Special Impressions or learnings:
· We were asked to be the witness couple in the endowment session, our first opportunity to do this since Covid. The ordinance worker was Elder Nielsen, who we met at the Whitmer Farm Visitors Center. See story above.
· We were privileged to go to the Palmyra Temple for an endowment session this evening. As Debbie and I talked in the celestial room, we both were moved by the same thought. All the powerful principles, ordinances and covenants that we enjoy in the temple had their beginnings just a fe blocks away in the Sacred Grove. It was awesome to have that thought come to each of us independently.
· I also pondered that again, a few blocks away, Moroni had taught Joseph Smith about turning the hearts of the children to their parents and the parents to their children, quoting the prophecy in Malachi. This was one of the first messages that Joseph received and was being fulfilled in this holy place.
· At the Whitmer Farm Visitors Center we watched the movie “A Day for the Eternities”. We had seen this film before, but the Spirit was so strong to watch it while being on their former property. I find that these movies that are presented so well by the Church touch my spirit very strongly. I mentioned yesterday how scripture impacts me. Truth shown in the movies also does the same. I think that my spirit is strengthened by truth. We see it everywhere we go and the spirit confirms the truth to me.
· We learned more about Sarah Conrad, who was an employee of the Whitmer family. She did not know what was happening with Jospeh and the translation. However, she could see that Joseph and Oliver would come down from the room above with an enlightened countenance. She pressed Mary Whitmer until she told her about the translation and the golden plates. She believed and was dedicated member, even going with the pioneers to Utah. We were told that several of her posterity has come to the Whitmer Farm as visitors. It is interesting that none of the Whitmer stayed true long enough to go to Utah, but she did. She had a greater impact on her posterity than anyone else in the family. We don’t have to be leaders or be well known. We ned to be dedicated to the Lord. That will have an impact on our posterity more than anything else. “Sarah Conrad, a neighbor hired to help Mary Whitmer in her kitchen, also gained a testimony during the translation process. Sarah had noticed light shining from the faces of Joseph and Oliver as they came downstairs. When she learned from her employer that the change in the men’s countenances was “connected with a holy sacred work,” she believed and later joined the new church.”
· As we drive to these sites, Debbie reviews the revelations that are given in each site. The sections are noted in our guide book ands then reads the introduction of each revelation. It brings back much memory of the study that we have done earlier. I especially pondered that one of the last revelations in Fayette was the revelation for the Saints to go to “The Ohio” to be endowed with power. Today, we went from Fayette and participated in this endowment right in the Palmyra Temple.
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| At the Visitors Center - Whitmer Farm |
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| With Statue of Jesus Christ, focus of the restoration, in visitors center |
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| In front of Whitmer Home |
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| Inside of Whitmer Home, site of organization of the Church |
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Video of Organization of the Church
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| Room where the translation of the Book of Mormon was completed |
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| Whitmer farm house and area where early Church meetings would have been held |
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| Near Seneca Lake where many of the first members were baptized |
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| Seneca Lake Recreational Area owned by the Church for youth camps |
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| City were W. W. Phelps was editor of newspaper and Joseph Smith Sr. went to jail before moving to Kirtland, a few miles south of Manchester |
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| Old School House on Stafford Road where the Smith children would have gone to school was on this site. This cobblestone house was built in 1848. |
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| House on Stafford Road that contains the original wood framed Stafford Schoolhouse, but it is not on the original site |
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| This is the corner of the four churches on the intersection of Church Street and Main Street. These churches are from Episcopalian, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methodist faiths but had net yet been built in 1820 |
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| With Sister Boone, a friend of Elder and Sister Matheson, friends from our mission. She and her husband were in the Grandin building on this day. We stopped to say hi. |
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| This home was built in 1827 (Pliny Sexton Home) and is one of the few homes remaining from the Joseph Smith era. |
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| In front of the Palmyra Temple before attending an endowment session |
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| Palmyra Temple at night, after our temple session |
Day 4 - From Palmyra to Hiram, Ohio; From the Sacred Grove to “The Vision”
Facebook post:
I started my morning in the Sacred Grove, seeking to know my standing before God. I was all alone before any tours commenced. At the same time Debbie was asking her Heavenly Father how He feels about her. I received my answer as I was prompted to study my favorite Conference talk by Elder Neal A. Maxwell from April 2000 “Content With the Things Allotted to Us” which I was able to study alone in that sacred place. I have studied this talk continuously in the past year and have found it to offer specific counsel to help me overcome my feelings of aspiring to greater opportunities. As I read through this talk in the Sacred Grove, it gave me great peace and contentment to understand my standing before God and to feel that he has accepted my efforts. What a wonderful moment in this sacred place.
Debbie received her answer through the words of the song, “Be Still My Soul” which she was prompted to listen to alone in our hotel room. Independently we asked similar questions and we each received responses in the ways that we understand. God is good!
We then traveled for 4+ hours to the John Johnson Home in Hiram, Ohio where 16 revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants were received. Of that place President Hinckley said “It is here that God spoke through the Prophet Joseph Smith in language clear and unmistakable setting forth some of the great doctrinal concepts we have to present to the world”.
This is where “The Vision”, Section 76, was received 5 weeks before Joseph and Sidney were taken from their homes and tarred and feathered. These were certainly the high and low points of the year that Joseph and Emma lived in Hiram. This is also the location where Lorenzo and Eliza Snow first heard Joseph preach. They lived nearby in Mantua in a home that we were able to visit.
As I listened to the senior missionary quote D&C 76:22-24 in the room that it was received, the Spirit gave me a strong confirming witness that this did truly occur in that sacred place. In one day, I was able to be in two locations where the Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith, the Sacred Grove and the sacred translating room at John Johnson’s home. I testify that Joseph’s witness of the Father and the Son in both of these sacred places is true! They do live and love each one of us!
New Learnings:
· We discovered that Porter Rockwell lived very close to the Smith Family in Palmyra. I have realized that there were quite a few new members of the Church which came from Palmyra or near by.
· We visited the original home of Oliver and Rosetta Snow (from the outside) in Mantua, Ohio. They raised an incredible family, including Lorenzo Snow, a future Prophet and Eliza Snow, the second president of the Relief Society. They learned about the Church outside of the John Johnson home in Hiram, listening to Joseph Smith on Sunday mornings or other times. This is probably one of the reasons that Joseph needed to live at the Johnson home for one year.
· I learned that Joseph and Emma moved into the formal parlor of the John Johnson Home. This is where they lived for one year. This was close to the front door of the house and where they most likely were when Joseph was dragged out of the house and tarred and feathered, just 5 weeks after receiving “The Vision”, section 76. This represents the highs and the lows of their time in Hiram.
· I learned that the Johnson Home was expanded to meet the needs of the headquarters of the Church. John and Alice moved into a bedroom with their children so that their bedroom could become the translation room. They then divided the large children’s room so that they could have a private bedroom. The space in the loft was used to have up to 15 beds for conference or other visitors. Joseph had a separate staircase to the First Presidency/ translation room so that people could come without impacting the other rooms upstairs.
· I learned that Joseph spoke in most public meetings from the front porch of the John Johnson Home. It became known as “The Bowery”. When the weather was bad, the meeting or conference was moved to the local school house.
· The Johnsons only lived in this new grand house from about 1829 until 1833 when it was traded for a farm and a house in Kirtland. They received $3,000 dollars in addition and gave it towards the purchase of the French farm where the Kirtland temple was built. Also the farm they received in Kirtland was consecrated to the bishop. In return the Johnsons received the Johnson Inn in Kirtland.
· The family that traded for the Johnson Home was the Stevens family who were nonmembers. They kept the home in their possession for four generations before selling it to the Church of Jesus Christ in 1956. We saw many of their headstones in the Hiram cemetery.
· Simonds Ryder, who left the Church because his name was misspelled in a revelation had the “deciple” on his gravestone, misspelled.
· I learned that Sidney Rigdon and his family lived in the log cabin across the street, the former house of the Johnsons before they moved into their new home.
Special impressions or learnings:
· This morning I began the day by going back to the Sacred Grove. I was all alone in the Grove. I was able to kneel and pray out loud to my Heavenly Father. I wanted to know my standing before the Lord. I asked for his forgiveness for my many weaknesses and poured my heart out to him. Idid not receive a manifestation or hear a voice. I was prompted to review the April 2000 talk from Elder Maxwell, Content with the Things Allotted unto Me”. This is the special talk that was revealed me a year ago ands been my continual reading ever since. As I read the words in this talk they all seemed to be for the first time as the words took on new meaning to me. I left knowing that I was content in my status before the Lord, that my desires and efforts are acceptable to Him. No miraculous manifestations, but a wonderful confirmation and feeling of peace and acceptance.
· While I was in the Sacred Grove, Debbie stayed in our hotel room. The following are her words: “Today I felt to kneel down and ask God how He feels about me. Am I doing good enough? After some silence I had the prompting I should listen to the hymn “Be Still My Soul” on YouTube. I chose to listen to David Archuletta’s rendition of this song. I closed my eyes and listened carefully to every word. The tears flowed freely as I felt that God was giving my my answer through the words of this amazing hymn . . . Be Still my soul. The lord is on thy side; With patience bear thy . . .
· In the past we have had strong spiritual experiences at the John Johnson Home in Hiram, Ohio. When we arrived there, the missionary couple told us that the room upstairs was a sacred room. I agreed, for I have felt that previously. They showed us the house and we learned a lot about the goodness of John and Elsa Johnson and all that they did for Joseph and Emma and for the Church. I was impressed with all of it and enjoyed the tour. Finally as we entered the “translation room” upstairs. I felt a special impression from the Spirit. I knew that it was a special room for the Holy Ghost confirmed that to me. The presentation went well. And then Elder Mendenhall quoted Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24, 22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! 23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father— 24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God. As he quoted those words I felt an outpouring of the Spirit, confirming what I have known before, that He lives. For the second time this day, I was in a place where the Father and the Son had appeared. What a privilege that I have had and what a witness that I have once again received.
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| Palmyra Temple early in the morning |
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Alone in the Sacred Grove
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| The Sacred Grove, early in the morning |
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| Location of boyhood home of Porter Rockwell, about 2 miles from the Smith home in Palmyra |
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| At the John Johnson Home in Hiram, Ohio |
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| The Bowery, meeting place of the Saints in front of the John Johnson Home |
| On the porch where Joseph often preached |
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| Room downstairs where Joseph and Emma slept with the twins on the night of the tar and feathering |
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| Space in the loft of the home where many visitors stayed while at conferences of the Church |
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| The upper translation room where "The Vision" was received |
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| Statement of President Hicnckley at dedication of this site |
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| Words from D&C 76 describing the vision of the Savior |
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| Together in this sacred room |
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| At the birthplace of Lorenza and Eliza Snow |
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| Full view of the original home of Oliver and Rosetta Snow |
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| The tombstone of Symonds Ryder, early convert and apostate of the Church, part of mob that attacked Joseph and Sidney |
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| Amish horse drawn carts on the road in front of us, near Hiram, Ohio |
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| Amish Restaurant, site of our dinner this night |
Day 5 – Kirtland
Facebook Post:
Today we spent a beautiful day in and around Kirtland. Once again, we began with an inspirational movie entitled “Kirtland” that touched us deeply. We visited all of the places that Joseph and Emma Smith lived in the Kirtland Area and felt of the Spirit of the revelations and visitations received in each of these locations. We were overwhelmed by the goodness of Newell K. and Ann Whitney as they cared unselfishly for the prophet and consecrated all for the building of the temple and the Kingdom of God.
We loved the focus on the Kirtland temple in the John Johnson Inn. I thought it was an excellent addition to the tour, since the Church still doesn’t have access to the Kirtland Temple. The story of the temple and the amazing manifestations and visitations in the temple were well represented.
We were pleased to see many of the homes that the early Saints had lived in, they quarry which was the source of the temple stone and the Fairport Harbor on Lake Eerie where Saints arrived and left the Kirtland Area.
The movie showed Newell K. Whitney and Joseph Smith and their families leaving Kirtland in the face of persecution in 1838. Since we have been studying the Saints in Zion this week and their expulsion from Jackson County, this has been on my mind. They had not built a temple as commanded and that seemed to be the primary cause of their not being protected. However, in Kirtland, the temple was built and the leaders (Joseph and Newell) were extremely diligent. Still they were forced to leave. I remember that one of the reasons for the chastening of the Lord is that sometimes that is the only way for Him to get us to move to a different location or situation. We know that in the case of the Kirtland Saints, this needed to happen. The temple was built and they were endowed with power from on high. The purposes of Kirtland had been fulfilled and the Saints needed to move on, eventually coming west, safe from the challenges of the Civil War. The Lord had given hints about this in earlier revelations. As I listened to this in the movie, additional inspiration and understanding was received.
Tomorrow we head to Missouri.
New Learnings
· I learned that the vision described in Section 137 was given in the Kirtland Temple, 3rd floor before the dedication of the temple.
· I learned a lot more about the Ashery and the Lumber Mill. The earnings from the Ashery was consecrated to the Lord by Newell K. Whitney. All the earnings from the Ashery went to the construction of the temple. The Sawmill was built after a local sawmill was unwilling to accept the needs of the temple. A local member had these skills and set it up. It functioned better than the competitor. The Sister missionary said something that stuck with me. She said that many of the members had no means to contribute to the temple, so they consecrated what they had, time. Many of them worked at these two enterprises for their portion of donation to the building of the temple.
· I learned about the unwillingness of Newell K. Whitney’s brother to join the Church, even after the amazing example and invitations of Newell and Ann Whitney. I saw his name in the cemetery as dying in Kirtland. Obviously, he never joined with the Saints.
· We found the home built for Joseph Smith, where he and his family lived for the last 3 or 4 years that he was in Kirtland. It was a beautiful home, just south of the Temple, on the other side of the cemetery. This was the first that I had seen or understood the location of his home. We also saw the home of Sidney Rigdon, just across the street from the temple and a little south. We also identified houses or locations for the homes of Hyrum Smith, John Johnson, William Marks, Brother Miller, etc. It felt like a true city of the Saints, all of them living close to the temple. Of course, it was the first city of the Saints. I loved seeing and imagining how it was.
· We were able to visit the Fairport Harbor on the banks of Lake Eerie where missionaries left for missions and immigrants to Ohio got off the ship. I can only imagine Lucy Smith and the group that came with her and also Joseph’s 93 yearly grandmother, Mary Duty Smith, which were part of those who came through this location. After getting off the boat, they had to walk another 13 miles to Kirtland. However, to them, this must have seemed easy after all their other trials.
Special Impressions or learnings:
· I loved the movie “Kirtland” that was shown in the Visitors Center. As has been the pattern on this trip, my strongest impressions of the Holy Ghost came from this movie. I loved the love and example of Newell K. Whitney and his wife Ann. The movie was narrated by the voice of Ann Whitney which added a special touch to the story of Kirtland. The Whitneys were key to everything that occurred in Kirtland. As Joseph came to the Whitney Store for the first time, he met Newell K. Whitney and said Newell, thou art the man. Newell responded you have my advantage; I don’t know you. Joseph responded; I am Joseph the prophet. You prayed me here, what can I do? The response from Newell and his wife Ann in the movie was priceless, as they received the prophet and his wife into their home. The Spirit bore a powerful witness to me about this simple but powerful exchange and response.
· The movie told the story of Kirtland in an exceptional way. I loved all of it. At the end, it showed Newell K. Whitney and Joseph Smith and their families leaving Kirtland in the face of persecution in 1838. Since we have been studying the Saints in Zion this week and their expulsion from Jackson County, this has been on my mind. They had not built a temple as commanded and that seemed to be the primary cause of their not being protected. However, in Kirtland, the temple was built and the leaders (Joseph and Newell) were extremely diligent. Still they were caused to leave. I remember that one of the reasons for the chastening of the Lord is that sometimes that is the only way for him to get us to move to a different location or situation. We know that in the case of the Kirtland Saints, this needed to happen. The temple was built and they were endowed with power from on high. The purposes of Kirtland had been fulfilled and the Saints needed to move on, eventually coming west, safe from the challenges of the Civil War. The Lord had given hints about this in earlier revelations. As I listened to this in the movie, additional inspiration and understanding was received.
· I really loved the missionary tour of the John Johnson Inn. I had not seen this before. They have used this location to tell the story of the Kirtland Temple, since the Church does not have access to the temple. I thought it was very well done. The Spirit was strong in this location as the story of Joseph’s vision of the Celestial Kingdom previous to the dedication was shared. I also felt strong impressions as the story of the restoration of the keys of Elijah, Elias and Moses was shared and once again, the appearance of Jesus Christ in this temple. This was done very tastefully. Also, the Kirtland Temple is visible from the windows of this building. Very well done.
· I have been impressed to think of the many places where Joseph and Emma lived, thanks to the goodness of the Saints. In New York, they often lived in the home of the Whitmer family. In Kirtland they lived in the home of the Whitney family, then in a home that’s built on the Morley farm, then in the home of the Johnson Farm and again in the Whitney store. Each of these families were consecrating their resources to not only house the prophet and his wife, but to establish a location to lead the Church. Not just one room was made available but always at least one more for Church meetings and visitors. These were people that the Lord placed in the right place with their hearts ready to consecrate. I am thankful for Mary Whitmer, Ann Whitney, Lucy Morley, Elsa Johnson and their husbands. Also, Emma’s willingness to move and do so well without having a place of her own. I was glad to see that she eventually had her own home in Kirtland for the last several years that they lived there.
· Once again, I was humbled to be in the locations where so many revelations were received, in the Whitney home and the Whitney Store, both in the formal parlor area and in the room for the School of the Prophets. Revelations and visitations were received because of the goodness of all those who allowed these to become sacred locations.
· Although we were not able to enter into the Kirtland Temple (due to Covid restrictions by the Community of Christ Church), I rejoice in remembering the appearances that occurred, the priesthood keys that were transferred, the visions received and the angelic visitations that occurred before, during and after the dedication of this temple. Surely, they were endowed with power from on high as promised by the Lord. That is why they needed to build a House unto the Lord.
· I also was touched by our visit to the Quarry site where stone was extracted and cut for the Kirtland Temple. It was two miles south of the temple. However, the effort to extract, transport and cut these stones for the temple must have seemed overwhelming for the Saints. However, they each gave their all, in resources, time and/or effort. The result was their endowment of poser from on high. The Lord promised that if they would keep His commandments. Doctrine and Covenants 95:11 “Verily I say unto you, it is my will that you should build a house. If you keep my commandments, you shall have power to build it.” They kept the commandments and were given power to build it under overwhelming odds. Then they were endowed with power from on high.
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| Site of the Isaac Morley log schoolhouse where Joseph received several revelations |
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| This site was also the location of divine manifestations in the June 1831 conference held there |
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| In the Visitors Center in Historic Kirtland |
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| Photo from the film "Kirtland" shown in the Visitors Center |
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| Another photo from the video, which was exceptional |
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| In front of the Newell K. Whitney home where Joseph and Emma first lived in Kirtland |
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| Bedroom where Joseph and Emma stayed in Newell K. Whitney home |
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| In front of the N. K. Whitney Store |
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| Inside the Newell K. Whitney Store |
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| Book of Mormons would have been sold out of this store |
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| Joseph and Emma lived in this bedroom upstairs of the store when they moved back from Hiram. See trundle bed for Julia and cradle for Joseph Smith III. |
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| Formal parlor upstairs in the store which Joseph used as a meeting and revelation room. D&C 84 would have been received in this room. Also the Word of Wisdom. |
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| In the neighboring room where the School of the Prophets was held |
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| Better view of the size of the School of the Prophets |
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| Members of the School of the Prophets |
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| Together in this sacred room where divine manifestations occurred |
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| The Ashery behind the Newell K. Whitney Store |
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| Exhibit in the John Johnson Inn |
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| Description of the Vision of the Celestial Kingdom (D&C 137) occurred in the upper room of the Kirtland Temple before the dedication of the temple. |
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| Favorite painting from this site showing the heavenly messengers delivering keys to Joseph and Oliver in the Kirtland Temple |
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| Great shot of the Kirtland Temple on a beautiful day |
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| With Debbie and I in the photo |
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| Front View of the temple from across the street |
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| Site behind the temple, where the previous printing office had been |
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| In front of the home where Joseph and his family lived for the last 4 years that they were in Kirtland, a little north of the temple |
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| At the temple quarry site for the Kirtland Temple, 2 miles south of the temple site |
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| We only asked for one scoop from the Kirtland Creamery |
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| The Fairport Harbor where the Saints would have arrived when they came to Kirtland and where missionaries would have embarked for their missions |
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| On the docks of the Fairport Harbor on Lake Eerie |
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| View of Fairport Harbor from the Lighthouse |
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| The Lighthouse near Fairport Harbor |
Day 6 - Kirtland to Independence - Our Zions Camp
Facebook Post:
Today we drove over 800 miles and took 14 hours to get to our hotel in Independence. This was a long day and we are exhausted, but it was faster than the six weeks that Zions Camp took to cover the same distance on foot. We followed a similar path as did Zions Camp. We took time along the way to see temples in Columbus, Ohio, Indianapolis, Indiana and St. Louis, Missouri. These are all new since Joseph Smith made his trek!
We were there but . . . The Columbus temple was closed for a major remodel, the Indianapolis temple was closed for normal maintenance and the St. Louis temple was closed for the day by the time we got there. So, we saw the temples but no patrons or access to temple grounds. We will check out the Independence temple site tomorrow.
Also, we found another treasure in Independence . . . Gas for $2.74 per gallon.
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| Columbus, Ohio Temple under remodel |
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| Indianapolis, Indiana Temple |
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| Better Overall View of Indianapolis Temple |
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| A beautiful blossom in front of Indianapolis Temple |
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| In front of St. Louis, Missouri Temple |
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| St. Louis Missouri Sign |
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| Our first treasure in Independence, MO, cheapest gas so far |
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Second treasure in Independence, our package sent from Pennsylvania to Independence Hotel
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| My suit and Debbie's blouse that we had left in Jim Thorpe apartment |
Day 7 - Independence and Liberty, Missouri
Facebook Post:
Today we went to Church in the Independence First Ward and had a delightful sacrament meeting and second hour classes. There is a very strong stake in Zion already. We then spent the rest of the day exploring everything we could find in Independence and later explored everything relevant in Liberty. As usual, we learned much and received many new insights.
We feel like we now know Independence, the proximity of residences and businesses both of friends and foes. With the Come follow Me study of last week and this coming week, I have received peace with all that happened. The persecution was inevitable with two opposing cultures and priorities. The Saints were good people but lacked the full commitment and consecration needed to receive the necessary miracles from God. Their neglect to build the temple as commanded left them without promised blessings. The temple site still remains, awaiting the day when the New Jerusalem can be built.
The Liberty Jail and Visitors Center is powerful and done so well. We felt for our prophet and those with him but rejoiced in the lessons learned and sublime revelations received. I learned that Joseph Smith was essentially being held for ransom until the Saints all left Missouri. Then he was ordered to be released for they had no cause to hold him further.
We learned that in all of our trials, God still provides many blessings to strengthen and comfort. We saw this clearly with many non members who were raised up to assist. My favorite was Alexander Doniphan who helped in so many ways. He truly was sent by God to help the Saints. Others, such as Michael Arthur and Shubael Allen were angels in Clay County, ministering with love and compassion for the Saints when they fled Jackson County.
Too often we look at the trials without seeing the hand of the Lord which is always present. We must also see the refining process for the Saints at that time and also for ourselves.
New Learnings:
· Alexander Doniphan- We learned so much about him. We had learned earlier that he was legal counsel for the Saints when they were repulsed from Jackson County. We also knew that he refused the order to shoot Joseph and the others when they were taken captive in November 1838. Today we learned much more. When he was helping the Saints as legal counsel, he was successful in convincing the Attorney General of Missouri to agree to support the Saints with the State Militia to get their property back in Jackson County. This was the basis of Zions Camp, to show military strength so that the State Militia would support them. In fact, the Governor backed out of his agreement, which led the dissolution of Zions Camp. Then when the Saints went to Clay County, Alexander Doniphan, as a state legislator, was able draw up the bill that created Caldwell County for the Mormons. This was an incredible solution facilitated by Alexander Doniphan.. We visited the site of his home after he was married in 1837, which was just one block from the Liberty Jail. I don’t have facts, but his support of Joseph Smith, legally, eventually led to Joseph being let free, because they had no basis to hold him further. Even when Orrin Porter Rockwell was accused of trying to assassinate Lilburn Boggs, he was defended by Alexander Doniphan, resulting in his acquittal. As we visited his gravestone in Liberty, Missouri, I loved the following words on his tombstone “An Orator, Jurist, Statesman, Soldier and a Christian”. He has become one of my favorite people. He was three years younger than Joseph Smith. I believe that people like Alexander Doniphan and E.J. Grandin were raised up to bless the restoration by our Heavenly Father.
· I have grown in appreciation of the role of Joseph’s posterity with the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ. We visited the graves of the Joseph Smith III and his son and grandson who were the first three presidents of the Reorganized Church. Each lived in Independence and believed in establishing Zion in some form. My respect for them has grown. In their own way they tried to fulfill the wishes of Joseph Smith Jr.
· As we walked the streets of Independence, I have learned about the layout of that city. It is great to see the proximity of the homes of W. W. Phelps, Sidney Gilbert, and Bishop Edward Partridge and his Counselors. All lived within blocks of one another and very close to the Courthouse and the Temple lot. We have seen the log home that was the first store for Sidney Gilbert and the home for his family. There was also an amazing proximity of the jail and hotel or inn where Church leaders were held, very close to the Courthouse also. We saw the house where the sale of the temple lot occurred. This has all come alive to me. I feel like we understand a lot more about Independence. Even Lilburn Boggs lived in the same vicinity before and after his time as the governor. These lives were intricately intertwined.
· We also learned much more about those who came to the rescue of the Saints when they were expelled from Jackson County. Michael Arthur was one of the greatest friends of the Church as he allowed many of the refugees to live on his farm. He gave work to many of them and defended them in all ways. We were able to see a monument erected near his farm for him. We also saw the grave of Colonel Shubael Allen. At his own expense he worked his ferry nonstop for several days, shuttling the Saints from Jackson Country across the Missouri River into Clay. County. I have already mentioned Alexander Doniphan. These are amazing examples of blessings that were poured out upon the Saints in their times of trial. Too often we focus on the challenges, and don’t pay attention to the compensating blessings given by the Lord in the times of trial.
· As a side note, we have learned that Jackson County was one of the hardest hit areas of the Civil War, suffering significant destruction. On the other side, Liberty was a city that welcomed and assisted the Saints. I find it interesting this note in or tour guide book, “While many surrounding cities were leveled during the Civil War, Liberty was spared.” Personally, I believe that the Lord blesses those who help his Saints. This certainly happened to the residents of Liberty.
· As I walked the streets of Independence, I was able to see the original 67 acres purchased by the Saints, now being used by multiple religious organizations, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Of course, this includes the empty temple lot. We saw stones laid out to identify the location of the temple. However, they were placed there by the Community of Christ Church. Apparently they did find a stone or two that were in different locations. I still don’t know exactly where the temple will be built, but the land is available under the control of many and I believe that the Lord will make it work in the right time.
· In the visitors center we once again saw the movie “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass”. We love this video. We saw our friend Elder Joseph Sitati in this video. I hope we can see it again in Nauvoo.
· I learned that Sidney Gilbert was one of those who died from cholera at Zions Camp.
Special Impressions or learnings:
· We started our day at the Independence First Ward at 9:00 am. The meetings were excellent. Debbie and I each found the instruction in Relief Society and Priesthood to be exceptional. Each of these classes had 50 or more individuals. What an amazing ward! Debbie met with an investigator after the meeting to strengthen and clarify for her. I met with a convert of 30 years ago and learned his story, which began at the Visitors Center. I learned a lot from him as a native resident about his journey. We know that each has a journey. In these two cases, bot were or are seeking truth. If that occurs, there is many ways for individuals to find the full truth. I loved hearing the release and sustaining of high councilors from the Independence First Ward and Blue River 2nd Ward. I loved hearing this name of the ward, knowing that this was the location of some of the retaliation of the Saints in 1833. My conclusion is that the Church now has a strong stake of Zion right in the center spot of Zion with many more in the regions round about and a temple only a few miles away in Kansas City. We may be closer than we realize to the establishment of the New Jerusalem.
· I learned that God raises up people to help his Saints, be it Alexander Doniphan, Michael Arthur, or Shubael Allen. These men may not have joined the Church at that time, but they certainly will be blessed for their efforts. In my opinion, they will accept the gospel in the spirit world.
· Debbie received significant spiritual impressions at the Liberty Jail Visitors Center. My strongest feelings came as I pondered the incredible revelations that Joseph received while in this jail. Once again, our testimonies were strengthened. We are better for having been here.
· I believe that I am gaining peace about this Missouri situation. I have learned in Come Follow Me how they lost the intervention from the Lord by not following his commandments, especially by not building a temple and for not being a Zion people. However, these are not sins of commission, but of omission. These did not bind the Lord to give them protection of miracles. Instead they were left to receive the persecutions that the people of Missouri chose to give them for whatever reason, part of it caused by their own actions. This would include boasting about the Lord giving them this land for Zion, pushing the slavery issue in the newspaper when it didn’t need to be brought up, and not following the prophet’s counsel. The difference of culture and vision were so excessive, that the persecution would be inevitable without the Lord’s miraculous intervention. They were not obedient enough to trust the Lord and receive His miracles. However, in their trials, they received many blessings, comfort and strength to keep moving forward.
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| Church meetinghouse for the Independence First Ward |
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| Owners of the Temple Lot in Independence |
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| Spot on temple lot where original cornerstone was found |
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| Identified marker of the NE cornerstone. Original stone was found below the trees near the sidewalk |
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SW Cornerstone of Temple building as identified by the Church of Christ of the
Temple Lot |
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| Northeast Cornerstone identified by the Church of Christ of the Temp[le Lot, Auditorium of Community of Christ in the background |
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| Temple lot behind us, Church of Christ temple on the next lot to the east |
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| In front of Church of Jesus Christ Visitors Center |
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| Community of Christ temple north of Visitors Center |
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| In front of Christus Statue in Visitors Center |
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| Inside of log cabin inside of Visitors Center |
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| Printing press exhibit outside of the log cabin in the Visitors Center |
We were able to see the video By Small and Simple Things again. One of our favorite scenes was as they showed the sustaining of our prophet in our time. This was the sustaining of President Nelson in the Conference Center. The Video then went directly to the sustaining of Joseph Smith in the Whitmer Home. It had a big impact on us. The photos from the video below try to express this sequence of videos.
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| In front of Independence Courthouse where the tar and feathering occurred in 1833 |
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| Existing Gilbert Whitney Store in the same location as the original store, across the street from the Courthouse |
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| Existing store still based on store established in 1832 |
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| Historical Mormon Markers are all over the city of Independence in the sidewalks identifying the location of the original sites. This is in front of the existing Gilbert Whitney store |
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| Marker a half a block away where the W. W. Phelps printing office would have been |
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| In front of the original log courthouse which was purchased by Sidney Gilbert and was the site of his first store |
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| Marker for oriiginal courthouse purchased by Sidney Gilbert |
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| One fo many more markers. This one identifies the hotel where Joseph Smith stayed before going to the Richmond jail. He was brought to Independence so that General Lucas could show off his prisoner to the local residents. This hotel was within one block of the courthouse. |
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| Marker for those who died of Cholera in Zions Camp. The remains that were identified were moved to the Independence cemetery. |
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| The names of those who died in Zions Camp of cholera, including Sidney Gilbert |
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| Also in the Independence Cemetery, the graves of Joseph Smith III, and his son and grandson who were the presidents of the Community of Christ church. |
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| Inscription on the monument to Joseph Smith III |
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| At the Liberty Jail Visitors Center |
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| Photo of Liberty Jail in 1888 with missionaries who were visiting |
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| In front of the entrance to the jail |
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| Inscription on the gravestone of Alexander Doniphan. The last engravings read, "An Orator, Jurist, Statesman, Soldier and a Christian." |
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| This is the monument on the property of Arthur Michael, honoring the Eight Witnesses, the first High Council in Missouri, Zions Camp and Arthur Michael. This location is barely north of the Missouri River. |
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| Marker of Michael Arthur Farm. Lyman Wight lived here and it was considered to be Church headquarters in Missouri from 1834 to 1836 |
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| Inscription honoring the first High Council organized in Missouri in July 1834 with David Whitmer as the President of the Stake |
Day 8 - Kaw Township, Richmond, Haun’s Mill, Far West, Adam-ondi-Ahman and our Granddaughter
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Today we saw many sites in Kaw Township, Richmond, Haun’s Mill, Far West and Adam-ondi-Ahman. We received even a greater appreciation for Alexander Doniphan, a clearer role of Joshua Lewis and a love for the enduring witnesses of the Book of Mormon. We finally got the facts straight on the various jail sites where Joseph Smith and other Church leaders were imprisoned.
We learned lessons from Haun’s Mill, witnessed obedience from Far West and understood the rich history and future of Adam-ondi-Ahmad. We stood on sacred ground in each of these locations.
We finished the evening with our oldest grandchild and met her new husband for the first time.
A full and fulfilling day!
New Learnings:
· We keep learning more about Alexander Doniphan. Today I found out that the was a well-respected war hero from the American Mexican War. We also found out that he signed the affidavit produced by David Whitmer late in his life, certifying that he had never gone back on his witness of the Book of Mormon. We saw his statue in front of the courthouse of Richmond where he was beloved. I found out also that he had come to Utah in the 1870s and visited with Brigham Young. What an amazing man!
· Incredible solidarity of the Whitmer family. All living moved to Richmond, Missouri and were mostly all buried there. That is the reason that Oliver Cowdrey returned to Richmond, because his wife was a Whitmer. That is where Oliver Cowdrey died. We saw many sights relating to the Whitmer family in Richmond. Their graves are full of their testimony on both the grave of Jacob Whitmer and David Whitmer.
· I loved the monument of the Three Witnesses in the Pioneer Cemetery in Richmond.
· We discovered several sites related to the early Saints on the Joshua Lewis farm, the site of his home, of the school where Parley P Pratt taught, vandalized marker about the laying of the first log cabin and the ferry site operated by Porter Rockwell. I realized how important Joshua Lewis and the consecration of his farm was to the early beginnings of the Saints in Jackson County. He appears to be the most important baptism of the early converts in Missouri.
· As we studied the historical records, we learned how Joseph Smith had very specifically urged the Saints at Haun’s Mill to come to Far West. Jacob Haun, a nonmember, would not listen to Joseph. We don’t know if he sent Joseph’s message to the other Saints. This is a strong g lesson on listening to and heeding the words of the prophet. Joseph said that any that heeded his words would not die.
· We learned more about the imprisonment of Joseph Smith and the other leaders, their movement to Independence (as a show of power by General Lucas), to Richmond, where there wasn’t room and then to Liberty. Later they went to Gallatin and were allowed to escape while moving to Columbia. Great documentation of all of the prisoners on the markers in Richmond.
· I learned that Adam sacrificed to the Lord on the Tower Hill of Adam-ondi-Ahman, after leaving the Garden of Eden. We learned of many amazing statements made by Joseph Smith regarding this location.
· I also learned that Joseph’s uncle, John Smith was the first stake president in Adam-ondi-Ahman, also in Zarahemla, Iowa, also the first stake president in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is the father to George A. Smith, Joseph’s cousin, and the great grandfather to the Prophet George Albert Smith.
· We found a great app from a senior missionary that we met ion the Pioneer Cemetery in Richmond.
· We saw several missing or vandalized markers and reported the one for the log cabin in Richmond to a Senior missionary who we saw right after. He was a great help to us and directed us to an app created by the mission that gave us much additional information about the sites within the mission.
Special impressions or learnings:
· Increased love for Alexander Doniphan and admiration for the witnesses of the Book of Mormon, their dedication to their witnesses, repeating it until their death and on their gravestones.
· Continuation of the theme of the Lord preparing the right people at the right time for the restoration of his Kingdom. I add Joshua Lewis to my list of heroes who was needed to provide important land for the early Saints.
· Better understanding of Haun’s Mill, the critical need to follow the words of the prophet and our losses will be minimized, even in this life. Jacob Haun would not listen to the warnings of Joseph Smith. This terrible massacre could have been avoided if they would have heeded his words.
· A greater understanding of the role of Adam-ondi-Ahman in the time of Adam and in our future day. I love that this place was where Adam sacrificed in his time. This is an amazing location with space to meet the planned gathering at Adam-ondi-Ahman. This is sacred ground.
· Gratitude for strengthening a relationship with our granddaughter and her husband. This is a bonus of our trip.
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| In front ot the original homesite of Joshua Lewis in Kaw Township, 12 miles west of Independence. This was the original gathering spot of the Colesville Saints, before other land was purchased. Joshua Lewis was one of the early converts from the first mission to Missouri in 1830-31. |
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| Original site where 12 elders laid the first log during Joseph Smith's first visit in 1831. The marker is missing from this site. |
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| Site of the original log house where Joseph Smith was kept in Richmond, Missouri. The site would be inside the white picket fence. The marker is missing from the post in front of the site. |
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| This is a photo of the missing marker. We reported the missing marker to a missionary who shared the photo with us. This is where Joseph Smith rebuked the guards. |
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| The site of the original jail in Richmond, Missouri. Joseph Smith did not stay here due to the overcrowded condition of the jail. He stayed in the log house mentioned above. |
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| Front of the sign at the Richmond Jail Site |
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| Back of the sign. The best description we've seen of where different prisoners were held during the difficult times in November. |
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| Statue of Alexander Doniphan in front of the Richmond court house |
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| Inscription on the front of the statue |
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| Inscription on the back of the statue, He was "of great moral courage, sanguine, faithful, poetic in temperament, the champion of the down-trodden, eloquent beyond description and without doubt entitled to be classed among the greatest orators and lawyers that ever lived." |
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| Marker on the courthouse, identifying military successes of Alexander Doniphan, who lived in Richmond for 19 years. |
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| Marker at site of David Whitmer's Livery Stable in Richmond tells a little of his story after he left the Church. |
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| Other side of marker, elaborates more on the Whitmer family in Richmond and David's connection to the Book of Mormon |
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| Richmond Pioneer Cemetery in Richmond, Missouri |
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| Marker in Richmond Pioneer Cemetery identifying it as the resting place of Peter and Mary Whitmer, although their gravestones have not been identified. |
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| Preserved markers of the Whitmer Family |
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| Original marker of Jacob Whitmer in Pioneer Cemetery |
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| Also, the site of the grave of Oliver Cowdrey, who lived his final years in Richmond, since his wife was a Whitmer. He was too ill to go west with the Saints. This gravesite became a monument to all of the Three Witnesses, with the four sides being a memorial for Oliver Cowdrey, David Whitmer, Martin Harris and Joseph Smith. |
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| At the gravesite of David Whitmer, in a cemetery just outside of Richmond, Missouri |
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| Inscription on his grave marker, "The record of the Jews and the record of the Nephites are one". |
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| Overall view of David' Whitmer's grave site |
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| Memorial on David's gravesite |
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The back of the marker is a memorial to David's mother, Mary Musselman Whitmer, who was also a witness of the Gold Plates. She was buried in the Pioneer Cemetery.
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| This is the site of the Hauns Mill massacre |
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| Site of the original marker of the Hauns Mill Site |
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Close up of the marker erected in 1941. The round rock was part of an original millstone at the Mill
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| Debbie pondering at the Hauns Mill massacre site |
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| Selfie by the river which powered the mill |
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| Image from phone of my photo near the river, close to the massacre site |
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| At Tower Hill, site where Joseph Smith says that Adam and Even offered sacrifices |
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| At Tower Hill, valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman behind |
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| On Tower Hill, Valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman behind |
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| By marker onTower Hill, outlining history of Adam-ondi-Ahman |
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| Inscription on Marker |
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| View of Valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman from Tower Hill |
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| Dinner with our granddaughter, Sabrina, in Kansas City, KS |
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| Sabrina with her new husband, Noah |
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| With Sabrina and Noah, a super bonus on our trip |
Day 9 - Kansas City Temple, Gallatin, Adam-ondi-Ahman, Leaving Missouri to Quincy, Illinois
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We started our day in an endowment session in Missouri and then started our Exodus from Missouri. Yesterday we ran out of time and had a rushed visit at Adam-ondi-Ahman. Today some other plans fell through and we were able to stop there one more time. We has a short stop first at Gallatin where Joseph Smith spent a week in jail and where some Election Day skirmishes with neighbors added to strained relationships, leading to the expulsion of Church members out of Missouri.
Our additional visit to Adam-ondi-Ahman bore fruit as we were able to take time to explore, understand and ponder. The following is what we learned.
As I sat down, I prayed for spiritual guidance to make my visit meaningful. I wanted to read D&C 116, where the location of Adam-Ondi-Ahman was identified. As I read this powerful but short section, I clicked on the footnotes and saw other references in Daniel (the verse referred to Daniel by name) as well as other sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. As I read each of the verses that were referenced, I pondered the fact that Adam had been here soon after he left the Garden of Eden, which we know was at Independence, Missouri. Here he offered sacrifices (based on comments by Joseph Smith) and blessed his posterity. We also learn that he will have a final meeting here with the leaders of the Church and past prophets and leaders. I thought how that was a bookend, first of time and end of time. Then I considered how it was like a Chiasmus in the Scriptures, where the first of the Chiasmus repeats at the end. In these cases the middle of the Chiasmus is the primary focus. In this case, it would be the Savior who came in the meridian of time. Then I realized that the Savior was with Adam in the Garden of Eden and that Adam will receive an accounting from all of the prophets at the end and then give his accounting to the Savior. This will occur before the Lord appears in the New Jerusalem, which is also in Independence, Missouri. Hence it turns into a Chiasmus as follows:
1. Adam with Jesus and Heavenly Father in Garden of Eden - Independence, Missouri
2. Adam lives his life, makes sacrifices and blesses his posterity up to Methuselah in Adam-ondi-Ahmad
3. God’s people live for a time at Adam-ondi-Ahman
4. Jesus ministers to prophets after Adam until the Meridian of Time
5. Jesus condescends to the earth for his mortal ministry
6. Jesus ascends up to heaven after his atonement and resurrection
7. Jesus ministers to prophets before his second coming
8. God’s people live for a time at Adam-ondi-Ahman
9. Adam meets with ancient prophets and receives an accounting from them at Adam-ondi-Ahman, Adam gives his accounting to Jesus
10. Jesus returns to New Jerusalem in Independence, Missouri. I assume that Adam will also be part of the Millennial reign
This all helped me put this sacred place into perspective of the history of this earth. As I shared this with Debbie later, she told of her thoughts during her pondering. The following is from her journal:
“Then I had what I consider an ‘aha moment’! I thought this mortal experience began with Adam and Eve being cast out of the Garden of Eden after having been able to live in the presence of God. Mankind’s mortal experience will also end with Adam receiving all the keys from those who held them through all dispensations. He will then give them to Jesus Christ who will give them to God the Father. Then the thought hit me that this is what ‘one eternal round’ means. Mortality began and ends with Adam being with the Father and the Son.
What is even more amazing is that Tom had a similar ‘aha moment’ as he was pondering alone in a different spot from me. He explained his thoughts as a Chiasmus. We were so glad we chose to come back here today.”
We finished our day leaving Missouri in a similar path as the early Saints, but without their sacrifice. We were able to see a monument to the citizens of Quincy, Illinois for their goodness in receiving these persecuted Saints.
New Learnings:
· I finalized my understanding on the jails where Joseph was held in Missouri. After Liberty, he went to Gallatin for just a week, before he was allowed to escape on to the next jail stop in Columbia. This actually was a blessing, because Gallatin left him much further north, a bit closer to Quincy where most of the Saints had gone.
· I also got the set up straight for Adam-ondi-Ahman. We finally found the marker for the Crest of Spring Lake. Then as we went to the initial look at the valley and Spring Hill and Tower Hill, it all fell into place. By going back a second day, we completed our visit to Adam-ondi-Ahman.
· Yesterday when we went to Adam-ondi-Ahman, we only had 15 minutes to stay. This was due to excessive time that we had spent in Kaw Township in the morning. We had a dinner commitment with Sabrina and had to leave early enough to get to her house by 6:10 pm. We felt bad about rushing through such an important site. In fact, we only went to the Tower Hill and were not able to spend time pondering. So, I felt like we should consider going back. Debbie was also disappointed but wasn’t necessarily in favor of cancelling other plans. I suggested taking the northern route out of Missouri to Hannibal ands agreed. Before we got too far, the Hannibal plans got cancelled. We were going in the right direction to make the change in our plans. I feel like I had been prompted to make this a possibility and then the Lord opened the door. Overall, we gave up a worldly pleasure for a spiritual pleasure. It was a good change facilitated by Heavenly Father.
· The Lord blessed us to go back to Adam-ondi-Ahman today. Initially we had planned on taking a steamboat trip on the Mississippi at Hannibal. We had planned on going at 4:00 pm. When we called for a reservation, we found that the 4:00 pm trip was a summer schedule. They only had available 1:30 pm or 6:30 pm dinner cruise. 1:30 was impossible and the 6:30 was overbooked, so they wouldn’t let us go. This opened up some time and we returned to Adam-ondi-Ahman, which was mostly on our way to Nauvoo.
Spiritual impressions or learnings:
· When we went back to Adam-ondi-Ahman, we wanted to have some time to ponder at this holy site. We went back up to Tower Hill and walked down an additional path into a secluded area. Debbie stayed on one bench and I went on a bench a little further down. As I sat down, I prayed for spiritual guidance to make my visit meaningful. I wanted to read D&C 116, where the location of Adam-ondi-Ahman was identified. As I read this powerful but short section, I clicked on the footnotes and saw other references in Daniel (the verse referred to Daniel by name), as well as other sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. As I read each of the verses that were referenced, I pondered the fact that Adam had been here soon after he left the Garden of Eden, which we know was at Independence, Missouri. Here he offered sacrifices (based on comments by Joseph Smith) and blessed his posterity. We also learn that he will have a final meeting here with the leaders of the Church and past prophets and leaders. I thought how that was a bookend, first of time and end of time. Then I considered how it was like a Chiasmus in the Scriptures, where the first of the Chiasmus repeats at the end. In these cases, the middle of the Chiasmus is the primary focus. In this case, it would be the Savior who came in the meridian of time. Then I realized that the Savior was with Adam in the Garden of Eden and that Adam will receive an accounting from all of the prophets at the end and then give his accounting to the Savior. This will occur before the Lord appears in the New Jerusalem, which is also in Independence, Missouri. Hence it turns into a Chiasmus as follows:
1. Adam with Jesus and Heavenly Father in Garden of Eden - Independence, Missouri
2. Adam lives his life, makes sacrifices and blesses his posterity up to Methuselah in Adam-ondi-Ahma
3. God’s people live for a time at Adam-ondi-Ahman
4. Jesus ministers to prophets after Adam until the Meridian of Time
5. Jesus condescends to the earth for his mortal ministry
6. Jesus ascends up to heaven after his atonement and resurrection
7. Jesus ministers to prophets before his second coming
8. God’s people live for a time at Adam-ondi-Ahman
9. Adam meets with ancient prophets and receives an accounting from them at Adam-ondi-Ahman, Adam gives his accounting to Jesus
10. Jesus returns to New Jerusalem in Independence, Missouri. I assume that Adam will also be part of the Millennial reign
· This all helped me put this sacred place into perspective of the history of this earth. As I shared this with Debbie later, she told me of her thoughts during her pondering that the beginning with Adam and the end with Adam brings all things into one eternal round. Different metaphors, but similar thoughts and inspiration. I am thankful that Debbie and I can receive consistent inspiration independently.
· This morning while we went the Temple, the thoughts from yesterday about Adam offering sacrifices in this sacred place gave me more enlightenment and connection to the endowment ordinance .
· The Lord wants us to learn and he facilitates so much. Today, after driving a few times around parts of Adam-Ondi-Ahman, we were trying to find Spring Hill. Yesterday I had noted a sign with an arrow that said Spring Hill, but we had not reenable to find a turn off to see it. I remember this same confusion 10 years ago when I first came here. As we drove by this area again, Debbie read from our tour book about a place that was the crescent of Spring Hill. I said, let’s turn around again and find that sign with the arrow. As I did, we came right up on a marker that said “Spring Hill We are near the crest of SpringHill which was named Adam-ondi-Ahman. We had driven past this sign many times but never saw it. As I pulled up to it, Debbie read these exact words from the tour book. This was a tender mercy and opened the door of our overall understanding of this special site.
· By the time that we arrived at Quincy, Illinois it was already dark. However, in my persistent and stubborn way, I wanted to see a special maker that we read about, which identifies the approximate place where the Saints crossed the Mississippi River during their exodus from Missouri. As I looked and looked, I was not succeeding. Debbie was praying for my success and for patience and love on her part to deal with such a stubborn husband. She called me and identified more from the book than I had known. After several efforts, her prayers and mine were answered. We found the marker, took a photo and then continued onto our accommodations in Nauvoo, arriving at 9:30 pm, safe from our exodus from Missouri.
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| At the Kansas City, Missouri Temple |
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| Kansas City, Missouri temple, just a few minutes from Independence, Missouri |
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| Panoramic View of the Valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman |
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| Bridge near the point where the Saints crossed the Mississippi River in the winter of 1838-39 |
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Marker near the bridge in Quincy. It reads, "In 1839 the Latter-day Saints crossed the Mississippi River at this approximate site and were befriended by the citizens of Quincy"
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Day 10 – First Day of Nauvoo
Facebook Post:
We started the day at the Nauvoo Temple, although we were not allowed to perform any ordinances, since we are not in the temple district. However, we love the beauty and history of this temple. We were especially touched by the statue of Joseph and Hyrum and their horses in front of the temple. The inscription reads “On the morning of June 24, 1844, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum left their families, homes, and fellow Saints for the last time. Traveling on horseback, they paused on this bluff Joseph looked admiringly at the unfinished temple and the city of Nauvoo and declared: ‘This is the loveliest place and the best people under the heavens; little do they know the trials that await them.’ Joseph and Hurry then continued on to Carthage, Illinois, where they faced legal charges and eventual death at the hands of a mob.”
Following that we enjoyed a few horse-drawn carriage tours, the Visitors Center with the wonderful film “Remembering Nauvoo, a tour of three apostles homes and two performances of an amazing young missionary singing and dancing group. We also identified the building lots in Nauvoo of a few of our ancestors.
All of these activities seemed to focus on the theme of members of the Church gathering from all over the world to join with the Saints in Nauvoo. The spirit testified strongly that the work of gathering Israel was getting started at an increasing pace, even after the death of Joseph Smith, including our own ancestors.
One additional note that I wanted to add was the example of Phoebe Woodruff, wife of Wilford Woodruff. Her faith as expressed in letters to her husband while he served a mission to Great Britain touched me deeply. She said - “I look forth for the day when I hope and trust that I shall behold and embrace him whom I now feel to dedicate to the Lord, knowing his calling - although I think it the greatest sacrifice that I could make to be deprived of the society and company of my nearest friend on earth. But I think that the grace of God is sufficient for all things, even to raise me from abed of sickness and preserve me and Sarah until thy return, which is my sincere desire.” A later letter said, “Yesterday I called to witness the departure of our little Sarah Emma from this world - yes she is gone - The relentless hand of death has snatched her from my embrace . . . when looking on her I have often thought how I should feel to part with her. I thought I could not live without her especially in the absence of my companion - but she is gone, the Lord has taken her to himself for some wise purpose. It is a severe trial for me to pass through particularly so in your absence but the Lord has stood by me in a wonderfully manner.”
Her strength was one of many stories that fulfilled the promise made by the Lord to His apostles in D&C 118:3 I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families; and an effectual door shall be opened for them, from henceforth
New Learnings:
Learned on the Carriage and Wagon Rides:
· I learned that Dan Jones, who was with Joseph Smith in the Carthage Jail, was the owner of the Maid of Iowa. He brought many Mormons into Nauvoo and found them to be good people. He finally joined the Church and as promised by Joseph Smith in Carthage Jail, he lived to return to Wales and convert over 4,000 people.
· I learned that King Follett died while building a well, when the rocks for the bottom of the well fell on top of him and killed him. We saw a well on his property which is a memorial to him.
· Samuel Smith tried to get to Carthage to support Joseph and Hyrum. By the time he got through different mobs, his brothers were already killed. He is the one that brought the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum back to Nauvoo. He died from a strain in his abdomen, suffered in this experience, about a month later.
Learned on Tours about apostles, see promise in D&C 118, the Lord will care for their families
· Caring Saints built a house for Orson Hyde’s wife while he was serving a long mission. A great service by caring neighbors.
· Heber C. Kimball finally was able to build a beautiful house for his family in Nauvoo. 3 months later he left it to go to the Rocky Mountains
· Wilford Wooduff’s wife Phoebe had great faith. Her letters to Wilford Woodruff while he served on his mission were amazing while she had a new baby and lost her daughter.
Spiritual Impressions or Learnings:
· Once again, I was very impressed with the movie in the Visitors Center, “Remembering Nauvoo”. These videos cover the time in the city so well and tug at my heartstrings. I was especially touched by so many Saints that came into Nauvoo as a gathering place from all over the world. I recognized that Debbie and I have ancestors that fit into this category. They came from everywhere that the missionaries went. There may have been some apostasy in the Church, but they were replaced by so many faithful Saints who gave up everything to come be with the Saints. Even after Joseph was killed they kept coming. Although Joseph was an amazing prophet, they came to follow the Savior. The movie portrayed it so well, highlighting many different stories in very short segments. I found my purpose or learning for Nauvoo. Later Debbie and I were able to find out the land that was owned in Nauvoo but at least one of each of our ancestors. Certainly, they were part of this amazing gathering. So many of the stories that we saw highlighted today seemed to follow this same theme, individuals coming to Christ here in Nauvoo. These included some of the stories that I shared above.
· We went to the Nauvoo temple this morning to see if we could do ordinances. We were not allowed to since we are not in the temple district, but the member of the temple presidency did let us come in a see the unique chapel behind the recommend desk. I had felt a need to persevere as much as possible. At least we were able to get past the recommend desk in the dedicated Nauvoo Temple, a first for me. We had been in the temple before the open house 20 years ago when I worked for the Temple Construction Department.
· As we left the temple, we saw the statue of Joseph and Hyrum on their horses, which is in front of the temple. Debbie almost lost it with emotion as she remembered this tender moment in our history. The inscription below the statue says, “On the morning of June 24, 1844, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum left their families, homes, and fellow Saints for the last time. Traveling on horseback, they paused on this bluff Joseph looked admiringly at the unfinished temple and the city of Nauvoo and declared: ‘This is the loveliest place and the best people under the heavens; little do they know the trials that await them.’ Joseph and Hurry then continued on to Carthage, Illinois, where they faced legal charges and eventual death at the hands of a mob.” Every time that I ponder Joseph’s last ride out of Nauvoo, my heart breaks.
· As we visited the home of Wilford Woodruff, the senior missionaries shared some words from letters between Wilford Woodruff and his wife Phoebe while he served in Great Britain. Their letters were touching and reflected incredible faith and devotion. One of Phoebe’s letters said, “I look forth for the day when I hope and trust that I shall behold and embrace him whom I now feel to dedicate to the Lord, knowing his calling - although I think it the greatest sacrifice that I could make to be deprived of the society and company of my nearest friend on earth. But, I think that the grace of God is sufficient for all things, even to raise me from abed of sickness and preserve me and Sarah until thy return, which is my sincere desire.” A later letter said, “Yesterday I called to witness the departure of our little Sarah Emma from this world - yes she is gone - The relentless hand of death has snatched her from my embrace . . . when looking on her I have often thought how I should feel to part with her. I thought I could not live without her especially in the absence of my companion - but she is gone, the Lord has taken her to himself for some wise purpose. It is a severe trial for me to pass through particularly so in your absence but the Lord has stood by me in a wonderfully manner.”
· D&C 118:3 I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families; and an effectual door shall be opened for them, from henceforth. This promise was given to the twelve. We saw it fulfilled in the stories of building of a house for Marinda Hyde and strength and family support to Phoebe Woodruff as we visited their homes.
· I was very impressed as we attended two performances of a young group of missionary singers and dancers, “The Promise” and “Sunset by the Mississippi”. They were exceptional. We found out that they audition special for this role and serve from 3 to 6 months of the year.
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| In front of the Nauvoo Temple |
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| Front View of the Nauvoo Temple |
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| Our first view when leaving the Nauvoo Temple, this magnificent statue |
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| With this inspiriting inscription |
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| An original SunStone in the Visitors Center |
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| Inspirational Video shown in the Visitors Center |
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| The video focused on many stories of individuals who gathered with the Church in Nauvoo. Dan Jones was the captain of the Maid of Iowa ferryboat. He brought many Saints to Nauvoo. Through their example, he ended up joining the Church. This depicts the promise gave to him by Joseph Smith the night before Joseph was murdered in the Carthage Jail. He promised Dan Jones that he would live to serfsve a mission to Wale |
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| The Visitors Center showed this original temple recommend to enter the Nauvoo Temple, based on the payment of tithing of property and labor. See below: |
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| Horse drawn carriage ride |
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| From the carriage ride we saw this rebuilt well on the property that belonged to King Follett. He died in an accident in a well on his property in 1844. His funeral was where Joseph Smith gave the King Follett discurse in April 1844, just a few months before Joseph was killed. |
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| Our excellent tour guide on a horse drawn wagon ride through Historic Nauvoo. This gave us a great overview of the many historic homes and sites in Nauvoo. |
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| In front of the original house where Joseph and Emma Smith lived in Nauvoo. The log structure is their original house. |
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| This log summer kitchen of Emma Smith was originally the residence of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith. |
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| Adjoining this property was the Smith Family Cemetery |
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| The gravestones for Jospeh Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith |
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| Gravestones and eventually resting spot for the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum Smith and Emma Smith |
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| Marker by their gravesite |
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| Red Brick Store which was operated by Joseph Smith and site for several Church meetings and revelations. Not open to the public, owned by the Community of Christ |
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| Mansion House, last home of Joseph and Emma Smith, also owned by the Community of Christ |
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| Photo from "The Promise" a play put on by the young missionary performers |
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| Home built for Orson Hyde's wife while Orson Hyde was away serving missions |
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| Exhibit currently in Orson Hyde's home |
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| Rebuilt home of Heber C. Kimball. He moved into this large brick home three months before the Saints left Nauvoo. |
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| Old Grand Piano in the Heber C. Kimball home |
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| Ruins of the Nauvoo Temple in 1855 |
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| In the home of Wilford and Phoebe Woodruff |
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| Where we learned about faithful letters that she wrote to Wilford Woodruff while he was serving as a missionary in England |
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| Including this letter about the death of their little girl |
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| The Nauvoo Band, performing at Sunset on the Mississippi, also staffed by young missionary performers |
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| From the Sunset on the Mississippi performance by the young missionary performers |
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| Very entertaining performers, a different, energetic mission |
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| A parting photo of the Nauvoo Temple at night |
Day 11 - Carthage, Iowa, Trail of Hope and more Nauvoo
Facebook Post:
Today we completed our time in Nauvoo with visits to the Carthage Jail and the exodus on the Trail of Hope which led across the Mississippi River to Iowa. We also finished a few more experiences in Nauvoo, including the stone quarry, cemetery, Temple City and Relief Society tours and identifying the plots where some of our ancestors lived.
We experienced strong spiritual impressions as we contemplated the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum and saw the hand of the Lord in so many ways. As we sang A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief, the spirit bore witness that of the Savior, Joseph and Hyrum were not ashamed.
We learned many more experiences of residents of Nauvoo sacrificing to build the temple in so many ways including tithing their properties and their time. As we considered the Trail of Hope in an exceptional tribute portrayed by the young missionary singers and actors, we were again reminded that the Lord strengthens and provides for us in the midst of our trials. As we come unto Him and see His hand in our lives we are truly blessed.
New Learnings:
· Trail of Hope - Many more stories of hope from faithful pioneers. There appears to be no end to faithful stories.
· City of the Temple tour - William Weeks, designed the Nauvoo Temple with Joseph explaining what the Lord had revealed and verifying that it got into the plans correctly. Detailed plans stayed with the family, which apparently did not remain true to the gospel. Missionaries knocked on the door of a grandson in California who gave the original temple plans to the missionary who brought it to the Church in Salt Lake.
· Bishop Edward Hunter - Wealthy real estate person from Pennsylvania, helped many of his branch in Pennsylvania to come to Nauvoo financially. Became a bishop and received tithing from his ward in Nauvoo, including much tithing in kind, including best chair, rugs, linens, etc. to be used in the temple. Used his home for a place of refuge for Joseph Smith who spent many days there. Joseph received Section 128 about baptism for the dead in the grove of trees behind his home. Wrote down the revelations that he had received of section 127 and 128 in his home.
· William Gheen paid his tithing in kind by driving his wagon around picking up and delivering materials etc. He went on a mission collecting tithing for the temple, either funds or arranging work opportunities. Tithing was to be paid in property and labor. The tithing receipts, which was required to have a recommend to enter the temple, certified that an individual had paid his property and labor tithing in full. He died after returning from his mission, before the temple was ever finished.
· Sarah Granger Kimball story. She was the daughter of Oliver Granger who was asked to settle the First Presidency Debts in Kirtland. Her future husband was interested in her and followed her to Kirtland where she went when her father was settling the debts as assigned. She came back married to Hiram Kimball who was not a member, but was a wealthy resident before the Saint arrived in Nauvoo. She asked him how much their first baby was worth, at least $1,000. He agreed. She stated that her share of the baby would be at least $500 and asked him for her share to pay as tithing. He shared the trick his wife had used with Joseph who told him he would have to give the baby or the $500 to the Church. He gave property worth $500 for Sarah’s tithing payment. Eventually he joined the Church.
· Sarah Granger Kimball wanted to sew shirts for her husband and others who were working on the temple so that she could do her share. Other women got involved and they created a sewing society. They drew up by laws and shared them with Joseph Smith. He told them that this needed to come under the priesthood and created the Relief Society under the keys of the priesthood. Sarah’s efforts were the forerunner of this organization.
· From Carthage Jail - learned about the small crime cell on the first floor where Joseph and eight others were held the first night, because there was more space than the criminal cell on the second floor which was more restricted. The jailer then moved eight remaining to his apartment on the second floor where they had more space and accommodations rather than the criminal cell which was more restrictive and had no protection from outside shooting. Joseph sent out several of the others except Hyrum, John Taylor and Willard Richards which were the only two members of the Quorum of the Twelve that were not on missions at that time. The two apostles’ lives were spared because they were in the upper bedroom instead of the jail. The criminal jail was used by Willard Richards to put the injured John Taylor under that mattress.
· Willard Richards received a prophecy from Joseph Smith one year previous where he was told that he would be in a situation where balls would pass all around him and friends would fall on the side of him, but he would not be harmed. This was fulfilled at Carthage, exactly as prophesied.
· Willard Richards and John Taylor were two witnesses of everything that occurred in Carthage. Their journals detail all of the events. The Lord follows the law of witness in all important events. Joseph and Hyrum were two witnesses to the truth of the Book of Mormon who gave their lives. Jesus Christ has the marks in hi hands and feet as witnesses to us of the live that he gave for all of us.
· We found the plots where our ancestors owned or rented property. I learned that they lived further outside the Historic Nauvoo. It gave us a better feeling of how extensive the locations of the residents.
· As we learned about Montrose, Iowa, we found that there were many members in Iowa. One thing that we read said that Church members owned more land in Iowa than in Nauvoo.
Spiritual Impressions or Learnings:
· I was very touched by our experience at Carthage Jail. I love the story of Joseph and Dan Jones. I am always touched by Joseph exiting Nauvoo, knowing that he would not be returning. The “coincidences” are way too great to not see the hand of the Lord. Willard Richards went unharmed as Joseph had prophesied, Dan jones lived to serve a mission to Wales as Joseph prophesied. Joseph was clearly a prophet, seer, and a revelator. Joseph cared about others. He invited several of the brethren to run errands, etc. to not be there at the time the shooting occurred. Only he and Hyrum and they two apostles as witnesses were there. He gave his life to save the others who were still alive. When we sang A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief together I lost it. The spirit was so strong that I couldn’t continue singing. The missionary focused on the last lines of the last verse “Of me thou hast not been ashamed” spoke directly to Joseph and Hyrum. I cannot explain how the spirit was so strong, but it was overwhelming. I know that Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were men of God who gave their lives for others and for our Savior. Their act of martyrdom sealed their testimony in blood.
· The principle of tithing was introduced in Section 119 in 1838. The Saints seemed to understand the spirit of this law. All were trying to find ways to pay more tithing so that they could be worthy to enter into the Temple when it was completed. This drove Sarah Granger Kimball and William Gheen and many others. They gave of their surplus as commanded in Section 119 and then 10% of their interest annually which included 10% of their time to work on the temple. Only their finest of their material blessings and their time was reserved for the Lord and His Temple.
· The trail of hope to finish the night added to the feelings that I have felt the last two days. This gospel story is not about places or numbers but about individuals with their faith. Each had different experiences but brought their faith with them. This gave them strength to move forward, to see miracles and to recognize the hand of the Lord in all that they did. Our ancestors were part of this amazing group of people. They built the foundation upon which the growth of the Church is based.
· At William Gheen’s funeral, Brigham Young said that if father had his life to live over again, President Young didn’t think he could mend it. There was nothing to change in his life to make it better. This is the legacy that I would love to be said about me, that I had done all that I could in that which was allotted me.
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| We began Day 11 visiting the Carthage Jail |
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| This image of Hyrum standing a little behind Joseph with his home on Joseph's shoulder. A fitting image representing that Hyrum always had Joseph's back. |
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| In front of the Carthage Jail |
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| This marker tells it all |
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| The criminal jail where Joseph, Hyrum and their friends would have been held. They would have been easily killed by the mob. |
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| The room that belonged to the jailer and his family where Joseph, Hyrum, John Taylor and Willard Richards were in when the mob attacked. |
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| The bullet hole and damage to the door caused by the mob's entrance |
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| Recreating the scene of defense by Joseph and his friends |
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| The window that Joseph jumped out of as he was shot |
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| The view from the window. Joseph fell to the ground below, near the well, which is now the site of the cement box below. |
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| Under a bed at this location is where John Taylor would have rolled after being shot |
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| Near the bed and window mentioned above |
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| The song sung twice by John Taylor shortly before Joseph and Hyrum's death |
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| We sang verses 1 and 7 in that room. We were overcome by this song, especially verse 7. Of the Savior Joseph and Hyrum had "not been ashamed". |
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| Seeing Nauvoo from Montrose, Iowa |
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| Debbie's great . . grandfather, Simon Baker, married his second wife on a ferry boat while crossing the Mississippi River from Nauvoo to Montrose, Iowa |
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| Marker in Montrose, Iowa, with the story of the Saints exodus from Nauvoo across the Mississippi River in 18146 |
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| Debbie and the marker in Iowa, Nauvoo Temple visible on the other side of the River |
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| At a docking site on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River |
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| Oxen Ride in Nauvoo |
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| The authentic size of the wagons that were used on the exodus west |
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| A few facts about oxen compared to horses |
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| The story of Mary Fielding Smith selling her land and purchasing her wagon and team of oxen |
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| In the parlor of Sarah Granger Kimball, where the origins of the Relief Society began. Sisters meeting together to sew shirts for the temple workers on the Nauvoo Temple . . . |
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| . . . that they could see from the window of Sarah's house |
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| At the Nauvoo Temple Quarry Site |
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| Where the Temple Stone was quarried |
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| View of the Women's Garden south of the Visitors Center. It was closed for maintenance. |
 | Home of William Weeks, Architect of the Nauvoo Temple
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| Location of the stone cutter, just west of the Nauvoo Temple |
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| Joseph Smith would often come to the Hunter Home for respite, escaping his enemies. |
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| At the Hunter Home, Joseph dictated Sections 127 and 128 of the Doctrine and Covenants |
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| We visited the Old Nauvoo Burial Grounds east of the city |
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| There we found a lot of old tombstones that are very difficult to read |
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| There is a special memorial built to The Old Nauvoo Burial Ground |
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| It is a memorial showing a pioneer family mourning the loss of a child they have just laid to rest. It honors the valiant Saints who lived and died in Nauvoo, particularly in the period of 1839-1846. Many of those buried here are children. |
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| Gravestone to Edward Partridge who was buried here. He was the first bishop of the Church, whoo spent most of his time in the Church serving the members of the Church in Zion (Missouri). He wore himself oout in the service of the Lord. He is one of my heroes of the restoration. |
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| We finished our time in Nauvoo on the Trail of Hope. The young missionary performers gave a wonderful tribute to many individuals who left Nauvoo on their journey west. The trail from Nauvoo to the Mississippi River includes many markers and stories of these individuals. |
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| Dramatization of a pioneer couple leaving Nauvoo, including quotes from those individuals. |
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| Some shared meaningful songs . . . |
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| . . . or stories |
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| It was a wonderful ending to our day and our Church History tour |
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| We ended up on the banks of the Mississippi River where the Saints would have crossed the river |
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| There is a wonderful monument and marker at the end of the Trail of Hope, honoring those who made the exodus west |
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| On the wall includes the names of all who died during the journey. We found names from the Hammon and Pack family and others of our relatives. They gave their all for this gospel. |
Day 12 (Last Day) of our Self-Guided Church History Tour - From Nauvoo to South Jordan, Utah through St. Louis (Temple and Airport)
Facebook Post:
Our tour is complete. Just getting on the airplane now.
We loved the Travel Guides in these photos. They gave us so much background and showed us how to find so many out of the way sites. We drove 2,891 miles in the last two weeks. We listened to a lot of podcasts and conference talks, but the most beneficial was Debbie reading the background of each site in these books. The sites we visited were more meaningful as we studied from the many resources available. They came alive for us!
Everywhere we visited, the Saints were learning about temple ordinances and/or trying to build temples. This is where the Lord could and did endow them with power. We were blessed to visit many temple sites, some historic and others operating now. Today we were able to participate in endowment and initiatory ordinances in the St. Louis Temple. This was the second temple in Missouri this week that we visited. We have come a long way in 200 years!
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| Used don the first half of our trip |
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| Book 2, used on the second half of our trip |
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| Visit to the St. Louis Temple before catching our flight home. We were able to be the Witness couple in an endowment session. What a wonderful finale to our two week experience. |
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| Photo from the front of the St. Louis, Missouri temple |
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| Photo from the parking lot, at the bank of the St. Louis temple |
Tender Mercies:
Throughout these two weeks, the Lord has given us many tender mercies as we have strived to learn and obey. The following are a few to share:
· Fixing car with tire pressure alert. The rental car came up with a warning light before we even arrived to our daughter Melanie’s house. As we called the Hertz helpline, we got no help. Finally, on a chatline, after waiting quite a while, we were told to take it to a Pep Boys or Firestone location. On Saturday, September 4 we found a Firestone store in Lehighton, but it was closed for the Labor Day weekend. As we arrived at Melanie’s house, they had a tire pressure meter and pump! As we checked all the tires, we found that one was low on air. As we corrected the pressure, the light went off and we did not need to worry anymore about this issue.
· Before we left home, we ordered a book “Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants”. It was out of stock everywhere in the Salt Lake Valley. We ordered from a Deseret Book in Vernal that had it in stock. Unfortunately, they were late getting it sent and it was scheduled to arrive right after we caught our flight. As we talked to the book store in Vernal, they were willing to send another copy to our hotel in Palmyra. It arrived on our first day in Palmyra. This book helped our study and understanding during our trip.
· While visiting Melanie and her family, we stayed in an apartment in Jim Thorpe. Unfortunately, as we left on Monday morning, we left my suit and Debbie’s blouse in the closet. We didn’t realize this until we arrived in Palmyra on Monday evening and unloaded our suitcases. This was the only suit or Sunday pants that I had packed. When we contacted the owner of the apartment in Jim Thorpe, he shipped these cloths to our hotel in Kansas City, arriving there a day before us. Thus, we could go to Church and to the Temples the next week in our Sunday Clothes. For our visit to the Palmyra Temple, I had to go with jeans with my white shirt and tie.
· As we arrived at the Joseph Knight home in Colesville we met the volunteer couple that was providing tours. They had recently arrived for a two week volunteer service. When they heard our name, Rueckert, they asked us if we knew Rondi Rueckert. Of course, we answered, that she is our niece. It turned out that Rondi is a close friend of their daughter and had been in their house many times. This developed an instant relationship with Brother and Sister Bradfield. They showed us not only the Joseph Knight home but also the Josiah Stowell home and took us to the location where Joseph and Emma were married. They are descendants of Joseph Knight.
· After we visited the Grandin press on our first day in Palmyra, we had a little extra time. We decided to visit the grave of Alvin Smith that was supposedly in a nearby cemetery. We went to the cemetery and found the grave, one of the only graves in this cemetery site. After the first few yards, we only saw two graves, one of the founder of Palmyra and the grave of Alvin. We recognized that this is one of the many experiences that we wouldn’t have had if we had taken a group tour. We were thankful that we ended up with our self-guided tour to have these additional experiences.
· Once temples started opening up again, we tried to schedule temple sessions at the locations that we were visiting. One day, I saw Palmyra available and made a reservation for us. Soon after it was no longer available, but we were blessed to be able to participate in an endowment session there based on that short window of opportunity.
· We posted our experiences on Facebook each day of our trip. After our first day in Palmyra, Sister Matheson, who we had known as senior missionaries in Europe, posted that their friends Elder and Sister Boone were in Palmyra. The second day, when we were in Fayette, we asked the missionary couple about the Boones. We were advised that they were serving in the E.J. Grandin site that day. We were able to stop and say Hi to Sister Boone that very day. That night when we went to the Palmyra Temple, the missionaries that we talked to in Fayette were serving as ordinance workers. Having recognized us, they asked us to serve as the witness couple in the endowment session. This was the first time we have been able to be the witness couple in the temple since COVID closed the temples. This was a very special experience for us.
· Our second day in Palmyra was quite rainy, after near perfect weather the previous day when we visited the Sacred Grove and Hill Cumorah. I had wanted to go back one more time to the Sacred Grove, since our hotel was right next to the Smith Farm sites. Because of the rain, I did not make that visit. The next day we were traveling to Kirtland, but I decided to take my morning study time and visit the Sacred Grove. This time the weather was perfect. Since I was going early, before the visitors center was open, I believe that I was the only person in the Sacred Grove. This was a very special treat, better than I could have ever imagined or planned.
· As we left Palmyra, we stopped at a fudge store that was noted in our Travel Guide. Our mouths were ready for a special treat. When we went to the store, we could not find it. We found that the owner of the store had died a few years ago, we had to settle for a brownie from the neighboring store instead. That night we went to an Amish country story near Hiram, Ohio. They had a special deal on their homemade fudge. We bought enough to take care of our sweet tooth for the rest of the trip. Coincidental, but a tender mercy.
· Our weather was perfect throughout the trip. There were a few days of rain, but we were able to arrange our visits to do the outdoor visits in near perfect weather. Temperatures were not extreme, neither too hot nor too cold. It couldn’t have been scripted better. We thank God for this ideal weather.
· In Kirtland, we were able to see everything that we could identify by 5:00 pm on Friday night. We decided to enjoy a “date night”, watching a movie together. Debbie had an impression to watch “Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration”. It was a great impression as it helped put all of our experiences into an overall perspective. It was a perfect date night.
· As we drove to Missouri from Kirtland, we tried to visit temples along the way in Columbus, Ohio, Indianapolis, Indiana and St. Louis, Missouri. As we were approaching Indiana, I asked Debbie to put the Indianapolis Temple into her phone as my phone was leading us to Missouri. We didn’t really know where the Indianapolis Temple was. As soon as she put it into her phone, it told us to go north at the next junction. We got this instruction literally seconds before we would have missed our exit. This may be small, but once again we saw the Lord’s tender mercy to us.
· As we were planning this trip we received a wedding announcement from our granddaughter, Sabrina. We realized that we would be near her home when we were visiting Independence, Missouri. She lives just across the state line in Kansas. This was before we changed to a self-guided tour. Then it became even easier. We made contact with her and were blessed to go to dinner with Sabrina and meet her husband. This was the first time we had seen her in six years. This was a special bonus to our Church History trip.
· To visit with Sabrina on Monday evening, we ran out of time visiting Adam-ondi-Ahman and had to cut our visit to 15 minutes. We were disappointed, for it was the first time on our trip that we had a time commitment that got in the way of our self-guided tour. The next day we were traveling to Nauvoo via Hannibal, Missouri, planning to take a steamsboat ride at 4:00 pm. We had time to do this after our 9:30 am temple session in the Kansas City Temple, but did not have too much time to spare. When we called that morning to set up our reservation, we found that the 4:00 pm steamboat ride was only in their summer schedule and was not available that day. They did have a 6:30 pm dinner cruise, but it was filled up. With this news, we decided to head to Nauvoo via Adam-ondi-Ahman, taking a small detour. In fact, it worked very well and we had one of the most memorable moments of our trip at Adam-ondi-Ahman. We were able to see and understand all of the site and had time to ponder individually on Tower Hill. It was probably even better after being in the temple that very morning. I had felt prompted a few times to go back to Adam-ondi-Ahman, but it took the Lord adjusting our Hannibal plans to get us to follow the prompting. Later, we went to Hannibal for dinner and found that most of the restaurants in Hannibal were closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the off-season. Thankfully, we were directed to a much more beneficial experience in Adam-ondi-Ahman, rather than Hannibal.
· Sometimes we get tender mercies that we don’t deserve. On our way out of Missouri, I was traveling a little too fast on the road. I was stopped by a policeman who said I was clocked at 80 mph in a 65-mph zone. He was very kind and after a short discussion, he let us go with only a warning. I set the cruise control to follow exactly the speed limit the rest of the way.
· When we planned our trip, we planned to do laundry in Palmyra and Nauvoo. We understood that there would be laundry facilities in our rental condo in Nauvoo. We did laundry in Palmyra on a rainy morning that worked out very well. When we arrived at Nauvoo, we couldn’t see any washer or dryer in our condo. When we called the office, they said that laundry facilities were only in the two-bedroom condos. Apparently, we had misunderstood. However, as we talked to them more, they offered to let us do laundry, using the two-bedroom condo next to us, since no one would be using it for the next two days. That worked perfectly and solved our need. One more tender mercy!
· As we started our visit to Nauvoo, we decided to take the carriage, wagon and oxen tours, attend the musical programs and do as many “tours” as we could fit in, based on our priorities. The first tour we wanted to go to was the Temple City tour of 5 sites closer to the temple. These sites were all related to the construction of the temple. We went and waited at the home that the program said would be the starting point, but no one showed up. After waiting until 7 minutes after the hour, we decided to hurry to a wagon tour of the city. Fortunately, we got onto the wagon right before they left and had a wonderful overview of Historic Nauvoo. We also found out that the Temple City tour started at a different home but the program had not been updated. We moved ahead with other priorities. However, on our last day, in the last hour of tours, we were able to complete the Temple City tour, starting at the correct place. We learned some wonderful lessons about Saints who contributed on an individual basis to the Nauvoo Temple.
· We came to Nauvoo, ready to find the location of the homes of some of our ancestors. I had downloaded a PDF file of several ancestor stories and sent it to our email, so we could access it when we got to Nauvoo. We went there 45 minutes before closing on our first day in Nauvoo. Unfortunately, our cell phone coverage was insufficient to download the PDF files that I had emailed. Fortunately, one of the missionaries gave us the WI-FI password so we could hook into their Wi-Fi and we were able to resolve the situation. The next day we enjoyed finding some sites where our ancestors had owned land. This helped us understand more about the size of Nauvoo at that time and discover a personal connection.
· This was our first extended trip since we started using some medical supplies that needed refrigeration. We bought a little insulated bag and inserted ice packs in the bag. We found that this was sufficient for our airplane trip to Pennsylvania and for day trips between hotels. Fortunately, we were able to have refrigerators in each room. Most of our rooms had a freezer unit with the refrigerator. However, in Independence, there was no freezer unit, but the office allowed us to refreeze our ice packs in their freezers, which worked perfectly. We found that we can travel without being restricted by some medical challenges.
Pre-trip in Lehighton, Pennsylvania:
Since our original plans began in Philadelphia, we had scheduled our airplane trip for a few days earlier to visit with our daughter Melanie and her family. Even though our Church History Tour changed, we still enjoyed a visit with our grandchildren and their parents.
We arrived in Philadelphia on Friday evening and drove to Lehighton, checking into our reserved apartment in Jim Thorpe, ten miles from Lehighton. Because we were in a new location we looked for something different to do with our grandchildren on Saturday. We chose to take them on a tour of a coal mine in Lansford, PA. We took a train half of a mile into the coal mine and learned an awful lot about the coal mining industry that was the core business in this part of Pennsylvania 150 years ago.
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| The No. 9 Mine site, the world's oldest continuously operated anthracite coal mine. |
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| Ready to go on the ride into the mountain |
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| That is the train and the entrance into the mountain |
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| Entering 1600 feet into the mountainside |
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| Beautiful scenery |
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