Home Sweet Home!

Nauvoo Reunion Part 6

Finally on Saturday we were ready to start for home!  A last look at our home for the last 4 days!  These cabins are all original to the pioneers and relocated to this area.  I think a couple even came from Utah!

The smallest of the above cabins slept all the teen girls - McKenna, Camille, Sarah Anne and Caitlyn and Jeff's sister Jamalyn.

The brothers and boys spent the night in the middle cabin - Jeff, Evan, Jason and Jay (brothers) and Garrett, Ryan, Brandon, Landon and Zac.

The larger cabin slept Grandpa and Grandma, the moms and rest of kids - me, Lei Ann, Michelle, and Jessica (sisters-in-law) and Kimber, Addison, Leighton, Sadie, Mattie, Carly, Kyle, Shelby, Chelsea and Shalyse.  We had a full kitchen, large family room and plenty of room to spread out.

Before leaving Nauvoo, we stopped for a carriage ride at the Visitor Center.  This ride was different than the wagon ride as it took us out in the country side of Nauvoo.  The tour guide was Elder Grygla - Carolyn Grygla's husband (mom's cousin).  He did a great job of pointing out various spots that were special to Joseph so he could escape the hectic life of Nauvoo and spend a few quiet moments by himself. We spent a few moments on the ride in a grove, sang "I am a Child of God" and reflected in the quiet what it must have been like to have lived in Nauvoo so long ago.  Rick and Rod were our missionary horses for the trip. 

We left Nauvoo with some great memories, grateful to have spent the time in such a wonderful way with family and with the missionaries who made it an incredible trip! 

Shortly after leaving Nauvoo we passed a real Oscar Meier hot do car!  A real one!  We drove through Rome and near What Cheer, Iowa.  After about 5 hours we arrived in Council Bluffs Iowa.  Next stop - Kanesville Tabernacle!

 Three years after the Prophet Joseph Smith's death, the Saints were driven from Nauvoo and settled in temporary settlements in Iowa to prepare for their journey west.  This time is now known as the Grand Encampment.  It was in the Kanesville Tabernacle that Brigham Young was sustained as the next prophet, seer and revelator. Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards were called as his counselors.  Many in the congregation witnessed that as Brigham spoke they not only heard Joseph Smith, they saw him in Brigham place!  This miracle confirmed to many Saints that the mantleship of the church is to be passed according to the Spirit and not along lineage lines. 

 The tabernacle which has been long gone was originally build in only 2 1/2 weeks during the middle of winter!  Around 1,000 members could fit in it.  The building was 60 ft. by 40 ft. and was quite impressive because it was one of the largest cabins ever built. The Tabernacle was dedicated on December 24, 1847.
The tabernacle was built over an underground stream and the logs rotted out so that the Tabernacle was only in use for 3-4 years before the good logs were used in other buildings.  The Church constructed a replica and dedicated it in 1996.

 Later that day same day we met up with Jeff's brother Jason at his home in Omaha, Nebraska. They treated us to the first homemade meal in almost a week - a great bbq with hamburgers and fresh veggies and fruit!  It was great!  We spent the night at a hotel and left Garrett and Kimber to play with cousins.  It was the least crowded night of sleep with only 3 kids in our room and not all 5!

 July 1st we were packed and all together again so we could make it to the Winter Quarter's Temple just a short distance away.  The visitor center there opens at 9 am every day so we went to enjoy a brief tour of that and walk around the temple - the 3rd and last in our trip!

The handcart Kimber and Addison pulled was easy to do until....

 the sister missionary put just one small smooth rock under the left wheel.  Then they had to use a little more effort!  She explained those early pioneers who often struggled over mile after mile to pull and push their meager belonging in such a cart, to almost give up, and to turn around and see no one when their load suddenly became much lighter.  She also likened this to our lives, that if we are mindful, we will notice that when we struggle we will feel relief from some unseen power. 

Outside the visitor center and across the street to the West is the Winter Quarters original cemetery.  Around 300 pioneers are buried here.  It also feels like sacred ground not only because of the sacrifice of many who were laid to rest here but because President Hinckley dedicated this ground to be part of the temple grounds when he dedicated the Winter Quarters temple back in 2001. 

  The trek across Iowa that first year took 131 days.  It was slow going because of the thawing ground, heavy rains and bountiful mud.  The first company made it to the Salt Lake Valley from Winter Quarters in only 111 days with twice the distance to travel!  This shows how hard it was for the Saints when they first left Nauvoo. 

 It was from Winter Quarters that 500 men were called to help fight in the Mexican War.  This turned out to be a blessing by providing some cash flow for the struggling Saints. 

 From Winter Quarters we then loaded up to see how far we could make it towards home before dark.  Let's just say we drove and drove and drove and drove and then drove some more! 

 We reached the Rocky Mountains by late afternoon and were just about through them when we made this pit stop on the West side of the Rocky's.  To be back in the mountains by a relatively small stream (ie: the Colorado River) was heavenly!  I never realized how much I adore the mountains and valleys of our part of the country!

By the time we reached Grand Junction, Colorado, it was 10 pm.  We decided to just keep going and arrived home around 2:30 am!  So glad we drove straight through!  It was worth it not having to lug luggage in and out of a motel again, so worth it to sleep in our own bed!  

Total miles for the day?  1,070!
Total for the trip?  3,065!

Loved the trip!  Loved the time spent with our family and in the temple with our kids!  It strengthened by testimony, reinforced my commitment to the gospel and increased my love for my family and for those early Saints!

Nauvoo Reunion Part 5

Chelsea, Addison, Carly

 June 29th, half of the adults woke early to go to the temple.  Most of all I think the thing that impressed me the most about going to the temple was service!  Yes the temple is beautiful and a remarkable tribute to those early Saints who sacrificed so much to build the original.  But my heart was so full as I realized the sacrifice of all the Latter Day Saints in Nauvoo today!  Service to those attending the temple, service at the visitor center and sites in Old Nauvoo, service by all the performers.  They go around with a smile, a helpful hand, and never complaining about the heat!

 After our session, Grandpa and Grandma, Jeff and myself, Jason and Lei Ann met Jay and Jamalyn in the baptistry with all the grand-kids 12 and older. Jason and Jay baptized our youth and Jeff and his dad confirmed them.  It was the icing on the cake to be able to do this with our kids.  LOVED IT!!!  I want to be there one day with each one of my children!

After the temple and lunch back at the cabins, we went in search of our Prairie Diamond (horse shoe ring), our Red Brick and just enjoyed a little shopping up in town.  We were treated to a delicious dinner at Hotel Nauvoo by Jim and Evalyn, went back up to the cabins and listened to family stories from Grandma and Grandpa.

 These cute cousins are waiting for the Trail of Hope to begin.  The Trail of Hope is down Parley's street in old Nauvoo.  It is sometimes called the Trail of Tears also.  It was this road that the Saints traveled down to cross the Mississippi on their exodus West.  We were fortunate to be in Nauvoo when the young missionaries guide visitors down this road giving them glimpses of what the Saints feelings and thoughts were regarding leaving their beloved home. 

 These two sisters sang so beautifully.  I have always felt that singing brings the Spirit so quickly.  Their voices were truly heavenly!

 A look back at what the Saints must have seen on their departure.  My phone doesn't take the clearest pictures - but still...what a difficult thing they were basically forced to do.

 Again so very blurry, but alas - it's not all blur!  Garrett is pointing to all the bugs!  Millions!  The end of the Trail of Hope - the Mississippi.

 After the Trail of Hope, we went up to the temple. 

 A bit of history of Nauvoo - Nauvoo was home to church members form 1839-1846.  Commerce was a failed community built on a swamp.  The Saints purchased this land and Joseph renamed it Nauvoo meaning beautiful in Hebrew. 

 As Saints flocked to the new community, Nauvoo grew to rival Chicago in size at that time.  A Charter was established allowing the Saints to maintain a militia and giving them the ability to be protected from being imprisoned for false charges.
 
 The Saints built a thriving city from the swamp.  Gardens, brickyards, blacksmiths dotted the city making it a desired location for merchants and tradesmen to do business.  A community hall, library and schools also increased the value of Nauvoo.  Sermons were often held outside to accommodate the large number of Saints. 

 Joseph began yet another temple and construction started in 1840.  The cost - $1,000,000!  The second temple actually constructed by the Saints was a beautiful building that could be seen from 20 miles away.  President Hinckley said of the temple:  "No effort was spared. No sacrifice was too great. Through the next five years men chiseled stone and laid footings and foundation, walls and ornamentation. Hundreds went to the north, there to live for a time to cut lumber, vast quantities of it, and then bind it together to form rafts which were floated down the river to Nauvoo. Beautiful moldings were cut from that lumber. Pennies were gathered to buy nails. Unimaginable sacrifice was made to procure glass. They were building a temple to God, and it had to be the very best of which they were capable."

 Joseph never did see the completed temple before his martyrdom, however precious temple ordinances were started before his death.  After his death, the Saints worked feverishly to complete those ordinances before they were forced to leave.  Before they left, more than 6,000 had received their endowment. 

 Back to the Trail of Hope, as the Saints began to leave, the Mississippi froze on February 4th, enabling the Saints to cross in safety and quickly before ensuing mobs could harm them. 

 After the temple was reconstructed and finished in June of 2002, President Hinckley said "How grateful I am, how profoundly grateful for what has happened. Today, facing west, on the high bluff overlooking the city of Nauvoo, thence across the Mississippi, and over the plains of Iowa, there stands Joseph’s temple, a magnificent house of God. Here in the Salt Lake Valley, facing east to that beautiful temple in Nauvoo, stands Brigham’s temple, the Salt Lake Temple. They look toward one another as bookends between which there are volumes that speak of the suffering, the sorrow, the sacrifice, even the deaths of thousands who made the long journey from the Mississippi River to the valley of the Great Salt Lake."

 A beautiful temple, a beautiful night!

Nauvoo Reunion Part 4

 Thursday, June 28th dawned warm and humid - about 90 degrees and 80% humidity.  We got an early start on a wagon ride through old Nauvoo before they shut the rides down because of the heat. 

 Addison took the above and following pics - not a bad eye!

 She also took this one.  I liked this photo simply because it's Patty Session's home.  Patty was the nurse midwife for the Saints in Nauvoo.  She delivered over 3,000 babies!  I'm no where near there - maybe 30 babies - and I'm not the one who really delivers them - but I love that part of my job!

 
 Once back - Bob and Dan took a few minutes to greet those they served!  Leighton loved them!  Surprised me because at home we have a hard time getting her to pet our horses!  Maybe she just likes missionary horses!

After the wagon ride, we went and walked around the Women's Garden.  This is one of the few things I can remember about visiting Nauvoo as a young girl.  I loved the statues then and it was fun seeing them again!

 Later we spent some time at the Living Center eating fresh bread, learning about candle dipping, pottery, barrel making, and perhaps everyone's favorite - making rope!

The heat took the energy out of all of us!

We visited the Community of Christ sites - briefly.  There just isn't the same feeling or spirit there as there is at the LDS sites.  The home of Joseph Smith and several river front sites belong to the Community of Christ church as well as the graves of Joseph, Hyrum and Emma.  

 After our visits around town we ended the night with Nauvoo Rendezvous.  Earlier in the day we had also seen Just Plain Anna Amanda.  After all we did and saw and in the heat - I have a wonderful respect for these missionaries both young and old!  They were leading tours, performing and teaching all day long and in the heat!  They were difficult to keep up with!

More to come still!

Nauvoo Reunion Part 3

 Wednesday, June 27th we traveled back across the Mississippi River to Carthage Jail.  We were lucky enough to visit this site on the anniversary of the martyrdom 168 years earlier.

 Joseph Smith agreed to go to jail when the governor of Illinois promised to protect them.  Hyrum Smith, John Taylor and Willard Richards accompanied him.  John Taylor was asked to sing "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" by the prophet. 

 In 1844, William Law, a disaffected Mormon, published a paper full of slander aimed at the Prophet Joseph Smith, calling for Joseph to be arrested and hung.  Non-Mormon neighbors were furious and a riot followed.  Joseph and Hyrum Smith and others were arrested for inciting the riot. The governor promised the men that if they submitted to the arrest and went to jail in Carthage, he would protect them. The men agreed to go to jail and undergo a trial. While in Carthage, Joseph was threatened numerous times.

 On the morning of June 27th, 1844, while at Carthage Jail, Joseph wrote a letter to his wife, Emma. "I am very much resigned to my lot, knowing I am justified, and hove done the best that could be done. Give my love to the children and all my friends ... May God bless you all".

 During the afternoon the four men in the jail (Joseph, Hyrum, John Taylor and Willard Richards) were in considerably low spirits. John Taylor was asked by Joseph to sing the hymn “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.” One part of the hymn was especially fitting to their current situation:

In pris’n I saw him next—condemned

To meet a traitor’s doom at morn;

The tide of lying tongues I stemmed,

And honored him ‘mid shame and scorn.

My friendship’s utmost zeal to try,

He asked, if I for him would die;

The flesh was weak, my blood ran chill,

But my free spirit cried, ‘I will!’

Then in a moment to my view

The stranger started from disguise.

The tokens in his hands I knew;

The Savior stood before my eyes.

He spake, and my poor name he named,

‘Of me thou hast not been ashamed.

These deeds shall thy memorial be;

Fear not, thou didst them unto me.

 Shortly after 5:00 in the afternoon, a mob of 100 men with their faces blackened headed for Carthage, stormed the jail, and began firing through the door. Hyrum was shot in the face. Joseph leaned over his brother and exclaimed, “Oh dear, brother Hyrum!” John Taylor was hit a number of times. One shot hit his pocket watch, another his wrist, another his left knee, and a final shot hit his left hip. Joseph Smith went to the window, knowing that there was no safety in staying in the room.  It was then he was shot and was killed. Willard Richards, who had been told by the Prophet that he would be safe only had his ear slightly grazed.

 The mob ran outside to make sure Joseph was dead. Fearing the mob would return, Willard Richards hid John Taylor, who was still alive under a mattress in another cell room. The mob did not return. Joseph Smith’s brother Samuel had heard about the threats on Joseph’s life and was on his way to Carthage. He arrived that same evening and was the one who wrote the letter back to Nauvoo telling the Saints that their prophet and his brother Hyrum were dead.

 I love the hymn "Praise to the Man".  The time we were in Carthage this familiar song kept coming to my mind. 

Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah.
Jesus' anointed, "that Prophet and Seer,"
Blessed to open the last dispensation;
Kings shall extol him, and nations revere.

Praise to his mem'ry, he died as a martyr;
Honored and blest is his ever great name;
Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins,
Plead unto heav'n, while the earth lauds his fame.


Great is his glory, and endless his priesthood,
Ever and ever the keys he will hold;
Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom,
Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.


Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven;
Earth must atone for the blood of that man!
Wake up the world for the conflict of justice,
Millions shall know "brother Joseph" again.


Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven,
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain,
Mingling with God's he can plan for his brethren,
Death cannot conquer the hero again.



The downstairs kitchen and bedroom.



A holding cell downstairs where the men spent their first night.

 

The holding cell upstairs where the men were kept until the jailer let them stay in his room because of the oppressive heat. 



The door through which the first shots were fired.  The small rectangular block of wood above the handle was taken out by previous owners of the home and later returned and restored.

After Carthage, we traveled about 30 minutes to the west to Nauvoo.  Along the way we stopped at the Mississippi so Addison and I could take a closer look at the lily pads!

 After checking in to our cabins, we headed down to the play - Sunset on the Mississippi.  It was fantastic!  Both the couple and younger missionaries put this play on. The younger missionaries are on a 3 month performing mission.  McKenna was so interested - this is the kind of mission she would love!

 
After Sunset on the Mississippi, I went up to the front to see if I could find some relatives serving missions in Nauvoo.  I found Carl and Joy Heaton and Carolyn Grygla!  The Grygla's gave us their front row seats to watch the BYU Living Legends performance that followed Sunset on the Mississippi.  It turned out to be great!  We loved it!  

 This dancer had a special connection with McKenna - He would make gestures that he wanted to call McKenna throughout this dance.

 Leighton loved all the dancers and this one with the twirling dresses had her up and dancing right along with them!

 This dance was an interpretation of Joseph Smith's first vision.  It was beautiful!

 By far - our kid's favorite dance was the Indian hoop dance.  It is amazing to watch them add one more and one more hoop and see all the patterns they make with them!

 These poor kids dancing up there on the stage!  We looked up and saw all the bugs the lights were attracting and asked some of them if they caught a few.  The response?  More than a few!

McKenna's new friend!  A great start to our Nauvoo Reunion!