Church Historic Site Guide Missionary in Nauvoo, Illinois. Author, Blogger, Speaker, Historian, Scouting Veteran, Camp director, Family Historian and researcher.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of participating in a re-enactment event commemorating the 1846 Exodus from Nauvoo as the early Saints began their westward migration. The whole scene drew me back in thought to my own ancestors who made their own trek across the icy Mississippi River. I reflected solemnly on “The Fire of the Covenant” that burned within their hearts and souls.
Our event was held on February 1st. The “real” Exodus began on February 4, 1846 as Charles Shumway was the first to move his wagons across the mighty and icy river. He was followed by hundreds and even thousands of wagons who later made the same journey over the next few weeks and months. So my own ancestors were likely part of many groups who made their trek down Parley Street with their eyes, hearts, feet, and wagons pointing west.
And it truly was “the fire of the covenant” that pushed them onward – even amidst the horrific threat of mobs and the bitter cold weather.
All of these great pioneer ancestors of mine had joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints many years – or a decade previously. Many of them joined in New York, Ohio, Kentucky and everywhere in between those places and Nauvoo. Each of these people had their own conversion stories. Each had met early missionaries as they traversed through hidden villages. They heard the preaching of their neighbors, their kinfolk, or missionaries who traveled through their “neck of the woods”.
These ancestors heard the news of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. They learned of a young Prophet, Joseph Smith, who declared that the heavens were not forever closed. They heard his claim that he had been visited by heavenly messengers – even God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. They also had had opportunity to obtain, read, study and to pray about The Book of Mormon. They felt the witness of the Holy Ghost within their hearts bearing witness of these new truths. And following the feelings of their hearts, they made covenants with God and Christ and were baptized into the Church.
These ancestors – the Cheney, Pulsipher, Wiggins, Rawson, Clark, Robinson, Alger, Hancock, Wilcox, Stevenson, Rice, Coffin, and other families were among the very first to hear and embrace the Restored Gospel. They were stalwarts in helping the Church to get organized and were zealous in their commitments to that “fire of the covenant” that had begun burning within them.
These, my people, followed their Prophet leader, Joseph Smith to Kirtland, Ohio where they helped to build the Kirtland Temple – the first Temple in this – “The Dispensation of the Fullness of Times”. These same people joined the Saints as they went west and south to Missouri. Then came the lies and the hatred as mobs drove them relentlessly from their Missouri homes. They were willing to leave everything and they sacrificed their all for those covenants that they had made. And being homeless and destitute once again, they crossed the Mississippi River (or came overland from various places) to Nauvoo.
Here in Nauvoo, they enjoyed the prophetic leadership of their Prophet, Joseph as they established Nauvoo – a “covenant community” – and in the Lord’s words, “The Cornerstone of Zion”. The construction of the Nauvoo Temple became the focus their lives and every effort as they gave a “tithe of their time” (meaning a day in every ten) for the construction of their glorious Temple.
And in the process, they looked forward with great gladness and anticipation for the completion of the Temple. Their greatest hope was to receive their “temple endowment and sealing ordinances”. The mob action of wicked men around them became even more incessant. The Saints were again to be forced from their beautiful homes, farms, and especially their beloved Temple. They would join the Saints for their westward trek.
All of the Saints – including our ancestors – awaited their turn to go to the Temple to receive their Temple Endowments. They were so anxious to receive this special “gift” from God before their forced exodus. They wanted the “fire of Temple covenants” as a strength for the journey ahead.
The book, “Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society” states that “More than 5,000 Saints thronged the Nauvoo Temple after its dedication so they could receive the endowment and the sealing ordinance before embarking on their journey into an unknown future. They came to the temple all day and long into the night. President Brigham Young wrote that they were so anxious to receive their ordinances that “I have given myself up entirely to the work of the Lord in the Temple night and day, not taking more than four hours sleep, upon an average, per day, and going home but once a week.”3
[Still Quoting:] “The strength, power, and blessings of temple covenants would sustain the Latter-day Saints during their journey, when they would suffer cold, heat, hunger, poverty, sickness, accidents, and death. They were strengthened and empowered—spiritually prepared to leave Nauvoo on their arduous journey into the wilderness.”
As the Saints prepared for the arduous journey ahead, they were assigned or recruited to various pioneer companies – each one with a called Captain – (And captains of 100, 50, 10, etc.) And once assigned to these advance companies, they worked with other members of the coming pioneer company to create and manufacture their own wagons that would be needed for the planned trip. Every available space in the community was converted to places to manufacture the wagons and the wheels.
Above: Elder Kevin at the representative Wainwright Shop
Church leaders published “The Bill of Particulars” – which was a rather comprehensive list of supplies and materials that they would need to outfit their wagons for the trek. Much effort was made to acquire their 1,000 pounds of flour, and all else that would fill their wagons.
The westward exodus was projected to come in May of 1846 but the mobbers wanted the Saints gone sooner. And thus, the wagons began to roll down Parley street. This as their beloved Temple was worked to full capacity in an effort to allow every possible Saint to receive their Temple ordinances. The Temple was often open days and night to accommodate the waiting throng. Everyone wanted to get to the Temple – not knowing when they might again have the blessing and opportunity of another future temple. (History shows that the next Temple – in St. George, Utah – would not be constructed for another 30 years. The Endowment House – a “emporary Temple” was constructed in 1855 as the Salt Lake Temple was under construction.)
The temperature of that February 4th morning (in 1846) was biting and frigid. The people were ill-prepared for the sub-zero temperatures of the day. Fathers and sons drove their wagons – most of them pulled by oxen. Mothers tried to comfort and encourage their freezing young children as they marched forward down that Parley Street.
Today the “Trail of Hope” leads modern “pioneers” down Parley Street – with numerous plaques with journal entries of those who made the original trek.
With their eyes westward, I am sure too, that each one of those faithful Saints looked with eyes full of tears at their beautiful Temple that loomed behind them on the hill above them to the northeast. One can hardly imagine the thoughts and feelings of those hearts as they thought of their efforts, their hopes and dreams, and certainly the Temple covenants that they had made with their God in the sacred edifice. And amidst that trauma, they still went forward … with “the fire of the covenant” burning deep within them. It was this fire and their covenants that would help them reluctantly – but full of faith – take step after step away from their beloved Nauvoo and the Temple.
And why did my people do that? Why would they sacrifice their all for this trek to an unknown home? What drove them forward? It is difficult now to imagine how they did it – but I am so grateful that they did this for me and my current generations. I honor and revere them.
THE 2025 (ANNUAL) RE-ENACTMENT OF THE 1846 EXODUS
Since coming on our mission to Nauvoo, my wife and I have heard of the coming Exodus experience. I very much looked forward to the event with great anticipation. Beginning a month or more before, we began to receive communications about the coming event. We were given instructions on how to prepare for the experience.
The trek was to be a symbolic walk down the 1 mile-long Parley Street toward the partially frozen River. We were all invited to wear our pioneer costumes. The projected schedule of the coming day helped our anticipation to grow. It sounded as if it would be a magnificent event. We looked forward to the special day of February 1st.
WALKING IN HONOR OF A SELECTED NAUVOO PIONEER ANCESTOR
In preparation for the coming event, missionaries, local residents, and pioneer descendants from a radius of a couple of hundred miles away – were invited to “walk in honor” of an ancestor who actually made the original trek. We were invited to create nametags to be worn around our necks to remind of us those heroes of yesteryear.
I have some 34 direct-line Nauvoo ancestors so I had many to choose from. I could have selected any of those great forebears. I chose one of my favorites – Nathan Calhoun Cheney – my 3rd Great Grandfather. He was the father of Eliza Jane Cheney, my 2nd Great Grandmother (who was born in Kirtland and who was almost age 8 at the time of the trek).
And as a side note: As I write this blog article – on February 17th, I rejoice in the birth of Nathan on this date 213 years ago.
Anyway, I began pronto to create my 2-sided nametag. I also created a nametag which read “Elizabeth Jane “Betsy” Perkins Belcher” for my wife, Lou. This is her great grandfather (a very close pioneer relative) to wear. Betsy was about age 11 when she began the trek.
NAMETAG HELP TO MEMBERS OF OUR DISTRICT
Although we had already made our own nametags, Sister Hunt and I joined the members of our district as we gathered at the local FamilySearch Center. Elder Nelson – a FamilySearch missionary, and Sister Nelson met us there. They helped members of the district – on January 30th – to research and prepare their own nametags. They were most helpful to us.
Cousin Brad Hunt, also a district leader, joined us there for the event at the FamilySearch Center. It was great to be there at his side – and he at mine. And his great wife, Tammy blessed us with wonderful apple crisp and ice cream afterwards. It doesn’t get much better than this!
THE DAY OF THE PLANNED EXODUS
Saturday, February 1st dawned a very chilly day. The weather report showed that it was a frigid day of 31 degrees – with a wind-chill factor bringing it down to 22 degrees. It actually felt much colder than that. The comforting thought was that this was “relatively warm” compared to what it probably was on that actual February 4th start of the 1846 Exodus day. We cannot imagine the bitter, freezing temperature of that day.
We donned many layers of clothing to help us survive the coming experience. I wore some thermals, a pioneer shirt and pants, a vest with deep sheep-looking and wooly padding, a warm coat, heavy gloves, a stocking cap – and a fancier hat over the top of the stocking cap. This made me look quite strange, but the combination helped to protect me somewhat. I retrieved the carved walking stick that my Mesa, Arizona friend (and Nauvoo Temple worker) had carved for me. (Using one of my carved walking sticks has been one of my Scouting “trademarks” through the years.
GATHERING WITH FELLOW (AND FREEZING) SAINTS AT THE FAMILY LIVING CENTER
Saints from all of the surrounding area around Nauvoo were invited to come to participate in the planned Exodus event. And they came in droves – about 400 of them! It was evident that many of these faithful folks had likely come to many previous such annual enactments. It was great to feel their spirits as they anticipated yet another such traditional experience.
Breakfast of cornbread, oatmeal, and biscuits and gravy was provided for the anticipated group. I was grateful to Elder and Sister Cullen for their food preparation (as well to Elder and Sister Gary Jestice – the general chairmen of the event). They did a great job.
Biscuits and gravy are among my known favorite foods and I would have very much enjoyed being a part of those who were in line for the food. I needed to be elsewhere, however. I did help open an extra door at the entry to better assist in the flow into and egress out of the place. This helped the flow considerably.
Sister Hunt and I got a great photo of us with our Mission President Daniel S. Mehr. He was dressed really classy with his outfit and big top hat. We all missed Sister Mehr – and particularly the President. She was still in Utah with her family.
GETTING OUTFITTED FOR THE TREK
Above: Kevin Hunt in “modern” Mormon Battalion Uniform – comoplete with period communication system!
In the advance communications, there went out a plea or invitation for interested men (and boys of the surrounding area) to join the modern “Nauvoo Legion” and to march with the Legion on this trek. This was exciting for me. I have served for 30 plus years as a member of the “modern” Mormon Battalion so I saw this as an extension of that great group.
And on this day, I proudly wore the name of Nathan Calhoun Cheney around my neck. I was certain that Nathan had been a member of the elite Nauvoo Legion – as he was frequently a guard of the Prophet Joseph Smith – and later was a guard for his pioneer company across the plains. It was a great honor to march forward in his name.
Anyway, I reported to the nearby Cultural Hall (aka: “The Masonic Lodge” in pioneer days). I got outfitted with a red ribbon – draped from my left shoulder – as with other men of the Legion. I picked out an “ammo bag” and put it over my right shoulder. I then was privileged to obtain a “rifle” (constructed of a tooled piece of wood the shape of a gun – and with an aluminum conduit for a barrel). I felt as if I was really “official” – a true soldier.
MEETING A YOUNG BOY WHO WAS A WANNA-BE SOLDIER
As I made another pass into the Family Living Center (still trying to get biscuits and gravy), I met a young black boy – who told me his name was Ammaron (a Book of Mormon name). I had met his parents. They are the owners of the new “River Sidon Café” here in town and Lou and I ate there on its opening day. I recognized them with the boy. A great kid … My gun immediately caught the attention of this Ammoron. He was in great awe of it. I saw it in his face and eyes. I held it out to him and let him hold and use his imagination with it. I told him that I could likely get him outfitted as a member of the Legion – and likely with a gun like mine. His eyes shone with excitement over the possibility. His parents agreed to let me lead him away for enlistment.
Together we went to the basement of the Cultural Hall. I was happy that there were still some red sashes and ammo bags available for him. Ammoron was proud as I got him uniformed up. We then went to the gun area. Sadly, there were no more guns there where they had once leaned. With no hesitation, I handed my gun over to Ammoron. I knew that he wanted and needed it. I was happy to give my gun to him – and the look on his face was truly worth the small sacrifice for him. He rejoined his family in line for food – and now proudly sporting his new Legion regalia. He later joined “the ranks” with me and a great many others as we mustered up in rough formation in front of the Cultural Hall.
An experienced elderly brother came and gave us some basic “right and left” directions for “cadence” marching.
To further document the events of that grand day, I will now revert to the more detailed account of the event – as I recorded (that same day) in my journal:
I returned to the roadway in front of the Cultural Hall and got in line with the Legion. There were about 30 or so of us who made the march. A couple of flag bearers were in the front of us. A brother marched along side of us and he gave out “cadence” orders.
The crowd gathered in front of the Cultural Hall. President Preston was the MC for the event. He called upon Sister Turner to give an invocation. The Temple Recorder (not sure of his name) gave a wonderful speech about the history of the Exodus – and also talked about the importance of the Temple and Temple covenants prior to the Exodus. I loved the speech – and wished that I could have a copy of it.
Then it was time to march. A couple of young drummers led the parade. Then there were a couple of flag bearers. President Workman was one of them. The Legion headed out. We all worked to stay in line vertically and horizontally with each other. I visited with a young man by the name of Black – who was in front of me. His young brother was at my left. It made me happy to look back to see my new friend, Amoron with his gun. He was very happy.
I wore a nametag in honor of Nathan Calhoun Cheney – my 3rd great grandfather – and one of my favorite ancestors. I was proud to walk in honor of him. At one point in the march, I felt a wave- a “rush” of something that came over me – and I thought of Nathan. Hard to explain what it was that I experienced but I kind of thought that he might somehow know that I was marching for him.
We began our march. We were followed by a corps of young ladies who were all flag bearers. All of the young men Legion members and the young ladies all seemed to enjoy the activity.
This group was followed by all of the folks who came for the event. There was a crowd of folks. Taking up the rear there were six or so wagons driven by our teamsters – and pulled by our show horses. (And one team pranced as if they knew that they were in a big parade.) It was great that the Teamsters got to be out with their animals. They have done a lot of sitting around of late and so the action was wonderful.
Lou went around with our Legion. She kind of ran ahead (as did Elder Sanders) taking photos of our group. We marched south on Main Street and then turned right (west) onto Parley Street. We marched all of the way west on Parley Street – as did the pioneers of 1846. We marched down through “The Trail of Hope”.
We marched the half mile or so down to the river. Elder Rieske – our Legion Commander was there to give us directions. He lined us up in a circular display around the road and monuments down at the river. We alternated with Legion members and the young lady flag bearers.
We watched – in formation – as the rest of the parade marched past us. I was jazzed as I saw the Teamsters with their horses and wagons at the end of the parade. They looked majestic.
I told a few Legion boys to go read the monument plaque in front of the flagpole. I wanted them to see the plaque to dedicated to the memory of Captain Moroni in The Book of Mormon.
I enjoyed watching a young father with his several children. I could see myself in him. I took some photos of him – that I later wished that I could share with him. I took a photo of him in front of the grand statue of the prophets, Joseph and Brigham Young – depicting Joseph sharing a map with Brigham – as if pointing him toward the new home in the West for their cherished Saints. This statue has great meaning and significance for me.
The Exodus committee then staged another program. The Temple Recorder’s wife gave a great talk.
She quoted – as had the Brother at the beginning of the program, the words of Sarah Rich.
And this is again quoted from Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society:
“Like many Relief Society sisters, Sarah Rich was buoyed by temple blessings as she faced the challenges of the exodus. Prior to leaving Nauvoo, she received a calling from Brigham Young to work in the temple. She later said:
“Many were the blessings we had received in the house of the Lord, which has caused us joy and comfort in the midst of all our sorrows and enabled us to have faith in God, knowing He would guide us and sustain us in the unknown journey that lay before us. For if it had not been for the faith and knowledge that was bestowed upon us in that temple by the influence and help of the Spirit of the Lord, our journey would have been like one taking a leap in the dark. To start out … in the winter as it were and in our state of poverty, it would seem like walking into the jaws of death. But we had faith in our Heavenly Father, and we put our trust in Him feeling that we were His chosen people and had embraced His gospel, and instead of sorrow, we felt to rejoice that the day of our deliverance had come.”4
As Sister Rich implied, the exodus was not a “leap in the dark” for faithful Latter-day Saint women. They were sustained by their covenants. Like the children of Israel anciently, they followed a prophet into the wilderness in the hope of deliverance. In preparation for the exodus, President Brigham Young made the following declaration to the Saints: “This shall be our covenant—that we will walk in all the ordinances of the Lord.”5 Latter-day Saints walked into the wilderness bound by covenant to God, their families, and their fellow sojourners.
Also at the program at the river’s edge, the four Missionaries who sang “Come, Come Ye Saints” a couple weeks ago again sang the song. They were fabulous particularly in this Exodus setting.
After the event, Lou and I went down to the river that was frozen at the edge. We got some great photos (which the family also enjoyed when I sent the photos to them).
THE TRAIL OF HOPE ON PARLEY STREET
The “Trail of Hope” is the same path that many Latter-day Saints took when they left Nauvoo and began their journey west. The trail showcases the faith of ordinary people who faithfully followed the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to a new life in the valley of the Great Salt Lake (present-day Utah in the United States).
On February 4, 1846, the first wagons left Nauvoo, traveling to the banks of the Mississippi River along Parley Street, where a ferry could take them across the river into Iowa Territory. The Saints continued to depart Nauvoo along this same trail through September of that year.
Over 14,000 Latter-day Saints left Nauvoo during the coming months. They were headed into the unknown and had to trust their leaders’ guidance and revelation. Many of the exiled Saints recorded their experiences of leaving Nauvoo in their journals, and others continued to reflect on their departure years later. In a sermon given in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 21, 1867, Apostle George Q. Cannon declared, “It required a great amount of faith on the part of the people, to venture into an unexplored and desert country to attempt again to build up homes, and to perform the labors enjoined upon us by God, our Heavenly Father.” (Source: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/locations/trail-of-hope?lang=eng
Overview photo of “The Trail of Hope”
SOME INTERESTING INFORMATION ABOUT THE NOBLE OXEN
Most of the departing Saints began and made their trek with wagons pulled by Oxen. In Nauvoo, we have several oxen. (And I may have already mentioned a quote that I learned from my Teamster missionary companions. Elder/Cousin Brad Hunt said that an ox “is a cow on a mission. It is a cow that has been trained for his occupation”.
THE NAUVOO OXEN EXPERIENCE AND MARKERS
The Nauvoo Teamsters manage a herd of oxen. They give visitors a ride on a wagon pulled by a team of oxen. They say that “this is the most authentic experience in Nauvoo”. And my teamster friends educated me on the difference between a cow and an ox. They are virtually the same, but the “ox is a trained cow with a mission – a profession”.
Most of the wagons that left Nauvoo headed for the west were pulled by oxen – rather than horses. Surrounding the oxen ride are a plethora of plaques that memorialize the ox drawn experience – through the eyes and journal records of folks who drove their oxen to the Great Salt lake Valley. In a way, the plaques pay tribute to the thousands of oxen that made their trip west – and who faithfully pulled the over-packed wagons of their pioneer families.
Above: Elder Kevin and Sister Lou Hunt with the Nauvoo Oxen.
Left: The Oxen Plaques along the trail on Main Street
MORE ACTIVITIES ON THE DAY OF EXODUS
As the Exodus event concluded, Lou and I then made the trek back to the Family Living Center. We had been assigned to be guides there for any of the participants who might come. I was in a hurry to get there – and walked faster than Lou. (She can never keep up with me anyway.) I felt an urgency to get there and to be on duty.
Upon arrival, I gathered a group of kids and led them to the rope making station. I had fun teaching the kids. I made five or six ropes with groups. We had one father come – in his suit – with a couple of his own kids as well as a couple of their friends (while the other 3 adults were at the Temple). Lou and I took them around to several stations. I took them to barrel making and bread making after rope making. Lou taught them bricks and wool carding. I enjoyed visiting with this guy named Ison.
OUR OWN “FIRE OF THE COVENANT” PREPARATION FOR THE EXODUS
JANUARY 29TH – WEDNESDAY JOURNAL ENTRY
This evening we had a special and sacred opportunity. In the Nauvoo Temple, there is a large “Assembly Hall” as is it is called. Normally this beautiful room sits silent – with a chord blocking entrance to it. President Mehr requested use of the room for a missionary meeting. They had to get permission for its use through the First Presidency. The First Presidency granted permission and asked “who are the speakers to be?
The missionaries of our mission – as well as Temple missionaries – gathered there tonight. We wore our Sunday clothes. And of course, we needed our recommends to enter the Temple.
The room is magnificent in its architecture. I sat there in awe as I looked at the room. There are four levels for chairs of leadership. The place looks very much like the Kirtland Temple with its bench arrangement and “pulpits”. I figured out that there are ten rows of chairs – each with ten chairs. And on the sides are four more seats in each of the ten rows.
Sister Reed played the prelude music – with the beautiful acoustics. I was surprised when President Mehr had a lady Sister Jestice conduct the meeting. (Not that there is anything wrong with it – it is just different.) We sang “The Spirit of God” – a song that was written by William W. Phelps, was in the first church hymnbook – and sung at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. This was a great song.
We were first addressed by Sister Church – wife of the current Temple president. She talked of her ancestors who were here. We were then addressed by President Church. He talked of the plan of Salvation as we get to experience in the Temple.
President Mehr was there by himself. His wife is still in Utah and is with her mother – who is terminally ill. We all miss her. He really misses her – since they usually do everything together. He gave a wonderful talk. I recorded it in my “study journal”. I had not known if I would be able to take the journal into the Temple but I was able to do so. I recorded his talk in almost every detail.
It was a really wonderful occasion – for which I am grateful that we were able to participate in. The meeting was a blessing.
Being there reminded me of when I was beginning my mission. In those days – me included – got our training at the “Lafayette School” located across from the street from the Salt Lake Temple. This was “The Mission Home”. During our stay there, we got to go to the 5th floor “Assembly Room” of the Salt Lake Temple.
In that session, we were privileged to hear then church President, Harold B. Lee, addressed us for a great length of time. He opened the meeting to questions by the missionaries. Most of the missionaries worked their hardest to dream up their most impressive questions for the prophet.
Although as a neophyte journalist, I did not record the incident, I clearly remember President Lee. As a question was asked of him, he would say, “Elder, that is a very good question. Let’s go to the scriptures for an answer.” Then seemingly, his scriptures plopped open and he would discourse on the question. He repeated this rhythm over and over.
ANOTHER GREAT TEMPLE OPPORTUNITY AND BLESSING
JANUARY 31ST – FRIDAY
… I often receive messages from Ancestry or FamilySearch relative to people in my family line. Often these are “research hints” with an invitation to review records to see if they relate to specific people in the family tree – and if the hint and the ancestor are the same people. I found it extremely interesting today to find several record hints that were all about Nathan Calhoun Cheney. He is one of my favorite ancestors. The interesting thing is that I had previously selected his name to wear on a nametag for the “Exodus Trek” which is tomorrow. He must know that I am thinking about him.
I further recorded:
This evening, we participated in a really cool event. The Temple President Chris Church invited our mission President Mehr to be a Temple Ordinance Worker. And as such, he is able to host sessions for the missionaries. They reserved the full 3:30 and 5:30 sessions for just missionaries. We selected the 5:30 Pm session since typically we should be available to give tours until 4 PM (even though at the moment, we often do not get calls in the afternoon).
Our session was completely full – with no open seats. I figured out that the ordinance rooms would hold 48 people (24 each of men and women). President Mehr was the officiator for the session. I am sure that he missed his wife – who would have normally been there with him in the role. She is still in Salt Lake with her mother who is very ill. He recruited Sister Williams to co-officiate with him.
It was obvious that President Mehr was very happy to be there in that role – and looking out and seeing all of his missionaries present. It was such a great blessing and opportunity to be in the Temple with all of our missionary friends. I had the thought that I have never been in an endowment session wherein I knew every person in the session. This was very cool. And of course, it was great to rub shoulders with all of my brothers.
President Mehr also voiced the prayer in the prayer circle. He prayed quite specifically for us as missionaries. This was wonderful. He prayed for us as we serve here, as well as for our families – with special spiritual needs – back home.
It was also my blessing to have President Mehr be my ordinance worker who presented me at the veil. I loved that. It was kind of funny because it was obvious that he had not done this before and was somewhat nervous about it. As I got up to the veil, he said to me, “Well, are you ready for this?” He stumbled on his words and had to resort to the card. But, the symbolism of him being there for me was special.
I went through for Bendex Jensen – a family name – a man born about 1755. I was pleased to go through for one of my Danish ancestors.”
I FELT THE FIRE OF THE COVENANT AGAIN IN NAUVOO
Wow! What a special and sacred week. I am in awe of this Hallowed Ground of Nauvoo and the very special feelings and “Nauvoo Miracles” that we get to experience almost continuously. It is such a special blessing being here in Nauvoo. I am so blessed and honored to be here and able to bask in the memory of my magnificent pioneer Nauvoo ancestors (and the many others who felt the “Fire” in other parts of the country – but still made the exodus to Utah). I am grateful to all of these special people.
I am grateful for the “Fire of the Covenant” that these pioneer ancestors have passed on their legacy of faith to me and to my current family of children and grandchildren. That fire burns strong in my own mind and heart.
Recently I published an article with a presentation that I made on family history and heirloom records. I now am pleased to share with you the presentation that I have prepared for my second class: “Writing the Journal of Your Life”. I hope that the material can be helpful to you.
Do some journaling along the trail. You (and your posterity) will be glad you did!
As winter missionaries in Nauvoo, we have a fair amount of free time. Of course, everyone still has 24 hours a day and Nauvoo is no exception. In our concierge winter system – where we are in the tour “queue” and we await our turn to give tours and minister to our guests. With time on our hands, we have the opportunity to have parties, activities, events that we don’t get to have when we are in a busy season.
In these activities, missionaries get to share their own unique and special talents and abilities. It is great to see the composite of great talent that each person shares.
Those who know me, know that I have been into genealogy and family history since I was age 12. I have a bit of experience in family history. I looked for an opportunity to share those talents by teaching a series of classes relative to creating family history, heirloom records, journals, personal and family histories.
My first class was an introduction to various “records” one can create as family heirlooms. Everyone has a story to share – and the presentation explores many options you can create for yourself, your current family, as well as for your future posterity. It doesn’t matter what you do. Commit to doing something and begin to create and share. I enjoyed putting together a presentation in preparation for my class. And now, I am happy to share it with you.
Above, I included a link to see the PowerPoint presentation on-line. Check it out. Also, I have included all of the presentation slides here for your perusal.
Well there you have it! A lot of ideas for heirloom records! There are a lot more thhings than you can probably ever do, but hopefully, you got some ideas to help you create a living heritage for your posterity.
Be creative and have fun! Do it, and your famiy will love you. They will remember you for the way you brought your family together.through the heirloom records that you created for them.
The family heritage trail … bringing children and their fathers (and mothers) together. What a great opportunity!
This is a talk which I presented in Sacrament meeting in our “missionary ward” on Sunday, January 19, 2025 – in Nauvoo, Illinois
Greetings, friends and fellow laborers here in Nauvoo.
Today I will quote many verses from Joseph Smith’s own history as he recorded the events of the Restoration. This history was written in 1838 and as found in our canonized “Pearl of Great Price. I knew months ago that at some future time, I would be asked to give a sacrament meeting talk. And months ago, I determined that Joseph’s First vision as contained in his history would be my topic. President Workman invited me three weeks ago to speak today and on that day, I finalized my talk. Then last week as Sister Hunt and I did our “Comr Follow Me”, we noted that the reading for toay was to be from Joseph’ history. So, maybe we need the duplication.
Ours is a great blessing to serve as missionaries here in Nauvoo. As we serve here, we have the opportunity to learn more of and to focus upon the life and mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Sometimes, we even feel guilty as we might think that we focus more upon Joseph Smith than on Christ. Such is not the case for us as we teach and testify of Joseph, we are actually testifying of Christ, because it was He who called and commissioned Joseph Smith as His chosen prophet.
In 2020, President Russell M. Nelson, our prophet, invited us to read and to study the First Vision in preparation for the upcoming 2020 April General Conference – which celebrated the bi-centennial (200-year anniversary) of the First Vision. I accepted his challenge then and enjoyed receiving personal revelation relative to the First Vision. I continue that quest here in Navuoo.
BACKGROUND AND SETTING:
Joseph’s family had lived in Vermont and other places as they tried to eek out a living as poor but determined farmers. And recently they had moved to the village of Palmyra in Western New York. This was not a chance move for the Smith family. The Lord guided and brought them to this location. He needed them there. He needed Joseph to be there for future events. For fourteen hundred years previous to this time, God had directed an ancient American Prophet, named Moroni, to bury sacred metal records in a hill near this Palmyra. Joseph needed to be there to be prepared to obtain and receive this record.
In 1820, young Joseph Smith went in to a grove of trees near his home to pray. He was a religious, sober and reflective young man who was very concerned about his standing before God. Following his prayer, he was visited by God, our Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost was also present and testified to Joseph’s heart of the divinity of his Heavenly messengers. We can learn much truth from this vision and subsequent events surrounding the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
JOSEPH’S FAMILY HELPED PREPARE JOSEPH FOR HEAVENLY ANSWERS:
Joseph was a young man who was brought up in a strong religious home. Scripture reading and prayer were a part of his every day experience as he grew up in the Smith home. The Bible was readily available to him in his home. The scriptures were read frequently as a family and he spent much individual time reading the scriptures. This Christian upbringing prepared Joseph’s young mind for his questions relative to God’s plan for him, taught him that with faith, he could talk to God and receive answers from Him.
There was much action in the community relative to religion. God also had a hand in this revival excitement in that it helped instill questions and concerns in the mind of young Joseph. Joseph attended the meetings of various preachers and denominations. He had read of the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible. He seriously sought for a church that mirrored that of the former day church. But the more he heard from these various preachers, the more he was confused. His family members added to the confusion as they joined different churches. Joseph did not want to make a hasty decision. He wanted to KNOW which church was right and which he should join before he took action. He sincerely believed that there was a true church to which he should become affiliated. And Joseph was concerned about his own spiritual situation and wanted to be “right with God” in his conscience, feelings and actions.
JOSEPH PREPARED HIMSELF SPIRITUALLY TO RECEIVE PERSONAL REVELATION:
Joseph teaches us how to study the scriptures: In verses 11 and 12 of his history, Joseph states:
“I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of god, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not: and it shall be given him. Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God I did …”
Joseph thought of these verses frequently over time and pondered their application to himself. His was not just a single reading of these verses. Joseph studied them over and over again and thought of them deeply. “Can God really hear me and answer my prayers,” he wondered? “If any of you lack wisdom …” And Joseph certainly felt that he did lack wisdom. “Let him ask of God … And let him ask in faith …” Joseph wondered if he had the faith to ask of God and to receive an answer.
Verse 13: At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to “ask of God”.
Again, this was not a quick decision. He thought of these questions again and again. This pondering, combined with his simple but strong faith in God, ultimately led him to the grove.
Verse 13: So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt.”
Joseph checked out possible places in the grove, maybe going there multiple times to ponder his questions and heart desires. Finally, he found his desired spot and he thought of this spot a few times and maybe even visited the spot over the next several days as he tried to envision how he would pray and what he would do.
Then, having made his decision, Joseph was at peace. He was excited as he looked forward to the experience ahead. And then the morning came. He got up real early (likely on a Sabbath Day but if a weekday, before the planned work of the day).
Verse 14: It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty”
Joseph went firmly knowing of his plan for prayer and he had the faith to know that he could receive his desired answers.
Verse 15: “… I retired to the place where I had previously designed to go … [and] looked around me, and [found] myself alone.”
Joseph purposely went to the quiet place he had previously selected and where he knew he could be alone to commune with his Heavenly Father and to offer his heart out to God. He went to his chosen spot deep in the woods – a place in nature that was calm and beautiful. He went to the grove in the early morning – when the world was most beautiful and serene. No doubt he sat again and pondered the beauty around him and his mission in going there. He enjoyed the peace and solitude of the morning as well as the beautiful creations around him. He prepared spiritually for his desired experience. He likely had no idea of the magnitude of what would follow but somehow in his heart, he believed in faith that he would feel and know the desires of his heart. He knew that it was time to exercise his mission and reason for going to the woods.
Verse 14: “It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never made the attempt to pray vocally.”
Joseph had prayed in his mind and heart many times in his life previous to this occasion. But, this occasion was different in that he felt a need to pray vocally. He had not done this before. But, in so doing, he believed that he could more directly speak with God. He wanted to use his voice and not just inner feelings. He spoke vocally with the faith that his God could actually hear his voice. He opened his mouth and slowly began with the words, he had read so many times in his scriptures: “Oh, God, the Eternal Father … Hallowed be Thy name … ” He probably paused there a moment thinking of how to say next what he wanted to say and also waiting for a response back. He wanted to know and feel that he was being heard.
Verse 15: “I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God.”
Joseph knelt down and folded his arms and quietly bowed his head. He waited a few moments as he tried to imagine speaking with God and the questions that permeated his mind. In faith he began softly … “Oh, God, the Eternal Father …”
Verse 15: “… Immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.”
Joseph was overcome with an over-powering darkness. He knew that he was struck by a very negative power. He could not move. He was about to give up as this power bore down upon him. From this experience, he came to know without a doubt that Satan was real and that he was working hard to thwart the work of God.
Verse 16: “Exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction – not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being …”
JOSEPH IS DELIVERED FROM THE EVIL INFLUENCE THAT HAD HELD HIM BOUND:
Joseph prayed with great fervor and increased intensity exerting all inner strength that he had, “OH GOD … Help me … Save me …” (He was trying desperately to hold on … to be rid of the overwhelming power of darkness. The record does not say this, but Joseph likely needed help to get rid of Satan. God appeared and likely told Satan to depart).
And then with Satan ousted from the scene, God then was able to speak to Joseph. Joseph was probably worn out, exhausted from his encounter with Satan.
JOSPEH IS VISITED IN PERSON BY TWO ANGELIC BEINGS:
Verses 16 & 17: “I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.” … “I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound.”
Joseph must have looked with great joy and gladness upon the two personages there before him. He was then overcome and amazed at the brightness around him . The Holy Ghost came upon him and he was able to see and comprehend the two people who stood before him. He thought he was seeing angels. At this point, he did not know who they were. But, he knew that the darkness and depression was gone. And he could feel and see the glorious and exquisite brightness before him. As his eyes adjusted to the light, (and as now prepared of the Holy Ghost to see God), Joseph now relieved, overwhelmed with joy and peace as he basked in the light and glory of the scene before his eyes.
Verse 17: “When the light rested upon me I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other – This is my Beloved Son, Hear him!”
GOD CALLS JOSEPH BY NAME AND INTRODUCES HIS SON TO JOSEPH:
We can only imagine how God the Father and Jesus smiled upon Joseph. They likely told him that they had come in answer to his prayers. And then God smiled again and quietly said, “Joseph … This is my Beloved Son, here him!” Joseph knew then that it was God, the Father, who was talking with him. He gazed and listened with rapt attention and great joy as the significance of the occasion began to sink into his soul.
Jesus added his own self-introduction to himself as he said, “I am the Lord of Glory. I was crucified for the world …” (First Vision 1832 Version) The Lord then asked Joseph, “Joseph, what can we do for you?” Joseph then said that he had come seeking forgiveness of his sins. Imagine the joy as the Lord said, “Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee. Go thy way. Walk in my statutes and keep my commandments.” (1832 Version of the First Vision)
Joseph expressed his sincere gratitude for this feeling of grace that he felt from his Savior. He had a feeling of great joy and peace in his mind and heart.
Verse 18: “My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects were right. … and which I should join.”
Joseph then also stated the second reason why he had come to the Lord in prayer. He said, “I am confused about the many churches and I want to know which church I should join.” J
“At this time it had never entered into my heart that all [churches] were wrong …”
Joseph was surprised when the Lord told him that none of the churches then on the earth were His true church and that Joseph was to join none of them, The Lord said to Joseph:
Verse 19: “… they [are] all wrong … [for] their creeds [are] an abomination in [my] sight, … those professors [are] all corrupt; [and] they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof”.
Verse 20: “again [Jesus] forbade me to join with any of them.”
In verse 28, Joseph states that he was “called of God” for a future work and also told by the Lord that he, Joseph, would later be an instrument in His hands to restore His true church to the earth. We have no other details at this time, but there must have been much other conversation and instruction given to Joseph from his Heavenly visitors. For said Joseph,
Verse 20: “And many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time.” (JS History, Verse 20)
As the “interview” concluded, Joseph found himself on his “back looking up into heaven.” Joseph notes that “when the light had departed, I had no strength”. (JSH-Verse 20) He was spiritually and physically exhausted. He remained in the grove for a time as he pondered on what he had just experienced. And having recovered somewhat, Joseph returned to his home. He went quietly – in reverent awe of what we now refer to as “Joseph Smith’s First Vision”. He said within himself,
And this is quoted from Joseph’s 1832 version of the First Vision: “I beheld a [glorious] vision … I know that I did. I saw God, the Father of the Universe and His Son, my savior, Jesus Christ.” And said Joseph, “My soul was filled with love and for many days I could rejoice with great joy. The Lord was with me.”
Joseph did not run quickly to tell his mother of his experiences but as he came into the house, Lucy Mack Smith could see that Joseph was exhausted. She wondered what had happened to him. Mother Smith asked her son if he was alright or if he was sick. Joseph told his mother what he had seen, experienced and felt. He knew that his mother would believe his words. And she did. And then he gave her a little jab as he said, “I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism [the church she had joined] is not true” (JS-History verse 20.)
What a glorious vision Joseph Smith experienced. And because of his experience, he would never be the same. And the world would also be forever changed. Joseph came out of that grove of trees on that spring morning knowing more about God and Christ than any other man then on the earth. He would go forth to testify of that which he learned and knew. Persecution began immediately to rear its ugly head in opposition to the vision that Joseph had seen. And he recalled the New Testament words of the Apostle Paul who had seen a similar vision soon after the death and resurrection of Christ.
Verse 20: “It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom, else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?” (JSH-Verse 20)
Joseph lamented as he experienced intense persecution and said, “It was often the cause of great sorrow to myself.” (JS History, v. 23) but Joseph would forever be bold in his testimony to the world, saying,
Verses 25 and 27: “It was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. … I saw a light, and heard a voice. “I did see a light, and in the midst of that light, I saw two personages, and they did in reality speak to me. I had seen a vision, I know that I did, I know it, and I know that God knows it, and I cannot deny it and none of this persecution can make it otherwise.” “And,” said Joseph, “I will know to my latest breath that I [did] see a light and heard a voice speaking unto me and all the world could not make me think or believe otherwise. … I continued to affirm that I had seen a vision.”
Joseph knew that he must “continue as I was until I was further directed.” (JS-History, Verse 26). That must have been a very hard time for Joseph, but it was a time to ponder, reflect and to prepare for his future mission. And says Joseph, “I often felt condemned for my weakness and imperfections” (JSH: Verse 29) Joseph knew that he had been called of God (JSH: Verse 28) and that the Church would be restored through him, but Joseph was not given the time table for the events. When no further direction came to him, he would have been tempted further of the father of lies and who would try to make Joseph doubt the reality of his experience or to give up on his forthcoming mission. But, in the meantime, Joseph waited patiently knowing that eventually, he would be given further direction. He continued to read, study, and ponder. And as time passed, Joseph wondered continually of his status with God. “Am I still worthy? What am I to do?” Joseph wondered what the next step would be and when it might happen. Finally, the time did come.
Verse 29: “[On] the twenty-first of September, after I had retired to my bed for the night, I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins and follies, and also for a manifestation to me, that I might know of my state and standing before him; for I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as I previously had one.”
Like Jesus, Moroni, also a resurrected being, came in the form of a man to Joseph on the night of September 21 and 22, 1823. In a series of visits, Moroni came in a pillar of light that was brighter than noonday and “his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. (JSH: Verse 32) And Moroni also called Joseph by name (an indication that the angels of heaven know us mortals here on the earth). Moroni taught Joseph about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, but he also carefully tutored Joseph in the Lord’s continuing call for Joseph to be His prophet.
Later, John the Baptist and Peter, James and John came and bestowed the Priesthood and the associated keys upon Joseph. With divine authorization and keys, the Restoration had begun!
Joseph’s “First Vision” and all subsequent events that brought forth this restoration were miraculous and amazing. And because of these events, the world would forever be changed as the Gospel would roll forth to all the world in preparation for the promised Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
And indeed, we can learn many great and marvelous truths from the First Vision and other events of the Restoration. And it now becomes the mission of all members of the Church of Jesus Christ – the Latter-day Saints, to be bold in testimony of these truths – knowing that we have the divine revealed knowledge and truths that the world does not know or have. The people of the world are depending upon and waiting for us to share the glorious message with them. It is essential to them and for the salvation of all of God’s children now on the earth – and for all future generations.
So, what are the truths that we learn from the First Vision and other events of the Restoration?
GOD HAS A MASTER PLAN FOR OUR EARTH AND THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST UPON THE EARTH:
God The Father had his eye on the Smith family for some 4,000 years before Joseph was born. In the Book of Mormon, as Lehi gives a blessing to his son, Joseph, Lehi quotes a prophesy of Joseph the son of Isaac (the same that was sold into Egypt). In this prophesy, the patriarch Joseph said that he who would restore all things would be called Joseph (after him, the patriarch) and that his name would be named after the name of his father (Joseph Smith, Sr.) (Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 3:15)
As already noted, The Smith family was BROUGHT to New York to be near the buried plates and future events already planned by The Father in his eternal plan.
God delegates to Christ the administration of this earth but is there to introduce and support him
God and Christ knew the name of Joseph as a son of God
God can indeed appear to man – though some may say that “No man has seen God”. (He was able to see God because he was first prepared “of the Holy Ghost” to see them
We are commanded to hear Christ – we go to God through Christ and His church
Joseph was called of God to accomplish a specific work or mission
When God wants to implement a new plan, He works with someone young and teachable
Joseph was told that he would be the instrument through which the true church of Jesus Christ would once again be restored to the earth
When God wants to communicate with us or with our church leaders, he does it through Jesus Christ
There is now one true church of Jesus Christ upon the earth
THROUGH THE VISTATION TO JOSEPH, WE LEARN OF THE TRUE NATURE AND ATTRIBUTES OF GOD AND CHRIST:
God is real!
God and Christ have physical bodies
God and Christ spoke to Joseph with their mouths and he heard with his ears and saw with his eyes. God has ears to hear our prayers, eyes to see our actions, a mouth to speak to us, and a heart to feel compassion and love
Joseph saw a light and heard a voice. God and Christ appear in pillars of light. God and Christ have light brighter than the “noon-day sun”
Light dispels darkness. God and Christ come in great glory “The Glory of the Lord”
God the Father is the literal father of Jesus Christ
God and Christ are separate beings (an important truth not known to most of the world)
God is a personal being and all men and women are made in his physical image
God and Christ exactly resembled each other
When God the Father comes to earth (on very rare occasions) he comes to introduce His Beloved Son
Joseph Smith testified that God does live and that Jesus Christ also lives
Jesus is a resurrected being (as is The Father). He rose from the dead and lives today. (And because of His resurrection, we too may all be resurrected).
The Holy Ghost is separate from God and Christ.
From the First Vision, we do indeed, learn much of God the Father and Jesus Christ. And in that experience, we also learn much about Satan, the father of lies. We learn that
WE ALSO LEARN MUCH THE POWER OF SATAN:
Satan is real and powerful.
Satan tries to thwart the work of God’s plan. He inspires opposition
Satan also knows us by name and knows who we are as sons of God and our specific roles for building the Kingdom of God. Satan knew Joseph personally and knew of his upcoming mission.
Satan will motivate evil-disposed and designing persons to thwart the rise and progress of the church
Satan knew God’s eternal plan (including God’s plan for Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Gospel) and wanted to keep it from happening.
THROUGH JOSEPH AND THE FIRST VISION, WE ALSO LARN MUCH ABOUT THE PROCESS OF RECEIVING PERSONAL REVELATION:
Joseph’s “mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness, with deep and poignant feelings” (JSH-Verse 8) which caused him to reflect seriously upon religion, and which church was right and who was wrong
Confusion led Joseph to dig deeper into the scriptures for answers (JSH-Verse 11)
Joseph read with his mind and “felt” the scriptures with his heart. The scriptures he read “seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart.” (JSH-Verse 12)
Joseph reflected upon verses of scripture again and again. He wanted to receive wisdom from God. (JSH-Verse 12)
When a scripture is not understood, one needs to go to God – the ultimate source of all truth – for additional light and knowledge.
The heavens are yet open in our day – not closed as in the dark ages of the past. There is revelation and there are visions in our day.
To receive revelation we need to retire to quiet places where we can be alone to pray.
Revelation and answers from God often come in the early morning hours when our mind is clear and alert
Personal scripture study can bring revelation
If we ask of God, we can know that we can receive answers
The Holy Ghost can bring understanding to the scriptures
We can all pray to know of our own standing before God.
We can prepare for prayer by kneeling and humbling ourselves – getting in the right location where we can be alone.
God and Christ promised Joseph further light and knowledge – additional revelation and that can also be our blessing.
We must be true to revelation and inspiration we receive
To receive revelation, we must be specific in our requests and what we seek
Having received revelation from God, we must act and testify to others
THIS IS AN IMPORTANT KEY IN THE PROCESS OF REVELATION
After receiving revelation, we need to acknowledge God and the Holy Ghost as the source of the revelation and inspiration and be grateful for the inspiration and revelation received.
MY OWN TESTIMONY AND WITNESS:
Having read, studied, pondered and prayed about Joseph Smith, his “First Vision” and subsequent visits from angelic messengers, I (Kevin Hunt) have felt the witness of the Holy Ghost relative to Joseph and the coming forth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our day. I know that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, did in reality come to earth and that they spoke as live and resurrected beings to Joseph Smith – giving him much guidance and instruction for our day. I have come to know that Joseph was indeed called of God and that the Church was restored once again to the earth through him. I know that Joseph became and was a prophet of God. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is indeed the Lord’s only true church here upon the earth. I know that The Book of Mormon is true and contains the fulness of the Lord’s Everlasting Gospel. I am and will forever be grateful for this knowledge and for the truths restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith and because of his visit from God and Christ.
We sing with gusto, “Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!” We could also sing, “Praise to Jehovah who communed with His Prophet.”
There is a scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants that says that “There are many called but few are Chosen” (D&C 121:34). Years ago, a friend and a cousin both went on a mission to Sweden. They paraphrased that verse to define Sweden – as the land where “Many are chilled, but few are frozen.” I can really relate to that here in Nauvoo. The chill is here, but we are not yet frozen, And we thank God!
The weather outside is frightful
We all remember the Christmas tune that says, “The Weather Outside is Frightful”. And we have found that this can be the case here in Nauvoo. Next week, our forecast shows aa low of 10 degrees on Wednesday, January 15 as the low temperature and high temps will be in the mid 30’s. Brrr!
In spite of those lows, however, Sister Hunt and I feel as if the Lord has “shielded” us from those temps (like the people in The Book of Mormon – In Mosiah 24:15 – where the burdens of the people were made light – even though they still had the burdens). We have been truly blessed.
We are counting the days for winter to be history. We have noted and thought that winter could go here from October 1 to the end of March. That means that we are already three and a half months into it. And likely, we will have only two more months of cold and snow. Can’t wait!
The Lord has sent His snows
It could have been worse, but we have only had five snow storms while we’ve been here. A couple of weeks ago, the weatherman predicted very heavy snow – perhaps the worst storm in a decade or more. This put us all in a panic. The Facilities Maintenance personnel put out a full-alarm bulletin about the coming storm and how they planned to manage their snow plowing. In this bulletin, they noted that their FM teams would plow and shovel the sidewalks up to the fence of each of the restored homes. And they stated that the walks inside of the fences (between the fences and the restored homes) would be the responsibility of the site coordinators.
Several times the weather report projected snow and the time for the arrival for the ominous storm kept getting pushed back further. Gratefully, that predicted snow never came. Wow! Hard to believe. We were braced for the worst in our community but we let out a sigh of relief and thanks when we got nothing.
Sister Hunt and I are the assigned Site Coordinators for the Joseph Smith properties. These include the Homestead, the Mansion House and the Bidamon structure. And in case you have not been here, that means a great deal of sidewalks for us to keep clear.
This means that on the day that the snow shows up, we have to high-tail it over there to do our job. It is convenient that the Joseph properties are only a couple of small blocks away. We can see the Mansion House diagonally right from our back door!
Snow shoveling 101 …
Being an Arizona Desert Rat, I’ve had to learn some new terminology. One brother was saying, “It is too bad that we can’t use this tool (and he said the name of it).” I said, “Hold on, you lost me on that one. Being from the Arizona Desert, I have never heard of that.” He looked at me in disbelief – as if I was from Mars. (And it sounded bad … I don’t know that I really wanted to know what it was …!)
Luckily, most of our snows so far have been about 1” in depth. One storm required a shovel – or so I thought. The rest have been an inch or two. And interestingly enough, the snow has all been light and fluffy – not iced or heavy snows. So, this means that I have not needed a shovel – and that I could use a broom to just sweep off the snow.
I have learned that it is important after a snow, to get out there as soon as it stops to sweep the snow. (I guess I would have to go out there two or three times in a given storm – if the duration and accumulation demanded it.) Anyway, if you sweep immediately – before you step on the snow, it comes right off easily. However, if you step on it – like on the steps or the walks first, you compress the snow to the point that it clings mightily to the sidewalk, and it is nearly impossible to sweep it off. (And then there is danger that it can become an ice patch). And once swept, the walks will respond nicely with the rays of sunshine when it comes later. With a bit of sun, the walks will be clear and nice – even though there will still be snow all around the surrounding area.
For many years, I was employed as a corporate claims manager for several large corporations. One of those was Megafoods – then a giant grocery chain. I often went to all corners of the Mega world and gave safety and claims management training for the store managers. Part of my role was to keep the cost of claims as low as possible – after an accident occurred. To get the attention of the managers, I would pose the simple question, “What is the cost of grapes in your stores?” I would get answers like 39 Cents or $1.69 per pound. Everyone would try to impress us with their best prices.
Then I would say, “Well, let me tell you the real cost of grapes.” (Grapes and slip and falls from them were the greatest or worst cause of store accidents.) I would then tell them about one grape (on the floor) accident that caused someone to slip and it cost the company $150,000 or more. I would share a few more such cases. And by then, I had their full attention!
So, being a former claims management guy, I knew how deadly ice on steps or walks could be. And I didn’t want to be the cause of an accident at Joseph’s properties. I knew too, that the Joseph Smith sites are currently our most popular sites for tours – since they are new to our church.
Conveniently, the weatherman often tells us when the sweeping should begin. The other morning, as I arose, I checked the weather report first thing as I got dressed. It said, “Snow stopping in 30 minutes!” What? We got snow? I dashed to the window and threw open the blinds, and sure enough, there was some of the white stuff all over the ground. I then knew what I would be doing for the morning.
I proceeded to get ready for the day and again checked the weather. The snow forecast had been extended to 44 minutes. I told Sister Hunt that we would need to leave by 9:00 AM to go shovel snow for Joseph Smith. On that day, we were the first missionaries in the “queue” so we knew that we would need to be ready to serve by 10:00 AM. And as predicted, the snow did stop almost exactly according to schedule. As Sister Hunt “did her hair”, I donned my best snow and cold gear and went to work on the walks of our Simeon Dunn home – both front and back. Again, the snow was light and fluffy and it responded well to sweeping.
Snow gear side note … On a recent trip to Quincy, Sister Hunt, of course, wanted to make a Goodwill store stop. She found some snow boots for her – complete with a former wasp nest of mud in the toe of one. She looked for some boots for me and found none. We checked out and were about to leave. We both looked in the special glass case for the more valuable treasures. And there was the pair of boots that I needed and wanted. The boots were beautiful in their red and black. We stepped back for a second look – both fearing that the boots would be exorbitant in cost. But Voila! The boots were just the right size and they were wonderful. The beauties were only $11. Wow. Such a deal! Sold!
Together, Sister Hunt and I went to Joseph’s places and we swept all of the walkways. I began by making a swath through the middle of the sidewalk that runs from the parking lot over to the Bidamon structure.
Sister Hunt followed me and she swept the snow off of the sides – to fully expose or clear the whole walkway. I then swept the stairs going up to the place. Lou then made a two-foot swath all of the way west to the steps of the Homestead. I then swept the steps and the rails – that lead up to the sidewalks – already cleared by the FM folks. (I guess snow plows don’t work really well on stairs!)
Then I made another swath in the middle and around the whole south exterior of the Homestead – going clear over to the headstone marker of the graves of Joseph, Emma and Hyrum. And Lou continued to sweep snow to the sides. I then proceeded back to the sidewalk – already plowed by FM. There were still many splotches that they missed so the walks needed to be done again.
I continued all of the walks over to Joseph and Emma’s Mansion House. I swept the long walk from the road up to the house on the west side of the place and then did the same on the south side. This whole process took just over an hour for the three houses. And we finished it all in time to run home to get into our costumes to be prepared for a possible tour of the day.
Sweeping and Cleaning for Joseph and Emma
Again, as a part of our site coordinator duties, we are responsible for cleaning each of the Smith properties inside. This is actually an enjoyable activity – since we both feel that we are directly serving Joseph and Emma (and obviously their guests who come to “see” and “hear” of them). We achieve great satisfaction of this service.
Preparation for Site Visits by new Historians
We received a message from one of the members of the Mission Presidency. We were informed that we needed to do a really deep-down comprehensive cleaning of the homes and sites in preparation for visits to each of them by a pair of new historians. These historians have been hired to serve here permanently – and they are to be housed in what we now call the “south visitors’ center” (which was formerly owned by the Community of Christ Church – before the many properties passed to our ownership and management on March 5th of this year.
This, of course, called for some major cleaning at our Smith sites. (Each of the 30 or sites have their own coordinators who serve as we do.) We were happy to do it. We did our usual vacuuming and dusting but also swept out all of the Asian Beetles (they look like lady bugs, but they bite and they are smelly … and that’s not lady-like!). We dusted everywhere – being careful not to touch the artifacts that are off limits – even to us. (These historic items are cleaned and dusted by specially trained FM missionaries.)
Visits by the new Historians
In addition to our extra-duty cleaning functions, we were told that the new Site Manager and the Visitor Experience Director were coming a few days of one week and that they wanted to see all of the various restored homes and shops. All of the site missionaries were assigned a specific home to present a tour to the folks. Sister Hunt and I were assigned to the Family Living Center. We were given a schedule listing only the starting time of the daily tours and then a list of the order in which the tours would be done.
On the assigned day, we were at our post early at the Family Living Center (AKA: “The FLC”). We were there with Elder and Sister Rieske. Before our guests arrived, we talked and decided which parts of the place each of us would demonstrate. I said I would be the Cooper and would demonstrate barrel making. Sister Hunt, our “resident brick expert – carrying on the tradition of her Brickmaker father, Elder Belcher) would give the talk about brick making. Elder Rieske would be the rope maker. Sister Rieske would demonstrate wool and fibers. Another sister would demonstrate rug making on the loom. (She is kind of the “site coordinator” for this loom.) One of the ladies would do pottery or candle making if requested – and I would demonstrate “make-believe” bread making. We were prepared.
Sister Hunt teaching brickmaking to Historians at Family Livingt Center
Upon their arrival, I had the task of greeting them (as we always have someone there to do) and telling them of their options. They chose brick making since it was right there close. Sister Hunt did a great job. And surprisingly, our guests even wanted to get their hands dirty by molding some clay into the wooden molds.
Elder Hunt teaching barrel making
At the barrel making, I told the folks that “back in the day”, in order to be a full-fledged Cooper, one needed to have been an apprentice for six years in order to do all of the tasks. I told the group, “I am going to teach you all that I know about coopering in about ten minutes and admittedly, I have not had my six years of experience.” I gave the talk and then let the folks create their own barrels with the kits available.
Elder Rieske did a great job with rope making and his wife then taught “packing the wagon” before her fiber demo. The folks decided that they didn’t need to do candles (time). The guy loved the many looms – and said that he’d have to get his wife cleared to teach these skills.
The historians came with their own entourage. Elder Sanders (photographer and site scheduler) was there. The Grahams – who are the site trainers were there. President Workman was there acting “presidential”. All in all, we felt good about out tours. And then they were off to another site. Sister Hunt and I were also assigned to brick making that day, so we went home, changed clothes, and scurried over to the brick yard where we worked until about 2:00 PM. All in a day’s work!
New Duties as Historians
With the coming new year, Sister Hunt and I have been invited to serve as the Mission Historians. (Surprise, surprise!) This means that we are to create about 20 pages of material each month (of photos, text, accounts of activities and training, and more …) each month – as the “monthly newsletter”. And then these are to be sent (also monthly) to the Church History Department in Salt Lake City. And then the monthly packages are to be combined into an annual history for the mission. Our Mission Presidents (Elder and Sister Mehr) have often stressed that ours is a “ministering mission” so we are to capture and picture our missionaries at work serving and ministering to each other – and to our guests who come here. So, that is our “mission” (along with everything else) for the coming year. (Not sure what happens to the history in the last quarter of the year after we have gone south …)
Enough of the mechanics and duties … let’s talk about some fun activities …
One thing of note is the passage of time. If we ever thought that time was passing quickly before our missions, it seems to have gained a lot of speed here on our mission.
A Gathering of our MTC Group …
I have previously noted that we came out to the mission with a cadre of 13 couples. We all entered the Provo, Utah MTC (Mission Training Center) on April 1st (no joke). And since then, we have tried to have periodic reunion gatherings. January 1st was the perfect day for a reunion. This happened to be New Year’s Day and the last holiday (day off) when all of us would be off together on the same day. No full mission was planned. The day was also significant in that it was our “hump day” – the half-way mark of our 18-month missions. Wow! Where did that time go? (“Time flies on wings of lightening”, … as the song says.)
We gathered at the “Pageant Building” for a late-morning brunch. One couple was not present, one sister of one couple and a brother of another were sick. But other than them, we still had 22 of us there for breakfast. And Wow! What a breakfast. There were breakfast casseroles, hot cinnamon rolls, sausage and bacon, orange juice and a couple of fruit platters. Sister Hunt crafted a beautiful fruit plate and this was a big hit. (All of that catering experience paid off!)
The food was delicious. And after the meal, we gathered in a circle and each of us in turn, shared special experiences of memories of the first half of our missions. This was a great experience. We all concluded that we knew that the Lord has brought us here and that He continues to let us be a part of special “Nauvoo Miracles” as we serve each day.
Then it was time for a photo op. We got a photo of our large group. A good-looking crowd, if I do say so. It was also another occasion for me and my Hunt cousins to connect again and of course, we had to get a shot of us in the current moment.
Hunt Cousins (L to R) Elders Jake, Brad, & Kevin Hunt
I had to laugh. Seeing our camaraderie as cousin/brothers, Elder Atkinson rushed over. He said, “I want to be adopted in. I want to be a Hunt.” He quickly joined our group and we even grabbed a nametag for him to wear.
Like Abraham, we were happy to adopt him in. Can’t get enough Hunts!
Sporadic Site Tours
In a previous blog article, I described our current “concierge” tour schedule. This means that we sit at our homes waiting and ready for the call to give a tour. Sometimes only half or so of the list of folks get called. Two days last week (Monday and Tuesday) we had a big fat zero guests on either day. Wow! That biting cold took its toll! And of course, the kids of the world were back in school following the Christmas holidays and vacations.
I get up each morning and dress in my costume attire so as to be ready for the day in service. We get called from missionaries (in charge at the Visitors’ Center) saying, “You are second in queue” or “You are up next”. And once we get that call, Sister Hunt puts on her costume dress. And sometimes we get called within a half hour or so, and some days, the assignment call never comes.
I, of course, am never at a loss as to what to do with my time. There is always something to write about and even more history to research and explore. It is actually a great life and I love it.
When we do get called for tours, we are happy to go – in spite of the biting cold. (But again, we have felt specific “shielding” from the real chill … another “Nauvoo Miracle”. We bundle up in our coats, scarves, hats, etc., and we head to the place where the guests said that they wanted to see. We never know if it is one person – or a dozen. We show up at the home or shop and look around to find our guests. Sometimes we beat them there and other times they have to wait a few minutes for us. But it all works out.
The Concierge plan is actually quite wonderful because we get to give our guests our full focus and time. We tell them that they can have us for one or ten tours as they wish through the day. We get to know the folks – the families – very well as we travel and guide them through the various sites. It is great being with them and sharing the Spirit of Nauvoo – of Christ and Joseph.
Time to create some more of my books … and more …
With time on my hands, I have been able to focus on some of “my projects”. I expanded the two blogs about local monuments and markers. I was able to publish this as a new book on lulu.com. Sister Hunt and I were able to create a slide presentation out of the brick book that I compiled earlier. I compiled all of my personal journal entries for the year 2024 and published them (all 800 pages) into another Lulu.com book. My daughter, Kaylea, and I have been working to create a book about the Argentine mission of her recently returned missionary son. This has been a major project.
I asked if I could teach – and was approved to do so – a series of four classes on the subject of journal writing, personal and family histories, so I am starting to create those lesson plans and presentations. The first class will be next week.
I asked if we could have a “pie night” as has become traditional with me on the night before Thanksgiving days. Somehow that developed into a full-blown affair and now we find ourselves in charge of staging a pie-baking contest that is scheduled for January 24th. I also got a call to give a talk in Sacrament meeting this coming Sunday. We are district leaders and have been working with a new couple that are entering the MTC next week and then who will join is in our district. We have had several training or welcoming calls with them.
Sister Hunt has been working to sew/create another new costume dress.
And Sister Hunt and I (and our children) have been working on a major brick design project. I will not here divulge details of this project at the moment but it has taken up quite a bit of our time. Watch for more details to come! Pretty exciting!
So, you can see that we have plenty to do. We seem to keep plenty busy.
Sister Hunt surprises an FM worker …
The other day, I was on the phone or working with a WIFI repair guy. Sister Hunt had dressed in a beautiful red/maroon dress and was sporting a fancy matching hat that she had checked out at the sewing room. The front door was knocked on (and we never use that door). She opened it and really surprised an FM worker as she greeted him in full period costume regalia. I guess he didn’t know he was to be greeted by a woman of the 1840’s.
This worker just got employed by FM. He got hired for a job which he had not applied for – but which I guess the Lord wants him to do. He had applied for something else and then got hired for this one. This brother Tenney – from our home Mesa, Arizona – received “signs” that he was supposed to move here. So, he and his wife left their almost completed new home, packed up their 10 children and moved as prompted to Nauvoo. They are currently holed up in four adjacent hotel rooms “uptown”. It is interesting how many folks – from all over the country – get these distinct “impressions” that they are to move here – and often they don’t know why they have been brought here.
We could relate to these Tenney folks. We had a similar hotel experience – for a month – when we first moved from Ogden, Utah to Santa Barbara, California, we both have a house full of kids, and we have the Mesa connection. So, we decided to invite the whole clan over for dinner this Tuesday night. (And growing up – and with our own children … I can count on one hand when our large families got invited to dine with some other family … so it should be fun.)
Senior Missions have become a family affair …
The idea is catching on. Sister Hunt and I both have brothers who are leaving for senior missions – with their wives as companions – this next week or so. This is very exciting!
Elder and Sister Brad and Kerry Belcher will be YSA (Young Single Adult) advisors in San Diego and will serve for a year. (San Diego … a rough job, but I guess someone has to do it.)
And my brother, Darcy Hunt with wife Laura, are going to Vancouver, Canada to serve for 23 months as member and leader support missionaries. And they will serve some 200,000 Chinese people of the area as they serve and work speaking Mandarin Chinese. My brother served his “young mission” in Taiwan so he is excited to use his language again. He has maintained his language through the years – having spoken Chinese almost exclusively to his children as he raised them. He and Laura went to China for six or eight months soon after they were married. They are excited about this new opportunity.
Soon to be Elder aHunt – far left, and Laura 4th from left with Kevin and Lou
It should be great fun serving together and swapping missionary experiences with one another.
Another visit to the town or former village of Ramus
I have written in the past about our visits to the far-off hamlet of what is now called Webster, Illinois. In the pioneer era, it was called Ramus. Many historical events happened there. (And interested parties can read more of the place and its residents in my book and PDF document on the subject – in my “Monuments and Markers” publications.
Anyway, we did research and learned that Ute and Sarah Perkins – the fourth great grandparents of Sister Hunt- are buried in the cemetery in Ramus. It took us three trips there, but we finally found them buried in the small country cemetery. (We had thought that they were buried in Nauvoo.) It was wonderful to visit their graves. Catherine Smith – the sister to the Prophet Joseph is buried there – within a short distance of the Perkins.
Ute and Sarah lived in this area from about the mid 1820’s. Joel H. Johnson came as a missionary to the area about 1839 and the Perkins family joined the Church. Joel became the stake president. His brother, Benjamin F. Johnson (ancestor of our son-in-law, Michael – also lived in this small community.
Sister Hunt at Fletcher Cemetery and grave of ancestor, John Carter
I am not sure if I have previously written about John Carter, another of Sister Hunt’s 4th great grandfathers – lived in Tioga – located just a few miles from Webster – on the way to Quincy. We learned that John is buried there. We scouted the area – and the internet – and found that he is buried (alone) in a small cemetery hidden by surrounding corn and soy bean fields – in the Fletcher Cemetery. So fun to find the graves of these ancestors!
Holidays and special moments over the past month …
I talked about the passage of time … the time has passed so quickly that I realized as I sat to write this blog that I have not written about the wonderful times that we experienced through Christmas and New Year’s. Wow! Sorry about that!
Celebrating Christmas
I mentioned earlier that our Christmas celebrations this past season were a bit different than those we have known in the past. It was strange and different being away from our large family and the many family times and traditions that we have come to know and love. But, it was also fun to be surrounded by fifty other senior missionary couples – like ourselves – who are all in the same boat away from home.
We enjoyed a very beautiful Christmas Sacrament meeting program. This featured many missionaries performing in varioius ways. It was truly inspirational.
The full group of missionaries gathered around the Christmas tree in the Visitors’ Center for a Christmas photo.
A surprise visit from the local elves
The Squire Family of Red Front Cafe fame in Nauvoo
It was Christmas Eve and there was a knock on our door. We opened it and to our surprise, we were greeted by the full Squire family from Nauvoo. Remember them? They are the folks who own the local “Red Front Café”. They came in force and presented us a gift of their homemade popcorn. They said that this delivery (to us and many other missionaries) is a part of their Nauvoo Christmas tradition.
CHRISTMAS EVE FOR ELDER AND SISTER HUNT IN NAUVOO
On Christmas Eve, we all (along with about 40-50 Temple service missionaries) gathered to the FLC for a wonderful time together. We had a profuse collection of the best of food there which became a great smorgasbord. Wow! Talk about food!
We then went to the nearby Cultural Hall where many of the missionaries serenaded us in song, on the harp, on the guitar, and more. It was so fun to celebrate in this beautiful and historic place where Joseph, Brigham and wives – and our own ancestors gathered for cultural events of many kinds.
We then returned to the FLC and Sister Jones treated us all to English Wassail and “figgy” pudding.
President Preston assists Sister Jones as they serve the Figgy Pudding
We learned that figgy, carrot and other puddings are all very similar but they get their name by the key ingredient that makes up the recipe. We had a glowing fire in the large fireplace (usually coldly silent as we “demonstrate” bread making of yesteryear). What a wonderful gathering.
We went home and opened gifts sent to us from our daughter, Jenae. She sent us each new Christmas Eve pajamas. (Sister Hunt created Christmas Eve pajamas for all eleven us forever as the kids were growing up … and most of our children are keeping up the tradition – with the help of Walmart and Amazon.) Thanks, Jenae! We also basked in the beauty of our Christmas tree.
Christmas Day in Nauvoo
Christmas this year was different for us as we were alone without the warmth of family circle. But, even from a distance, we felt their warmth and love.
It was an almost impossible task for us to buy and send gifts to each of our 61 posterity members. This would have proven very costly and challenging. We elected instead to create a beautiful photo calendar with many photos of us in our Nauvoo costumes displayed above the calendar dates – and with a photo of each the family members in the calendar squares for their birthdays and anniversaries. (And that took time and effort … and a lot of love!)
We were able to have these delivered – free of charge – to the Walgreen’s stores nearest each of our families. We hope that the families will enjoy this gift throughout the year.
Marinda and her family sent us a small tree and “12 Days of Decorations” for the tree. This tree was the perfect size for our place and we cleared a table for it – and this was also perfect. Marinda said that she was reminded of when she was on her own mission (to South Dakota). We sent to her (as we did to most of our 7 missionaries … or to the 5 in the US) a similar tree and “12 Days” decorations. She said that was so wonderful that she wanted to bring it full circle back to us. So nice of them! Marinda said that she let each of the six children pick out their own decorations for us. We enjoyed opening the gifts each of the 12 days and they looked so fun and nice on the tree.
We spent the morning quietly at home. We got each other just a couple gifts – from the Merc downtown. I received a beautiful “Nauvoo” sign – that I want to use to create a “Nauvoo Shelf or Wall” back home.
(So many memories here!). Lou wanted a small metal “courting lamp”. (Maybe our kids can use this now as their children are getting into the “courting stage”.)
I handcrafted a special gift for Sister Hunt. Every time we have served in the Scovil Bakery, she has been enamored over a carved stick that was used in the pioneer era to scoop up dougnuts as they have cooked in the oil. I determined that I would carve the stick that she has been wanting. A couple of months ago, a tree in our “backyard” mostly fell. When FM came to work on reoving the fallen limbs, I found a bit of a limb that I thought would work well. An FM Elder helped me cut the desired piece.
A couple of weeks ago, I hibernated to our basement and as I was holed up there, I carved the piece. When we tested the stick on real doughuts I learned that the stick was a bit too thick, I borrowed a small grinder and removed about half of the stick (in thickness). The end result worked well. I hope that some doughnuts might be in my future.
We had a huge pile of gifts that had been sent by the children. We received more than deserved – and needed (we are up to two U-hauls home already). But we definitely felt the love! We spent much of the day on phone calls from the nine children and their families. We opened their gifts to us in the video calls – and we got to experience a bit of the Christmas celebrations with each family. This was a special joy. We did miss staging our traditional Christmas dinner as we normally would. Thanks to all for the special gifts – …and to Jackie for the 10-year supply of candy corn. That was a corny gift, indeed!
i made some of my traditional peppermint dessert that the family always loves at home. This year, I added some chocolate to give it a new look.
And on Christmas Day, the same group of missionaries (as the night before) met at 2:00 Pm in the afternoon – again at the Pageant Building.
We had a grand gathering in celebration of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I am sure that He had pride in us being there/here for Him. It was a grand and wonderful gathering – with smoked ham and turkey – and hundreds of side dishes. The place was gaily decorated for the season. The Christmas Spirit – the spirit of Christ – was strongly felt. It was a joyous scene – with a hundred and sixty or so missionaries (Temple and our mission) gathered together.
Celebrating with friends, Kurt and LuAnn Walters
Happy New Year
We had so much fun on Christmas Eve, that we decided to do a repeat experience on New Year’s Eve. And this event was just as fun as the week before. Us missionaries do know how to eat and party – in our own “senior way”.
The event didn’t last until the traditional midnight. Life is a bit different being in a “senior mission”. The event petered out about 7:30 PM. Lou and I went home for an evening of Hallmark movies. Midnight came and went with little fanfare. Raw, raw (with no bang! We missed banging pans and throwing serpentine strings with our family.) Sister Hunt scrounged some fruit juice in the fridge and we quietly drank it together. No sparkling cider for us this year … But it was still a great time as we looked forward to the blessings and opportunities – and more “Nauvoo Miracles” in another year – and the second half of our great Nauvoo mission.
And of course, the next day we experienced the MTC brunch of which I have already written.
Missionary Craft Night Activity
One of the great things about being here as Nauvoo missionaries is having so many wonderful missionaries around us. And all of them are so willing to share their own unique talents and abilities with the rest of us.
Such was the case as we gathered for an activity night – again in the FLC – the largest gathering place (other than the Pageant Building) here in town.
On this evening, we went again to the Family Living Center to join with missionaries for a craft night activity. Elder and Sister Ward were to be in charge of the event but both were sick. Other missionaries stepped in to assist and teach for them. I went with most of the men – and a couple of women – to a leatherworking demonstration by Elders White and Bristol. They did a good job. Lou attended a women’s craft session. Other ladies demonstrated various crafts – including tatting, making knitted squares, rugs, and more. This sounded fun.
An unexpected Temple experience …
Many times each day, we pass the Temple – or from almost everywhere, we see the majestic building above us on the hill. Words cannot describe its grandeur.
In my study and research, I have enjoyed reading about the activities and ceremonies surrounding the original Temple. I learned that endowments were actually performed in the “attic level” of the Temple. I have become very intrigued with the upper area of the Temple. I have noted the flat area on top of the Temple and seeing it piques my curiosity all the more.
On one of our recent trips way out east – for activities in the Pageant Building, I turned to Sister Hunt and nonchalantly said, “I would sure love to go up there and check it out.” I thought this was an activity that would forever elude us. I didn’t ever see this as a real possibility.
Then imagine my surprise as I was pulled aside at the same gathering – by my zone leader, Elder Atkinson. He said that he had a special activity for just his district leaders (husbands and wives). He said that he had made special arrangements to take us up into the tower and attic of the Temple – seeing almost everywhere, and he gave me the date. He said not to mention it to the world – since this was just for our small leadership team. Another of those “Nauvoo Miracles”. Wow! So unbelievable! I was ecstatic!
The date was set to happen a couple of weeks hence …
As I thought forward to this event, my mind went backwards a bit too. In 2002, our eldest daughter, Jackie, had the great privilege of participating in a BYU-Nauvoo semester here. Of course, that was a great excuse to return to Nauvoo to be with her and to again enjoy our already beloved Nauvoo. By the time that she was in Nauvoo, the Temple had been recently reconstructed and dedicated.
Just as in almost any unit of the church there were cleaning needs in the Temple. Jackie knew of the cleaning needs and anticipating our visit to Nauvoo, she signed us up to clean the Temple. Once again, I recruited my long-time Nauvoo friend, Craig Shaltes – and Nancy – to accompany us on our trip. Our daughter, Kaylea and her then boyfriend Reed ______ were also with us. So, if you are counting, that made seven of us. (Kaylea was not then endowed so she missed the event.)
Anyway, the seven of us reported for duty on the assigned night. Soon all seven of us found ourselves on the top end of vacuum cleaners. We went to work. We each picked a section of the sacred edifice in which to exercise our vacuuming skills. It was a great thrill. Never had vacuuming ever been so enjoyable. Under the direction of a temple maintenance supervisor, we were off. And through the assignment, we got to see virtually every corner of the place. Wow!
We had not got the message that we should not go into the large solemn assembly room. We went in there and Nancy – who is a very accomplished pianist, began to play beautiful hymns for the rest of us. It was a glorious moment as the notes reverberated through the grand room with its perfect acoustics. Wow! Talk about amazing! (The supervisor heard us in there and calmly ushered us out … but the memories remain – even 20 plus years later. Maybe that’s what heaven will be like!)
I was reminded also of a unique opportunity that we had with the renowned Conference Hall on Temple Square. I don’t remember how we happened to be in the right place, but somehow we ended up in the Conference Center a day or two after a General Conference. Upon entry, we saw scores of people all on the ends of vacuum cleaners. We talked to some of the people and they said that they had received the cleaning assignment in their own ward – and they had volunteered for the task. So great to be on assignment on and in Holy Grounds (as we again are now in Nauvoo)!
Anyway, back to the current Temple moment in Nauvoo. The big day arrived! (Elder Sanders even scheduled us off for the afternoon. Thank you …!) Anticipation was high! Elder Atkinson confirmed with us relative to the time and space. It was another chilly day – the predicted day of 10 degrees – but we knew that we would be warmed in the Holy place – no matter where we found ourselves.
We reported to the Temple Baptistry and joined about 16 people in our group. We first went to lockers and changed into – or put on white clothes over other clothes. I chose the latter – trying to retain any heat that I could. This system worked well. We met in the chapel and were given some instructions. We learned that we were actually dubbed as Temple cleaners. That was great!
Elder Gillette, a Temple engineer and a few other Temple maintenance workers led us up a multitude of steps – 233 of them (one way) to be exact. (We really got our steps in that day!) We were led up into the upper floors of the Temple. We went up a multitude of floors of spiral staircases. And the higher we got, the steeper the stairs. About the fourth level up, we were each given some long dusting brooms. With these brooms, we were able to reach up very high. Our task was to dust everywhere in the upper floors. We dusted steel beams and windows.
We climbed up through a multitude of high steel beams. It was so interesting to see the infrastructure of the place. The staircases were in the middle of the “room” on each floor. Then the steel beams extended around all of the perimeter. And on each floor, we could look outside through the windows. And from the windows, we could seemingly, see forever. The views from every direction were absolutely amazing and breathtaking.
Sadly, we were asked not to take any photos that in any way showed any bit of the Temple. And we were asked not to share photos on social medium platforms. So, without the photos, the views are left purely to your imaginations. I can see the point. Any of the photos – if posted – would make everyone think that they ought to be able to do the same thing as we did today.
We went clear up literally into the cap of the Temple. At the uppermost point, our guide told that we were literally inches under the statue of Moroni. He quipped that we could “touch his toes”. Another fun feature was the famed “Nauvoo Bell”. Our guides had their watch alarms set to go off a few moments before the bells would chime. We were there at 2:30 PM so this meant just a single bell would go off on the half hour. We were in the bell room at 3:00 PM when the bell sounded off three times. We could see the vibration of the bell and the hitting of the bell to make it sound off. We all covered our ears for some kind of protection.
After we made our way to the top, we descended back to where we started. Our Elder guides then took us downstairs below the Temple – and even extending out under the grass on the east side of the Temple. There we got to see the many and various systems that keep the Temple running. I had never seen such turbos, engines, piping, and other systems that are required for the modern Temple. I never knew that such systems even existed. A lot of “brain power” behind those systems. There were tanks and piping for everything – air conditioning, water heating, fire suppression, and on and on. Wow!
We were excited and grateful for the special opportunity that was ours. The experience was exciting and fun.
Then, after the event, Elder Atkinson and his wife invited his DL’s – so Elder and Sister Pearce, Sister Hunt and me – to go out to eat with he and his wife. We dined at our favorite Mi Camino Real Mexican restaurant in Hamilton. We go there frequently but the other two couples had not been there. Another fun time!
The outside weather may be frightful, but the Spirit of Nauvoo continues to warm the souls of missionaries and our guests who come. It is a great blessing to be serving here and we are grateful to the Lord for his blessings and opportunities here on the Nauvoo trail.
This is an unusual Christmas for Sister Hunt and me. Typically, we are in our home and are surrounded by family who all gravitate to be with us and celebrate the special time with Grandpa and Grandma. This year, however, we are celebrating Christmas on a holy ground – away and kind of in our own little world. We are blessed to be able serve the Lord on a couple mission and we are in the beautiful and sacred grounds and sites of Old Nauvoo, Illinois. This has been a great blessing and opportunity.
Full Mission photo of “Winter Missionaries 2024” in the Illinois Historic Sites Mission
We are many miles from our children and grandchildren this year, but we feel their love, support, and prayers. They have sacrificed to send us many gifts and we are grateful for those. More importantly, however, are the gifts of themselves – and the lives that they are living.
As has been my custom for 35 plus years (see the link down at the end of this article), I took some time at this Christmas season to contemplate the Lord Jesus and his birth, his life, his mission and all that He has done for me and us. I prayed for direction and the inspiration came. These are my thoughts of the day:
2024: JESUS, OUR LORD, ON HOLY GROUND
In Heavenly realms, before our birth,
Our Father chose Jehovah, Son.
Planned holy ground for him on earth,
For Jesus said, “God’s will be done.”
God’s Son, with Mary here on Earth,
Born in a stable, oh so lowly.
In a manger, Jesus had birth,
That quiet place became one holy.
Shepherds in fields did keep their sheep,
As Father’s Glory shown around.
Long a promise, our God did keep,
His son, now born on holy ground.
Chorus:
God’s shown His love on holy grounds,
In special times in days gone by,
Gods show themselves, on holy grounds,
They want us to remember why.
Atonement made Gethsemane,
His precious blood, He freely gave.
On Calvary’s cross, for you for me,
On holy grounds, His sheep to save.
That Easter morn, He brought new life,
The tomb became our holy ground.
As Jesus once again did live,
His sacred love, then knew no bound.’
To Nephites and to other sheep,
The resurrected Lord did come.
With them on holy ground did weep,
From God’s own presence he did come.
Chorus Repeats
Palmyra too was sacred ground
As Father, Son, Joseph did see.
In modern day, their love abound,
For their new prophet, he would be.
To Kirtland, Christ made holy ground,
In His Temple, he did appear.
Again, that day his glory round,
In open vision, came to His seer.
A holy ground is Nauvoo, too,
As Jesus with His Saints does walk.
His Temple on the hill in view,
Cov’nants with Him their Zion’s walk.
Chorus Repeats
By Kevin V. Hunt – Christmas 2024 – While serving a mission in Nauvoo
Serving on this mission has been a sacred and beautiful experience. We are grateful for this opportunity.
As I prepared this blog article, I felt a desire to share some of my Christmas poems/songs from previous years. Here are a couple of my favorites:
2023: JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF OUR LORD
Joseph, Guardian of our Lord,
Was born in David’s royal line.
The earthly father of our Lord,
A chosen man, and godly, fine.
To Mary he had pledged his heart,
Espoused to take her as his bride.
Then he heard news, ripped him apart,
As he learned Mary was with child.
Then in vision, an angel came,
‘Twas Gabriel who had come from God.
Spoke to Joseph, called his name,
Mary, mother, Son of God!
Joseph believed, and from that day,
Became the guardian, father too.
Mary, now in family way,
As her, protector, helper, too.
Then Joseph got a tax decree,
To go to Judea from Galilee.
Though big with child, his wife, Mary,
On donkey’s back, he led the way.
Joseph was told, “No room the inn”,
Helped Mary lay down on the hay.
He delivered baby, welcomed him,
The first to hold the precious boy.
Joseph welcomed humble shepherds,
And proudly led to mother, child.
He saw the star, their message heard,
With them rejoiced in Holy child.
Joseph took Mary and newborn son,
For circumcision on eighth day,
To Temple to present God’s Son,
“His name is Jesus,” he did say.
He marveled as Simeon praised,
And Anna as a Prophetess,
Both in thanks, their voices raised,
By Spirit, chosen Son did bless.
Joseph amazed, as wise men shared,
Their special gifts for Royal Son.
Then angel’s voice again he heard,
“Go to Egypt, Take thou, my Son.”
In Nazareth, Joseph opened shop,
And there became a carpenter.
Jesus learned art of woods in shop,
Joseph, teacher, and his mentor.
Joseph was pleased as he saw his son,
Grow in wisdom, in God’s grace.
Always he, the obedient one,
Subject to Joseph in his place.
Then to the Temple Jesus “strayed”,
And at twelve, he listened, taught.
Joseph and Mary, worried, prayed,
“On Father’s Business”, Jesus taught.
Joseph, guardian of the Christ,
Stood looking on, but always there.
He heard the angel’s voice for Christ,
And helped His mission to prepare.
Joseph, a holy man of God,
Heard angels, and then heeded voice.
He knew his role for Son of God,
Chosen step-father, he was choice.
2003: THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHONE ‘ROUND
The Glory of the Lord shone ‘round,
As God our Father came to Earth,
And shepherds bowed on holy ground,
And heard the news of Jesus’ birth.
In radiant glory, Father came,
To herald news of His Son’s birth,
To shepherds, not to kings, he came,
Transcendent tidings to the earth.
Chorus:
Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth.
The shepherds saw, with ears they heard,
As God proclaimed the royal birth.
And by the Spirit, their hearts burned,
As Father testified on Earth.
The hosts of heaven, with Him came,
In loud acclaim their voices rang.
“Glory to God! – they praised his name,
“Good will and peace to men,” they sang.
Chorus: Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth.
God’s brightness, glory filled night sky,
With backdrop of a great new star.
And humble shepherds wondered why,
In fear they stood with hearts ajar.
“Fear not!” Said God, “For now behold,
I bring good tidings of great joy.
For born this day, is Christ the Lord,
And to all people, he’ll bring joy.”
(Chorus) Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth
“In David’s City, he is laid,
In swaddling clothes on manger hay.
To men a Savior, Christ the Lord!
Born my Begotten Son today.”
In haste, the shepherds went to see,
And found the babe as God had said.
By Spirit’s whisper, knew ‘twas He,
The Son of God in manger laid.
(Chorus) Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth.
By Father’s love, he sent His Son,
His own Begotten, born that day.
‘Twas sent to die, that death be won,
And sin be gone in Father’s way.
He came, according to God’s plan,
That all mankind might get to choose.
Thus Heavenly Father came to man,
Announcing Jesus – joyful news!
(Chorus) Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth.
–Written by Kevin V. Hunt
Annual Christmas Hymn 2003
(For scriptural background, see LUKE 2: 9-15, Bible Dictionary: “Glory to God”; Topical Guide: “Angel of the Lord”, “God, Presence of”, “God, Glory of”, Ezek. 1:27-28: 10:4, Acts 26:13; D&C 110:3; and Joseph Smith History 1:16-17)
I have often made reference to my “young mission”. For Christmas 1974 (exactly 50 years ago), I found myself serving in the secluded town of Cullman, Alabama. I was serving with Elder Wessman. On that occasion I was pensive about Christmas – away from home – but able to really ponder the meaning of Christmas and what it was to me. I penned the following lines of prose:
WHAT IS CHRISTMAS
Christmas Time is a very special time of the year.
Christmas is different things to different people.
Christmas should have great meaning for all of us.
Christmas – What is it to you?
CHRISTMAS is giving to others as God gave his only Begotten Son to redeem us. (John 3:16)
CHRISTMAS is loving our family and friends as Christ showed his love for all that he met. (John 13:34)
CHRISTMAS is singing beautiful songs and carols and remembering the angels singing and praising God at Christ’s birth. (Luke 2:13)
CHRISTMAS is joy and happiness and realizing that “unto us a child is born; unto us a Son is given.” (Isaiah 9:6)
CHRISTMAS is family togetherness and remembering the togetherness of Mary, Joseph and the babe on that first Christmas night. (Luke 2:16)
CHRISTMAS is keeping secrets and thinking of Mary who “kept all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
CHRISTMAS is kindness to others and living the golden rule which Jesus gave to us. (Matt. 7:12)
CHRISTMAS is a tree with a star on top reminding us of the star long ago which shone above the Bethlehem manger. (3 Nephi 1:21 and Matt. 2:2)
CHRISTMAS is generosity as Christ generously gave His life that we might live. (3 Nephi 11:9-14)
CHRISTMAS is a decorated tree with lights reminding us that Christ created the earth and the heavens for us. (John 1:1-3)
CHRISTMAS is busy people and crowded stores reminding us that “there was no room … in the inn” for the Son of God to be born. (Luke 2:7)
CHRISTMAS is seeing the smiles of parents of children and remembering the smiles of Mary as “she brought forth her firstborn son.” (Luke 2:7)
CHRISTMAS is fancy packages and gifts just as the wisemen gave Christ gifts of “Gold, and frankincense and myrhh.” (Matt. 2:11)
CHRISTMAS is a little girl with a new little doll in a blanket – reminding us of Mary wrapping her child in swaddling clothes lying him in a manager. (Luke 2:7)
CHRISTMAS is special prayers and praising God just as the angel and heavenly hosts praised God for the birth of Jesus. (Luke 2:12-14)
CHRISTMAS is sending cards wishing good cheer and great joy to friends and family as Jesus said to Nephi, “Be of good cheer for … on this night come I into the world.” (3 Nephi 1:13) and angels saying, “for unto you is born … Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10)
CHRISTMAS is traditions as prophets foretold the birth of Jesus for many generations. (3 Nephi 1:18)
CHRISTMAS is giving gifts as Christ gave each of us the gift of eternal life – “The greatest of all the gifts of God.” (D&C 14:7)
CHRISTMAS, then is remembering the Savior – even Jesus the Christ. CHRISTMAS is remembering who Jesus is and all that he has done for us.
CHRISTMAS isremembering Christ’s birth, life and example he set for us.
CHRISTMAS … What is it to you?
Kevin V. Hunt
Mission Christmas 1974
I have published my 30 years of Christmas messages in a book – now published on lulu.com. I invite you to read and enjoy the poems of the past years. Here is the link to the book:
Well, winter seems to be upon us – although it won’t officially hit until December 21st. That is just days away. But even as the temperatures dip and the thermometer freezes, we continue to be joyful, even in winter days. There is much joy around us.
A MONDAY MORNING SURPRISE!
We have an upstairs bathroom with a nice window. I generally keep the curtain closed – for obvious reasons, but on this particular Monday (December 2nd) I took a peek outside for some reason. And there was a surprise before my eyes. The whole world was covered in white stuff. SNOW … Glorious SNOW!
Now for most of the world, the scene would not come as a shock, but for this Arizona Desert Rat, it was definitely an eye-opener. We lived for five years in Ogden, Utah when we were first married and we had the white stuff there. And I still have bad memories of sliding on the ice as I tried to shovel the stairs to our upstairs apartment. That was at the end of the year. And being the health stoic I am (and I think most men are), I thought I could “man-up” and endure the knee pain. I thought that it would go away with time. It didn’t!
I say end of the year … I should have gone to the emergency room immediately – still in that calendar year for the insurance deductible (which I had met). But, I didn’t. The pain increased and I knew that I had a problem. Finally a few days later – in the new deductible year – I made a trip to see the Doc. The X-ray and the examination were not positive.
The doctor said that I had broken my knee cap (with a hairline fracture). He said, he should have re-broken it and whatever, but said too, that this would be inhumane torture. He instructed me thus: “You are to treat the leg as if it is an egg in your shoe. You can’t do anything on it for at least a month … (and he went on and on as he painted the vision of what might be if I didn’t listen to him).
And should I mention the accident I had on Halloween – yes, my birthday – once in Ogden? We were going down a steep hill near us and I was going 10 MPH or less. The car decided to careen sideways and we were really on a slippery slope heading down hill and there wasn’t anything that I could do about it. Talk about Christmas “visions of sugar plums” – my memories were the opposite of that – like dried prunes – as I thought of the situation.
Kevin and Lou Hunt – Snowmobiling in West Yellowstone circa 1980
Admittedly, there were some snow high adventure moments – like snowmobiling in West Yellowstone with Explorer Scouts when the windchill factor made the temperature minus 51 degrees.
And here is my story about that experience (cut and paste):
And then there was the time that I went with a small team – with all of us on snowmobiles to our Camp Bartlett in Southern Idaho. We spent the day shoveling 5-6’ of snow off of the new lodge roof. Those were fun times (?) and stories that are definitely much better now that they are history.
Camp Bartlett snow removal from the new lodge roof – 1982
So, with all of those experiences, that Monday morning white stuff put new visions of bad into my mind. As soon as I was done in there, I guided Sister Hunt to the window. I said, “Check this out!” She was in shock but she was more happy than shocked. She grew up in Utah and they had plenty of snow. But it has definitely been a while for her. (We moved away from Ogden in 1982- moving to Santa Barbara, California – and later to Arizona – and have hardly seen any snow since. We definitely get zero snow in our Arizona desert.).
When we were first married, we often went to Arizona for Christmas days. She said to me at the time, “How do you have Christmas without snow?” I said, “You just enjoy every moment of it!” Now all of these years later, she’s “a BELIEVER!”
Not wanting more of my ice experience of yesteryear, I hesitatingly headed outside that morning to clear the new white stuff off of our stairs. Thankfully, we have only three steps up to our place – not a full flight. I checked out my resources for snow removal. I found one snow shovel – outside by the steps – and this looked and scooped like it had been left from the war. In fact, I think it was a leftover from Simeon Dunn (the 1840’s resident of our place). It was really warped – into a round loop (which should have been square) and the wooden handle broke in two as I began the job. I deposited all of the parts into our garbage can.
Gratefully, there was a much more modern implement stowed away in the basement. This worked much better. I got the stops and the 10’ concrete walk scraped off. It seemed as if there was snow still on the cement – but later, when the sun hit it, the walk and stairs were clear.
Sister Lou Hunt experiencing the new Nauvoo snow 12/2/24
This little surprise made its appearance on Monday, December 2nd. Since that time, the weather has been clear and cold.
Ice crystals on Hunt back door window
TO VENTURE OUT OR STAY IN?
That Monday happened to be our new P-Day for December. We could have gone into hibernation mode or we could make our usual trek for groceries and stuff in Keokuk. I was sure that Sister Hunt would say that we needed to remain inside for the duration. And I wondered if that might be a 5-month duration. To my surprise, she didn’t balk at all about the town trip. We decided to go ahead and go for it. Lou just wanted to leave early rather than later. This was okay with me. We proceeded with caution. We were greeted with a snow plow on the main highway #96 as we headed south. We made the trip okay.
On the road – Nauvoo to Keokuk 12/2/24
We went to Keokuk and did our things there. And we were pleased on the return trip a couple of hours later, when the road was actually mostly clear. This made for a much safer drive.
LIFE CONTINUES EVEN WITH THREAT OF BAD WEATHER
It is interesting that life seems to go on around us – even with the winter chill upon us. The weather doesn’t seem to stop or even slow down the activity level. And I guess that is good. We “layer up” to survive the walk to the car and going inside to our destinations – and then try to decide inside if we should remove a couple of layers or just be warm while inside – and then to be colder when we go outside again. It is a dilemma!
It is interesting that even in the cold, we can have an occasional day that is much warmer and even pleasant. And with many activities still happening, we can still experience joy around us.
THE WINTER CONCIERGE PLAN FOR TOURS
I have written previously with details about our winter concierge schedule. There are definitely fewer guests around Nauvoo these days. Some days it looks like an Arizona ghost town. It is almost spooky at times!
This means that we get up and get prepared for a day of service – being “on call” to serve when needed. I usually get into my costume, but Sister Hunt waits to put on all of the pantaloons and stuff until we actually get the call to go. (She puts on the dash after we get the phone call.)
It also means that we often have full days at home and this gives us time and opportunity to work on our own projects. Of course, I always have plenty to do – with blogs, researching history, compiling books, and more. Last week, we had 5 straight days in which we received no call at all. Our first tour of the week was on Saturday afternoon.
I used the time to finalize the production of the brick slide show. I worked extensively on a family project (to be revealed later). The time was productive indeed for me.
NAUVOO MIRACLES CONTINUE
I’ve also talked before about how we often see a constant flow of “Nauvoo Miracles”. These often come with the many people whom the Lord sends to us – and our connections with them.
We had two different families come – by the name of Richards. With the first family, we were called to meet the group at the Visitors’ Center. They introduced themselves as the Richards family. We asked them what they wanted to see on our tour. I said, “Have you seen the Willard Richards home?” They said, “The desk Elder told us that there is nothing Richards here.”
I said, “That is not true! There are several Richards things to see here.” I told them of the Willard Richards Inn (a bed and breakfast outfit) and the grave of Jenetta Richards (the wife of Willard). I asked if they wanted to go by the place. I drove to the place and they followed me over there. They stopped and took a few photos. I then led them around the corner to the secluded gravesite (adjacent to Highway #96) of Jenetta. The family was all amazed and they took some photos of themselves at the site.
I told the family that it was a little Nauvoo Miracle that we had been brought together as a group. I told them that I was likely the only missionary who knew about the grave and was thus paired with them (by coincidence or the Spirit) to be with them. We all basked and rejoiced in that thought.
In the conversation, I learned that the wife of the younger couple is a descendant of Hyrum Smith. She asked if there was anything to see of Hyrum. I surprised her as I told her that his farm home – located a couple of miles east of town – is still standing. (I told her that the house has been added to on both sides – but that the original home can still be seen). I led their procession over to the Hyrum home.
Hyrum Smith farm home in Nauvoo (with side additions)
Sister Hunt and I had seen the place when on our photo tour and it then had a For Sale sign on it. On this day, however, the sign was gone and there was a car there – an indication that the place had likely recently sold. This sister was excited to get a photo of herself and husband by the Hyrum home sign and the original Hyrum home. (Another Nauvoo miracle to get her and the home connected … and again, I am likely the only missionary who would have known where this Hyrum home is located.)
Willard Richards Home in Nauvoo -Left side is original and right added by later residents
I knew that the Willard Richards Inn is a B&B and I had met the “innkeeper” a couple of months before – when I was out taking photos – and she had invited me in to see the place. I declined at that moment – but in the back of my mind, I knew that the possibility was there for future. I asked the Richards family if they would like to see inside the Richards Inn. They were excited about this possibility. I got onto the Inn website and called the information number. The lady did soon call me back, but she had a full schedule planned for the day. She then said that she would call Brian Christiansen (the Inn owner – and whom I knew) to see if he was available. He called me back shortly and we set a time a few hours later for him to meet us at the Inn. We took the group for a tour at Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store, the Smith Cemetery, and the Joseph and Emma homes. We continued our tours and the family took a dinner break too.
Late in the afternoon we all gathered at the Richards Inn. Brian met us there. He gave us a great tour of the home. We learned that half of the home is original to Willard and that half was added by the later owner. The place was fabulous. The family has every room meticulously and gloriously decked out with beautiful bedding and décor. Wow!
Brian showed us many historical items in the place. He pointed out the desk that belonged to Willard.
He showed us two original Nauvoo Temple chairs (reupholstered.)
He showed us an original and sacred room where he said some Temple endowments were actually performed.
Brian took us downstairs. He showed us the basement level of the later home addition. The new owner was German and created his own deep and wide “wine cellar”.
And the ironic thing was that this whole giant room is made out of Nauvoo Temple limestone. Interesting! It was all so cool. I was happy that the family got to see more of their Richards history – and again, we all rejoiced in the continuing Nauvoo Miracle of us being with them.
Brian Christiansen – Nauvoo Entrepreneur in Tomb of Joseph
This Brian actually owns literally half of Nauvoo -motels, a mercantile store, and more. He has expanded his roots here. He invited the Richards family to meet him at his store. He then gave us a personal tour of his “Tomb of Joseph” located under his store. (I promise more on that subject in a future blog!)
ANOTHER RICHARDS CONNECTION
I’ve noted that this whole concierge arrangement is interesting. We wait in queue and we never know who we will be paired with. We just show up and take through whoever is sent to us.
About a week after the first Richards family visit, we met another Richards family – this time a couple of Richards brothers and their families – a group of 10 people. We were told to meet them first at the Sarah Granger home. We went over there and upon their arrival, we introduced ourselves. I was surprised that it was another Richards family. I told them about the two places – mentioned above.
The one guy lives a hundred or so miles away – so they get to come to Nauvoo often. They brought his brother from a more distant locale to see the place. He said that he had actually met this Brian six months ago as Brian officiated in Temple baptisms for them. Brian then invited the Richards family to come see his place. This guy had tried to call him – but could not connect. I said, “Well, I have his phone number.” We called this and got Brian on the line. (And we determined that the guy had one digit off on the number from Brian – and thus had not been able to connect with him.) He was pleased that I had the right connection.
As before, I set up a visit to the place. Though on a tight schedule, Brian made time for us. He gave us the same tour as previously and the family was all in awe (as they should have been). I also showed them the gravesite. Again, I told them how great it was that the Lord had orchestrated all of this – and again especially since I am likely the only missionary who could have shown them the Richards home and grave. It is all amazing and wonderful.
WELCOMING CHILEAN BROTHERS
It is always fun to go meet our new guests – who become assigned to us through the current “concierge” scheduling system.
Such was the case when we were told “Four men want you to meet them at the Joseph Smith Homestead for a tour.” We hurried over there. We live only a couple of blocks away so we arrived before them.
Upon their arrival, we learned that they are all from the country of Chile. It was a father and his three sons (probably all mid 20’s). The oldest Aedo son was Alvin. He is married and lives in Indiana. The other two sons are currently in Provo. The dad was here visiting from Chile. He spoke no English. The sons, Aldo and Andreas, all spoke English. These guys did not join the church yesterday. They have multi generations in the Church and they were well versed in Church history. They were excited to see and learn.
Upon meeting the men, I called the Visitors’ Center to see if we had any missionaries who could translate into Spanish. (Where are the young sister missionaries when we need them?) I was told that there are three senior missionary sisters who all served in Spanish speaking countries. The plan was that we would begin the tour until a Spanish speaking sister could be recruited. Alvin (named for Alvin Smith? Maybe … he agreed with that thought when I suggested it!)
We had a delightful tour with the men as we took them through Joseph and Emma’s Homestead and then the Mansion House. As we finished this tour, Elder and Sister Graham arrived on the scene. We all followed them and remained with them at Joseph’s Red Brick Store as Sister Graham gave a great Spanish tour.
We then told the men that they “have us for the entire day – if they wish … and that we could give them tours anywhere. Alvin said that as they drove down Main Street, his dad got excited about John Taylor’s Print Shop as they passed it. He suggested that we go there. I guess the senior Aedo had been a Chilean printer most of his life.
Per our usual mode, I presented the history material about John and Nauvoo printing. Then Sister Hunt (our resident “techie”) gave the presentation about the Nauvoo “era” printing press and the process. Brother Aedo got really interested in all of this. In the Print Shop, we have some black aprons, hats and even arm guards (to keep one from getting black ink all over themselves while printing). I took a set of the clothes over to Brother Aedo and he got all decked out in this garb. He was delighted and it made for a great photo op with his sons. And he enjoyed telling the sons about his known printing experience. I said to him, “We ought to have you give the tour!” They all laughed. We then took them next door to the John Taylor home and they loved this. I quoted the John Taylor testimony of Joseph Smith and then Alvin used the cue card to translate for his father. This was great! It was a very enjoyable afternoon spent with our Chilean brothers.
The men decided that they wanted to go tour the Carthage Jail. (FYI: It takes a half hour to get there from Nauvoo, there might be a wait if the place is busy and the tour takes a half hour – so this is a chunk of time to plan for.) And then another Nauvoo Miracle … Elder and Sister Graham recently returned from a 3-4 month stint as the Carthage missionaries. So, today, they “cleared their schedule” and followed the men to Carthage to give them the Spanish tour there.
A SURPRISE VISIT FROM MY BROTHER AND HIS WIFE
Speaking of brothers … We were surprised and pleased when my brother, Darcy, texted me and said that “there is a 90% chance that we will come to visit you in Nauvoo this Saturday.” Wow! I texted him on Thursday and asked if the chances had improved. He said that they had indeed.
They arrived here on a Saturday evening – just in time for us to take them to dinner at our favorite “Mi Camino Real” Mexican restaurant in the town of Hamilton. They loved the food and the ambiance as we do.
Darcy and Laura are soon to report for their own mission. They leave in January and will serve for 23 months in the Vancouver Canada Mission – speaking Mandarin Chinese. Wow! How is that for a mission call? My kid brother served his young mission in Taiwan and has maintained his Chinese language skills ever since. In fact, in raising his four children, he spoke almost entirely in Chinese to them. They all understand Chinese perfectly but answer him in English.
We enjoyed a very fun evening with Darcy and Laura as then stayed with us. (They thought our basement was cozy, warm and “just right”. That is good!
On Sunday, they attended our “missionary ward” with us at the Visitors’ Center. They, like us, were in total amazement of the assembled group of senior superstars. Then, after a gourmet lunch – a delightful smorgasbord assembled by Sister Lou Hunt, we were off to see the sights.
We arranged with the concierge coordinator to be out with them for the afternoon. We were giving tours – our missionary assignment – so all was good. At the church meeting, Laura was surprised and pleased to find a long-time friend. She and Sister McBride had been Young Woman girls’ camp leaders together years ago in Tooele, Utah. They enjoyed many shared memories of the old times.
Sister McBride often gives tours – in the “First Person” as she tells the story of the person and home of Sarah Granger Kimball, the creative inspiration behind the founding of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo. Sister McBride suggested that we take our guests there at noon for her special tour. We took them up on the special invitation. We arrived there and found Elder and Sister McBride dressed “to the T” in their upscale Nauvoo period costumes. Their tour was as fantastic as were their costumes. These guys are some of our missionary best and it was so great to be in their presence.
Left to Right: Darcy, Kevin, Lou, & Laura Hunt, Sister and Elder McBride
We took them to six or seven different sites and gave the tours in each place. This was a special opportunity.
L to R: Kevin, Darcy, and Laura Hunt making rope at Family Living Center
We really enjoyed our visit to the upper room of the Cultural Hall. This place has a unique history. On this floor (shown below), Brigham and Joseph and wives danced with the community. In the ensuing years, the third floor of the Cultural Hall disappeared. When restoration was being done, the building then had been diminished to a 2-story structure. When the roof of the place was removed, the original floor was discovered intact and gorgeous.
As we visited here with Darcy and Laura, I pointed out the “band balcony” up above the room. Sister Lou Hunt and Laura went upstairs. Laura is the most amazing singers of the world and up there, she broke into a song (as she frequently does at random times and places -usually about the current situation). And the acoustics in the hall are absolutely amazing. The combination of Laura and the hall was magnificent. Wow!
We kept them out until about 7:00 PM as we shared our Nauvoo excitement – and they definitely felt and stated “there is such a special feeling here. It is obvious that this is a Holy Place”. That is what everyone says of their Nauvoo visit.
The next morning, as we were heading off to work at the brick yard, Darcy and Laura were off to their next adventure. Like Lou’s brother, Brad and wife who came here months ago, they are on a major US tour – seeing anyone and everyone that they have ever known – before their missions. (And incidentally, Brad and Kerry also report for a mission in January. They are going to serve as YSA support leaders in San Diego. Sounds rough … but I guess someone has to do it!)
TELLING THE NAUVOO AND BELCHER LEGACY BRICK STORY
A recent blog detailed the history of brick making in general and specifically here in Old Nauvoo. The Powerpoint presentation – and my later published book (on lulu.com) also talked of the legacy of my father-in-law, Elder E.H. Belcher, in the creation of the current Nauvoo souvenir brick (that is still given freely to our visitors – even after nearly 50 years since Elder Belcher created it.)
With time on my hands, I was able to hone in on the project. Sister Hunt and I were able to create a modified slide show for presentation to others. It took some effort and the learning of some new skills but we were blessed with the inspiration to proceed. We were able to show our first slide presentation at a meeting of our district – where we are newly assigned as district leaders.
We were blessed to have a “Facilities Management” missionary in our midst and he helped us get the conference room system all set up and working. It came off beautifully for the first run. And the mission president and wife were even in attendance. That was kind of a miracle, also.
I later tweaked the presentation and got it in good order. This is what I sent to you readers recently.
WHERE’S WALDO?
Time again is in our favor and with fewer guests, we have more time to party and gather as missionaries. Elder and Sister Workman hosted the eight of us couples who all live within a block or so of each other (down here on the “lower flats” – below the Temple hill. We had a great meal together and then several fun games. It was a fun time.
This was also a good-bye activity for Elder and Sister Simkins who just went back home to Enterprise, Utah – the home of my father and several generations before him. Sister Simkins and I are 3rd cousins through our common Terry family line.
Another fun activity was billed as “Where’s Waldo?” Elder and Sister Wilson, our missionary party planners – planned this activity. They had Elder and Sister Graham (the “site trainers”) go around to many of our sites. They took photos of very odd items in each place. Then at our gathering, they showed slides of these items and we all wrote down our answers. We had to write the item shown, and then the location of where it is. There were 31 items to identify and we got a point for identification and also the location. So, there were 62 points possible. I think I scored 46 or so. We all enjoyed this activity.
Where’s Waldo List (circled items are my misses)
And after we had found Waldo, we stuck around and together watched the “Polar Express” movie. That was a scene – with about 50 of us old folks couples there watching it together. It was a “BYOP” affair – meaning that we all had to “bring our own popcorn”. It seemed weird not to have the young sister missionaries with us. Normally it has been them that movies have centered around. We missed them.
KEEPING THE HOMES OF JOSEPH AND EMMA CLEAN
As site coordinators of the Smith properties, it falls our lot and opportunity to go frequently to clean the places. In the summer, the missionaries assigned to the homes clean the places after the daily shift. Now, however, as coordinators, we go at least once a week and clean the three places ourselves. This is a blessed opportunity. We are happy to serve Joseph and Emma in this way at the Homestead, Mansion House, and the “Bidaman structure”.
Joseph Smith Homestead in Nauvoo (Rear View)
BRICK MAKING
Winter (with fewer guests) is the time to stock up the storage room with bricks. Each of the missionary couples get to take turns creating the famous bricks. This means that we get to go there to work about once a week. This is a special treat – since this is an opportunity for Sister Hunt and me to help keep alive the Belcher brick making legacy.
Each time that we go to the brick place, we have several duties. The bricks are on an 8-day rotation before they get put into the kiln for firing.
We create the mix of Nauvoo clay, sand, and water. We put these items into the “pug machine”. This fancy machine mixes up the ingredients (churning it like a big mixer) for about two hours. We then poop out (or “extrude” is the more socially acceptable term) long brown rolls of the clay mixture. We cut these off in 4” long – and round – rolls. We then press the “pugs” into our Nauvoo molds to create the bricks.
Sister Hunt making the Nauvoo souvenir brick
We put these new bricks onto boards – with 16 bricks to a tray. We put these trays into large standing racks. The second day, workers “hack” the bricks. This means that we turn them around and over for better drying. The third day the bricks are “trimmed” of excess scraps from the molding process. The bricks continue to dry until the 8th day – when they are stacked into the kiln.
VISITING THE LEGENDARY “THE DUTCHMAN’S” STORE
A big thing with many of our missionaries is to go visit The Dutchman’s store. This place is operated by local Mennonites (or are they Amish? Who knows?). Anyway, this place is kind of “old time” in its displays and products. We have heard about this place – located about 55 miles west of us – in the town of Cantril, Iowa – for months. People have told us, “you have to go there”.
We had been to the Temple on our then Saturday P-day with Elder and Sister Parker. After the sealing session, they (also on p-day) invited us to go with them to “The “Dutchman’s” store. We didn’t have anything going, so we went along for the ride. The Dutchman’s just built a bigger and better store – located just a couple of miles from the former store.
This store is made of timber and had a great long-ago rustic look to it. We went in – full of anticipation of what might await us. And the missionaries were right! This place had a bit of everything.
I have mentioned that I am a “people watcher” and this scene was prime for that activity. The shoppers were in keeping with the theme and ownership of the place. I loved seeing the bearded men, the dress of men, women, and children. We could have worn our costumes and we would have fit in well.
Sister Hunt and I first dined on some large slices of pizza (just $1.50 a slice). We then meandered around checking out everything. I bought a needed pair of dark suspenders. I got a nice shirt for just $14. The color of the shirt matched our Nauvoo costume look. (Sister Hunt only needed to remove the collar before I could wear it.)
We bought some Christmas fabric – which Sister Hunt later used to make us matching hats for Christmas events. We bought some random food items.
It was fun to be with the Parkers, and it gave me fodder to write home about. It was fun to go there once but I am not sure that we will rush right back there.
CONNECTING WITH AN OLD NAUVOO FRIEND
Two or three weeks ago, a couple of “old duffers” (they probably thought that of us, also) came into the Visitors’ Center where we were assigned for the day. These guys had the look of fitting in with the old time look of Nauvoo. They said that they come to Nauvoo frequently – just to spend time here. They said that today’s trip was just “to get away from the wives”. They didn’t really have a plan. They just wanted to kind of meander around.
These guys are Nauvoo area old-timers. I asked them if they knew someone who might know the history of the town and its former homes. They suggested a guy named Gene McMeins. I said, “Wait a minute … I know that name.” I told the guys that I had served here in Nauvoo 50 years before and I thought that I knew this Gene. They gave me his phone number.
I called him later that afternoon and we had a good chat – before I had to cut off the call to greet a new incoming group of guests. We set a time for us to go visit him at his home. He now lives in Ft. Madison – not Nauvoo where he lived most of his life.
I had to think a bit of Gene to recall my former connection with him. I texted Elder Shaltes and together we shared memories of Gene. I realized that I knew him well back then.
We made a trek over to Ft. Madison to see Gene. It was a VERY chilly night. The bridge across the Mississippi River (going north and west from Nauvoo) had been closed for two or three months. Our trip was just a couple of days before the scheduled reopening of the bridge – so we had to take the long way around – south and then north along the river from Keokuk.
We found Gene at his small apartment. He is now age 92. He reminded me that back then (1975) he was the janitor for the Visitors’ Center, he started our movies there and was a general handyman. He was involved with everything. We were friends and he often came to hang out with us – and as he said, he brought pizza ingredients and baked them for many missionaries through years. I could see it all again in my mind.
Gene McMeins with Elder Kevin Hunt
Gene was kind of hard of hearing and said that he is legally blind. He did pretty well, however. He heard much of what we said, and he had some fancy computer contraption that projected small things onto large things on his screen – so that he could read them.
He really didn’t need to hear us. He carried on much of the conversation as he talked and talked. I was totally amazed at his memory and recall of those old days. Wow! He also showed me a large notebook full of old-time Nauvoo photos – of homes and businesses. I took photos of every page. All super interesting for an old history buff like me.
Vintage Photo – Joseph Smith’s Mansion House
Above: Nauvoo Legion Arsenal Building
A special history note. Gene told us that he was baptized in 1972, and that he was the “first male convert in Nauvoo since 1846!” Not sure how he knew that, but how super cool is that! Wow!
A CARTHAGE “NIGHT ON THE SQUARE”
The town of Carthage, Illinois is located about 25 miles south and east of Nauvoo. Of course, all church members know of the history of Carthage as it relates to the martyrdom of Joseph the Prophet and Hyrum the Patriarch. Luckily, feelings have mellowed out through the years – and today Carthage is much more friendly and welcoming to Church members and our friends. We have four to ten missionaries stationed there (more in summer, less in winter). These missionaries actually have residence there during their time of service.
This evening, we went to an unusual activity. We bundled up in layers of clothing. I put on my red long-johns (that go from head to toe). I then put on the thermal bottoms that I just bought at Dutchman’s. I then put on pants, a flannel shirt, and a knitted vest. Later I put on a red coat (from Jenae), a neck “ring”, and a scarf. Lou also “layered up”.
We drove to the town of Carthage and connected with several other missionaries – most dressed in “period” coats and costumes.
Missionaries gathered at Carthage Jail preparing to do Christmas caroling
. We met first at the Carthage Jail. We then walked as a group to the downtown Carthage downtown square. I went back for our vehicle and parked near the destination.
I told Lou that we were supposed to wear costumes but she hadn’t got the memo.
We stood in the 20 degree weather (5 degrees with windchill). We sang Christmas carols. I am not a singer so I just stood in the cold in support of the others. FM did bring a couple of large outdoor heaters. These helped a bit but it was still bitter cold. Lou had a hand warmer that I used (and she used the other one). I had it in my pocket and kept switching hands with it.
Missionaries caroling at the Carthage Square December 5, 2024
The town was staging their annual “Night on the Square” Christmas event and they invited missionaries (including all of us from Nauvoo) to come to participate with and for them. The town has the traditional “town square” that is exactly that. The majestic old courthouse is in the middle of the square and businesses of various kinds are on the four streets surrounding the courthouse – thus forming “the square”.
This Carthage event was a downtown Christmas activity for the community. The event was planned to get people out of their houses and out doing something. Local businesses on the square offered prizes, special events, and more. And two or three old horse-drawn wagons made their circle “around the square” for a couple of hours. They never had many riders, but the horses continued to prance around.
Many businesses were open and people were given papers to do a kind of scavenger hunt – picking up items at the places of business. The businesses were not that interesting (like real estate, loan offices, etc.), – but they willingly participated as stops for the scavenger hunt.
I am not into singing even under normal circumstances, but tonight in the freezing weather, I really did not have much enthusiasm for singing. Plus, we were kind of in close proximity with others in the group – and I am sure they would not have been impressed. I just kind of stood and looked interested and supportive. I did take a few photos of the group. Always the historian!
I wondered how anyone could be crazy enough to be out doing anything in the freezing weather we were experiencing.
As an excuse to get warmed up, I decided that I needed to go to the bathroom. I had to walk two short blocks to find any kind of place that had a restroom. I finally a Mexican restaurant that would let me in. It was a challenge with freezing hands trying to get through two layers of thermals.
I met Lou coming toward me as I returned and we decided we had had enough of the cold. Our toes were freezing. My hands were really cold and my face was chilled – where it was not covered up. We headed home.
We were hungry and I suggested that we eat at Subway in Hamilton. This proved to be a good choice. We both got chicken/bacon sandwiches on wheat bread. The sandwich was hot, so this hit the spot.
THE ANNUAL “NAUVOO CHRISTMAS WALK”
Lou and I participated in a great mission/community event the night after the Carthage activity. This was called the annual “Christmas Walk”. All of our 100 or so missionaries had assignments to help pull off the event. Sisters Beauregard (two of them) and Sister Croxford were the overall event chairs and they did a fabulous job.
Elder Kevin Hunt as Master of Ceremonies – Nauvoo Christmas Walk
I had an interesting role. I was the “master of ceremonies” for performances by various group in the Visitors’ Center. I got to announce the various groups who were to perform. Lou ran the lights and sound from the booth at the back of the West Theater where the event was held. This was a new activity for her and she did well.
We were both decked out in red and green for the occasion. We tried to still maintain some of our pioneer costume theme. I wore my white Mormon Battalion shirt and black pants (over thermal pants). I got a green cravat from the mailroom. I wore a green vest with my pocket watch. We both wore matching red and green checkered scarves. Lou made me a great cap of green and red Christmas fabric which we bought at The Dutchman’s. There was enough fabric left from the ½ yard for her to make herself a matching hat. She wore a green sweater and black pants. We both looked fabulous. We had fun looking alike and so into the season.
As we arrived at the VC, we had a couple of people take photos of us in front of the giant decorated Christmas tree that has been placed there. This tree is 20’ or higher and is magnificent.
At the show, a Brother Shurtleff was acting crazy. He came in and tried to snooker us by acting like a non-member and asking if he could go into the Temple. I told him, “Yes, anyone who meets the requirements can go in.” He later told us that he is the facility manager for the Temple. He later took a couple of photos of Lou and me in front of the giant Christmas tree of the Visitors’ Center. And as he was doing this, he left us a selfie of himself on our camera. So funny!
We had a jazz band from Warsaw – and then some singers joined them. We had some kids from the local Calusa middle school. A family performed with violin and cello. A lady gave a piano solo. It was a fun show.
We were scheduled to do our duties until 7:30 (after starting at 6 PM). Our friend Brian Christiansen took over as MC as we finished our time.
As we finished our show time, we were able to go out to experience the rest of the events that were staged for the community.
We went first to the Cultural Hall. Elder Wilson played the guitar and Sister Wilson played the harp.
We went to the Family Living Center. Missionaries had transposed this giant place into a Bethlehem city (like in the time of Christ). The Sisters Beauregard had done a fabulous job there. And Sister/cousin Tammy Hunt created some wonderful signs (with fabricdation or printing by the FM group) that adorned each station. Very nice.
We traveled through Bethlehem and experienced the birth of Christ and other manger scenes.
(Below) Sister Turner – with her long white hair – made a great angel.
(Below) Elder Parker, Turner and one other Elder were the 3 wiseguys.
They gave each family a small bag and then gave out little memory trinkets at each station. These were all “symbols” of Christmas and the birth of Jesus.
We stopped at the Wagon Depot and got a photo with Santa who was wonderfully portrayed by Edler Brian Reed – who has played the role of Santa for many years. This year, he had to wear a fabricated beard. Back at home, I think his long beard is standard for him. He had his family ship his own costume out to him for this event. That is part of being a good missionary – knowing and using your own talents and resources to help build God’s Kingdom.
We next went to the Pioneer Pastime Pavilion. They there served hot chocolate and cookies. The cookies were ginger cookies like they serve in the Scovil Bakery. These cookies were about four times the size of the Scovil cookies. They were baked by the Red Front Café. The hot chocolate was hot – but just right.
We stopped in at the Stoddard Tin Shop. Elder and Sister Bateen were there. They were dressed elegantly. They told the story of “A Christmas Carol” and Scrooge
. We went to the Post office. The Pearces were there. They told the story of Orin Porter Rockwell who showed up at the Christmas celebration of Joseph Smith in the Mansion House. We got to the Print Shop right as the whole event was finishing. The Grahams were there and had been playing parlor games with guests.
After 9 Pm (closing time), we also stopped at the Browning Gun Shop and home. Elder and Sister Sanders were there doing acting scenes with guests.
We took with us the metal (tin) lantern – with a flashlight for the former candle. I had given this unit to Lou for our anniversary in September. They made similar lanterns in the Stoddard Tin shop back in the day. Our unit is brown but otherwise looks just like the lanterns that Stoddard sold in his tin shop. We got a lot of comments from missionaries who loved our lantern as we walked along. Having this lantern made Lou very happy. She has always loved the lanterns in the Tin Shop. It was fun to travel with the lantern. Back in the day, the tinner actually made unique lantern designs for different families.
The weather tonight was much improved over last night. It was not nearly as cold. I wore just one thermal bottom and this was enough. Our hands and feet didn’t even freeze. This was a great blessing.
The Christmas Walk was deemed a grand success. It was estimated that over 500 people came to experience it with us. Worth the herculean efforts to stage it!
A MIRACLE SABBATH DAY
This past Sunday (December 8th) was a special day in many ways. I say that it was full of miracles.
We went to our own missionary sacrament meeting. We heard from a departing Sister Green. We then heard from Elder Walters – the horse Veterinarian. He shared insights as recorded on his “notes” through his mission.
After the meetings, we headed to the town of Ft. Madison, Iowa (located north across the Mississippi River about a dozen miles away to attend their ward church meetings.
Ft. Madison Bridge on the Mississippi River
TEMPLE DEDICATION IN TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA
My youth mission was served in Tallahassee, Florida. That was 50 years ago. And on this Sunday, a new Temple was dedicated by our Apostle, Elder Kearon. This was a very exciting and wonderful development. When I was on my mission, the Washington, D.C. Temple had just been completed. Prior to that, our Mesa Temple was the closest to Florida. When I was there, there was a stake in Tallahassee. I served in Tally as my last area. Panama City was my first area and it was in the Tallahassee Stake – although almost two hours away. So, it was very exciting to know of the Temple dedication today. I would have loved to have been a part of the dedication but it was broadcast only to chapels in the Temple district.
Also, when I was there, the whole region suffered from racial distress – with much prejudice against black (African American) people. Now the new Mission President Trusty is black. This is cool! The church has come a long way since that time. The new Temple was constructed right across the street from the stake center I knew long ago.
ATTENDING CHURCH IN FT. MADISON, IOWA
We wanted to attend church in Ft. Madison for a number of reasons. One was that my friend, Gene McMeins attends there. We did see him again and this was great. He was happy to see us. And at age 92, he looked really sharp. His white shirt was clean and crisp. I visited with him for a few minutes and told him that we enjoyed our visit with him. He said, “Come again!”
Upon arriving at the rather small chapel, we met a lady named Goddard. She saw my nametag and said that she is my cousin. She said that she had seen the “Church News” article about the “3 Cousins”. And she said, “I want to find a way to meet those cousins.” This was cool.
We did “Relatives Around Me” on the FamilyTree App. We found that we are third cousins. She also descends through my 2nd Great Grandfather, Elias Hunt. She had to hurry up to play the organ music so we didn’t have much talk time – but it was great to meet another cousin.
Then another lady came in and said that she and Sister Goddard are 3rd cousins so she thought that we would be also. Family Tree also noted that we too are 3rd cousins. It is always so fun to find such connections through FamilyTree.
MEETING SISTER CECELIA SMITH
When my father-in-law, Elder E. H. Belcher and his wife, Sister Verna Belcher were on their mission to Nauvoo, they met a rather young girl named Cecelia. She came to Nauvoo from Keokuk frequently and seemed to have a great connection with the folks. They helped her receive the missionary discussions and then Elder Belcher actually baptized her in the Mississippi River.
We have tried a few times to get with this Sister Smith but various circumstances came up which prevented us from getting together. It was wonderful to finally connect with her. It was truly a miracle – or series of miracles – that brought us together. We were grateful for those miracles.
I could say much more about Cecelia. We had a good discussion with her. She shared some fun details of her baptism and her story was truly interesting.
I plan to share more of her story – in greater detail – in a future blog.
RETURNING HOME TO NAUVOO FROM FT. MADISON
On our way back to Nauvoo from Ft. Madison, we stopped at a couple of parks in the town – looking for historic plaques. I found a Statue of Liberty look-alike statue – built by some Boy Scouts. I found a plaque about Indian Chief Black Hawk. These were both very cool finds.
Statue of Liberty Statue in Ft. Madison, Iowa
Chief Black Hawk Marker in Ft. Madison, Iowa
I noted the bridge across the river from Ft. Madison to Nauvoo. I failed to mention that crossing the river from the Nauvoo side is free. But, they charge for cars making their entry from the Iowa side. We were pleased that today there was a sign on the bridge booth that said, “Free”. Nice!
One of the very interesting features of this bridge is that it is a “swinging bridge”. This means that a major section of the bridge rotates a full 90 degrees. This allows for large tug boats and other ships to pass through without hitting the bridge section above them.
When we traveled across the bridge with Elder and Sister Parker, we got caught on the bridge as a boat was coming under it. We had to stop for quite a while as the ship passed. Sister Hunt is often our designated photographer – and that was the case in this situation. She got out and took several great photos of the action below and around us. Only after she had taken the photos did we see the sign with instructions to “remain in your vehicle”. Like my mission president of my youth said, “Sometimes it is easier to repent than to ask permission”.
On our return across the river on this Sabbath day we noticed the River below us. There was a lot of ice that had formed beginning at the river bank and extending into the river. We were intrigued that the river water actually froze the ripples on top of the River. Very cool.
FROZEN ICE RIPPLES IN THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER – FT. MADISON, IOWA
A STOP AT A HIDDEN NAUVOO CEMETERY
It is a known fact that I love finding and then exploring old cemeteries. And such was the case this Sunday.
Through our time in Nauvoo – and generally on our way to and from special events at the large “Pageant Center”, we have passed by a cemetery several times. I have known about two cemeteries in Nauvoo – that have pioneer graves, but have not known about this third one. I could not see a road to get into it. On this Sunday, I found a road that I thought might go to the place.
Momma Lou (Sister Hunt) wrote of the situation on the family WhatsApp program – along with a photo of me in my suit. She talked of my forever desire to be out exploring cemeteries (as I always did with the family when we were raising them – much to their dismay.)
She wrote, “Dad’s favorite thing to do – visiting cemeteries and taking pictures.”
I wrote in response:
“Notice me doing it in a suit!
Rest of the story… I thought that there were only two Nauvoo cemeteries. This cemetery is kind of hidden. We have many times passed it several times and I always say, “I need to find a way to get to it.”
Today I found the back way to get to it. We drove in to it today. At the entry was a sign saying, “Established 1870”. I was disappointed that it was after the Mormon era. We almost didn’t go in. I Decided to just make a loop around the place. I read some surnames along the way. I Turned the corner clear back in the back end.
I saw the last name of Blum on a stone. I recognized this name and pulled over to check it out. I then saw Ida Blum and her husband, Carl on the stones.
I knew Ida when I was here in Nauvoo 50 years ago. She was one of the greatest of Nauvoo historians. I knew her and she was ancient then … About age 87… As a non-LDS resident, She used to come to our church meetings and I heard her speak of Nauvoo history a few times.
I got back in and told Mom, “I know this lady”.
She said, “Maybe they need some Temple work done.”
I went home and found that all Temple ordinances for her and her husband and parents has already been done.
I then looked at the record for her daughter. She had most ordinances completed, but not her sealing to her husband. And I noted that he had not been endowed.
There is a Temple rule that you cannot do Temple work for a non-relative until after they are 110 years old (110 years since their birth). This lady turned 110 years just two months ago.
I got cleared for the ordinances.
Kind of a neat scenario… Another Nauvoo miracle.”
THE ANNUAL FIRST PRESIDENCY CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL
For many years, the First Presidency of the Church has staged a special “devotional”. And this event was held on this Sunday after our Ft. Madison trip. We could have watched this on the internet in the comfort of our own home, but we opted to go to the Visitors’ Center to enjoy the event with the many other missionaries.
It was a privilege to hear various speakers as they taught of the birth of Christ and the celebrations that center around His birth. I particularly enjoyed the message from President Dallin H. oaks of the First Presidency. He talked of the need for all of us to love all people around us. His theme for the evening was “Peace, good will to all”. He taught that we should have love and forgiveness for every one of us.
A NEW FOOD JOINT IN TOWN
Visitors who come to Nauvoo need to eat – just like the rest of us. But, that is easier said than done. The options are not that great. On occasion, some of our kids have wanted to give us gift cards for eating out. They ask us what is available in Nauvoo and we frustrate them when we say, “We have Dollar General”. That is about right. One daughter called our bluff and bought us a $25 Dollar General card – with the stipulation that it be for ice cream. So great!
The old stand-by is The Red Front Café. I have written about these folks before. They are amazing and their food is wonderful. They serve lunch and dinner. The Fireside BBQ is a bit pricey (but comparable to other BBQ venues) and their food is wonderful, too. We highly recommend them. They are new in town. They are open just Wednesday through Saturday nights for dinner only.
There were a few more options in the summer time, but they all closed for the winter (even my favorite Dairy Queen in Keokuk has a sign that says, “Closed for the season, reason freezin’”. I can’t wait for warm weather so I can again make my weekly trip there.
So, in light of the above, we were delighted to see a sign (at a former dessert place that wasn’t even open in our day here) announcing the quiet opening of the “River Sidon”. (Does that name ring a Book of Mormon bell? Could the River Sidon be our Mississippi River of today? Makes sense to me!) This place boasts breakfast (Wow!) and lunch. Opening day was our P-day so we said, “Let’s do it!” We found the place decorated beautifully and the food (for a first day) was pretty good.
MY CONSTANT SEARCH FOR NEW MONUMENTS AND MARKERS
I have blogged before about my search for new monuments and markers. I recently created not one, but two blogs on this subject. There were just too many photos for them all to be included in just a single blog article. Even after publishing those two blogs, I have continued my research. This research has come as I have decided to bring all of the material into a single book (to be published soon on lulu.com).
I continue to find some very interesting hidden bits of history as well as many additional monuments and markers that I did not find on my first pass through the surrounding area. Such was the case on our recent P-day. I had found information about three more monuments that I wanted to visit and explore in Keokuk, on the way to Quincy, Illinois, and in Quincy.
A P-DAY SEARCH FOR MONUMENTS
It was a Monday and it was our “P-Day” so we decided to go exploring – with the ultimate destination of Texas Roadhouse in Quincy. We went first to the town of Keokuk. I was anxious to find and photograph the very large and beautiful statue of Chief Keokuk. The Rand park where the statue (and his burial) is located is atop of a hill overlooking the Mississippi River. The park was staging a major Christmas light show tonight (and for many nights) so all of the roads to the place were closed. Thus, we could not drive to the statue. I had to walk quite a ways to get to it.
Chief Keokuk Grave and Monument – Keokuk, Iowa
I was surprised when looking through my mission slides yesterday, that I had a slide of this statue – so I went there and took a photo in 1975. Interesting.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CHIEF KEOKUK
I learned that Chief Keokuk was a contemporary of Joseph Smith. Joseph presented him with a copy of The Book of Mormon.
I have kind of known that the town of Keokuk was named for a Chief Keokuk, but I had not previously known much about him. This visit to Keokuk gave me opportunity to research and learn more about the man – “Chief Keokuk” for whom the town is named.
Keokuk was a leader of the Sauk tribe in central North America, and for decades was one of the most recognized Native American leaders and noted for his accommodation with the U.S. government. Keokuk moved his tribe several times and always acted as an ardent friend of the Americans. Wikipedia
In August 1841 Chief Keokuk and 100 other chiefs camped for several days across the river from Nauvoo. A few years before, Keokuk had briefly met Joseph Smith when he received a copy of the Book of Mormon from Joseph.
In the August 1841 gathering of the chiefs, “representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints crossed over to Iowa to meet Keokuk and the other chiefs. They made detailed arrangements for a social event for Keokuk and more than 100 fellow Chiefs together with their wives, to meet Joseph Smith and his people in Nauvoo.
The Indians and the members of the Latter-day Saints agreed on the details for an all-day Pow Wow event that was to be a summer festival of diplomacy including food, music, and dance. The Indians would bring their drums and the Church members their brass band. The arrangements were clear and agreeable to both sides. On the appointed morning of Thursday, August 12th, the Ferryman took two flatboats and one ferry over the river from Nauvoo to Montrose to greet the Indian guests whose total number was greater than 200. Joseph had pre-arranged for the city’s brass band and a military unit to greet the arrival of this large group of Indians. These guests were at the time some of the most significant leaders of Native Americans in the country. Keokuk had a great sense of drama and after he and his people came to the Nauvoo landing, they remained on the ferry and flatboats.
Keokuk asked where the leader of the Mormon Church (as it was called back in that day) was. The welcoming committee said that Joseph Smith was waiting for them up the road in the grove. Keokuk said that he would not get off the ferry except that Joseph Smith was there to greet him in person. A messenger immediately went to get the Prophet and after a short time, Joseph and Hyrum came down to the landing to welcome Keokuk and his fellow Chiefs and their wives to Nauvoo.
For the rest of that day, there was a summer celebration in the grove. Church members offered the visitors their best “dainties” and fresh melons along with their brass band and singing. The Indians entertained the Church members with their drums and dancing. This was a very significant event for both the LDS Church members and the Indians. For Joseph Smith, this was one of the most important social events of his life. He made a speech to as many as 500 people when he announced that God had revealed to him that the Book of Mormon was an account of the fathers of Keokuk and his fellow Indian chiefs. Joseph Smith declared this as a direct revelation from God and thereby confirmed the truth of the Book of Mormon and that it was “written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel.” The giving of his testimony to those Native Americans was very important for Joseph Smith. Keokuk was the living embodiment of the people of the Book of Mormon.
In researching Chief Keokuk, I found something very interesting. There is a magnificent full-wall mural of Chief Keokuk and other chiefs meeting Joseph Smith and this is on the second floor of the Mesa, Arizona Temple – near the “Grand Staircase”. I am from Mesa – I grew up just two blocks north of the Temple. For years, I have seen and loved this mural but had not ever heard the story of the mural. I thought that this mural was purely “symbolic” of Joseph taking the Gospel to the Lamanites. I had no idea that the mural depicted an actual historic occasion. I was elated to hear “the rest of the story”.
Mural in Mesa, Arizxona LDS Temple – Joseph Smith preaching to Indians at Nauvoo Pow Wow – 1841
Original murals by artist Lee Greene Richards remain upstairs in the area of Grand Staircase in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple. Photo: Kary Ann Hoopes
Just a side note: For decades (before Temples “dotted the earth”), the Mesa Temple was known as the “Lamanite Temple”. In those days, the Mesa Temple was the “closest” Temple for all of the Saints in Central and even South America. I remember as a teen how busloads of Lamanite Saints would sell literally everything that they had in order to come to the Mesa Temple so that they could receive their eternal ordinances. Back then, Mesa was much smaller. We had a large gymnasium-like structure located about a half mile from our home – and near the Temple. This was called the “Tri-Stake Center”. (Today there are about 40 stakes in the Mesa area – as compared to the three stakes that existed back then – but the structure still exists and is managed by the Mesa South Stake – of Zion – of which we were a part for twenty-five years as we grew our family in Mesa.)
This Tri-Stake Center was where the incoming Lamanites would stay for the two or three days that they were in town. I remember getting many Priesthood assignments to go down there with a hundred or so other men – to create a Lamanite dormitory. We would literally set up hundreds of cots – with mattresses and curtains – to house the folks. This was a great brotherhood activity. And often, the number of Saints who came exceeded even the large capacity of the grand hall. In such situations, our family would be asked to host some of the overflow families. This was a special opportunity. It was a bit of a challenge, however, since none of us spoke Spanish and none of our guests spoke English. We loved and hugged each other and we got along well. We soon learned that we could not compliment the folks on their beautiful clothes or anything they brought with them. When we did this, they would think that we wanted the item and they would try to give it to us.
JOHN CARTER – 4TH GREAT GRANDFATHER OF SISTER HUNT
Lou and I then made our way down river. I drove through Warsaw – a bad anti-Mormon town in the 1840’s – looking for historical plaques but found none.We got onto Highway #96 and proceeded South toward Quincy. I had decided that we would go in search of the grave for Lou’s 4th Great Grandfather, John Carter. I did a Google search and found him buried in the current remote village of Tioga and in an old cemetery called the Fletcher Cemetery. The Google directions to the Cemetery were good and they got us there.
Then, upon arrival, we needed to walk around to find his specific stone. We found the grave over at the very eastern side of the cemetery. This John was born in 1782 and died in 1852. He never joined the Church but his wife and children did. They went to Utah and he remained behind. He was the father of William Furlsbury Carter – Lou’s 3rd Great Grandfather.
I told Lou that I didn’t know if I had ever found the grave of a 4th Great Grandfather, but I later thought of John and Jane Coats Hunt, Zerah and Mary Brown Pulsipher, and Ira Rice – whose graves I have found. And I visited 5th and 6th great grandfathers buried in old Hebron, Kentucky. And maybe there are others. Anyway, finding a 4th Great Grandfather was a big deal.
I posted a photo of the grave on our family App. My son, Keith was the only one to take notice of the picture and he even came back with the note that John Carter even has a movie about him. I don’t think that the Disney show is really about our John (since it says he was a Civil War soldier – after the death of our John) – but that is interesting.
RIVER CROSSING OF SAINTS FROM MISSOURI TO ILLINOIS
We continued to the town of Quincy. I wanted to find a monument placed by the Church and others – which commemorates the place where the Missouri Saints crossed the river into Illinois in 1839. It also thanks the Quincy people for their care for the stranded Saints. I got a great photo of the rock – the monument – with a sunset and a bridge in the background.
Our next stop was the Texas Roadhouse – also in Quincy. I have had the urge to go there. This urge is more intense at times since in our little Nauvoo, we have no such eating places.
EXPERIENCING THE KEOKUK “CITY OF CHRISTMAS”
When looking for the Keokuk statue, I found myself immersed in a plethora of Christmas lights. They lined the park streets everywhere. I noted that the light displays were sponsored or set up by business of the town.
I was very intrigued so I wanted to return that evening with Sister Hunt. We did go back and we got in the line of cars. We followed the car ahead of us and we drove through the large “village” of lights. There were 100 or more lighted trains, planes, flowers, and everything else imaginable. The whole place was magnificent – and wonderful. And the best thing about this “City of Christmas” was totally free – as a community gift. And it was a special gift.
MIRACLES CONTINUE AS WE LOOK FOR AND SEE THEM
It has been fun being here in Nauvoo even in this very cold era of time. I am grateful that the Lord has “protected” us from the cold weather and that we can even venture out to enjoy the many sights and sounds of Christmas around us. We are in very different circumstances this year – without our families – but yet it is rewarding as we participate with the community and missionaries in these great events. I am glad that we can feel joy even with the temperature challenges. Yes, miracles continue as we look for, and see them.
And now, as I sit comfortably on my new recliner couch with my computer on my lap– and writing this blog article, I have a great view of the outside world from a window directly in front of me. “I looked out the window, and what did I see?” (as Primary children sing). And you guessed it … I see more of that “white stuff” coming down! It is coming down in giant flakes … Oh Joy! “Snow, Snow, Snow …” said my wife and missionary companion.
I guess I’ll be using that snow shovel later on. (And we learned last night that as Site Coordinators, at the Joseph Smith properties, that we are to keep the walks and stairs free of snow at the Homestead, Bidamon building, and the Mansion House. And that is a lot!) I guess I’ll be shoveling snow for Joseph later today! (And I can’t think of anyone I’d rather do it for!)
It is a Mission Thanksgiving Day, and there is much to be grateful for. I am thankful to the Lord for His many bounties on our behalf.
GRATITUDE TO HEAVENLY FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
We are grateful for all of the Lord’s blessings. We are grateful that we can represent them as missionaries. We are grateful that we can witness of them and the Restored Gospel. We are grateful that they visited Joseph Smith and called him to be their Prophet of the Restoration. It is a great blessing to be missionaries and to be able to share these messages with the many guests who come or are brought here.
I am thankful for covenants that I have made with God and Christ. I am grateful that there is a picture of the Savior in our current home. This helps me remember Christ each day and the blessings He has given, as well as the opportunity to go out to serve and build His Kingdom anew.
I am happy that I can wear the sacred black badge with the name of Christ on my chest.
GRATEFUL FOR A TEMPLE NEARBY
I grew up less than a mile from the Mesa, Arizona Temple and this was a great blessing. For the last 40 years, however, the Temple has been quite distant from me. Now, here in Nauvoo, we live less than a mile away from the beautiful Temple. It is so amazing. We get to see the Temple every day from various angles. And we get to go frequently for the various ordinances. This has been a wonderful blessing and opportunity.
GRATEFUL FOR THE HOPE OF FUTURE SPRING
When we arrived in Nauvoo, months ago, the whole place was green and beautiful – as if a lush garden. Seeing green everywhere was so great. And then came fall with its kaleidoscope of beautiful colors. This too was magnificent as we got to experience the season of fall. This was a scene that I really have not experienced since for most years (even though away from Arizona) have been in tropical or semi-tropical areas where the trees remained mostly green most of the time.
Now, there is a new look in Nauvoo. The leaves have fallen from the trees and the FM missionaries have crushed them or they have been moved away by the winds. The trees look kind of bleak and naked without their leaves.
But, even with this stark reality of the now moment, we can look forward with hope for the spring when the life and greenery will be renewed and the town will once again be green and vibrant.
GRATEFUL FOR WARM COATS
Okay, so it is getting colder – especially for us desert rats. We have been kind of dreading the winter weather. We are grateful that the cold has mostly held off and here it is almost December and it has been great weather up to this time. So, that is a major blessing. We have been somewhat protected, I think. It must be the prayers from our family who are all praying for us.
And with the cold, we have stacks of coats to choose from. Thanks, Jenae! And with these coats, we have really been protected from the cold.
Before our missions, Sister Hunt was in a major panic about Nauvoo weather. With that panic, we went to a fabric store. She found this very unique fabric. It is black fleece on the outside and on the same thick fabric, and on the inside, is a heavy plaid flannel.
Combined, this fabric has become a wonderful cape that Sister Hunt has made. She has worn the recently and she has not complained at all about the cold. (But she does look like a grizzly bear on the prowl!) This newfound warmth is very unique and different for her. Usually, her tolerance for cold is almost nil. So, this really is a major Nauvoo miracle.
Today the temperature was super low. Kind of a shock to the system.
And with the wind and chill factors, we are all the more grateful that our home is warm inside. What a blessing!
GRATEFUL TO SIMEON DUNN
Pioneer of Nauvoo – Simeon A. Dunn
I have mentioned that we live in the historic Simeon A. Dunn Home.
At this moment, I am very grateful to him for the beautiful home that he built back when he lived in Nauvoo. The brick home was so well-built that it has lasted through 180 years. The home is the old brick on the outside.
The inside has been updated to modern time – with sufficient space, washer and dryer, a giant bedroom, a modern kitchen, a real bathroom, etc.. The place has been very comfortable for us. We have enjoyed our time here.
One of the great elements of the Simeon Dunn home is the basement. We have the washer and dryer down there, the large gas furnace, storage space, and the electrical systems.
The great thing about the room is that it is spacious and big. The downstairs room came with a giant rug that covers the whole room and makes it feel nice. It is big enough for us to spread out five or six air mattresses at once. And Jenae gifted us a plethora of air mattresses when they moved from St. Louis to Las Vegas. With the room, the rug, and the mattresses, we have room to welcome our family members who might come to visit us.
GRATEFUL FOR THE CHANCE TO SHARE WHAT WE BELIEVE
We give tours to about 30 restored homes and shops. In each of these places, we give a “soft-sell” about the community, the people, and how they lived their lives in the covenant community of Nauvoo. Each tour includes some gospel teachings – mainly through the example of how the people lived the Gospel. We do not preach to the people, but the sites themselves testify to the people who come to us. People come and say, “There is just a special and holy feeling here.” They have difficulty expressing that feeling and how it affects them.
Sarah Ann Pulsipher Terry
Occasionally, I get to share tidbits of my own ancestors and their lives. This is a great opportunity. It is fun to bring in some personal feeling and experience from these ancestors. These ancestor stories bring me strength which I can share with those who come.
I am even grateful that we can wear pioneer costumes – to better portray the lives of the Saints who once were here in Nauvoo. It helps the atmosphere when we look legit.
GRATEFUL FOR NEW FRIENDS AND FAMILY
It is amazing how many of our guests come and we are able to find common friends and family with them. I have come to appreciate the “Relatives around Me” App on FamilyTree. It is so fun to do this exercise with the guests who come. Most relationships found are pretty distant – like 8th or 9th cousins, but sometimes we are very surprised to find third and fourth cousins. These connections are pretty “close”. This seems to create a special bond with us and the guests.
A couple of days ago, a large family came – with many of the folks being from Farmington, Utah. I gave my usual quip: “I am related to half of the town of Farmington, but most of them are in the cemetery.” This always brings a laugh. We did “Relatives” with this Clark family group and learned that we are 3rd and 4th cousins. Our common ancestor was Ezra Thompson Clark, a prominent Nauvoo ancestor.
GRATEFUL FOR MISSIONARY FRIENDS AND EXPERIENCES
Being a missionary in Nauvoo is a wonderful experience as we get to share brotherhood with so many great couples – who are all around our same age. This has proven to be the greatest of retirement communities. It is amazing that we all have the same goals, dreams, and a common life here (even without the grandkids). We really are a “covenant community” together.
It is very fun to experience events and activities together. It is great to be at the side of 300 or more missionaries. We attend church together in our “missionary ward”. We have many fun activities and dinners. It is a fun time.
A MISSIONARY THANKSGIVING GATHERING
Of course, we are not the only missionaries here who are away from home. So, we pooled our time and resources to be together for our Thanksgiving festivities. Each couple was able to sign up for their specific and traditional food items. Sister Hunt signed up to make the Alura sweet potatoes and her traditional and wonderful dinner rolls.
And I made my favorite apple cake.
About 200 missionaries gathered to the giant “pageant building” warehouse for a grand feast. There were seven rows of tables – and I noted that each row seated about 24 people. And every seat was taken.
There are a great many Temple service missionaries here in Nauvoo. They serve under a different President (their own Temple president) – while we serve under our mission president. Typically, we do not have many activities together. It was nice to have both groups together today to jointly celebrate and rejoice together in our blessings.
There were five or six long sets of tables that were all full of wonderful Thanksgiving food. We could serve ourselves from both sides and each set of tables had about the same foods as the others. After the meal, we had to figure out what to do with all of the extra leftover food. And with the floors cleared, we broke into dancing the Virginia Reel – in four or five sets. It was a great time.
Mission President Mehr and wife dancing the Virginia Reel
GRATEFUL FOR GOOD HEALTH
I just celebrated my 70th birthday. I am grateful that I still have fabulous health. I have no problems at all. And I am amazed that I still have hair at that age. I (and my brothers) am/are a major enigma as compared to our Hunt cousins. Their hair designs have much in common with billiard balls and we kind of stand out with our hair. Thanks, Grandpa Larsen!
And another great development is that while here in Nauvoo, I have actually lost a dozen pounds. Wow! This is amazing. I have not really tried to lose it, but I am happy that it is gone.
GRATEFUL FOR A WAGON THAT WORKS
Vehicles, no matter how wonderful, can have their challenges. I am grateful that our wagon has been very dependable and wonderful. We had a flat tire on the way to the Mission and our alternator needed to be replaced for the second time in seven months. Other than these incidents, the vehicle has been great and we are grateful for this blessing.
GRATEFUL FOR A FAMILY WHO LOVES US
Though we are over a thousand miles away from them, we feel great love and support from our family. We are grateful that we can still connect through Zoom, FaceTime, and our WhatsApp family communication app. It is fun to connect with the family members. We enjoy talking to the parents as well as the many grands. The grands don’t have a lot to say, but they and we feel a great relationship together. It is fun to watch them be crazy.
We are also grateful for the prayers of all of the family members. We can feel those prayers in our behalf.
i am grateful to a loving daughter who keeps me supplied with “Idaho Spud” candy bars!
GRATEFUL FOR SOCKS
This may seem a funny “I am Grateful for …” but it is a big thing for me. Whenever my family asks me what I want for birthdays or Christmas, my standard answer is “some socks”. (I say this not wanting anyone to splurge on gifts for me – since I feel that I have everything that I need and don’t really need other “stuff”. This sometimes bothers the family members …). After the laundry, I was in awe. Anyway, I note the socks just as evidence that the kids have given them all to me and I have received the love for them. So, thanks, family!
GRATEFUL THAT “THERE AIN’T NO BUGS ON ME”
You might be saying, “What?” Well, that is actually the truth. A while ago, I was really “bugged” with the local bug collection. Every night I seemed infested with them. (Lou did not feel the same friendship). Anyway, I reported the situation to “FM” and asked for their recommendations. I expected them to come and spray the place.
To our surprise, they came and took the old furniture (that looked as if it was the upper class of Noah’s Ark – or certainly enjoyed by the Dunn family.
Then they came and brought us brand new furniture – including a recliner for each of us – and a couch – also with two recliners. Wow! We really felt guilty for getting the old stuff doomed to the junk yard, but we are truly grateful for the new arrangement.
GRATEFUL I CAN WRITE AND CREATE
I am grateful that even while doing all of my missionary tours and other assignments, I still have time to write in various ways. I am able to write the blogs which I enjoy – and which some of seem to also enjoy. It is so fun to do the research for the various articles.
A “prepared Boy Scout” with a plethora of 3 x 5″ cards
I am very grateful for this special talent that the Lord has given me – in conjunction with the Holy Ghost. Amazing and wonderful.
Boooks published by Kevin Hunt in Nauvoo 2024
And it is fun to expand the blogs into other writing projects. While here, I have also been able to publish a plethora of books. Most of these have a tie to history and times and people of the past. This has been exciting and wonderful. I am thankful that I have been able to create these books with the hope that in the future, folks will find and enjoy the books.
GRATEFUL FOR CURRENT RESOURCES
We are grateful to folks who have so willingly shared their resources with us as we have served. But, we are also feeling very blessed that prior to the mission, we were able to pay off the mortgage and the vehicles. It is such a great blessing to achieve the state of being totally debt free. Wow! This has been such a wonderful scenario. It is hard to express how great this is. It is exhilarating! We know that the Lord has given us this blessing and we are so grateful.
GRATEFUL FOR TRADITIONS
We are grateful that we can continue to experience the traditions of past family connections and activities. We are grateful that the children still get together frequently – even without us there to organize the events and activities. It is fun when they connect with us through technology during the events.
Today, even though we were away from our usual family traditional gathering, we still were drawn to the recipes of my mother. We were anxious to again experience mom’s sweet potato casserole. It was fun to find her own recipe – even in her own handwriting. It was fun to make the casserole and to make it in her honor.
GRATEFUL TO BE ENJOYING AND LIVING LIFE
As I write this article, I have had opportunity to reflect again on what a good life I have and enjoy. I am grateful for a special and wonderful missionary companion. It is a joy to serve together with Sister Lou Hunt in this Holy place. I am grateful for her many (and continuous) acts of service that she does for me. I am truly grateful for her.
GRATITUDE OF THE PAST IS STILL VALID TODAY
A few years ago, President Russell M. Nelson, our Prophet and Church President, encouraged everyone to be grateful and to express our gratitude on social media. I took up his challenge. I really got into the challenge. I wrote a new and different blog of gratitude for each of many successive days. This was a great experience as I was able to focus upon my many blessings.
At the end of my gratitude week (or more), I published one summary article that referenced the many individual blogs with a link to each article. Here is a link to the article. Once in the article, interested parties can scroll down to the various articles. (Click on “More” and the full article will open up.) You may have to copy the link into a new browser in order to get it to open.
Well, it has come and gone – the week plus of gratitude blogs on social media. It has been intense but amazing – for me at least. It has made me realize just how greatly I have been blessed. I can see that the Lord has been good to me. He has given me so much.
In response to President Nelson’s Gratitude challenge, I have written ten blogs (this makes eleven – and three more than I planned at the beginning.) When I set out on this adventure, I listed seven different subjects to write about. I wrote those ideas down right after the talk by Pres. Nelson and have worked to carry out each. I hope that they may have been helpful to someone. I know that they have helped me greatly as they made me think and ponder and rejoice in the good things of life.
I have written these things in sincere gratitude. I have not written them to boast or to toot my own horn. My sincere desire was to acknowledge the Lord and to express gratitude to him – and to use the talents and abilities that the Lord has entrusted to me.
Through the gratitude blogs, I have posted the following … and I included links but they don’t seem to open here. But, as noted, you can access each through the main link included above. Although the links do not appear “active”, you can still copy and paste blog articles that interest you.
Gratitude Blog #1: Gratitude for Life and Many Blessings
And as ever, at the end of the blogging, I complied all of the articles into one book now available on lulu.com under the title, “Expressions of My Gratitude”.
So, another wonderful Thanksgiving Day (and a great and blessed year) has come and gone. The day was different from our usual family gathering, but still a great day to reflect on my blessings – and to bask in the joy of the current moment and circumstances.
I am grateful for these moments of gratitude along this mission trail.
Nauvoo, Historic Nauvoo, Senior Mission Couple, Historic Sites, Missionary, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintS
On the Nauvoo Trail 