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Church Historic Site Guide Missionary in Nauvoo, Illinois. Author, Blogger, Speaker, Historian, Scouting Veteran, Camp director, Family Historian and researcher.
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SO MUCH GOOD IN ONE DAY

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BLOG #11

By Kevin V. Hunt

Okay, confession time.  In writing my blog articles, I don’t always write on the day that these great events happen.  (But, I have a lot of practice with those 3×5” cards.  I’ve got that system down!  And my infamous cards have been so much a part of me, that a few years ago at a Mountain Man Rendezvous in Arizona – I was being inducted as a “true mountain man,” at a solemn campfire program, I was given the Mountain Man name of “3×5”.)

With the events of today, I didn’t have enough cards to cover the day.  And the day was just too good.  I just couldn’t wait.  I had to write tonight – even though it was late.  So much good in one day! Wow!  Miracles, feeling the Spirit, connections, and a whole lot more.  All in a day’s work …Where to begin?

SISTER HUNT VISITS HER FAVORITE PLACES

Sister Hunt has got the car trained.  It just knows that she wants to go to this one special building – which actually houses two places in one. 

One is the sewing room.  She loves this place and the ladies therein.  She looks for excuses to go there.  One of the ladies wanted some scrap strips from the dresses they made for her.  They didn’t divulge the plan, but I guess time will tell.

And Lou is literally in “7th Heaven” with the missionary “D.I.” (Deseret Industries Thrift Store).  And the fact that the stuff is all free, makes it so much more of a thrill for her.  She is always checking out the place to see what new stuff has been donated.  And today, she was not disappointed.  (We had better be careful or we’ll have to get a U-Haul for future.)

But, I must admit, however, that I did also this time find an item for me.  I found a new black cap to add to my costume collection.

GATHERING FOR “HOMES OF THE APOSTLES”

Today we were assigned to a triple home tour.  The tour is “Tours of the Apostles”.  It includes tours to the Orson Hyde, Heber C. Kimball, and Wilford Woodruff homes.  (And a cool thing is that all three of these places are all original buildings that have been here in Nauvoo for 180 years.  The Kimball and Woodruff homes are Nauvoo brick, and the Hyde home is one of just sxi surviving wood frame homes.)  The tour begins at the Hyde home and then we are  to walk with the group two short blocks to the Kimball home, give that tour – and then walk to the Woodruff home.  (Sister Hunt was there without me yesterday – as I was playing blacksmith) and she said that she and her companion of the day walked 5 miles by the pedometer.  And she was super tired by the end of the day.)

The common denominator for these places is the fact that all of the men were among the earliest members of the Quorum of 12 Apostles – special witnesses of Christ in all the world.  Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde were actually original members of the quorum.

We began with a gathering with two YSM’s (Young Sister Missionaries) at the Hyde home.  We had prayer together and put together a plan for the day.  There was actually a Sister team to be at the Woodruff home all day.  One was a character actor who portrayed Phebe Woodruff in the first person.  So, that meant that we could have a couple at each of the other two homes. 

Sister Hunt and I headed to the Kimball home and the YSM’s remained at Orson Hyde.  And we decided to make a switch at mid-day since the sisters needed to be off to another short event at the Visitors’ Center.  And then we were off …

Each of the restored homes where we serve has a hidden little hideout room where we can study and relax as we await the next tour.  We headed to this room.  And the nice thing about these rooms is that they are each equipped with a modern current bush (unlike the rest of the “period” restored home).  Sometimes I get a few rare minutes to work on some of my own projects.  (The project of today is preparation of a PowerPoint slide show about Nauvoo Brickmaking and the role of Elder E. H. Belcher in keeping alive that art. – including his creation of the modern brickyard and the original and now famous “Nauvoo Brick”.)  I got three or four slides completed today before the rush.

At one brief break in the action, Sister Hunt and I had opportunity to do a quick FaceTime video call with our granddaughter, Rosie, on the occasion of her 3rd birthday.  Rosie and I have always had a special connection and I admit that she is one of my favorite grandchildren.  (I love all 42 but Rosie is just so special.)  Leaving Rosie for a year and a half at her young age, was a mission sacrifice that has ripped at my heart.  Sister Hunt and I sang “Happy Birthday” to Rosie – as only we can do with our monotone duet.  After our rendition, Rosie (so sweet) said, “Thank you”.  It was fun to touch base with this family and to hear of their adventures and enjoyment of their new home.

HELPING OTHERS CONNECT WITH THEIR ANCESTORS

SNOW/ASHBY HOME IN NAUVOO (ASHBY ON LEFT SIDE)

Early this morning, I helped some folks find their ancestral home.  An Ashby family member  came through on a  tour and said that their ancestor was Nathaniel Ashby.   We talked of the Erastus Snow/Nathaniel Ashby Duplex and how one of the guys was the missionary and the other was his convert.  (This is an original remaining structure from the Pioneer era.) These folks had done a drive by and knew of the home – and which side was Ashby. 

When I learned what side his ancestor lived on, I said, “Well, you just might be in luck.”  (I knew that a missionary couple has lived in the place – and knew that the Lowes – a missionary couple who had lived there –  had to go home for medical reasons.  I knew that their daughter and grandson were there today – packing up and leaving the home with he Lowe things.  I told them of this couple and how their family was there today.  I said, “I can’t make any promises, but if you just happened over there, the people might let you tour the home.”

I later talked to the Lowe daughter, and she said that the folks did indeed, come over and got to see the inside of the home.  They took videos everywhere and thought this all so great.  I was happy how this connection worked out.

THE KIMBALL HOME WAS THE START OF MODERN NAUVOO RESTORATION

DR. J. LEROY KIMBALL – THE NAUVOO RESTORATION VISIONARY

The year 1954 was great – and not just because that was when I hit the earth scene. In that year, Dr. J. LeRoy Kimball was a physician in Salt Lake City.  He wanted a retreat from his medical practice.  He had had his eye on the Heber C. Kimball home from earlier days of his medical school in Chicago.  Anyway, in that year, he purchased the home of Heber – who was his great grandfather. 

For six years, Dr. Kimball worked on his new place.  By 1960, he had the place restored beautifully.  He decided to stage an open house and dedication event before making the place his residence.  He asked his uncle Spencer W. Kimball to come to dedicate the house.  Dr. Kimball was quite surprised when 1,500 people came to the event.  He never got to move into the home.

Then it dawned on Dr. Kimball – that Nauvoo was much bigger than just his family retreat.  He realized that with that much interest, he should restore some of Nauvoo for people to visit and to learn of their own ancestors.  At his own expense, he began to purchase other old pioneer homes and property in Nauvoo.  He purchased the Wilford Woodruff Home and it opened to the public in 1966.  He soon formed an organization called Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. (NRI).  Soon this became the restoration entity for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  As the NRI agent, he purchased nearly 1,000 acres “on the flats” (below the hill) in Old Nauvoo.  He began a rigorous plan to restore many of the old homes of Old Nauvoo – saving many original buildings and also recreating some buildings that had disappeared over time – and restoring them to their former glory.

Dr. Kimball was indeed the visionary who brought the old town back to life.   And we are indebted to him for all that we can experience today. 

I SERVED MY “YOUNG MISSION” UNDER DR. KIMBALL

I am sure that by now, you are well aware that I served the last six months of my mission here in Nauvoo (back in 1975 – a hundred years ago).  I was then a “site guide” just as I am today.  On my tours today, I mentioned the Nauvoo experience of my youth.  In the tour of the Kimball home, (at his photo), we talk about Dr. Kimball – so it was natural to deviate a bit – to tell folks that I was here at that time – and that Dr. Kimball was my mission president.  And the folks were all amazed and said, “That is so cool!”  (And pretty cool that the Lord put all of this together when I received my second call to serve here!  I acknowledge Him in this great opportunity.)

I had forgotten this fact, but as I gave a tour this morning, I had a flash of inspiration.  It is taught that the Holy Ghost can “bring all things to our remembrance” and that is what He did for me today.  I saw a flash back to the former time …  I saw in my memory that I was actually given a tour of the Kimball home by J. LeRoy Kimball himself on my first day in Nauvoo.   In the flash, I could see him standing there in front of us – wearing his usual hat and holding onto his cane.  (And incidentally that cane is still in the home as one of the “artifacts”.)  I saw in my mind, him proudly giving us missionaries the tour of he home he had worked so hard to restore.After the tour ended, I went to my digitized copy of my journal of that special day – May 10th, 1975.  It said simply:My journal entries of that day were not as beefy as they are today –  good but not full of details (especially in retrospect). 

I also wrote home to my folks each week.  I checked that weekly letter, and it did not mention the Kimball home tour with Dr. Kimball.  So, I was grateful today for that flashback from the Spirit.

THE APOSTLES WERE ALL SOME OF THE GREATEST MISSIONARIES EVER

Each of these three Apostles were great missionaries.   They went multiple times to serve in Great Britain.

Heber C Kimball was called as the first foreign missionary, and the leader of the rest of the Apostles serving in England.  This was in 1837.   Heber was called again to serve in 1839 – with Elder Woodruff (who had been recently ordained to the Apostleship).

The missionaries served well, and the Spirit accompanied them.  Within just six years, some 4,600 British converts immigrated to Nauvoo.    It was estimated that the immigrants made up 25% of the Nauvoo Population.

MISSIONARY SERVICE AND SACRIFICE FOR CHRIST

Heber C. Kimball and his long-time friend, Brigham Young (both original Apostles) were to depart and serve together in 1839 (just sixteen months after Heber returned from the first mission).   Both were deathly sick with malaria.  It was all that the two men could do to head off – since both of their families were also deathly sick.

Heber said of his mission, “It was with difficulty we got into the wagon and started down the hill about ten rods.  It appeared to me as though my very inmost parts would melt within me, leaving my family in such a condition, as it were almost in the arms of death.  It seemed to me as though I could not endure it.”

Heber also said, “I took my life in my hands and went forth: I could say I had left all for Christ and for the Gospel”

A SURPRISE BECAME A SACRED AND WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE FOR ALL

One of our tour groups of the day included a full dozen young people – and their  Bennion “Ma and Pa” – all a part of a Church History tour.  They were from Huntington, Utah.  And they came in two full busses and a couple of vans.

I had shared the above information with the group.  And after sharing the line of Heber’s feelings about the mission, I looked around and said to the group, “Could you guys make that sacrifice for Christ?”     I asked the group if any of them might be “RM’s  (returned missionaries) but was told that these were all youth – so I called them “Preemies”).  The leader pointed to Boston Huntington (and it was obvious by his name that his family had been around Huntington for a while).  She said, “Boston here will receive his mission call soon.”  I focused for a moment upon Boston and asked about his coming mission call.  He said that he had no idea when the call might come.  He didn’t act as if it was eminent. 

I then proceeded to tell the youth about the departure of Heber and Brigham (retelling a story that has become legendary in the Church).  As they were in the wagon, and were so sick that they could hardly go forward, I told the group of how Heber said to Brigham, “This is pretty tough, aint it?”  and on that occasion, the men rose up and swinging their hats, three times over their heads, says Heber, we cried, “hurrah, hurrah, hurrah for Israel”.

I did the same thing for these young people.  I swung my hat and said, “Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah for Israel”.  The Spirit was strong. 

And at that moment, we all got a surprise.  Boston’s phone beeped.  He looked down and saw that he had been given notice from the Church Missionary Deparment that his mission call was available for his viewing.  Wow!  How amazing and wonderful!  We all basked in the greatness of the moment.  There was some pressure for Boston to open the call, but Sister Hunt and I spoke from experience (having sent off 7 of our own missionary children) and said, “You have to wait to share the moment with your parents – or they would never forgive you.”  (He later reported that he had texted his mom and they agreed that he will open the call on Friday after his return home.)

As the group headed for the Woodruff home, I congratulated Boston.  His head was still spinning with what had just happened.  He said, “I can’t believe it.  This was so cool to get that notice in the Heber’s home.”

A FELLOW BROTHER WITH A SUTH’N MISSION EXPERIENCE

As I talked to the youth in the Kimball home, I noted that I had served my youth mission in Alabam, Flawda, and Jawja before being sent to Nauvoo on special assignment my last six months.

After the tour, a brother who had been on the tour came to me and said that he too, had served down Sawth – in South Carolina.  We talked of how we both had to learn a new language for our missions. 

My mind was drawn to my own patriarchal blessing received in my youth.  In a paragraph about missionary service, it said I “would go to a foreign people and would learn their customs and ways.”  On that occasion, my mother said, “Well, those folks are about as foreign as you can get.”  I reminded her of that statement 25 years later when she received her own call to serve in Alabama.  What goes around, comes around, I guess.

As the brother departed, I said, “Ya’ll come back now, Heah?”  We both laughed … So true!  That is what everyone said “down Sawth” – even as they kicked you off of their porches.

Then just a few minutes later when I had a few moments to catch my breath, I checked in on the family “WhatsApp”  program to see what was happening with my large extended family.  At that moment, our daughter, Kaylea, and family were traveling through Florida (returning from an extended vacation in the many “bigger than life” attractions in and around Orlando.   (A rough life, but I guess someone had to do it!)

Kaylea posted a photo of a billboard they saw as they passed through my former Suth’n stompin’ grounds.

Seeing the photo made my day!  With the photo, Kaylea wrote to her  siblings:  “Just drove by this sign.  I could hear Dad saying it in that voice he’d use when he’d say it.  Ha, Ha!”

SPECIAL YOUTH AT THE HYDE HOME

By our prior arrangement, Sister Hunt and I went back to the Hyde home so that the YSM’s could go do their assignment.  And then we switched.  We would remain in the Hyde home, and they would manage the Kimball home the rest of the afternoon.

We got a group who wanted to go to the Kimball home and after our part in the Hyde home, we walked them over to the Kimball home.

As we returned to the Hyde home, we found another “Ma and Pa” group (wearing a different T-shirt color) out front waiting for us to return.  They were lined up in front of the Hyde home against the fence.  That was such a beautiful picture – just waiting for the photo to be taken.  I asked he group if I could take their photo and after the initial shock, they said that I could.  They also said that I could blog about the photo.  (and I later gave Brother Jensen, their leader, one of our mission cards and said that if any of the youth had a problem with me sharing their photo, to tell me and I would remove it.) 

We brought the youth inside and told them about how Elder Hyde had – at the direction of Joseph Smith – gone to Jerusalem and had dedicated Israel for the gathering of Israel – and specifically, the return of the Jewish people to that chosen area.   We told them that it was Orson Hyde who formally dedicated the Nauvoo Temple (May 1, 1846) – two months after the main body of the Saints had departed the town.

After the tour, I was talking to the “Pa” – a Brother Jensen.  I said, “It seems as if you guys, and your group have had quite an experience here.”  He shook his head around – as if dizzy – and said, “Yes … it has been like drinking from a fire hose.”

As I walked with the group, I asked the kids, “What has been the best thing you have done here in Nauvoo.  A couple of kids immediately said, “Doing baptisms at the Temple”.  (The Temple is always closed on Mondays, but the Temple leaders opened it up yesterday just for these youth!)  That made my heart thump a bit.

It was appropriate for these Huntington youth to perform baptisms in the Nauvoo Temple since it was here in Nauvoo that the Prophet Joseph first revealed the doctrine and opportunity for worthy members to perform proxy baptisms for their deceased  ancestors in the Temple.

Here in Nauvoo, Joseph received revelation relative to Baptism for the Dead.  “On August 15, 1840, … Joseph Smith preached a sermon at the funeral for Seymour Brunson.  Noticing a woman in attendance who had lost her son before he could be baptized, Joseph revealed that the Saints could now act for their friends who had departed this life” by being baptized in their behalf.”  (“Baptism for the Dead” Gospel Study”)   Later, in January 1841, Joseph received a revelation that baptisms for the dead were intended to be performed in temples.  “For this ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be acceptable to me …” (D&C 124:30)

BIRTHDAY RECONNECT WITH A NAUVOO MISSIONARY COMPANION

ELDERS SHALTES AND HUNT 1975

When in Nauvoo, way back then, I was companions with Elder Craig Shaltes of Sacramento, California.  We lived in the same “Red Barn” home.  We did a lot together on the mission.  We cooked together, we traveled together, we took a lot of photos together.  We have been bac k to Nauvoo two times together since our mission .  We have shared some really great times together through the years.

June 4th is Craig’s birthday, so I was able to connect with him on the phone for a short time.  We were able to reminisce about especial times and memories shared.  He has been reading my mission blogs and he has been able to relate to much of what I have written.

ANOTHER MIRACLE STAGED BY THE LORD

It was getting late in the afternoon.  I was inside the Hyde home and looked out of the window toward the restored log cabin home of William Field.  This place is “kitty corner” from the Hyde home.  The place has kind of a unique wooden door knob.  I saw a family outside looking at this cabin – hoping that they might get to go inside.  (The place is supposed to be unlocked during tour times – for “self-guided tours”.)  Seeing them about to depart, I went out and called to them (like a voice from heaven) and said that they could go in – and gave them instructions on how to work the unique door knob.  They tried it again without success  and I told them that I would come over to assist them. 

I got the site key and headed over there.  I was not prepared for the experience awaiting me.

There is the tradition (and it is detailed on the plaque on the outside of the cabin) of Mary Field Garner, daughter of William and Mary Harding) and who was the last remaining person alive who had known the Prophet Joseph Smith.  And coincidentally, Sister Hunt had just taken a photo of this plaque a few minutes before, and we had read it and talked about it together. 

We learned that Mary was known as “the last leaf” (so named by the church Historian office) – because of her being the final living connection to the Prophet Joseph.  We had also heard of this Mary – because she is quoted on one of the plaques posted along the “Trail of Hope” on Parley Street.

In talking with the family (dad, mom and six children) I learned that the wife/mother was an actual descendant of Mary Field.  And how cool was that? 

Having a key to the kingdom, I was able to let the family into the cabin for a look around.  They looked on in great awe and wonder.  They had been to the home before but had not ever been able to see inside.  We talked of the great miracle of how I had been directed over to them and what a special moment this was for them – and for me.  We all rejoiced in the miracle for the family.

I then listened – again in great awe, as this mother taught her own children the family heritage of their ancestor and as her husband did a video of her presentation to the children.  She proceeded to tell them how Mary Harding Field (the mother of young Mary) had been a widow – having recently lost her husband and two daughters to a dread disease. 

THE MARY FIELD GARNER STORY AND TESTIMONY

Mary Field Garner was born in Herefordshire, England in 1836.  Her family joined the church after hearing Elder Wilford Woodruff preach.  They were baptized in 1840 and soon moved to the United States and Nauvoo.  This mother taught her children that Mary had met Joseph Smith.  She noted that Mary had long red, curly hair (just as one of her sons had the red hair). 

Young Mary, age 8,  attended the funeral of Joseph Smith after he was martyred. 

We talked about Mary being present in the “West Grove” for many key events.  I gave the family instructions on how to go to the grove.  Sister Healy, the mother in our current scene, told her children how Mary (then age 8) was present in the grove when Brigham  was transfigured to appear and speak as Joseph Smith.  She taught her children that the mother Mary Harding  was holding a baby in her lap.  He was playing with a cup there in the grove.  He dropped the cup and Mother Field stooped  pick it up and when she arose up, she looked at the speaker and he had taken on the mantle of Joseph Smith.  She saw and heard Brigham as Joseph.  So there was no doubt in the minds of the Saints as to who would be their next president.”  (Source:  mchangroverheritage.wordpress.com)

Mary Field Garner (the last leaf daughter) herself wrote of her life and times in Nauvoo:  “Here we lived in peace and happiness under the leadership and guidance of he Prophet Joseph Smith.  Here he stood at the head of this dispensation, …  We were very glad to attend church and listen to the Prophet Joseph and other leading brethren teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to us.  We marveled at the Joseph’s superior intelligence of he Gospel and he simple way he could explain it unto the Saints, so that the most unlearned member could know and understand the truth.”

As the “last leaf on the tree,” she was the last person in the Church to give her testimony of the truth, who was personally  acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith.  “Toward the end of her life she bore this testimony:  “It is said I am the only living witness to have actually seen and known the Prophet Joseph Smith, and I want to bear my testimony to the world and especially to every Latter-day Saint to the truthfulness of the Gospel as revealed through the Prophet Joseph, that Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind, that Joseph Smith was a true and living prophet of God, that he was divinely called of God to establish his true Gospel on this  earth in the last dispensation.  (Source: mchangroverheritage.wordpress.com)

A MOTHER TEACHES HER CHILDREN OF THEIR ANCESTRAL HERITAGE

Sister Healy taught her children that Mother Mary had five children to provide for and was pregnant with another son who would be born four months later.  We  talked of how Mother Mary (Harding) was one of the “poorest of the poor” and had not been able to afford to leave with the main group of departing saints.   In September 1846, a mob of about 1,000 marched through town, forcing them to leave.  The family went across the river to Montrose, Iowa.  They witnessed the “miracle of the quail” and with the quail, had enough food to eat.

The mob actually allowed the poor family to return to Nauvoo.  They were still here when mobsters set fire to he Temple.  She saw the beloved Temple on fire.  This was in 1848.  (The fire weakened the temple – with the guts burned out.  Then in 1850, a tornado went through and took down most of the back end of the Temple.  And with no support, the front tower ultimately tumbled and folks came from miles around and took away some of the Temple stones and used them in other projects – still evident today.)

Sister Healy taught her children about Mother Mary “having bread ready to bake when they were forced to leave, so she hung it on the wagon and baked it after they crossed the river.”  (Same source as above.)

Wow!  What a story … and how tender to watch Sister Healy share this special story with her children.  We all felt a special joy in this moment that we had shared together.

THE FAMILY SEEKS NAUVOO ANCESTORS

Brother Healy told me how he and his family had been focusing in Nauvoo about learning of their own ancestors who were here.  I asked him who else they were related to in Nauvoo.  He then said, “Simeon A. Dunn”.  I chuckled as he said this.  I asked, “Were you able to see his home here?”  He said, “We drove by his house and got some photos.”

I said, “Well, this gets better … and you are not going to believe this.  My wife and I live in the Simeon Dunn home, and we can let you in to see it.”  Brother Healy was totally dumbfounded.  We were all kind of in shock.  The family was delighted.  I told them that my  service at the Orson Hyde home would end at 5:00 PM and shortly thereafter, they could come to our home (located on the same street as the Field Cabin – but south a couple of blocks).

DUNN PROGENY VISIT THEIR DUNN ANCESTOR’S HOME

Shortly after Sister Hunt and I got home, the Healy family came to our door.  We welcomed them into our home – as caretakers of their ancestor’s home. 

The Dunn home is an original home from the pioneer era.  The exterior of the building was  restored a few years ago and it looks wonderful outside. The inside, however, is not original – but is a modern apartment made over to house Nauvoo missionary couples.  We showed them our modern living room, small kitchen, and the upstairs bedroom.

I then took the family downstairs into the cellar.  I showed them evidence of the original limestone fireplace.  I then said, “Okay, are you ready for this?”  I opened the latch of the exit up to the grassy world above.  I invited the son (about age 8) to push up on the exterior doors.  Following my directions, he was able to push the doors upward and out to rest on the wood uprights.  The family was delighted.  The kids were excited as they made their exit up the limestone stairs (shown in a previous blog with our bikes).  Of course, Dad was quick to take some more photos of the activity.

THE DUNN FAMILY LOG OF DESCENDANTS

I then brought the family inside and showed them a special treasure.  This is a log book in which Dunn family descendants have signed their names – since 1982 – as they have visited their ancestral home.  There are pages and pages of individual lines of progeny – some showing their contact information – and some showing a long string of “greats” as they tried to explain their ancestral link.

I sat the book on the table and turned to the last entry in the book – made just a couple weeks earlier when we were visited by yet another family connection.  I got out my pen and invited even the smallest of children to log their own names.  I had to laugh at one young child as she said, “Our mom can’t sign the book because this was not her ancestor.”  Her husband, however, wanted his wife listed with him and the six (of their 10) children.

Mom Healy continued to share with me their family stories.  She said that Grandma Mary Field Garner had lived to age 107 and died in 1943.  She said that there was a treasured family photo of her own grandfather shown in a photo with his great grandmother Mary Field Garner – that was taken in 1940.  Later Sister Healy forwarded the classic photo to me to include here in this blog article.

Wow!  We were all  in awe as we thought in amazement and gratitude of the events of the past couple of hours.  We knew that the Lord had orchestrated some special miracles in our behalf.

This photo made me think of a similar photo that I have with my mother and her own pioneer grandmother, Else Marie Pedersen Larsen.  Mom was about six years old, and her grandmother was ninety-ish.  I enjoy telling folks that my grandmother – truly with only one “great” – was a pioneer from Denmark at age 8.  (My grandpa Larsen was age 53 when my mother was born – so that is how we get to the pioneer era so quickly.  Else was born in 1846 and Grandpa Henry Larsen was born in 1879.  I cherish that special photo of Mom and Elsie – my own special pioneer link.

Alura Larsen with grandmother, Elsie Larsen, Anna Larsen, Boyd (brother to Alura)

THE DAY KEEPS GOING WITH EVEN MORE SPECIAL EVENTS

Each week on Tuesday nights, our mission leaders stage a training for the 200 plus missionaries serving here.  And so, after hosting our special company, Sister Hunt and I headed off to the meeting.

It was announced that 19 new Young Sister Missionaries (YSM’s) would arrive this Thursday.  This is in addition to the 50 already here.  We are kind of short-handed on site missionaries, so these ladies will be a great boost in helping to cover all of our bases.

First on the program was a great “dog and pony show” staged by Elder Davies and his team.  They had a lot of energy as they invited all of us to participate in various way in the upcoming Nauvoo and British pageants.  They taught us how to “stand resolutely” as a part of the cast of one of the pageants.  Wow!  This all sounds so fun and exciting.  (July 9 to August 3rd … I can’t wait!)

We then heard testimony of a Brother Gary Boatright – via a “larger than life” video of him talking right to us from the Salt Lake City Historian’s office.  His assigned topic of the evening was the Prophet Joseph Smith.  He testified boldly. He said, “Joseph was “A man” … but he was also a “man called of God”.  He said, “Yes, I am a follower of Joseph Smtih and the foundation he built.  Joseph fulfilled the mandate of Christ as his Prophet.”  He noted that after the Liberty Jail experience, Joseph KNEW without a doubt that he was indeed the Lord’s prophet.  He said that Joseph was the man God called to reveal the mind of the lord to the Saints of the latter days.”

Brother Gary reminded us as missionaries, that we have also been called by a Prophet to be in Nauvoo at this special time because the Lord wants each of us to be here.”

“HOORAH, HOORAH, HOORAH, FOR ISRAEL”

When I was a young missionary, we had a few traditions that we followed as missionaries finished their service in Nauvoo and were to head home.  One was a tie cutting ceremony.

I remember my own tie cutting ceremony.  I tricked Brother Holliday who was conducting the solemn ceremony.  I wrapped my tie twice around my neck.  I wore a V-necked sweater, and the tied tie tip was just barely covered by the V-neck.  And when Brother Holliday pulled it out for the cutting, the whole crowd burst into laughter as he felt pretty silly.  I loved the moment.  The other missionaries departing at the same  time also got their ties snipped but their snipping was not as good as mine.

And then we all held hands (figuratively) and together and emotionally sang, “Old Nauvoo” – to the tune of Edelweiss.  This reminded me of being at Scout camp at a final campfire program wherein we held hands and sang “Kumbaya” together.  This was always a tear-jerking experience – and our “Old Nauvoo” singing was more of same.

Until tonight (June 4th) I was unaware of the current send-off tradition.  After the training – as noted above, we all gathered out in the lobby of the visitors’ center.  There were four departing couples.  The mission president Mehr and his wife each ceremoniously hugged each of the departing missionaries.

One of the departees was my 3rd Cousin, Sister Thomas.  We have enjoyed the whole “cousin” relationship.  And her husband, Kim, has been our zone leader for our Heber Zone.

Then all of the missionaries formed a great horseshoe and with great gusto we raised and swung our hands in a circle (we were not in costume so none of us had our hats on) and we shouted the words, “Hoorah, Hoorah, Hoorah for Israel!”.  Wow!  What a moment. This was pretty powerful.

And then three of the four couples (the Lowes had flown home for an event – so they never go their last Hoorah.)  All of the rest of us other missionaries also kind of lined up.  Then all of the missionaries filed by them all  and gave a multitude of hugs.  I wondered how the folks survived all of that squeezing.  We sang, “God be With You ‘Til we Meet Again.” Wow!  Talk about heart-rending.  It was a special and emotional time for the departees but also for the rest of us. 

AND THEN “ALONG CAME JONES” …

This event is not spiritually drenched, but it was humorous as we heard it in first person by Elder Jones himself – after the above situation.  Sister Hunt and I have felt a special connection with Elder and Sister Jones ever since we were together at the MTC.  And it seems that Elder Jones always has an interesting tale to tell.  Last week it was his kidney stones.

Today, his adventures continued.  Knowing that he was to be assigned to labor at the dirty Blacksmith Shop, he and his wife had gone shopping at a thrift store (not our own mission DI shop).  He “invested” in some cheap pants that he could get dirty at the forge.  All went well until he made a visit to the lav and the “new” pants literally “blew a gasket” and burst the whole zipper out.  He was caught “up a creek without a paddle” – as he was there for the day, and he had no car to go home for a change.  (His wife had dropped him off at the beginning of the day.)  Luckily, he was able to don a blacksmith’s apron that covered his now open condition.  And under that cover – hiding his “open book”, he spent the rest of the day under the apron and feeling kind of vulnerable and foolish.  Too bad his wife was not around.  She has made enough aprons to outfit a whole army.  Anyway, it made for a funny story which two or three of us couples enjoyed.   Moral:  “I guess you get what you pay for!”

THE EXCITEMENT CONTINUED AT HOME

Although it was late when we got home for the evening – our son, Rusty asked if we were still up.  With all of my projects, it is a good thing that senior couples have more flexibility in their bedtimes than our young counterparts.   (I could never get everything done, otherwise.)  I assured Rusty that we were still up and would for a while.  We staged a video call with the family for almost an hour.  The kids were both anxious to share with us all of the awards and certificates that they were given in end-of-school recognition events.  It was a bit sad that we missed those times – being on our mission.  In the course of their lives, we have missed only a few such recognition ceremonies.  Another of those mission sacrifices.  Thank heaven for modern technology that still allows us to be with them.  s to feel close – even though we are far apart.

POWERHOUSE YOUNG MEN VISIT NAUVOO

The day of June 4th – of which I have been writing, seemed to merge into the next day as the writing continued.  I will thus include an incident that happened the next day as if It were in a single day.  It is too good to wait, and I don’t want to lose it in the 3×5” cards.

Anyway, on this day, Sister Hunt and I found ourselves at the Jonathan Browning home and gunsmith shop.  We were so busy that day.  We took through about 400 people – with the help of one YSM couple.  We were all on a fast-track mode rotating with rapid speed through the home – only to get back to the beginning in time to rush into the next tour.  I hardly saw Sister Hunt all day – as we each took separate tours (usually we are together).

Our visitors of the day included a convoy of six full buses of youth from Texas  around Dallas Ft. Worth, another Texas group of about 200 kids, a group from Sevier County, Utah, one from Las Vegas, and another from around Richfield, Utah.  Wow! Talk about an invasion of great young people.  They were all truly amazing.

I came out from the gate from my previous tour and straight ahead of me was a glorious sight.  I stood with awe and amazement.  It was a photo just waiting to be taken – nine great young men – all with trimmed hair, white shirts and ties.  And that’s was another WOW.   I asked these young men if I could take their photo and use it in a blog.  They thought that was okay.  They were a  part of the Richfield group, and they were awaiting a guide for a Browning tour (and that was to be me!)

These guys were a powerhouse of goodness, strength and power.  In seeing them, I was reminded of the scripture in Alma 53 (verses 19 to 21):

“And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity, but behold, this was not all – they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.  Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before Him.”

These magnificent young men were all of that and more.  It just radiated in their faces and in their whole demeanor. 

I could see these guys all entering the MTC together.  Wow!  What a source of current and future strength.

WOW … WHAT A DAY!

Can you believe that all of this happened in just one day?  It was truly a wonderful day, and we very much felt the Spirit of God with us and  knew He was directing our paths.  It is amazing what the Lord can do – creating such miracles as we let Him act in our lives and as He stages these people and experiences on behalf of us and those around us.

I retired for the night way too late, but truly grateful to the Lord for this special and wonderful day.  (All in a missionary day’s work!)  Instead of writing this article, I should have been journal writing – but at least this writing can mostly substitute as a journal entry.

From the busy but happy Nauvoo trail,

Elder Kevin

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Special Times at Joseph’s Red Brick Store … and More!

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BLOG #10

Since Sister Hunt and I have come to Nauvoo, we have had some special times at Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store, as well as at his Homestead and Mansion House – and other places.

March 5, 2024  proved to be a historic day that most of us had not anticipated.   It was a glorious day.  In a surprise announcement The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints and the Community of Christ together posted the news.  On that date, all of the Joseph Smith properties in Nauvoo transferred from the latter to the former.

The Community of Christ Church (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ) is to be commended for their years of dedicated care of the Joseph Smith properties and we can be grateful for their service and management.  Without their foresight and able management, these places would not be available to The  Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the way that they are today.

The transaction included transfer of the Joseph Smith Homestead and Mansion House, the Nauvoo House, Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store, the Sidney Rigdon Home, as well as Nauvoo’s “First Hotel”, the Jonathan Wright, William Marks and Aaron Johnson homes. Tours under the new leadership began on March 25 – just three weeks later.  Since that time, many people have come in droves to see the new sites.

It was exciting for Sister Hunt and I to see the timing of our mission call.  We (or I) had been frustrated with some delays in the call process.  But after we received our call to serve in Historic Nauvoo, it all made sense.  We arrived in Nauvoo just three weeks after the property transfer.  And how exciting is that?  And additionally, I was called to be the “site coordinator” for these properties.  It was all very wonderful.

Since our arrival, we have had a several opportunities to serve as guides at the Homestead and Mansion House (one tour) and Joseph’s Red Brick Store.  Our guests have been so excited to see these new places.

For those who do not know, Joseph fund a ready-made log home when he came to Nauvoo in 1839.  What is called the “Homestead” cabin was built about 1823 by a James White – who was a Mississippi River fur trader.  Joseph bought this home in 1839.  He made two additional additions to the Homestead – first in 1840 and again in 1842.  He and Emma moved to the Mansion House in 1843.   The Homestead was the headquarters of the Church until 1842 when  Joseph opened his Red Brick Store.

The Red Brick Store was a special and sacred place.  Joseph said of his upstairs office, Here “I kept my sacred writings, translated ancient records, and received revelations.”

In the Store, Joseph recorded Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants.  He translated and published the ancient Book of Abraham (in the local “Times and Seasons” newspaper), organized the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, gave the first Temple endowments, and transferred Priesthood keys on to the 12 Apostles.  So, the store was a very significant and sacred place in church history.  (And it still is!)  Pretty amazing and breath-taking in its scope.

THE JOHN WENTWORTH LETTER

John Wentworth was a Chicago newspaper publisher.   He wrote to Joseph Smith asking what “The Mormons” believed.  From his Red Brick Store, Joseph wrote back to Mr. Wentworth  with  13 statements of our beliefs.  We, of course, know them today as the “13 Articles of Faith”. 

In our tour,  we talk about the “Articles” and if there are children in the group, we invite them to share their favorite Article.  They usually do better than the adults.  It has been fun to watch the children recite them.  On one occasion, three siblings stood together and sang a couple of the Article of Faith songs.  So great!

We also talk about the “Standard of Truth”.  This was also a part of the Wentworth letter.  We also invite people young and old to recite this great standard and prophesy of missionary work going forth to the world.  Many men and women have  previously served missions and often recited the Standard at zone and other conferences.  Often the folks can remember this from their missionary days. Even if they don’t recite it aloud, we can often see them mouthing the words along with us.  (And The Standard is not just pretty words … it is Joseph’s prophesy about how missionary work will fill the whole earth.  And as we look at what has happened since Joseph’s time – and everywhere in the world today, we see the exciting fulfilment of that special prophesy.)

One moment with The Standard was particularly memorable.  I asked if anyone knew it and two teen brothers (about ages 13 and 16) stood flanking me and together they (and I) recited with great gusto:

”The Standard of Truth has been erected:  no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”

Those boys were truly amazing!  And talk about proud parents …  (and it was the parents who had taught them the Standard so they were really proud that their efforts may have taken root a bit with the boys). 

Whenever we have teens come in, and as we talk of “The Standard”, I try to get them to imagine themselves on their missions and standing as a mission or zone and reciting that together “with gusto”.  I hope I have enlarged their visions a bit.

A TOUR DELAY PROVIDES AN UNPLANNED AFTERNOON CONCERT

The Red Brick Store has two parts – the downstairs and the “upper room”.  Typically, there are two sets of missionaries serving at the Store together.  One pair of missionaries can be downstairs with one group – while the other pair can be upstairs with another.

On this one occasion, there was a lady on the tour ahead of us.  She was unable to climb the stairs, so the other pair of missionaries kept her downstairs to share with her the upstairs tour.  This left Sister Hunt and I outside and waiting with a group for the folks ahead of us to finish up.  A group of about 15 people gathered with us out there on the Red Brick steps and surrounds.  So as to not get even further behind with the tours, I opted to gather the group and begin the first floor tour outside.

I had just gotten started when the sound of music rent the air.  We looked up and coming toward us was the “Nauvoo Brass Band” doing their band thing in their very own carriage.  And seeing us gathered outside, they had the teamster pull to a stop.  They gave us our very own private concert right  then and there.  Talk about fabulous!  And the energy of those folks … they were literally dancing and bobbing as they played their instruments.   Amazing doesn’t adequately describe the scene.  Maybe it should be “spectacular”.

It is so great having the band on the streets of Nauvoo.  They give such an exciting and upbeat burst of energy with every stop that they make. And they give a couple of concerts each day – in the “park” (grassy area) in front of the Print Shop – and elsewhere.  Such a fun missionary assignment!  

A UNIQUE MEETING WITH 12 UNUSUAL BROTHERS

We never know who we will have on our tours.  This one group really caught us by surprise.  We looked outside and saw them coming.  They came in three cars, and they piled out and moved en masse toward us.  I wondered what had hit us!  Here was a throng of very handsome “brothers” – all with dark hair and looking amazing and wonderful.  They were so impressive.  As I greeted them, we did the “where are you from thing” to get to know the folks.

They announced that they were a religious seminary group and that they were from Toronto, Canada.  They said that they were touring all over to learn about other churches.  I said, “That is great!  What other churches have you already been to?”  I had to laugh at their answer.  They said, “We went to Palmyra and then to Kirtland!”

As noted, the guys said that they were from Toronto, Canada.  I knew however, that they were not native to Toronto.  The Spirit told me that they were from the country of Pakistan.   I asked them if they were Pakistani and they admitted that they are.  I told them that I love Pakistani people.

I felt such a connection to these guys.  They looked so fabulous as they sat with us in the Red Brick Store.  My heart and soul went out to these guys.  I thought they must be royal princes of the best of Abraham.  Not sure if they come from Abraham but when I mentioned him, they acted as if they claim him as their father.

These guys were sincerely interested in everything.  One sage seemed a bit skeptical of things, but the other guys seemed to be loving everything that they heard.  They were soaking it in.

It is hard to describe the feelings that I felt in the presence of these guys.  They seemed like such great men.

After the tour, I was shaking hands with a couple of the guys – and one in particular.  Sister Hunt put out her hand to shake and the man politely said that he could not shake hands – (a cultural thing for him).  But, he crossed  his  arms over his chest – over his heart toward her and said, “Thank you so much!”

I took the group over to the  cemetery that contains the graves of Joseph, Hyrum and Emma Smith and others.  One guy noticed my bolo tie and wanted to know what this was.  He really liked my explanation – that it has no significance to anything but that I like t collect them – and that they are kind of my “signature thing”.

The men  were in awe and reverence.  I then took them over to where the Joseph Smith homestead tour begins.  There were sister missionaries there to greet them.  I asked the men if it was okay for the ladies to take them on the tour and they said that it was.

I was kind of overcome with the Spirit after the special time I had just shared with all of these men of power and strength.  Wow!   I noted a special connection with one brother.  He seemed really into the message and had listened and watched me intently as I presented new truths to him.  I could tell that he was really feeling the Spirit in a good way.  As I said farewell to this group, I shook hands with this one guy and as I did so, I said, “It was so great to have you here, brother.”  He looked at me, and in a very natural way, we pulled each other into a great hug.  Then, to my surprise, the long line of men behind him also wanted a hug from me.

One guy wanted to take a moment to teach me how to say “Hello” or “good day” in his native language – possibly Urdu?  He had me say the words and then he had me practice them.  Sad to say, my grasp of the “gift of tongues” was not that strong at that moment – but it was a fun bonding time.

And then they were off …  I was still kind of choked up when I returned to the Red Brick Store and greeted my next group. 

GREETED BY HOMEMADE CINNAMON ROLLS, WE BECAME FAST FRIENDS

There is nothing like home made cinnamon rolls to help “make new friends and influence people” (as my friend “Sam” Carnegie would say.    My wife honed in on that art many years ago – and she has been working her charm with them ever since (just like my own mother and grandmother before her).

It was late on a Sunday afternoon, and we were at the Joseph and Emma Homestead and Mansion House.  Sister Hunt and other missionaries assigned there that afternoon were outside of the Bidamon Stable just visiting and basking in the beauty and wonder of the world around us  – and feeling the influence of Joseph and Emma with us.  This was as we had a few and rare moments between tours.  (Actually, part of the team were giving tours.)

We were approached by a young family bearing gifts.  Our mouths began to water – even before they got to us.  Cinnamon rolls just seem to have a special aura around them.  No one knew who these folks were, but they quickly caught our attention as we eyed the plates in their hands.  I went over to greet them, and we became fast friends.  They said that these cinnamon rolls had not sold in their restaurant and by their tradition, they were bringing them to share with missionaries.  How grateful we were to be the recipients.  Wow!  I shared the goods with the other missionaries and we were all agog with the delectables before us.

MEET THE SQUIRE FAMILY OF DOWNTOWN NAUVOO …

We were greeted by Dad, Jordan, and Mom, Morgan Squire and three of their six children.  Each one offered us a plate.  Wow!  You can come to our place any time, folks!

My wife and I enjoyed visiting with the Squire family.  They shared with us their story (and with their permission, I share it here with ya’ll).  They said that they operate the “Red Front” café or restaurant located  in metropolitan downtown Nauvoo.  We had already been to their place several times but had never met the visionaries behind the counter.

We were in awe and amazement as they shared with us their story.  It was amazing, and inspiring …)

About five years ago, I guess they had been to Nauvoo on a family trip.  And they had purchased a possible bed and breakfast location – here – just as an investment.  They returned home to Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Within a short time, the wife/mother kept having recurring spiritual promptings that they should move to Nauvoo to start a restaurant – and that they should do it NOW.  She was stunned.  They had no previous plans of doing such a thing. And further, they had never operated a restaurant.   But, the thought and impressions kept coming.  She could not get them to go away.  The feelings pressed down on her and she could not shake them.  She went to her husband and told him about her feelings.  She thought and hoped  he would say, “That is really a dumb idea” and would talk her out of it.  Not so!  He said, “Well, if the Lord has told you to do this, then we better go for it.”  She was then in a state of shock … and it was time to act.

This situation reminded Lou and me of a similar occasion for us.  We were living in Santa Barbara, California, where we had lived for two years.  I had recently left the employ of the Boy Scouts of America.  I had been a professional Scouter – for seven years but a change was a necessity.  We were out of a job and had no money.  We were just getting started on a trip to Utah.  We were speeding along on the freeway east of Ventura, California on Highway #126 – heading east on our way up to Utah to see Lou’s folks and family for a short time.

As we were thus on the freeway – going through the lovely orange orchards, I suddenly turned to my wife and said, “You are going to think that I am crazy, but I just got the feeling that we are supposed to move to this town.”  (And we didn’t know anyone there – nor had we ever been there).  She surprised me as she said, “No, I don’t think you are crazy … I just got the same feeling!”  Wow! 

We made our trip to Utah and returned to our home in Santa Barbara and within a few days, moved 50 miles away to the town of Santa Paula, California.  That move proved to be a wonderful blessing in our lives in many ways.  (Three more children joined the four – and we had some wonderful friends – the Lazenby’s and others.)  We were grateful that we heeded the workings of the Spirit with us.  We remained in Santa Paula for five years before returning home to Arizona.

Anyway, back to the Squire family …   Being united in the cause, they made the decision to move “right now” to Nauvoo.  They began to make preparations to move.  And they were surprised when a neighbor a few doors down from them came over to talk.  The neighbor said, “God told us that we are supposed to buy your house.”

Sister Jordan objected and said, “But you have a house .. why would you want to buy our house?”   The neighbor was just as surprised as were the Squire family – but acted on the inspiration.  Soon the purchase was made.  The Squire family packed up and headed off for Nauvoo in the moving van.  They quickly found a Nauvoo home to live in, and within a month or so, they suddenly found themselves living in the little village of Nauvoo, Illinois (now bursting at the seams with about 1,000 people).  And within a ridiculously short period of time – like within a month, they were moved in and had their new restaurant/café open for business.  And they have been here doing business ever since.  They do not know fully why the Lord directed them here, but trusting in Him, they have had success and great experiences here.  (And our mission President says that this same feeling can be shared by many of the business owners of Nauvoo.  He said that “there is a gathering here … and people are being told to come here– and they don’t know why.  They just go for it and do it.”

This spirit reminds me of the scripture that was my family favorite as I was growing up:  Proverbs 3:5-6 which states, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Even through several bouts of unemployment and lingering uncertainty, we have gone forward in faith.  That has been the modus operandi for our whole lives.  And it seems to be working!  And we now express our gratitude for the Lord’s bounties unto us.  He has always provided us with “sufficient for our needs”.

A PLUG FOR THE LOCAL “RED FRONT” RESTAURANT 

Okay, so there are not many options for eating in Nauvoo.  We surely do not have a monopoly on eating establishments.  But, that is not the only reason why I tout the Red Front restaurant or café here in downtown Nauvoo.  They seriously, they have amazing food (and decent prices).  We have loved it each time that we have gone there – and with every menu item we have tried. 

Our favorite menu item is their ice cream “bricks”.  Maybe it is just the Belcher Brick in our blood, but we really love this kind of brick.  It comes in a plastic box about 4” square.  And the ice cream brick inside – nearly fills up the box.  They always have their mainstay of greet mint chocolate chip – to which Sister Hunt is addicted – but often have other exotic flavors – like French Silk, Lemon Raspberry, brownie dough, and more. And the crust on each one is truly amazing.   We often feel a pull on the vehicle steering wheel nudging us to go there at nights.  Sometimes we will share one brick.  Oher times, we will each get our own favorite brick (depending upon flavors available).  Occasionally, we will each eat our full brick, and sometimes, we each get our brick, eat part of it there, and then bring home half of it to freeze for another happy time.

When people ask for our food recommendations, we always are quick to sing the praises of The Red Front – owned and operated by Jordan and Morgan Squire.  They are only open to 8:00 PM, however (later than most places in town … since most “roll up their sidewalks” earlier)  so you’ll have to hurry … but they are sure worth going there.  So, “Hats off, Squire family!”

AND A SIDENOTE ABOUT NAUVOO SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES

Anticipating Mother’s Day and Sister Hunt’s birthday (I think), our son, Rusty, asked what stores we have in Nauvoo.  He was, indeed, quite shocked when we told him emphatically, “Dollar General”.  That is seriously the Walmart of old Nauvoo.  He never ordered from there … I guess the place did not meet his hopes or expectations.

ANOTHER UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER WITH THE SQUIRES

One day, Sister Hunt and I found ourselves serving (literally) in the restored “Scovil Bakery”.  We were visited by the Sister missionary who coordinates the “cookies” for the bakery.  She said that she would not be there, but said that a lady would be bringing in a large collection of cookies.  She gave us instructions for getting them into large freezer boxes (there’s that “large” word again)  located down in the limestone cellar of the place.  She said that we would be visited by Jordan Squire with a large batch of the famous and now traditional Scovil Bakery molasses cookies.  She said, “Large” but we learned a new meaning of the word that morning.

Baker Squire showed up as promised.  We learned what “large” means.  On that morning, she literally brought in about 4,000 cookies.  Yes, that’s right!

For many years, the modern Scovill Bakery used to actually make these famous molasses cookies (in the native “bustle oven” of the place – so named because of the bustle on a woman’s posterior – that sticks out in the back)  and would give them out to visitors.  They became “legendary” and people came for the tour just so that they could get another of those pioneer delectables.

We learned that the “large” meant being innovative in how to get the five or six “large” crates of cookies downstairs.  All stairs in Nauvoo are notoriously treacherous in their steepness, but the Scovil stairs redefine the word and description.  One can hardly call them “stairs”.  It is more like one of those old-fashioned fire station poles.     Jordan just kept bringing the boxes from her car and I would carry them to the launching point for the so-called stairs.  Lou would perch herself (literally and precariously) on one or two of the “steps” to receive the packed boxes.  Probably not the best alternative, she would slide the boxes down to the cellar below.  And then she would transfer the box contents into the two waiting freezer boxes.  She would return up the pole (an interesting feat, in itself) with the empty box and I would return it to Jordan.  Even with the challenges, we soon got all of the boxes downstairs, unloaded, and passed back up to me for Jordan.

Jordan told us the “Nauvoo” had contracted with her Red Front company to create some 50,000 cookies that were projected to be needed through the summer for the onslaught of visitors whom we hoped would come.  The cookies are small … you could not make a meal of them … but they are at least a bite of that old-fashioned molasses goodness.  And another engineering challenge is that they are all individually packaged in their own little plastic bag.  50,000!  Wow.  That really defines “large”.  She said that the cookies were “all hands on deck” for her family.  Talk about home evening activities … that was certainly one for everyone to be a part of.  They probably wished that all six children had six or more hands each for the task at hand.  And the poor kids are probably watching cookies being created, baked, and bagged, all through the night –every night.  But, “progress is being made”, said Morgan.  “The end is in sight!  This makes about 41,000 cookies  in the freezers below!”  Wow!

After she left, I began to check out the system by which the cookies made it to the packed freezers.  I decided that we were not being very smart.  Even  though this building is a restored structure, it still has the characteristic old limestone basement – and a cellar door going up out of it.  And Voila!  (Remember my blog about our bike riding?)  Well, that was the case with this place, also.  One needed only to unlatch the door down cellar, and pull the outside doors up and over.  We could have easily saved ourself (and especially Sister Hunt) a lot of grief if we had used our noggins a bit more creatively.  I later mentioned this option to the “Sister Cookie Coordinator” and she tried to fathom that scenario.  I am not sure she was a believer, but she should be!  It would sure be easier for those coming 10,000 more cookies!

Well, there you have it!  Life in Nauvoo just keeps getting better and better.  I think we will stick around a while!  (And maybe get some more of those cinnamon rolls and molasses cookies…!)

As ever, from the Nauvoo trail …

Elder Kevin

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Restoration in Old Nauvoo 1975 to 2024

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Blog #9

In case you haven’t been to Old Nauvoo in a while, maybe it is time you came! I have personally noticed a lot of Restoration going on – especially the Restoration in Nauvoo from 1975 to 2024.

And first, I apologize for the space between the last blog article and this one. Actually, however, I have not been idle. I have actually been working on this blog for 50 years!

 I have had the unique opportunity and blessing to experience historic Nauvoo at various times and in several different circumstances through the years.

My first Nauvoo experience happened in 1975 when I was serving on my “young mission”.   I served in Nauvoo for the final 6 months of that mission.   I loved the experience.  It was truly wonderful and exciting in every way.  I served then as a site guide in the eight restored homes.

My wife and I brought the nine children to Nauvoo and were cast members two different summers in the “City of  Joseph” musical production.  We found other opportunities to come to Nauvoo for many other excursions.

Then in 2024, my wife and I were assigned to Nauvoo for an 18-month “Senior Mission” for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  And once again, we are historic site guides – just as I was in 1975.  This time, there are over 30 restored homes and shops and we rotate through most of them.

    During both missionary assignments,  I have taken a multitude of photographs of many of the historic restored homes in Old Nauvoo.  Being somewhat of a historian, this has been a great adventure! In this book/slide show, I am able to compare the homes as they existed in 1975 – and as they are now in 2024 – 49 years later. (Where did that time go? I couldn’t possibly be that old!)

    When in Nauvoo as a young missionary, I maintained daily journal entries for each day of the mission.  I also wrote extensive letters home to the folks each week.  In an effort to add a bit of variety to the photos, I have included entries from that 1975 era (from the journals and letters) to show actual activities that I participated in at that  time.

    This has been a major effort and I hope that you will enjoy the PowerePoint presentation. The show really tells the story of Restoration here in Nauvoo.

    Here is the link. (And you might want to copy and paste the link into your browser.) Look at the top of the PowerPoint presentation. ) Once you click on the presentation, look for the word “View” at the top. Then click on “Slide Show”. You will probably also want to click on “View” once more and then “Zoom”. Enlarge the view to 100% (or more if you are my age!). And then you are off and running! Sit back and enjoy the ride.

    https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1bRVa8rnQdY9YmBRA8AVDuAS5NeXgwsGA/edit#slide=id.p1

    And you know by now, that I don’t let moss grow under my feet. (But in humid Nauvoo, that might be a trick!)

    I have already also published the book or slide show on my lulu.com site where I publish my books. With this link, you can order your own full-color book. (Color costs a bit more … but it is truly worth it!) The book will be a very quality book that you can put on your coffee table (without the coffee) and enjoy for years!

    https://www.lulu.com/shop/kevin-v-hunt/a-nauvoo-walk-down-history-lane-nauvoo-restoration-1975-to-2024/hardcover/product-w4vvrve.html?q=Nauvoo&page=1&pageSize=4

    Well, there you 1 it!975 to 2024 Nauvoo Restoration. And that’s a big wow!

    From the Nauvoo trail … Kevin

    Uncategorized

    Special Times, Places, and People

    2 Comments

    By Kevin V. Hunt

    Blog #8  May 16, 2024

    We seem to have many special times, places, and people as we serve in Nauvoo.  And the cool thing is that we really cannot predict the good times.  They just seem to creep up on us.  We never know when they are going to come … we just bask in the beauty of each moment or experience as it comes to us.

    BIKES, MICE, SUNSETS AND EAGLES

    Bikes, mice, sunsets, and eagles …  That sounds like an interesting combination.  If it rhymed, it could be the opening line of a Dr. Seuss book!

    Okay, so a bike ride may not sound that exciting.  But, in Nauvoo, even a routine bike ride together has its surprises and enjoyments.

    Previous blogs showed our bikes on top of our wagon as we came from Arizona to Nauvoo.  When we first got here, the weather was a bit chilly (at least for Lou) relative to bike riding.  She wanted to hold off until we had a bit more heat coming our way.  (Now that the weather is beautiful, we better do it before the humidity hits her!)

    One challenge with the bikes was where to store them.  We tried just leaving them out behind our back door – and they would have been perfectly fine there – without being locked up.  We soon found, however, there was a bit too much rain and moisture to do this.  In just a few days, the chains could be orange with rust.  Hmmmm … where to put them?

    We tried putting them on a corner of our small kitchen floor – on the tile next to the dining table.  But, that didn’t leave us much room for navigating around our small place.

    Then we thought of our basement.  Yes, like many old  Nauvoo structures, our place does have a basement or cellar (with most of the original limestone rocks still intact).  A basement, I would think, would be a place on a  level below the rest of the structure.  And when I thought of “Cellar”, I thought of Grandma Hunt’s  old cellar on the Beryl Junction farm.  This was a stand-alone hole with a door entry.  And in the cellar, Grandma would store meat, veggies and fruit that she had bottled – and a plethora of spiders.  It looked like something out of a Halloween horror movie inside.  But, it sure did its job!  I remember trips down the cellar to get needed items for Grandma.

    Here at the Simeon Dunn home in Nauvoo, the two concepts kind of come together.  The cellar connects to the basement.  Upon arrival, we went downstairs to explore – and found this creepy looking exit from the basement – up through the outside cellar doors.  (And of course, all of the women immediately see a “security threat” with such an arrangement – either that or an open door and welcome mat to all of the mice creatures that might be out lurking out there and an opportunity to enter our place).  With a few minutes of broom action, however, the cellar exit did actually work out quite well for getting the bikes outside and also protecting them from the outside elements when not in use.

    We could ride anywhere – and we would see great scenery – with amazing green trees and grass everywhere (a bit different from our Arizona desert back home). 

    A natural route is to turn west from our place onto the famed Parley Street.  And that is what we did.  We headed west down through “The Trail of Hope” – where the Saints walked with wagons and freezing children as they left Nauvoo, heading west). 

    We arrived at the Mississippi River  just in time to catch the magnificent sunset for which Nauvoo is known.  Wow!

    We rounded the corner as the road became Water Street.  And then, in amazement, we saw above us in a giant tree, a huge eagle’s nest.  And in the next we could see two baby eagles that were both being fed by mom and dad eagle.  Dad had caught a fish and was ripping it apart (throwing out the bones) and feeding it to the hungry kids!  Another wow!

    Screenshot

    WANNA BOOT?

    Years ago, when we visited  Nauvoo, with  our family, we were touring some of the homes and shops.  We decided to head to the nearby Riser Boot and Shoe Shop.  As we approached, we were greeted by Sister Noble (wife of Ken Noble – my 8th grade choral teacher in Mesa, Arizona.  And that class is another story …  I was kicked out of class.  I couldn’t carry a note – let alone a full tune in the bucket.  Where was the Nauvoo tin shop when I needed a bucket? But, I wouldn’t have known where to carry it anyway) .  On that long ago day, Sister Noble (the senior site guide that day came outside and hollered in a really deep voice: “WANNA BOOT?” 

    That made a lasting impression on our children.  They were often heard quoting Sister Noble, on that memorable day.  We found new meaning to the “Wanna Boot” phrase ourselves as it was now our turn to be the guides at the site.  Wanna boot?  That was the question George Riser would ask every customer.

    George and Christianne Riser were both German immigrants in their youth.  They both ended up in Marion, Ohio where George became an apprentice (technically, a shoe maker was known as a “Cordwainer”) and by 1840, he owned his own shoe shop.  After they were married, George and Christianna heard of “Those Mormons”.  He had a worker, whom he said “was a better worker than a Mormon”.  Nonetheless, George was impressed and sold his shop and moved to Nauvoo as a non-member.  Hearing the Prophet, Joseph speak once was all it took.  They became instant converts and never looked back.  And they were faithful to the end.

    Paying a “wagon and a team of horses”, he bought land and built himself a successful new shoe shop.  After a mission (back to Ohio), he returned home to find that the Saints were heading west.  He sold his business “for a wagon and a team of horses” and headed out.

    In the shoe shop, Sister Hunt learned a new  skill (a possible Etsy business) as she became the Cordwainer of the day.  (That is one time that women’s lib paid off – at least for me.)

    Riser Boot and Shoe Store Price List

    And as she finished, she could say with pride, “WANNA BOOT?”

    A SACRED VISIT INSIDE THE MAGNIFICENT NAUVOO TEMPLE

    The most imposing building, by far, in Nauvoo, is the restored Temple.  It stands in majestic beauty atop of the hill.  Words cannot adequately describe its beauty – from every angle – in sunshine and in the sunset.

    Photo “The Nauvoo Temple at Sunset” Copyright Kevin V. Hunt 2024

    We wanted to visit inside and found it a bit challenging to get an appointment.  The Temple is a very popular place.  Everyone (living and the dead) wants to get inside – and it is truly worth it.  And the challenge is that at least through April, the last session of the day was at 5:15 PM – and we don’t get off from our home assignments until 5:00 PM.  We thus planned our trip there late on our P-day.

    The Temple was as beautiful and amazing as we had anticipated.    We had actually been there a  couple of times before.  Our daughter was here with a BYU historical sites semester years ago and Lou and I and a few others were all on the end of vacuum cleaners and saw literally the whole place.  (Did I already talk about that?  I apologize if I have  already done so.)

    We marveled at the fabulous full-wall murals in each room as we progressed from the creation room,  to the World Room, and then to the Telestial Room.  Wow!  In one room, the mural begins with scenery from Vermont, where the Prophet  Joseph Smith was born, then shows New York, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois and then Salt Lake City.  The mural is so amazing that the transitions to each new area of Church history just melt into each other.  And the spiral staircases are so breathtaking.  The craftmanship is deluxe to the max.

    And after the tour, we went into the “left hallway” where we saw shadow boxes with the actual original Temple keys, the saber that Joseph used in the Nauvoo Legion, and some original Temple clothes that belonged to Mary Field Smith (widow of Hyrum, the Patriarch), and more.

    We also did some “sealings” – and uniting couples as eternal companions – as well as some sealings of children to their eternal parents.  It was very exciting to have David Palmer, a Temple missionary serving here, as our “sealer”.  We were neighbors with him and his family 30 years ago – when we lived over  by “The Westwood House”. 

    We thought that one of the “extras” who came to assist us looked familiar.  After the sealing session, we were talking to Brother Palmer and told him that we now live in metropolitan Maricopa.  The lady piped up and said that she also is from Maricopa.  Turns out, she is in our current Pacana Park Ward.  Are you kidding?  Nauvoo is full of surprises.  We were both a  bit new to that ward and we didn’t even put two and two together.

    Photo: Joseph and Hyrum at Sunset – View from the Temple looking west to river

    COUSINS AT THE PENDLETON HOME AND SCHOOL

    I noted that we never know what is going to happen in Nauvoo – nor whom we might see.  We were assigned to teach one day at the Pendleton home and school.  I gave the history part and Lou became the school marm of the day.  And of course, this was right up her alley.

    We were expecting several bus field trip kids to arrive (and they would give Lou plenty of practice in her school room).  She taught them until it was time to release “for recess”.  They didn’t have standardized spelling in those days.  People just kind of spelled as they heard words.  And this was a bit of a challenge with immigrants coming from so many parts of the country, Great Britain, and beyond.

    Photo: Calvin Pendleton penmanship (telling his history in the church)

    Here is an example of some of the words of the day.  We felt as if we were again playing “Mad Gab” with our teenagers at home.

    In between the bus groups, I went outside to greet a large group (or large for the small building).  I found three couples out at the sign in front of the home.  We began with our usual greeting of our names and where we are from – and then asked the people where they hail from.  And then always follows a session of “Do you know …”   I was surprised on this occasion.  All three couples said that they were from Enterprise, Utah. Wow!  They were half of the town of Enterprise – and all here together right here in Nauvoo.  My father – and generations behind him called Enterprise home.    The three ladies were all sisters.  And coming from Enterprise, we knew that we were all cousins.

    They and I all took out our trusty FamilyTree app on FamilySearch.   We did the “Relatives Around Me” game (which is so fun!).    Not surprising, they fund out that they were related – but also we learned that I am also “3rd Cousins – Once Removed” with them.  How fun!  So great to find all of these long-lost cousins.  We all hugged and sang, “Kumbayah”.  They also claimed Pendleton blood on their “other line” so they were anxious to learn all about their ancestor’s home.

    COUSINS AND MORE COUSINS

    And then there is the day that we were serving at the newly acquired Homestead and Mansion House of the Prophet Joseph.  (And these are very popular places these days …  people are thronging here to see these sacred and beautiful places.)

    We greeted a large multi-generational group who in the “Where are you from, and who do you know” game, let on that they were Farmington, Utah.  I quipped as I often do, that “I am related to half of Farmington, … but they are all in the cemetery.”  My 4th great grandfathers, Joseph Lee Robinson and Ezra Thompson Clark were both early founders of this city.  (And Farmington is where Lou and I got our marriage license.  I then lived in Ogden and she lived in south  Salt Lake (Sandy) so we met in the middle – at Farmington to get the license.

    Sensing possible more cousins, I suggested that we check “Relatives Around Me” together.  Several folks pulled out their phones – and sure enough, there were the relationships.

    As I did this exercise with my new  cousins, there were three other separate (small) groups standing around waiting for a tour to begin.  These people noticed our excitement and activity going on and they wanted to join the scene.  So, people in these other three groups also pulled out their phones.    And believe it or not, we had five groups (counting me) who were all related somehow to folks in each of the five groups.    (That is where polygamy paid off!)

    Another time, we were again at the Joseph Smith Homestead.  I had just come out of the house with a group and was heading over to the Mansion House.  One of the young sister missionaries came and got my attention.  She said that someone wanted to see me.  I went around the corner and was surprised to see my wife’s nephew (married to Michelle, daughter of Lou’s sister “She Jerrie” (not to be confused by her husband, “He Jerry”).  Richard Hirst was there with two of his daughters and his brother.  They were driving home (as Michelle flew) from Virginia for the college graduation of the oldest daughter.  They had heard that Lou and I (aka Sister Hunt) were serving in Nauvoo.

    I guess they got the royal run-around as they looked for us around Nauvoo  Keep in mind, that I have already said that I have two other Hunt cousins who are serving here as Teamsters.   Upon arrival, they had gone to a few places – after getting hints about where a Hunt might be.  They finally got directed toward the real Elder Hunt (me).  If someone wants to get to Nauvoo, they have to be somewhat determined (or focused) to come here.  It is not easy to get here.  That had been the case with Richard and Family.  We don’t know how far out of their way they had come to find us and sadly, they used up all of their few available moments running around Nauvoo trying to find us.  We were with a tour group but took a momentary diversion to have one tour member get a photo of us.  And then they were off – on their way, heading west toward Utah.

    ENTERTAINING ANGELS UNAWARES

    Most folks who come on our tours are wearing their casual travel clothes.  But, occasionally, we have someone show up in Sunday clothes (on a weekday).  They are a dead give-away.  We know that they are going to or coming home from the Temple.  This couple arrived in their Sunday best (though he was not wearing a suit coat). 

    Anyone who knows me, knows that I do not have many days where I am not wearing one of my characteristic bolo ties.  And even here, in Nauvoo, I have been able to wear a bolo most days.  (Though, admittedly, I had to do a bolo sorting exercise to see which ones might be Nauvoo appropriate.  Cowboys, for instance, had not yet come into Vogue in 1840, so bolos with cowboy hats are “out”.) 

    Whittling was a thing in Nauvoo … Ever hear of the “Whistling Whittling Berigade”? (More on that later!)

    My bolos have become a part of my Nauvoo period costumes.  And this particular day was no exception.  I greeted this couple sporting a bolo tie and this became a conversation starter with the couple.  The brother recognized my bolo and connected it to the Scouting Philmont Scout Ranch (in New Mexico). 

    He asked if I had been to Philmont – and sadly, I had to report that I have never attended a training course there.  I mentioned that Sister Hunt had been to Philmont when age nine or so – when her father was in a stake presidency.  Then this brother admitted that he had attended Philmont when serving as a stake President a few years ago.  I started to do the math.    This guy still had “the look” even though he had been a stake president a few years ago.

    As I later learned at the Print Shop, I just “cut to the chase”.  I flat out asked him, “So, are  you a General Authority now?”  He added humbly that he is presently a General Authority Seventy and that he has responsibility for a dozen stakes surrounding Nauvoo.  This means that he had administrative jurisdiction for Nauvoo.  Wow!  Elder Morgan and his wife were both very impressive.  We gave them our regular tour at the newly acquired Joseph Smith Homestead.  I am still here, so we must not have done too badly.

    MEETING A TRUE FRIEND AND BROTHER – AND A TRUE SON OF HELAMAN

    On our final tour one day at the Mansion House, we had some special folks as a part of a very large tour group.  Alfredo was there from Utah with his wife and a friend and his wife.  They were likely Lamanites – originally from Venezuela.  This Alfredo and I hit it off immediately.  We were instant friends.  This was one of those rare times where I felt as if I had always known him (and he acted likewise).  What a great man!

    Alfredo and his group had come from Utah – having driven almost continuously to get to Nauvoo.  They were in Nauvoo for only a single day, and they were trying to pack in as much as possible in just that one day.  He lamented that they had to return home on the morrow and the fact that he had not seen all that he wanted to see.  He was really sad that everything would be closing within just a few minutes.

    I said to him, “If you could see any one place that you missed, which would it be?”  He said he had hoped to see the Brigham Young Home.  I happened to have a key to the place (though I have not yet served there this time around).  I told him, “I have not taken a tour of Brigham’s home in 49 years, but maybe I can remember it to take you through it.”  He did not want to “put me out” but I persuaded him that I would love to take him through it.  We arranged to meet there at the Young home at 7:00 PM.

    We met him there – as we had promised.  With us also was Lou’s brother and wife, Kerry.  (More on them later!)  We went into the home, and I began giving him the tour.  Amazing how everything came back to me.  (The Holy Ghost is so amazing under such circumstances!)

    I had just begun the tour when someone opened the front door and burst in.  The guy said loudly and quite abruptly, “First, I want to know who you are and what your are doing here.”  I told him that I am a “site missionary”.  (We had been told that site missionaries can take after-hours tours for family and friends – so I thought that there was no problem.)  He introduced himself as a night security guard.  I was new so we had not met.  After he calmed down, he told me that all was well.  He later sent me instructions on how to next time inform security of an after-hours arrival and departure – so that I don’t catch them by surprise again.

    The abrupt visit kind of caught us all off guard.  We caught our breath, and all had a good laugh.  It definitely gave us some added excitement.

    Recently I re-read some of my journals from the 1975  era when I was in Nauvoo as a “young Elder”.   An entry  said that I loved giving tours of the Brigham Young home because it was easy to talk about the man, Brigham, and not to focus upon the antiques of the place. 

    I shared with Alfredo and the rest of the gang about Brigham’s “Council Room” where the Quorum of the 12 Apostles met regularly to map out and plan the western migration of the church to the Salt Lake Valley.  (Joseph had previously told Brigham that the Saints would go to the Rocky Mountains and would create settlements all along the mountain range.)

    This “Council Room”  is one of my favorite rooms because it contains a large painting of Brigham Young (a much older Brigham than when he was in Nauvoo.)   Years ago, we took our nine children to Nauvoo and were in the cast of the then “City of Joseph” pageant.  We did not have set roles in the show, but I had dressed up and had a beard to look like Brigham on a few other occasions.  So, I said that I was Brother Brigham in the pageant.  I cut my beard (the “square look” with no mustache) and colored it to look like Brigham.  And on that occasion, I had my photo taken with Brigham.

    Even to this day, I love to show this photos with my Brigham beard to others (mostly guys who, like me, love beards).  It is fun to show them a beard that I have actually grown myself.    (It’s a “guy thing” … sharing beard-growing bragging rights!”) Over the years, there have been many other beards that I have grown.  Admittedly, however, my beard is no longer the rusty red of when I was about 30.)  And it is always fun to show the picture of the two of us.  And as I show the photo, I always say, “That’s me on the left!”  (This always brings a laugh from the on-looker … and I love it.)

    When we were in the Pageant, our family made a visit to the Brigham home and I was wearing my full regalia costume to look like Brigham.  As we entered the home, the senior sister missionary was already giving a tour.  When giving a tour, the guide should be careful to stay facing the group.  This particular sister, however, had her back to the group and had her head up inside of the “bustle oven” (so named because the oven sticks out beyond the house – liker a woman’s bustle.)   When she came up for air from the bustle oven, she made a gasp as she saw me.  After her initial shock, she gulped and said, “Well, here’s Brother Brigham, now!”  That was my moment.  I gloated in it.

    Back to the current tour …  I took all of the folks out to the back yard and showed them all of Brigham’s “out buildings” including his outdoor root cellar (that I talked of above), his well his rain water cistern, his carriage house, and the view that he would have had of the temple as it was under construction.  My friends were all amazed in awe.

    Brigham’s Root Cellar

    Then it was time to bid farewell to my friend and brother, Alfredo.  We hugged each other  – again feeling that we had forever been brothers.  It was a sad parting.

    Oh, and one more funny incident with that beard … Earlier that spring (March 1997) I played the role of an apostle in the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant and had the beard for that production. During the pageant, I had to make an emergency trip to Utah for the funeral of my grandmother, Aususta Wilcox Hunt. As I was in the Las Vegas airport, I looked over and found myself walking paralell with famous football player, Steve Young. Without saying Brigham’s name, I said to him, “I am growing this beard to be your great grandfather in the Nauvoo pageant this summer.” He looked over at me and said simply, “Well, if you want to be Brigham, you will have to put on a few pounds.”

    Backing up a bit …  I said that I had played Brigham on a few other occasions.  Two of those occasions date back to when I was about age 8 or 10.  On one occasion, I played Brigham in a Cub Scout pack meeting.  My sister and all of my brothers were all dressed up as my wives.  (I am sure that they loved that.  That was in a day when such action wasn’t super weird.)

    And on another occasion, back then, I was Brigham in the 24th of July Pioneer Day parade at the church.  My brothers were spared the dresses on that occasion (but most of them still made the picture).  In those days, we had a neighbor, “Doc” Douglas who lived in our Park Place cul-de-sac.  He had previously been a “Shriner” in Canada and as such, he always needed to put beards on himself.  So, he had all of the materials to put a really great beard on me.  I loved his beards – and I used his skills and talents a few times.

    I mentioned our participation in the “City of Joseph” production.  On that occasion, I had an arranged meeting with – and with my family – I was able to meet the Prophet Joseph at his Mansion House.  That was a happy meeting – which I shall always remember.

    GIVING THE EXTRA MILE

    We had another interesting experience stemming from a tour at the Mansion House.  (We have had a lot of great experiences there).  On our tour, we had many members of a large LDS  bus  tour group that was seeing various LDS historical sites across the country.   On the tour was another new-found “cousin” named Barlow.  As I heard his name, I knew before “Relatives” that we could be related – or that it was  likely  we were because Barlow is a good old Enterprise name.

    Anyway, he told us that he had to be back to his bus in just an hour.  He and his wife had decided together (using the map brochure of Historic Nauvoo) that they really wanted to see the Sarah Granger Kimball home.  He asked if they would have enough time to walk down there by the bus meeting time.  I told him that it was located over a mile down the road and that he probably would not make it back in the allotted time.  They were kind of disappointed.

    I remembered a time when Lou and I experienced a similar situation.  It was a bit strange – and the young sister missionaries thought that I was crazy.  I might have been, but I gave him my keys to my car parked nearby.  Under protest, the guy decided to take me up on my  offer.  And then they were off to the Kimball home (to learn about the organization of the Relief Society).  I was in the middle of another tour as they returned so my wife just quietly took the keys back.  They were very grateful.

    The incident reminded me of a situation years before.  At that time, I worked for America West Airlines.  It was July 3rd or 4th – a holiday.  We decided at the last minute to take a one-day plane  trip over to Ontario, California to go to the beach for a picnic.  (Quite a feat for Lou and I for our nine children – all riding on “stand-by”.  We did make it to the airport – thinking that we could catch a bus down to the beach.  But, since it was a holiday, no buses were running.

    An employee from the airline (where I also worked as the Corporate Claims Manager) had been talking to us about the possible bus scenario.  When we determined that we were out of alternatives, the lady absolutely insisted that we take her car  – with instructions “to just be back here at 3:00 PM when I get off work”. 

    We went out to the parking space that she had mentioned.  We were delighted and grateful when we found her brand new bright red Suburban vehicle.  Wow!  And it even fit all of our family crowd.  We did drive the two or three miles to the beach and had a glorious picnic together under the swaying palm trees.

    As instructed, we got back to the terminal and the designated meeting spot just as the lady came outside.  She grabbed her keys and sped off before we could even thank her – and could not pay her anything.   We have always been grateful to her as we have remembered her special service to us that day.

    My wife also thought of this past scenario as we talked with our Barlow friends, and she agreed with me that it was the right thing to do. We were happy to assist them.

    OUR FIRST FAMILY VISITORS

    We have been told that as missionaries, we can host family and friends with us in our missionary housing.  They even make available air mattresses, bedding, towels, and whatever else might be needed – as check-out from “Facilities Maintenance” (with advance reservation).  So, under this wonderful scenario, we look forward to happy times with any who might come.

    We were new missionaries, so some other missionaries were surprised when we got our first family members so soon after our arrival.  But we were happy to welcome Lou’s brother, Brad Belcher, and his wife, Kerry.  They came through as a part of an extended auto trip that they were taking around the country.  They were stopping to see anyone and everyone whom they had ever known.  When they got to us, they had put on 5,300 miles as they had traveled through at least 18 states.   Wow!  That sounds kind of like the train trip that Lou and I took last summer.

    We were happy to claim them as family – and glad that we met the requirements of who they were to see along the way.

    It was so fun to have Brad and Kerry here with us.  They met us as we got off work at the Mansion House on Friday night – and just after we had taken Elder and Sister Morgan on their tour.  We talked about this Elder Morgan and decided to look him up on our Google friend.  We found him, and were surprised to learn that in his youth, he had actually been a member of the Reorganized Church of Christ and converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  An interesting story, indeed.

    We went with Brad and Kerry to eat at the local “Red Front” café – where Lou and I love to eat.  (I promise to write about this place later in a future blog … so stay tuned!)  The food at this place proved as wonderful as ever.  Back at our Simeon Dunn home, we had grand reminisces about the “good old days” in the Belcher household.  There were certainly a lot of funny stories about “Gramps” Belcher and Verna.  We talked about Elder Belcher’s creation of the Nauvoo brickyard and the bricks that are still given out as souvenirs.  (More about all of that later).  We also talked of Elder Belcher’s dedication in literally “saving” the Coolidge House – that was to be demolished soon.  And those are stories for other future blogs.

    Brad and Kerry borrowed our bikes and used them throughout the day Saturday as they went to many different restored homes and shops.  They enjoyed this mode of transportation.

    They were here with us over Sunday, so they were able to attend our missionary “ward” with us.  They loved the gathering of all of the missionaries – senior missionaries – along with our army of young Sister Missionaries.  (I think it even made them entertain the thought of being missionaries themselves.)

    After Sister Hunt and I got home from our assignment of the day, Brad pampered us with scones.  He and Sister Hunt had collaborated on the recipe and procedures for the ultimate scones.  And they turned out fabulous.  We all ate too many of them.  We had all been hungry for scones after I told Brad and Kerry that Emma Smith “made fried dough – topped with honey” for her guests at the Mansion House.  I knew that she was  talking about scones.  (Scones have long been our Hunt go-to meal when we were short on resources, had little notice for a meal – or when we were to feed a big crowd.)   One of Emma’s dignitaries was highly impressed with the scones and asked Emma what they were called.  She said emphatically that they were “candidates”.   He questioned her name for the scones.   She said that they were so named because “they are puffed up and full of air”.  So true!

    Well, enough is enough for one night.  I could go on with more, but you get the picture.  There is never a dull moment for us here in Nauvoo.  There are so many opportunities for special times in fun places with great people.  It is all such fun!

    Again, Elder and Sister Hunt on “The Nauvoo Trail”.

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    So Many Great Moments

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    SO MANY GREAT MOMENTS

    By Kevin V. Hunt

    Blog #7

    So many great moments happen all of the time here in Nauvoo.  It is just hard to imagine that we could have so many great experiences … and we are just getting started!

    Where to begin …

    OUR FIRST DAY ON THE JOB

    The preparation was over.  We had been trained relative to our housing and general mission procedures.  Lou had spent time at the Sewing Center with the ladies who were going to sew clothing for her.  We got moved into our new place – the Simeon Dunn home of Old Nauvoo.  We had been to Keokuk to restock the wagon.  We had perused “site guides” to begin to learn what we should say in each home or shop (at least for the first one or two sites coming up immediately).  It appeared that everything was in place and working well.

    So, then, it was time for us to go to work.  That was great … since that is what we came to Nauvoo to do.

    That Wednesday morning – April 17th came – ready or not.  We arose in plenty of time to be prepared for our assignment.  Sister Hunt fixed a nice breakfast and a lunch – for the road.  We gathered all of our study materials that we would need.

    And the best part of all … we got to put ourselves into our new costumes that we’ve been working to collect or develop since receiving our mission calls as historic site guides.  It was all very exciting!

    With the vehicle loaded with all of the above, it was time for our photo op.  (Where were all of the amazing family photographers when we needed them?)  We did the best we could and took several fun photos.  (And we soon discovered how fun it can be creating and posing in our different outfits – and at the many different places and circumstances that we find ourselves in.  Such fun!  Family members all commented on how good we looked.  (Does that mean that we look better in 1840’s garb than we do now?  Do we look better old?  Maybe …)

    OUR FIRST DAY AS HISTORIC SITE GUIDES

    I reported that we anticipated our first day of guiding to be in the Lucy Mack Smith home – and we were very excited about that.  But, as we have learned since, we have to be good Boy Scouts – and be prepared for ever-changing situations as circumstances warrant or require.

    Such was our first day.  We had been anticipating our first day at the Lucy Mack Smith home, but it was good we didn’t get too set on that.  At the last minute, we were given a new assignment for the day.  We would work at the  Jonathan Browning home and gunsmith shop.

    We reported there for duty and found that we were sharing the time and space with Elder and Sister Turner.  They were great mentors and very helpful.  They gave us a quick show-around and we had a few minutes at the beginning of the day to catch our breath(s).  And then received our first visitors.  The Turners graciously took the first group – and we were able to go along for the ride with them.

    Then after that tour, a second group came in – and Elder and Sister Turner started the tour with these folks.  They had just got into their presentation – but were too far into it for newcomers to join in without missing a lot of the history.  These new folks entered the door.

    I saw the look of panic on the face of Sister Turner who needed to remain with their group.  What should she do?  Then I surprised her.  Jonathan Browning … okay … I remembered giving some tours of his place in ancient times when I was here previously as a “young missionary”.    But, 49 years ago …?  I quickly jumped in and said, “No worries, we’ll take this!”  I saw a bigger panic look on Sister Turner’s face – and it mirrored that of my wife.  Sister Turner’s face said, “Are you sure?”  Yeah, why not.  I had prayed earlier for the Spirit in the tour – and I knew that He could “bring all things to our remembrance” (even 49 years hence! And I was not disappointed.  The tour seemed to progress well.  I was grateful for the help. 

    Jonathan Browning was a great man.  Of course, he later invented many of the world’s best guns (although he never got his own patents on any of them).  He was a gunsmith and blacksmith extraordinaire.  His son, John Moses Browning, and many generations of posterity  following operated Browning Arms in Morgan canyon east of Ogden, Utah.  (And John Moses got over 130 patents on the family gun creations!)   Visitors to the Nauvoo site can view his blacksmith forge and can learn about many of the gun inventions.

    But, even greater than the legacy of gun building, Jonathan Browning can be remembered for his commitment to the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.  And he can be remembered for his commitment to each community of which he was a part.  He understood the concept of “covenant community” and he worked hard to assist and help others in the community.  He was anxious to have all of his posterity be true and faithful to the Gospel truths that he had come to believe as true.  He was true to the prophetic leadership of Joseph Smith – and then Brigham Young.

    We labored through the day with the Turners,  and I had opportunity to take several other tours – with my wife throwing in tidbits that she had gleaned – when she could.  It was a great day and we felt to rejoice in it. We made it through our first day – and knew that with that as history, we could likely conquer the world – with the help of The Spirit.

    A GLORIOUS DAY AT THE LUCY MACK SMITH HOME

    In my previous blog, I mentioned that my wife’s parents, Elder E.H. and Sister Verna Belcher had served their entire mission (extended to two and a half years) in the Lucy Mack Smith home.  That is a beautiful and wonderful place … but two and a half years in that tiny place?  Wow!

    Elder E.H. and Sister Verna Belcher as site guides at the Lucy Mack Smith Home 1979 to 1981

    We were excited to go to work and to tread in their footsteps.

    So, not our first, but our second day, we were privileged to spend the day with Lucy.  Again, we went dressed to the hilt – especially for this special day.  We had been anticipating re-living the legacy of Sister Verna Belcher – who had been Lucy for so long.  Again, we stopped for another photo op at our back steps, at the Lucy Mack Smith home, and at many times through the day.

    We introduced guests to Lucy Mack Smith – as well as to Joseph “Bates” Noble – who originally built the home.  The Noble and Smith families had been friends for 25 or more years – dating back even to shared times in Palmyra, New York.

    “Mother Smith” (a title she loved and rejoiced in – as a “Mother in Israel”) had previously lived briefly in the Browning Home (a fact we likely would have forgotten had we not been assigned initially to the Browning home).  In the Browning home, she dictated her history of Joseph Smith and the Church.  And now in her own home, she remained here for only nine months.  Having previously lost seven sons, she now spent time with her remaining son, William, as well as her three daughters and their families who lived nearby.   She was now over the age of 70 and had a bad case of arthritis.  And with all of the trauma of the above, she opted not to go west with the body of the saints – though she would have wanted to do so.

    Lucy and Emma remained close – as they had always been.  Lucy spent her final years living with Emma and died on the Smith Farm – east of Nauvoo in 1856 at the age of 81 (having been born in 1775).

    On our first day in the Lucy Mack Smith home, we hosted a very special group (actually a large group split into two large vans).  These were 10 church mission presidents (now called “Mission Leaders”) with their wives.  They gathered here to Nauvoo for a few days of training together staged by Area Seventy leadership.

    They braved some heavy rain to obtain the experiences that they came to Nauvoo to have.  As they arrived for our first tours, Sister Hunt wanted to begin the tour – just as her mother had done before her.  But, as she tried to begin, she suddenly burst into tears and was so overcome that she could not even talk – as she thought of her mother there before her – and who was probably there with her on this occasion.  She could not talk.  (But, tears and such circumstances always seem to invite the Spirit in a special way – and that is what happened on this occasion).  Everyone was touched by the Spirit of the Holy Ghost.

    I came to her rescue.  I said, “I think I know why Sister Hunt is crying.  Her own parents served a mission here at the Lucy Mack Smith home 45 plus years ago and she is remembering them on this special day.”  I continued with the tours as Sister Hunt struggled for her composure.  I took them through the tiny home and told our special guests about Lucy Mack Smith.  I then took them all out (still in the heavy rain) to show them the back yard amenities and the cool Boston carriage.

    With all of the above, it was indeed a great day with Lucy and Verna.  We basked in the spirit of it all.

    We also took time to sneak a peek at Elder Belcher’s brickyard located just across the street.  Elder Belcher created the modern Nauvoo brick yard there and that was a great thing to remember and celebrate.  (And I promise more about him and his brickmaking experiences there – in a future blog.)

    We served another two additional days at the Lucy Mack Smith home that first week – with more repeats of the above scenarios.  It was, indeed, a special few days.

    LOU GETS FITTED FOR CUSTOM DRESSES IN THE NAUVOO SEWING ROOM

    Sister Hunt came prepared to make a total of six dresses to wear in Nauvoo.  She brought the fabric for these outfits (one for each work day of the week) and their matching aprons. But, as noted in the previous blog article, she was able to “borrow” (for as long as she wishes) two dresses from the large supply available as “loaners” to missionaries.

    She also learned that the wonderful Sisters in the sewing center could make one – and possibly a second (time permitting) for her.  She took the Sisters (mainly wives whose husbands are as serving as horse and carriage “teamsters”) and they immediately began to create the dresses.  And talk about amazing and wonderful!  These ladies were all of that.  And as the Sisters created the dresses, they frequently texted her – at each new step – to come down for fittings, measurings, and more.  Of course, she rushed right down there when summoned – wanting to “make hay while the sun shines” and as they were available and willing to work on her dresses.  She didn’t want them to get sidetracked to other projects if she did not get there right away.

    Sister Mortensen designing Sister Hunt’s blue dress

    It was exciting for Sister Hunt as the two dresses – one a turquoise blue and the other pink – progressed to completion.  She received many favorable comments by all other ladies who saw the dresses.  They were really stunning and beautiful! 

    And we are very grateful to the amazing team of Sisters who worked together to create these marvelous wonders.  Sister Hunt will be happy every time that she puts these dresses on to go serve in the various historic homes.

    Sister Lou Hunt in new pink dress made by Sister Hurst

    A BUSY WEEK FILLED WITH A VARIETY OF WONDERFUL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

    The next week proved to be exciting and wonderful – and packed with new meetings, activities, and gatherings.  And also,  opportunities to meet (and to try to remember) many great people   The week was packed with glorious adventures.

    The week began with a Sunday devotional for all of the missionaries.  We had the privilege to hear a Sister Emily Upp, of the Church History department, speak.  She gave a very enlightening and enjoyable talk about Nauvoo history specifically – and church history in general.

    GETTING TO KNOW OUR BRIGHAM DISTRICT COUPLES

    On Tuesday, Elder Davies, district leader of our “Brigham District” invited the eight couples to a district activity.  (We have a district training or activity one Tuesday a month.  These alternate with bi-monthly all mission Tuesday training sessions – and a monthly zone training or activity).

    Since many of our district couples were greenhorns like us, a wiener roast seemed to be the ideal setting for a first such gathering.  So, we all gathered to the home of Elder and Sister Carter.  As promised, Elder and Sister Davies hosted the event for us.  Of course, we all experienced the age-old trauma of where the fire smoke goes – is it with the wind – or to the most beautiful (or the ugliest?).  We all moved around as we felt that we needed to – but it didn’t help!  The evening had threatened rain, but proved to be fantastic.  And the backdrop of the gorgeous green countryside added immensely to the overall charm of the special evening.

    After we had had our fill of the roasted wieners, chips, salads, and more, Elder Davies invited each of us to share special experiences (many sacred) that we had experienced thus far – or previously in Nauvoo service.  This proved to be a wonderful experience together – and helped to bind us together in the Nauvoo brotherhood.  And no such gathering would be complete without the infamous photo op.

    Brigham District – Elders and Sisters Davies, Parker, Carter, Simkins, Turner, Hunt

    And then Sister Carter surprised us with the invitation to enter her home where she served us apple pie and other delectables.  Yum!

    We were planning to attend the monthly mission activity on Wednesday evening, but we got crossed up on the location for the gathering.  We went first to the Visitors’ Center and tried to enter through the west doors – but found them locked.  We then went to the Family Living Center and found that we were the only people there.  We later learned from our D.L. that it was, indeed, held at the Visitors’ Center – but everyone had parked and entered through the east side.  An unanticipated night at home – but we can anticipate the next such event next month.

    THE GLORIOUS ANTICIPATION OF P-DAYS

    We put in some long days – typically from 9 Am to 5:00 PM every day – often too busy to really sit down for lunch – though that is the goal and hope.

    We have learned that our P-days (“preparation days”) will actually fluctuate monthly.  For April, the big day was Wednesday – but for the month of May, it will be on Thursdays.

    Our first big day … but we really didn’t have much planned.  We did, of course, need to make our run to Keokuk for more food and supplies (though we now have a cupboard that is several steps up from that of Old Mother Hubbard).  We do have a decent supply now, so we just need to maintain it – and to purchase other perishables.  We did make the town run and kind of hung out around home most of the day.  Sister Hunt made a  couple of trips to the sewing room – and was elated with the ongoing progress.  Writing for my blog took up quite a bit of my time – and Sister Hunt basked in the thought of just having a “free day” to do as she pleased.  We were both happy.

    Thursday evening passed without a scheduled activity.

    ALL MISSION DINNER EVENT

    The Nauvoo missionary team has a traditional monthly dinner gathering to welcome new missionaries (that included us this time) and who had arrived in the previous  month – and to recognize those who were going home soon.  (Another excuse to eat!  We seem to be good at this here.  Someone said that Nauvoo is a “35 pound mission …”  We hope not but the food sounds good.

    This event this month was billed ahead of time as a “Hawaiian Haystack” potluck meal.  It doesn’t get much better than that!  We were all in for it.

    As previously noted, Sister Hunt came prepared (that Boy Scout spirit strong within) to make her now famous   “Momma Lou’s Cinnamon Rolls” (and yes, that is the proper term for them).  She brought her Bosch mixer and all of the needed pans and other implements.  So, she signed up on the poster board committing to bring “a dessert”.

    Creating cinnamon rolls, however, is a bit of a challenge on our schedule.  We do not get off “work” until 5:00 PM when our houses close – and the event was to begin at 6:00 PM.  This is further complicated by the fact that it takes 2 hours to go through the whole process to create those wonderful and amazing cinnamon rolls for which she has become famous.  I lamented that she couldn’t easily bring the rolls piping hot from the oven – as this seems to have a major tantalizing effect on all who might have opportunity to experience them.

    So, reluctantly, her plan was to create the rolls the morning before going to our site assignment of the day.  This meant that Lou had to arise at 5:00 AM to prepare her rolls.  She decided to deviate a bit from the usual.  Having once made coconut rolls – that were so fabulous … she decided that these would be her cuisine of the day.  And with her apron on (given to us by grandkids), she went to work.  The aromas from the kitchen were wonderful as I arose at my usual time.  (If I held her hand while she worked, she would have been challenged to finish her tasks.  (Knead your bread … your bread needs you!). 

    Back at home at the end of the day, Lou heated her buns a bit in the microwave – and then covered them with her usual tasty frosting (this time with a coconut twist).  We  hurried off to the event – to be held at the Nauvoo stake center (because there is more room there).  We got there just after the prayer and after the many food lines were already in process.  Many people soon noticed our two pans of the rolls and rushed to get theirs.   This made Sister Hunt happy – and everyone who had one became a happy camper also.

    The meal was excellent and came off well.  We were introduced individually along with the other Gnubies.  They were careful to differentiate between us and my two other Hunt cousins (whom we had known in the MTC).  Our situation necessitates them using our first names to be different than the others.  But, we are also known as the “Site Guide Hunts” while the other two are “Teamster Hunts”.

    And by the way, with the use of the FamilySearch “Relatives around Me” App, we have found a multitude of other shirt tail cousins.  With Sister Thomas, for instance, with Enterprise, Utah roots as deep as mine, we learned that we are third cousins (even with my other MTC 4th cousins).  And we continue to find other folks with that good ol’ Enterprise and Hunt blood.  (More on that later!)

    WE RECEIVE A BARAGE OF REINFORCEMENTS

    I think I have talked of the 72 or so senior missionary couples who inhabit these environs.  But wait!  We are not done yet!  We just welcomed a great many beautiful young “YSM” (that means “Young Sister Missionaries”.  And they literally came in droves.

    Sister Missionaries in front of Print Shop

    Here in Nauvoo, many new Sisters arrive around the first of May – or a couple of weeks before – just in time for the anticipated very busy summer season.  They spend about six months here and then they receive a new mission call for an “outbound experience” as they call it.  They are sent to missions all around the United States.  They serve in these areas for another six months.  Then they are brought back to Nauvoo for their final six months of their missions.  In this manner, they serve here for two summers – and miss the exciting winters when there is not much happening – and so as to not freeze their tails off.  (They probably don’t need the tails anyway!)

    So, we receive the missionaries who return from their outbounds – and at the same time, we get a bunch of new Sisters are who are just beginning their mission cycles.  Not a bad system.

    And what that means is that we have recently received 50 … yes, you read it right … 50 new sisters in the past month.  Wow!  Too bad those Ammonite warriors are not around for them.  (But maybe they will be  waiting upon their return from the battlefield!)  Anyway, what a powerhouse of young women prepared!

    The sisters serve right along side of the missionary couples as site guides in the many restored homes and shops.  We can anticipate at least one – if not two – companionships of these lovely young ladies at each home where we serve.

    And Monday night – after the above packed week – we were privileged to hear the returning Sisters all report on their “outbound” experiences.  And they had some really great experiences.  A fun activity.

    And as if that is not enough, at the end of last week, we received 50 “performing missionaries”.  These missionaries have energy, enthusiasm, and drama and musical prowess on steroids.  They serve as “preemie missionaries” (not yet served) or as returning missionaries – anxious for still more excitement.  Among them will be the famous Nauvoo Brass Band that will parade with instruments and energy down the streets and in the show places of Nauvoo.  They are gearing up now for their first performances.  We can’t wait!  Wow!  It just keeps getting better.

    WE HOST AND MEET OUR MISSION LEADERS

    Almost from our arrival, the Mission Leaders – President and Sister Mehr – have been anxious to come to visit us at our home – as they are doing with all new missionaries.  (I don’t know how that is possible with so many new missionaries constantly arriving).  They had seen us a couple of times and each time they said, “We have to find a time to come to visit with you.”  But with our daily assignment schedule (until 5:00 PM each night), it was a challenge to get together.  We told them that we could meet at one of our restored homes, but they were serious about coming to our place.  And that was a fun prospect!

    President Daniel and Sister Rebecca Mehr – Nauvoo Site Leaders

    Finally, I suggested that they come late – after the coming Sunday evening devotional.  This seemed to resonate with them.  So, we joyfully welcomed them about 8:20 PM after the Sunday devotional.

    It was delightful to have Elder and Sister Mehr in our home.  Upon arrival, they were curious about our little home.  We gave them a tour and they seemed to enjoy this.  I showed Sister Mehr the log (of 25 years) wherein Dunn family progeny sign in after visiting their ancestor’s home and she was intrigued.  She found several semi-famous people she had known.   The log is fun … it has names, dates, addresses, and often a long string of “greats” as people try to explain how they are related to the pioneer Simeon.

    And then somehow we got onto the crazy subject of how Lou and I met.  They really got into our story as we told how we had not seen each other for four months, that we had never talked marriage, had eight dates over a two year period, the proposal – that took about a month to complete, and especially, our first kiss ever that was over the Temple altar, and more.  (But that is all a story for another day!  Stay tuned!  Sometime we will share that – though we have already written much about it … we are just waiting to become famous so that someone will want to publish or make a movie of our story).

    We told them of my previous mission (a hundred years ago) to Nauvoo as a young missionary and they were captivated with our account of the Belchers and their 2 ½ year stint in the Lucy Mack Smith home – and they could hardly grasp that.  We told them of the Belcher saving of the Coolidge Home as well as Elder Belcher’s creation of the Nauvoo brickyard and the famous Nauvoo brick.  They sat here dumb-founded – trying to take all of this in.

    Lou divulged that I had a plethora of slides that I took on my first mission here and President Mehr got excited about this.  He invited me to create a slide show for a coming presentation for a Tuesday night training.  He also wants us to create a similar (or maybe the RD version – “Reader’s Digest Condensed Version” – of Elder Belcher and brick making – to go along with my own presentation.  We agreed to work to put something together for him.  He kind of wanted it for “next week” but the looks on our faces helped him to face reality and realize that such a project might take more than just a week to create.  Anyway, since his visit, I have been working feverishly to create such a show.  So, stay tuned for this too!

    The Mehrs left and we realized to our chagrin that we had missed our chance for a photo op with them in our own home.  Again, where was our photographer when we needed her?  We will have to think of another time to capture the moment.

    Whew!  How’s that for a busy week?  It was a great one … and we are so grateful and so excited about serving here in Nauvoo.  And the promise of even more good times ahead is exhilarating!  So great to be alive – and so great to be here in Nauvoo as missionaries.  It is a rough job, but someone has to do it!

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    Getting into the Mission Scene in Nauvoo

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    By Kevin V. Hunt

    BLOG #6 – April 27, 2024

    In my previous blog, I talked of our eventful trip to Nauvoo and the greeting and help received by our fellow missionaries upon arrival.  Getting here was a great moment.

    WHERE WE WILL SERVE?

    Many of the Nauvoo missionaries that we were with in the MTC had already received assignments as to where they would serve upon their arrival.  Many also had advance notice from an assigned “trainer”.  We had neither.  We kept wondering where we might be assigned.  The thought gave us something to think about at the MTC and on our long trek east to Nauvoo.

    Then as we were on the road on that long Thursday (and were somewhere out in the flats of Nebraska … (and I must say that Nebraska has absolutely fabulous rest stops!)  I checked my phone at a rest stop.  And there it was … the mysterious e-mail that we had been anticipating.  I snuck a peek at it.  And I chuckled.  Funny!  And when we got back on the road, I mentioned to Lou that we had received the big message about where we would be serving.  Like me, she was full of anticipation.

    I said, “Guess where we are going?”  I let her think about it for a few seconds before I made the big reveal.  “Lucy Mack Smith home”, I told her.  Sister Hunt almost went into shock.  It took her a few seconds to comprehend that.  Her folks had served here in Nauvoo (circa 1979 to 1981) and they spent their entire mission in the Lucy Mack Smith Home.  (More on that later.)  They were called initially for a year and a half and they extended an additional year – and they served in this home literally the entire time.

    Elder E.H. and Sister Verna Belcher serving at the Lucy Mack Smith Home

    My wife was completely speechless.  When she came to, she said, “Well, I cerainly wasn’t expecting that!”  (We later learned that today’s senior missionaries often get moved around to different homes – so they do not remain in a single home forever like the folks.)  But, Lucy Mack Smith … how cool is that to follow in the footsteps of the in-laws.  It was pretty exciting.  (Current scheduling leaders had no idea of our past connection to the place when they made the assignment!)

    My wife finally got her mind settled over the assignment and sent a message out to our posterity.  Everyone was elated!  Coincidental?  Hardly!  The folks (now angels) likely had a bit to do with the assignment.    We knew that they would be very pleased.

    GETTING MOVED IN TO OUR NEW HOME

    Elder and Sister Hunt at back side of Dunn Home

    Elder and Sister Hunt in front of Dunn Home

    I mentioned previously that we got moved into our “new home” but I didn’ give many details.  Prior to our mission – like two or three weeks before our arrival – we were notified that we were given the Simeon A. Dunn home as our mission residence.  In Nauvoo, there are a multitude of possible homes for senior couples – but you do not make a request for a specific place – nor even list desired characteristics.  As them saying goes, “You do not find the place … it finds you!”  Well, it found us.

    We learned ahead that Simeon Dunn built the first 2-story home in Nauvoo in 1841.  Simeon was a farmer and he worked on the Nauvoo Temple construc tion.  He was a local policeman.  He and his wife had 11 children.  Joseph Smith visited the place and was impressed with the second story.  Simeon was twice widowed while in this home.  He later became a prominent settler of Brigham City, Utah.

    After the Dunn family left their Nauvoo, home, it remained standing and needed little exterior changes.  Workers ultimately mostly gutted the place and modernized it for us old-timers.

    The place is 3 stories.  It has a basement – made of the old limsteone rock (like the Temple).  Here there is a washing machine, dryer and hot water heater – and a lot of storage space.  The main floor has a small living room (with two closets, comfy recliners, and a couch) – as well as a small kitchen and dining area.  The kitchen is one that every pioneer woman would have craved.  And upstairs, there is a large bedroom – with a queen bed, a “dressing area” and his and hers closets.  (We have more storage space here than in our Maricopa home.)   It has three very vintage dressers and I took one of them and gave Sister Hunt two of them. There is a single bathroom with a tub/shower (and no outdoor privy needed).  The only drawback is that the only bathroom is upstairs … so one has to plan ahead to get there.

    OUR NEW “WARD” OF MISSIONARIES and MISSION ORGANIZATION

    Sunday morning (bright and early – at 8:00 AM), we made our way to the large Visitors’ Center (which I remember well from when I was here 49 years ago as a young missionary).  We joined a throng of senior Elders and Sisters in the “east theater” (one of the twin theaters).  What a wonderful crowd.   They radiated greatness.  I felt like a lion thrown in with a den of Daniels!

      

     

    There is a local ward and chapel here in Nauvoo, but we meet as missionaries each week for the usual Sunday block meetings – as anywhere else in the world.  The only difference is that our “ward” is made up entirely of couples serving as missions  (and there are no apostates nor “less-active” members).  The theater is large.  I counted the seats and there were 240 seats in the place – and we filled about 200 of them – and more missionaries – Young Sister Missionaries (YSM’s) and Performing Missionaries – are yet to come.  Wow!

    I might add that it ws a bit strange to be in a crowd of people like us … all the men are gray-haired (or the predominate bald with a bit of gray around the ears), and protruding bellies.  (Curse the Diastasis Recti hernia)    … at least I could bask in gratitude that at my age, I still have hair!

    We were inroduced – along with others who had been with us in the MTC) as new Nauvoo missionaries.  The sacrament was administered and the talks were powerful.  We separated and the men of the Priesthood went to the West Theater and the women remained in the east theater for Relief Society.

    After the meeting, we were privileged to mingle with the other senior Elders and Sisters.   How could I remember all of he names and keep them all straight?  (I never could remember names until I took that SAM Carnegie course!)

    In Nauvo, we are guided by mission leaders – President Daniel Mahr and his wife.  He is ur mission President.  He has two counselors – chosen from among the senior missionaries.

    We also have districts and zones – (wih district and zone leaders) as in any other mission.  Sister Hunt and I are in the Brigham District and the Heber Zone!

    And among the folks who helped us move in, we were greeted then by the Carters – who intrduced themselves as our “ministering couple” (already assigned … amazing!)  Wow!  Are you serious?  I had heard some time ago about ministering brothers and sisters but I thought that bird had long since gone extinct.  Another wow!

    We were also assigned to have the Workmans as our trainers.  He surprised us a few days later with a fabulous Ahmish cherry pastry!

    ORIENTATION MEETING

    We got another early start on Monday, April 15th.  We were to be at the “FM” (Facilities Maintenance) headquarters (“The Barn”) by 8:00 Am.  We joined about 20 other new missionary couples (most of whom we knew from the MTC) for an orientation meeting.  They talked of our missionary housing, safety procedures, and more.  There was a lot of stuff to take in.  Debra, the head of Nauvoo “Collections” and residences talked of our work at the sites, our housing, and other general housekeeping guidelines.

    We have a Dr. Smith – who in a previous life, was a medical doctor – and who now has the title of “Elder Smith” talked to us.  He doesn’t practice real medicine on us but he is here as a resource and advisor for our senior medical needs.

    GETTING OUTFITTED FOR THE JOB

    Right after the meeting, Sister Hunt was anxious to go to the “Sewing Room” to talk with missionary sisters (whose main job in Nauvoo is to be costume seamstresses).  She had heard that we could check out a couple of outfits (each) so she wanted to check these out.  She was pointed to a long rack of possible options.  She picked out her couple of outfits – nice pioneer dresses (one yellow/gold and the other pink/blue – both with coordinated aprons. 

    I went to the men’s rack and within seconds, I selected two shirts and some brown suspenders.  I checked these out on the check-out form.  ( had also shopped on Amazon before the mission and had found many “tweed” vests and pants and suspenders.  Nauvoo Elders do not wear collars on shirts and I found a source that creates – or alters – existing shirts to meet these specs.  And Lou had also altered a few shirts for me.)

    Sister Hunt’s situation was different, however.   She really did not have any dresses to wear.  She had broughr fabric with which to make three dresses.  We had been told that the Sister Missionary seamstresses could create a new dress – from their fabric – or they could design one individual dress using fabric brought from home.  In any case, the design had to be approved by the Nauvoo seamstresses.   She needed to borrow a couple of dresses until the center could create a dress for her – or until she could sew her own (with her sewing machine that we brough with us in our wagon.)  She needed to find just the right dresses to be borrowed – and to be measured for the dress that the Sisters would design and create for her.

    The impressive Nauvoo costume sewing center

    I quickly ascertained that we were to be there for the “long-haul”.  It seemed as if we were back at our local “Ross” store.  (Shopping options in Maricopa are somewhat limited …)

    I had joined several other Elders (all in the same situation) on the couches and we shot the breeze as the women were otherwise detained … selecting clothes, looking at options, getting measured, talking to the seamstress sisters, etc.  I told the men that having had a wife and six daughters, I have learned how women shop.  I said, “Upon entering a store, they go to the first rack of clothes that they see.  Usually this is the rack for the smallest sizes – rather than going direct to the section for their body size.  They immediately start pulling out outfits by color and styles that they like.  Then then take 22 oufits into the fitting room.  They try on each of the outfits and determine that there are only one or two outfits that fit their body build (duh!).  All of the rest of he outfits go back onto the return rack for the employees to put back in their places. And had they gone right to their size rack, they could have saved themselves a lot of time and effort.”

    One Elder laughed at my description of the clothes buying experience.  Just at that moment, an Elder and Sister came in to exchange a hat that she had picked out for him earlier.  He said that the hat did not fit him.  She said, “I wasn’t looking for size … I was just looking for style and color.”  The men all laughed.  Case in point!

    Sister Hunt was able to check out two dresses for her use as a Guide

    After what seemed a couple of hours later, the deeds were done.  Sister Hunt had her two outfits – one a yellow and other a blue/pink – and two aprons, a lace collar, two hats, and one hair comb!  (And it didn’t cost us a dime!)  What a blessing!

    MISSIONARY MAIL AND THE DESERET INDUSTRIES (D.I.)

    In the same building as the sewing and fitting room, there is a mailroom for all of the missionaries.   Each of us has our designated mail slot.  Our forwarded mail comes here, and this is the place where all Amazon and other physical deliveeries are received.  And if we yave such a package, there is a red card placed in ouir box and we look for a box with our name on it nearby.

    And Sister Hunt thinks that she has “died and gone to the 7th heaven” with the another operation in the rustic looking building.  This is the missionary “D.I.”.  This is a miracle place where missionaries contribute their unneeded goods of all kinds – and where any missionaryi can go in and take any item (for free) that is there. 

    ister Hunt has hardly ever spent money – in our married lifetime – but she is addicted to thrift stores.  (A great blessing to her husband!)  So, to have this new arrangement was beyond glorious for her.  We now have to make our now traditional stop at this place everyday after our regular work time (5:00 PM) to check for mail and new goods.  And it has proven to be a miracle place for her.  She thinks about something “and draws it to her” (a very great gift).  And then, suddenly, by some miracle, it shows up there for her.  One example was a brand new pair of pantaloons she needed to wear under her pioneer skirt.  Gratefully, she continues to be blessed!

    RESTOCKING THE WAGON

    In my previous blog, I noted that unlike pioneers of former centuries, we knew that whatever we forgot – or what would not fit in our wagon – could likely be obtained at a local Walmart store.  So, we went forward with faith to the Walmart located in nearby Keokuk – located a dozen or so miles south (along that marvelous Mississippi river road) and across the river in Keokuk.

    We first went to a grocery store – that I remember going to with the six of us “Red Barn Elders” as young missionaries – on our P-days – to shop.  The Hy-Vee store was still there – though aged a bit over time.

    As a young missionary, I was the appointed cook for our Red Barn.  I had done some cooking for the Elders of the house – and made believers of them.  I was the head cook and as such, I took the lead with the others in planning our food for the coming week.  (And each of he other five were designated – for one day a week – as my assistant – and all of the five jointly were he clean-up committee.  It was a great arrangement for all of us.

    Each week, in anticipation of the trek to town, we would sit together, and we would plan our food.  They could each suggest their favorite foods – whatever it was – I could cook it for them.   I would find recipes, make a list of needed supplies, and would even tell them what it would likely cost each of us.  And surprisingly, we ate like kings for only about $8.00 per week each.  (And this was while the other two missionary “homes” dined individually on cold cereal and bologna sandwiches.  We did, however, invite the other houses over occasionally for our home-cooked meals.  It was fun to Wow them!)  And we found a pear tree located near our home and one time gathered enough pears to make into a half dozen pies – which we created together – and put these into our freezer.  And then when we got the urge, we could pull one out in the morning to thaw as we headed off to work – and then it would be ready to back upon arrival back at home that night.  And sometimes, the Red Barn Elders would send me home a few minutes early – to get a head-start on our dinner meal.

    Anyway, after the above exercise, we would head to Keokuk on the weekly grocery adventure.  (That was long before the invention of Walmart).  We would shop together – and the Elders were always amazed when the bill came to within pennies of what I had predicted it would cost us.

    So, it was great to be in the Hy-Vee store once again.  We were also pleased to see a local Aldi store.  Our son and daughter (in Ohio and Illinois) have long sung the praises of this store.  We also bought several items there.

    And of course, our main “go-to” was the Walmart store.  Although we had already brought “everything but the kitchen sink” with us, here were still many items that we needed.  I had been building a new list of “bill of particulars” since our arrival.  We went about the store to gather those items – and were not disappointed.  We filled up our wagon again in a hurry.  And of course, we also now had to buy food for the coming times.  And sadly, this purchase was a big one – since we started with cupboards almost mirroring “Old Mother Hubbard” (but Jenae, bless her, had given us a box or two of food stuffs).   

    A TORNADO WATCH AND A WARNING

    The weather here in Nauvoo (and the Midwest, generally) can be rather interesting.  As the saying goes, “If you do not like it, stick around a few minutes, and it will change.”  We get beautiful sunny days, many rainy days of “drizzle rain”, and even many Illinois tornado threats.  Sounds exciting!

    From the all-knowing Google knowledge base:  Tornado watch or warning?  The big differences: “A tornado watch tells you to keep an eye out for a possible tornado. Pay close attention to local sources of weather information. A tornado warning means a tornado’s been recently spotted in your area.”

    On Tuesday (our third day here), I guess we missed the memo about the “Watch”.  We got the full enchilada with a 4:59 PM notice of a “Tornado Warning”.  We got the word from our District Leader, Elder Davies.  He said, “Just making sure you saw the tornado warning until 5:45 PM.  Are you guys okay?”  He insinuated that we had received the warning earlier.   Anyway, by his instructions, we high-tailed it down to our basement (our place has three levels) to be safer from the tornado threat.  We would hate to end up like Dorothy and Toto!

    Lou quickly grabbed some blankets, a couple of pillows, and  of course, our phones.  I took my computer and set up shop downstairs.  Luckily I found an odd “current bush” – located way up at the ceiling.  I got comfortable and hunkered down to wait out the storm. 

    Elder Davies later sent us a weather map and said, “Looks as if it may miss us.  It was heading straight towards us and now looks like it may be heading north.”  Whew!  That was a positive!  He followed with another message: “Well, it’s always good to follow the procedure.”  We agreed.  We will have to be more attentive to the local weather situations.  (All we had known in Arizona was “hot and hotter”.)

    PREPARED TO TEACH AS MISSIONARY GUIDES

    Sister Hunt and I were called specifically (n the original mission call) to be “Site Guide Missionaries”.  Other folks have received specific calls to other Nauvoo functions.  All extremely interesting.

    I noted that Elder and Sister Belcher served their whole mission in one place.  Apparently here, we are to be rotated around frequently.  This gives us variety – but also means that we need to learn a multitude of site guides (scripts) since there are about 30 different historic places.  The site guide book is about 230 pages.  Since we have been here, we have served in three different sites.

    With each new site assignment we receive, we have to do a crash course (by the Spirit) to learn the script for the place and to be prepared.  (Good Boy Scouts).  One sister whom we worked with showed us a great little book in which she pastes site scripts and other notes.  And she has a collection of these – having served in various places.  These books look like journals – the real thing – so an “authentic” source of the period.

    The Sister said that she got these on-line – after Googling just “leather journals”.  We did so as we got home that night and ordered two of them – one for each of us.  Surprisingly, they arrived the next day!  Pretty good Pony Express!  Now, I access the site guides, copy and paste them and then reformat them to pages 3 ½” x 6” and then print them out. Sister Hunt then cuts these out and pastes them into the books.  I highlight my own book with high points for each presentation.  We have developed a good system.

    Of course, I am an old journal guy (writing every day for 50 years) so I love these books.  They are so “legit” or “lit” as our missionary grandson would say.  So, it was exciting for me to find these little books.  Using these, I can  have it open, refer to it easily and read direct quotes.  And it really does look “legit”.  It makes me happy!

    NAUVOO JOURNAL OF YESTERYEAR

    A hundred years ago, (1996 and 1997) we came to Nauvoo with all nine children and participated in the then, “City of Joseph” pageant cast.  As has been the case throughout the while of 50 years of journaling, I have to take advantage of every free moment to write.  And that was the case when we were in the pageant.  I often had to be at the stage for hours – an d often had free time before assigned scenes in  the practices.  I took my journal to write in those rare free moments.  I would kind of sit at the edge of the stage – out of the way.

    At one point, the show director looked over at me and said to his staff, “Are you seeing what I am seeing?’  He somehow saw a vision (or whatever) of me with the journal and surrounded by my many children.   They had us be the opening scene for the show – as if I was reading out of my journal telling the story of Nauvoo to my children – from my journal.  So, that is how we opened the show every night.

    Kevin and Lou Hunt and Family – Opening scene in “City of Joseph” Pageant 1996

    OUR FIRST DAY ON THE JOB – APRIL 17TH, 2024

    We had three days to get ourselves organized and to prepare for service in Nauvoo.  Then came the exciting day when we were to begin service in our role as historic guides.  That is what we came to Nauvoo to do.  We were pretty psyched for the big day.

    We awoke early to give ourselves plenty of time.  And the big moment was getting into our Nauvoo pioneer costumes for the first time.  Sister Hunt selected her pink and blue (borrowed) dress with the matching apron.  I picked one of my favorite shirts and a vest.  We had thought we would be at the Lucy Mack Smith home for our first day – and had been excited about this opportunity.  There was a last-minute change that moved us to the Browning home and gun shop (with Elder and Sister Turner) for our first day.

    Elder and Sister Hunt on first day as Historic Site Guides – April 17, 2024

    Our first view of the beautiful Nauvoo Temple

    We were up and moving … ready to hit the Nauvoo trail running.

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    Making the Miracle Trek to Nauvoo

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    By Kevin V. Hunt

    Blog #5

    LEAVING THE MTC

    In my previous blog article, I detailed the magnificent experience that we were a part of at the Provo MTC.  Ultimately, all good things must end.  It really was not an ending, however,  but a grand new beginning.  A really big adventure!  And of course, making the miracle trek to Nauvoo.

    The MTC experience did not end exactly as I would have pictured it, but it happened.  For the final day at the MTC, I was “sicker than a dog” with a lovely bug – that featured eruptions from every angle.  (Not a good thing!)

    I awoke on D-Day (departure day) feeling just as lousy as the day before.  I had received a great amount of rest – so that was good – but still the symptoms remained.

    Lou cornered two of the Elders in our MTC group – and who were staying in our same Residence Inn – and who were also going to Nauvoo.  Elders Jones and Pearce came to our hotel room and administered a Priesthood blessing with the “laying on of hands” – just as Jesus did in His day.  And we likewise have that authority today.  Elder Pearce blessed me that I would be completely healed very soon.  They also helped me get our collection of stuff on a hotel cart and out to our car.

    We checked out of the hotel.  We had a wonderful stay there for our nine nights.  We then went to the MTC and checked out as requested.   A sister “deactivated” our MTC badges that had heretofore opened almost every door of “the magic kingdom”.  It was a bit sad to make that cut and to realize that our magnificent MTC experience was now history.

    GOING FORWARD WITH “FAITH IN EVERY FOOTSTEP”

    We then went forward in faith.  I prayed fervently that frequent stops might be averted – and to my great blessing, such was the case.  I rejoiced in this miracle blessing granted me.

    We decided to travel via Interstate-80 – thinking that the “lower altitude” (of just 8,500’) might be better than the 11,500’ high elevation that we could experience on I-70.  (I-70 would have been a more direct route to our desired destination stop in St. Louis, Missouri.)  We drove up Provo Canyon to Heber City and then north to Park City.  We there got onto the I-80 freeway.  Sister Hunt marveled when I told her that no turns would be required for 600 or more miles.

    Our children (several of them) commented on how we were following the route of our own pioneer ancestors (who traveled from Nauvoo to the Great Salt Lake Valley) but only that we were doing it in reverse.

    Our Over-Filled Wagon Compared to the Wagon-load of the Pioneers:

    As I thought of those long-ago pioneer ancestors, I thought of their wagon travel over much of the same route upon which we were then travelling.  I looked at our over-packed wagon (our “minivan”).  I then began to think of what the pioneers may have carried in their own wagons as they made their treks.

    Our wagon was literally “packed to the gills” with “stuff” that we figured that we needed for our 18-month mission journey.   That poor wagon (minivan) was really overloaded.   As I thought of our over-packed vehicle, my thoughts were drawn to the specific supplies that each pioneer family were counseled to take on their journey west. 

    Like us, pioneers traveling by covered wagon had to be very careful of their wagon’s weight. Even a few pounds heavier could mean the trip would be much more difficult for the oxen or horses. This is why the men and women would walk beside the wagon instead of inside it.

    The typical pioneer journey by covered wagon was five months long, and those pioneers would need to pack enough supplies and equipment for the entire five months. There were many items deemed “necessary” and of course, everyone had some special “treasures and heirloom pieces” they would also want to take.

    Below are the supplies that a typical Pioneer family traveling west across the United States might take on their covered wagon journey.  A typical covered wagon could carry 2,000 pounds before the weight became too much.   Like us, they probably used every available inch and corner in the wagon – just to tuck that one last item in.  Suppose you were a pioneer planning your long journey to the frontier.  You can take only about 2,000 pounds …  You would be literally “taking everything you owned – or would own at the end  of the journey” … You would have not known when or how you might replenish your supplies.  I am sure that the pioneers wanted the required necessities, but each person or family also would have wanted some additional “nicities” with which to make a comfortable home after their journey.  Just acquiring the needed wagon and animals to pull it – would have been an adventure.

    When the pioneer Saints were getting ready to leave from Nauvoo, they were given a “Bill of Particulars” – which was a long list of supplies needed for the journey.   This was published in the “Nauvoo Neighbor” newspaper on October 29, 1845.

    Our own “List of Necessities” for the journey

    It is interesting to compare our own list “of needs”  for our 18-month overland journey to the pioneer list.  Our list of “necessary” equipment is listed below:

    1 mini-van – fully loaded and capable of holding extreme weight

    Tires – 4 tires that have enough tread/life to make the journey

    2 bicycles – for exercise and transport to various sites (if Kevin and Lou were to be assigned to work at different site locations)

    Bread maker

    Bosch Mixer

    Winter coats – for “layers” – as needed for Arizona Desert Rats going to a projected sub-zero winter experience

    Boots and shoes for each of us – and probably multiple pairs

    Temple clothes (for going to the Nauvoo Temple)

    Air fryer

    Blender

    Small television (for late-night Hallmark movies – if we were not too be too exhausted each night for such frivolity!)

    Guitar, violin, harmonica (for new and rehoning of old skills) for wife

    Painting and art supplies for hobbies for wife (anticipating a long winter with a lot of extra time on our hands)

    Heat pads (including a very large “tube” where total immersion is possible for Sister Hunt)

    Computer, scanner, printer and paper – for Elder Hunt

    Waffle maker (mini) (for our enjoyment – plus in case we want to stage our annual mini-waffle eating contest – virtually – with kids and grandkids)

    School tutoring supplies for Sister Hunt to continue to weekly tutor grandkids (time permitting)

    Electric fry pan

    Broom and dust pans

    Cake pans

    Rice cooker

    Crock pot

    Can opener

    Egg cooker

    Collection of spices

    Yeast

    Big cooking pan

    Small cooking pan

    Large pans for making Momma Lou’s famous cinnamon rolls

    Pie pans for Kevin’s annual pie-extravaganza

    Cookie sheets

    Rolling pin

    Blankets, bedding sets for anticipated queen-sized bed (for us – and a few for anticipated visitors)

    (Afghan made by Lou’s mother, Verna, blanket made by mother – and which was taken on Kevin’s “Young Mission”, small throw blanket used by Grandma Alura in final weeks of life.  (“Comfort items” – and to bring their memory – and their missions – to our own mission)

    2 towels for each  (plus some for anticipated guests who might come)

    Laundry supplies

    Scriptures and provided mission study materials

    Electric blanket (a major survival package for Sister Hunt)

    Personal bathroom care hygiene items

    Pioneer costume items for Kevin and Lou (a very extensive collection – including hats, bonnets, suspenders, bloomers, vests, boots, shirts – with no collars, … and the list goes on!)

    Sister Hunt’s sewing machine

    Fabric for Sister Hunt to make costume dresses

    Several outfits (dresses, skirts, blouses, and even nice pants) for Sister Hunt

    Missionary suits for Elder Hunt (two recommended … I brought 3 but no new ones)

    A plethora of white shirts for Elder Hunt

    The pioneers of yesteryear only had one chance in having the needed trip supplies and equipment.  They had to acquire the supplies, and make one packing for the trip ahead.  There were no stores, no service stations, no restaurants – along the way.  It was kind of “all or nothing” for them.  They either had it, or they did not!  And of course, they did ultimately have to choose to leave a lot of things that they really wanted to take.  Sad!

    On the other hand, Sister Hunt and I knew that there would likely be a well-stocked Walmart at the end of our journey – but with limited resources to equip a new home, we thought it best to take whatever we could – of our own home resources – rather than to buy all new stuff upon arrival.

    The Struggle of Maintaining the Wagon along the way

    We soon realized that we were facing some of the same challenges that were faced by our ancestor progenitors.  I remembered the story of many pioneers (and likely my own ancestors) who struggled with their wagons in the crossing of the plains.  When a pioneer tire went crazy, it posed a major problem.  Often the repair took multiple hours, and it was not a simple process.  They would have to jack up the entire wagon (likely very heavily loaded) – and they did not have the hydraulic jacks that we have in our day.  A broken wheel could have meant that the iron ring around the wheel might be cracked, broken, or have come off of the wooden wheel.  And sometimes, the hardwood wheel “hub” would get split, or the wagon spokes might crack or break.   Often the wooden wheel components had not been dried sufficiently for such a journey.  Many wheel breakdowns required the services of a wheelright, or a blacksmith – and in large wagon trains, such a skilled person might not be readily available for services required by multiple families along the way.  The blacksmith was likely the most popular person in camp – if you could get him cornered … likely, each family just had to deal with their own problems …  Indeed, a tire break-down could be a very traumatic experience for everyone – and could delay travel for them and others around them for some time.

    The Challenges with our wagon:

    We prayed hard for the Lord’s protection along our way.  We prayed for the vehicle, the tires, and for us – that we could travel safely.  We were on the I-80 freeway eastbound and traveled at the typical high speeds.  We traveled with three relatively new tires, but the one tire had some issues.  We really “should have” replaced it before the trip, but resources just to get out of town were somewhat strained so we put it off.

    Our first day out of the MTC we drove north and east from Provo and then drove much of the day through Wyoming.  And we didn’t see much in the scenery along the way.  The route was pretty much devoid of any vegetation or anything else of interest.  No wonder people want to go 75 MPH!  Even the antelope evaded us.  We arrived safely in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where we had hotel reservations for the evening. 

    When I was a year or so old, I actually lived in Cheyenne with my family.  My younger brother, Dean, was born and got pneumonia almost immediately.  He was in the hospital for a month or so.  The doctor told my folks, “He will never survive Wyoming winters …”  And so, following his advice, Dad, Mom, and I – and literally in the moving van – picked Dean up at the hospital and moved to Arizona.  And that’s how I became an Arizona desert rat.  (Thought you might enjoy that bit of Hunt family trivia …!)

    HUNT home in Cheyenne, Wyoming 1955-56 – 2239 E. 19th Street – Cheyenne

    While in Cheyenne on this trip, I decided that it would be fun to “HUNT” up the home where we lived in Cheyenne.  With the help of modern technology (and a search of the scanned birth certificate for Dean) we found the place and got some photos.  I think that the place had probably aged a quite a bit since the folks and I were there.

    We found an old-fashioned country diner where we could eat.  I thought that that some home-made soup might be what the doctor might order – to be easier on my stomach challenges than other choices.  We went in and I got the soup but could only eat about a third of the rest of the meal.  I knew that under the circumstances, that was my limit – though I was super hungry after not eating for the past two days.

    We went outside of the diner and Sister Hunt immediately noticed with horror, that our back tire (passenger side) was flat.  (She had been watching all of our tires –  and the heavy load on them – like a hawk – the entire trip.)  This was the tire (referenced above) and we strongly then reminded ourselves that we “couldda – shouldda listened and fixed it”.  But, it was too late then.

    By this time, it was about 9 PM.  We checked Google (our trip BFF) and searched for an “after hours tire repair” service.  And with our heavy load, we could not jack up the vehicle ourselves.  A trip to us by the repair company was a necessity.  One company we called proved to be a scam – and they pulled $493 from our checking account – and did nothing for us.  They said that they would be there to replace the tire in an hour.  And then right at the hour, they called and said that the [new] tire that they planned to sell us “was ripped”.   (Are you kidding me?)  It took some later effort with our bank, but we got the fraudulent charge removed and credited to back to our account. 

    We found another company that was much more reputable – and considerably cheaper.  They came early the next morning and did a fabulous job.  (Thanks, “Fat Boy Tire and Auto!)  And we also later found that we carry “trip interruption insurance” on the vehicles – so they paid for the new tire and the service trip to put it on.  So, in the end, and after a bit of trauma (real trip interruption …), we got a “free” tire.  Interesting how the Lord’s blessings and miracles come!

    Although this situation created much of stress and trauma, we actually felt to rejoice in the whole situation.  The “what if’s” flooded our minds as we thought of possible horrific consequences that might have happened had the tire burst on the freeway when going 75 miles per hour.  So, we were very blessed and grateful.  We knew that we had experienced the Lord’s protecting care.  Thank you!

    Completing our Pioneer Journey

    Thankfully, the rest of the trip was mostly uneventful.  We continued to feel the blessings of protection afforded by the prayers we sent heaven-ward and supplemented by the combined prayers of our loving family everywhere.

    We had a very long trek on Thursday.  We travelled about 750 miles in that one day.  We drove through Nebraska (and wished that Spring had come to that area.  We decided that this country could have been beautiful – if the trees would have had their leaves.  But, such was not the case.)  We drove and drove until nearly midnight (the local time – across yet another time zone).  We had stopped for food about 9 PM and with my already queasy stomach, I soon learned that I was depending on another miracle to get to our desired destination (and somehow, gratefully, that miracle became reality!

    A wonderful sister who worked in the MTC Travel Office, helped me plan our route and where we needed to be each night – to get to when and where we wanted to be.  Somehow, we came up with the town of Booneville, Missouri.  (Looking back now, I wonder how we came up with that place.  I will not editorialize upon that place nor the accommodations – not quite up to par with The Residence Inn which we had earlier experienced.)  Anyway, that is where we found ourselves for the night.

    And as a side note:  Another miracle.  We had used our phones all through the day to communicate with our concerned children back home – and to navigate our way across the country.  My wife’s phone had run out of juice early in the afternoon.  We then used my phone – this time more sparingly, to navigate our way.  Then when we were about two hours from our destination, my phone was draining fast.  (And our car is quirky with charging phones.  For whatever reason, when we plug in the phone to the car, instead of charging the battery, it literally sucks out he juice from the phone.)  We found ourselves at the dangerously low 5% battery charge – and by some miracle, it remained open at this level for an extended period.  I suggested that Lou hurry and grab the directions for the needed exit and how to get to our reserved hotel before the phone would die permanently.  She did this – just in the nick of time – before it died an ignominious death.

    The next day was pretty simple – only about a 3-hour drive into O’Fallon, Illinois, a St. Louis suburb.  We were able to plan our trip to be able to spend a full day with our daughter and family – who will soon have a military transfer to Las Vegas. This would kind of be our last chance to be with them before their move.  Plus, the timing was such that we were able to squeeze in a drama production which featured our granddaughter.

    We had a glorious overnight experience with the family.  We packed in all of the memories that we could – including breakfast with our whole group at our favorite Cracker Barrel.  Yum! 

    Then came the dreaded departure time – complete with another plethora of those “everything and everyone” photo ops.

    We left O’Fallon about 2:00 PM on that Saturday afternoon.  It was with great anticipation that we pointed our wagon north toward Nauvoo.  Our excitement mounted with each passing mile.  (And we were surprised that Google led us across some very unbeaten paths … we really began to wonder when we found ourselves out in the middle of two country pastures … but we did ultimately make it.)

    It was so exciting as we turned on Highway 96 (just east of Keokuk, Iowa) as we turned onto the familiar scenic river road river road alongside of the majestic Mississippi River (that we have travelled many times in the past).  This is such a gorgeous piece of God’s earth.  It is just breathtaking in its beauty and wonder!  And since we have made this trip to Nauvoo many times, it was like “coming home” to us.

    (Did I ever mention that I spent the last six months of my “youth mission” in Nauvoo?  Quite a transfer up from Florida!) And we have been to Nauvoo many times through the years …  more on some of those treks later.  The drive was calm, peaceful, serene, and exhilarating!

    Arrival at our Nauvoo Destination

    Our wagon pulled into Nauvoo about 6:30 PM on Saturday (April 13th).  We had been in contact with our missionary “district leader” who had been anticipating our arrival.  And he had put out another of those “all hands on deck” requests for help to unload the wagon.  And come, they did!  I think we had ten people (5 “senior couples”) converge on the scene to help us unload.  It was kind of embarrassing, however.  I had originally packed the car neatly and compacted beautifully, but now, it was far from that.  The effects of living out of the car for two weeks – and some 2,300 miles had taken its toll.  It was not a pretty sight!  (I won’t say where they might have thought that we came from …)  Thankfully, many of the folks brought their own pair of “blinders”.  They were covenant brothers and sisters (in a “Covenant Community”) and they were just willing to help us.  We were so grateful for their able and willing service.

    The help team just kind of dumped stuff in our new place – as we had directed them to do.  We then spent the rest of the night putting our stuff away.  And by midnight, we were able to stage a WhatsApp call out to our children and grandchildren (in two time zones away).  They were all jazzed to see where the old folks would hang their hats (or bonnets) for the next 18 months.   They were all impressed – with the place/home provided – as well as the fact that we had everything “almost” put together – though there was still much more to do.  The trek – and the arrival – really was an adventure for us and for all of the family too.

    Upon arrival, I thought, “Wow!  That was a really long journey getting here to Nauvoo.  I later calculated the miles as follows:

    Maricopa, Arizona to Salt Lake City, Utah – 698 miles

    Salt Lake to Provo, Utah– 50 miles

    Provo, Utah to Cheyenne, Wyoming – 456 miles

    Cheyenne to Booneville, Missouri – 741 miles

    Booneville to O’Fallon, Illinois – 163 Miles

    O’Fallon, Illinois to Nauvoo, Illinois – 202 miles.

    Added up, this came to 2,312 miles (not counting the round-abouts, side trips, etc.)

    I then looked at the distance the pioneers would have taken – as the crow flies and if making a direct trek – and it was 1,238 miles.  We beat them (almost doubling their distance), but I think our route was a lot less traumatic.  (And gratefully, it did not take us 5 months to make the journey.  Wow!)

    We were very grateful to the Lord for his protecting care over us through our long journey.  He did take care of us and provided many miracles on our behalf.  With His help, we made it!  WE ARE IN NAUVOO (got to keep pinching ourselves to see if it is real …)  Wahoo!

    We arrived excited, grateful, and happy to be in Nauvoo.  We were ready to go to work!  Elder and Sister Hunt … Reporting for duty!  Ready for our next adventure on our Nauvoo missionary trail …!

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    The Magnificent Mission Training Center (MTC)

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    By Kevin V. Hunt

    If I were to use one word to describe the Missionary Training Center – The MTC, I would just say that it is “MAGNIFICENT”.  Words really cannot describe it adequately.  Two words that could describe the MTC campus and function would be “TOTALLY AWESOME!”. “GRANDEUR AND MAJESTY” would be three words.  And four words would “FULL OF THE SPIRIT” (meaning the Holy Ghost).  I could go on and on, but you get the drift.

    ARRIVING AT THE MTC – AND IN-PROCESSING

    In a recent blog, I took you right up to the door of the MTC with us.  We told the family, “We’re going to be hanging up now” as we literally went through the door.  It was such fun having many of our family members on-line to share that special moment with us.    This was something that we had been hoping and dreaming of for several years.  And, as I said before, it was interesting to now to have them be the ones to drop us off at the MTC.

    I had brought to my mind the general motto of the Brigham Young University – the campus where the MTC is located.  I remembered this motto from years ago when I entered BYU as a student (a hundred years ago).  That was, “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve”.  That’s what we were doing!

    Elder and Sister Hunt at the MTC

    We were ushered into the office facility of the MTC.  I was in awe that the building is named for Wilford Woodruff – the fourth prophet of the Church and one of the greatest missionaries of all time.  There is beautiful painting or photo of him in the center lobby.  I have a special love for Wilford Woodruff – since two of my own fourth great grandfathers were the missionaries who tracted out and baptized Wilford (Zera Pulsipher and Elijah Cheney).

    President Wilford Woodruff

    In a script that we would use later in the week, (preparing us to give historic tours in Nauvoo), we were told that Wilford can be compared to the four royal sons of King Mosiah who taught for 14 years among the Lamanites – and who baptized 1,000’s of their brethren.  Those men are some of my own favorite characters in the Book of Mormon.  I love to read of their missionary labors (Alma chapters 16 to 26).

    We did not have our luggage with us.  We knew that we could connect with it later.

    We were placed in a holding line – while the MTC personnel determined who we were.  This was further complicated by the fact that there were THREE HUNT COUPLES who were all entering the MTC – all on the same day – and all of us going to Nauvoo.  Talk about confusing!  More on my “cousins” later.

    Once the folks determined our identity, we were led into a large room where we saw a multitude of other such “senior couples”  We were directed to a table that had four or so ladies waiting for us.  Each one had their specific function to perform.  And we were put onto a large serpentine function that wove us around to various stops for various tasks.

    MTC Name Tags

    We were first given the famous missionary black badges – to tell the world who we now are and what our function will be.  It was so exciting to put on our badges that tell the world that we are now official representatives of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  We were happy to take upon ourselves this sacred designation.  They gave us three varieties of badges – to accommodate all kinds of suit coat situations.

    We were given an official “Ministerial Certificate” – officially signed by Russell M. Nelson, our current church prophet, and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We were told that we could take these to the MTC copy center to have them laminated – for a longer shelf-life.  We later made our way over there and left the cards there for their lamination.  And yes, they lost our cards in their process.  (They suggested that maybe one of the other Hunt couples got ours by mistake – but not so.)

    Sister volunteers asked about our travel plans for getting to the mission.  Like most missionary couples serving in the U.S., we brought our own vehicle.  We presented our travel plans and when we would plan to get to our Nauvoo mission.

    At another table, a sister reviewed the cafeteria scenario and we talked of dietary issues.  We had none!  Wow!  Look at us!  We were told about available exercise facilities at the MTC but ultimately, we did not have time to use this equipment.  We were just too busy.

    We were given fresh fruit and a choice of a variety of finger breads.

    And by this time, it was time for us to enter the cafeteria for our first MTC lunch.  Wow!  What a collection of food options.  And seeing that throng of young missionary Elders and Sisters, as well as a large crowd of Senior Couples – all holding on to each other and practicing their “Senior Shuffle” – everyone dressed in white shirts and ties, and suits – and fancy (simple but very beautiful) dresses for the ladies.    That is when “magnificent” hit me.

    MTC Cafeteria

    SENIOR ORIENTATION

    Senior Couple In-Processing

    After our lunch, we returned to our former orientation room – to find the full place now filled with seats for our auditorium gathering.  (They do fast work for such things here).

    We were introduced to the couples who serve as the Presidency of the MTC operation.  We met President Kevin Calderwood (good name!) and his wife, Sydnee.   After an opening song and prayer, we were invited to introduce ourselves.  Each couple got a moment to tell who we are, where we are from, where we are going, and the number of children and grandchildren we have.  (I think we were the most blessed in that activity!)

    It was interesting to note that in that gathering, there were 124 senior missionaries reporting for duty.  There were six single sisters, and the rest were couples.  We came from all over the United States, and we were leaving to serve all around the world!  That is where “Totally Awesome” began to sink in.  We found that there were 13 couples who are all heading together to Nauvoo and of those 13, eight of them are going to serve as “Teamsters” – managing oxen and horses and giving historic tours along the routes of the wagon teams.  It suddenly became “really cool” to be wagon teamsters.  (And that’s a blog for another day … More on them later!)  We were told that the MTC presently had over a thousand missionaries – with 240 more scheduled to arrive on Wednesday.  We were told that of the crowd, 51% of the group are young “Sister Missionaries” – and that in June, this would reverse – with about 85 per cent to be Young Elders.

    And just a note … that was our first time to get a look at the three Hunt cousins.  I tried to memorize their faces so that we could connect after the meeting.

    We were then given some general instructions.  These complete, we were greeted by a young brother – actually employed by the MTC.  He had more general stuff for us to know.  This gathering event seemed to take most of the afternoon.

    It was soon time for dinner.  And another look at all of those magnificent missionaries.

    ASSOCIATION WITH THE HUNDREDS OF MISSIONARIES

    Everywhere we walked, met, or went, we saw hundreds of missionaries – as described above.  What a grand missionary force!  The cafeteria became the natural “hang-out” place.  I don’t know how many folks the place would hold, but I do know that it was a lot.

    In the cafeteria, there were a multitude of food stations – each with their food specialty.  There was definitely something for everyone!   They had a variety of main dish options, a well-stocked salad bar, sandwiches, a fruit bar and more.  With my “generations of sweet tooth” things going on with me, of course, I went to the dessert bar first.  Yummy.  They had new delicacies there every day.  Wow.

    We were free to eat anywhere we wanted to land ourselves.  We tried to sit by new people (young and old) at each meal – in order to make new instant friends.  Of  course we all asked or answered the three questions: “Who are you, where are you from, and Where are you going to serve?”  So easy to start a conversation based upon these questions.

    In the MTC (and the cafeteria) we met folks of all sizes and shapes, and people from a multitude of nations and peoples – all appropriately and wonderfully dressed in missionary attire..  This was so exciting and wonderful.  That’s where “GRANDEUR AND MAJESTY” became evident.  Seeing and being with those hundreds of young people truly was a grand and majestic experience.  I thought, “Where else in the world can you find a crowd of young people such as these – all dressed sharp, all committed to serve, and all righteous (having met the very stringent application questions).    This truly was a manifestation that the work of the Lord is moving forward!  Words cannot describe the image and feeling of being with these men and women of God.

    Sister Missionaries at map of the world – Pointing to their Missions

    Elders in the hallway

    That brings up the four words:  “FULL OF THE SPIRIT”.  The light and power of Christ – and the presence of the Holy Spirit (the Holy Ghost) was everywhere present – in the cafeteria, in the halls, walking around, in every classroom, and just permeating everywhere.  This was such a grand and majestic thing to experience.

    And as a side note … we soon found out just “how awesome” it is for us to be going to Nauvoo (and we didn’t even request such an assignment).  In every discussion, with folks everywhere on our trail, as we said, “Nauvoo to be site missionaries” we were met with a silent attitude a gasp of awe and wonder.  We realized that this is “the ultimate” place that everyone wants to go.  We were humbly proud and excited for our special and sacred opportunity to serve in Nauvoo – this “Covenant Community” – the “Cornerstone of Zion.”  (Of course, every place is awesome and cool – and people are called to these places by the Lord’s prophet – to accomplish great things according to their own talents and abilities.)

    It was fun at the MTC to greet old friends and to make many new friends – both old and young!

    Friends from home – Mark and Marlene Ellingson

    More Mesa, Arizona Friends – Ray and Sharon Snyder

    THE MTC “BOOKSTORE”

    We soon discovered that the whole MTC missionary world was drawn to the “bookstore”.  We followed the crowd and made our way there.  We bought some marking pens and other note-taking  necessities.  We were anxious to meet Joe Merrill – the Bookstore Manager – since we share four grandchildren with him.  It was great visiting with him.  Of course, we took several photos with him and us, and sent them pronto to his kids and ours.  They used that “Awesome” term when they saw the photos.

    NO ROOM AT THE INN

    Elder Ronald Rasband, one of our current 12 Apostles, and a great leader in the church, recently gave a talk at the October 2023 General Conference of our Church.  In his talk, he invited all senior couples of the Church  to review their life situations to see if this might be the time to leave grandkids and to serve a couple mission.  He said that couples were greatly needed throughout the world – “and everywhere in between”.

    Elder Rasband’s talk must have had a positive effect on many “Elderly” couples.  I know that his message had a major effect on Sister Hunt and me. 

    And because of this enthusiasm to serve the Lord, as he had invited, we arrived at the MTC and were greeted with news that “there was no room in the inn”.  They had more couples than they could accommodate.  So, we were assigned to stay in the “Residence Inn” (located abut a mile and a half north and west of the MTC) for the full duration of our MTC stay.

    Of course, we were not ones to complain …  It was really a hard life living in this “apartment” (with cooking equipment, a fridge, dish washer, two TV’s, a couch and chairs, and a king sized bed.  Kind of a rough life … but someone has to do it.  It was fun coming home to this place each night after the work of the day.

    THREE HUNT COUSINS          

    Of course, the news of three Hunt couples – all here together at the MTC – and going to Nauvoo was interesting to all.  I quickly cornered the other two Hunt Elders.  We each opened the “Relatives Around Me” app on the FamilySearch program on our phones.  We were anxious to find out how we are all related – assuming that we are.  As we opened the APP, we learned that we are all (Elder Brad Hunt of Diamond Valley, Utah (by St. George), Elder Jacob Hunt (from Centerville – north of Salt Lake City and me) are all “4th Cousins”.  We descend through three different sons of Amos Hunt, our common 3rd Great Grandfather.   Amos is probably proud … I hope so!  I Took a photo of the Hunt cousins.  And we had fun being “cousins” all week long.

    Later in the week, we also met a young Elder named Hunt.  It was interesting to note that his own first name is Jefferson Hunt (shhhh!).   He told us that he comes through the lineage of Jefferson Hunt, Captain of the 1840’s “Mormon Battalion”.  We brought him into the family photo with us.  And for the record, there is no close connection to our Hunt line with that of Captain Jefferson. As a side note, the other two Elder Hunts are both going to serve in the Teamster group at Nauvoo.  They can have their basic ox …!

    CLASSES AND TEACHING

    The Church recently revised the “old” “Preach My Gospel” study guide for missionaries.  The first edition came into Vogue about 20 years ago (as our son was serving his mission in Texas – and he helped to teach this book and its use throughout his mission).

    We had training classes each day of our first week at the MTC.   We studied the “PMG” book and gleaned some really great insights to the missionary effort and our role in it.

    Our AM  Study District

    Elder and Sister Hunt with other Senior Missionaries – PM Study Group

    For our final two days of training – we studied another book – specific to our roles of “Historic Site Missionaries”.  This was also excellent training – and was a bit more “hands on”.

    For all of these classes, we had different teachers.  Two sisters taught in the first week.  One taught daily in the morning and the other taught in the afternoon.  Both of these sisters had previously served as full-time missionaries.  They taught “with the Spirit” (The Holy Ghost”) and they knew their “stuff”.  They taught with power and authority.  And then in the afternoons, we had another team of equally qualified Sisters.  They were all amazing and wonderful

    We had Friday night off – after the classes finished at 3 PM.  We arranged for the Belcher siblings (seven of the living eight) to get together.  We trekked to the Murray, Utah Chuck-A-Rama restaurant and had a great visit together.

    Thursday evening was “Temple Night” for everyone.  The Provo Temple (adjacent to the MTC)  is presently closed for major remodeling.  They provided buses for the Young missionaries and the couples found their own rides. 

    Sister Hunt and I found space for us at the American Fork – Mt. Tiimpanogas Temple. 

    GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

    General Conference in the MTC

    Typically, MTC missionaries participate in regular Sunday services – just as they would if at their homes.  Ours was a special privilege, however since our stay included the 194th Annual General Conference of the Church.  We convalesced at our “Inn” and watched the two morning sessions of the conference there.

    Then in the afternoons, we went to the MTC – and viewed the conference with hundreds of missionaries (mostly the young Elders and Sisters).  Wow!  What a great army.  Again, the power of the Holy Ghost radiated everywhere among the majestic crowd.  It was fun to view the conference proceedings shoulder to shoulder with these young missionary greats.  It was a special blessing and opportunity to hear the inspired words of our Prophets, Apostles, and other General Church authorities.  As ever, I took copious notes of the many  talks.

    Typically, on Tuesday nights at the MTC, missionaries get to hear a talk presented by an Apostle or General Authority of the Church.  Because of the General Conference week, we did not have that privilege.

    We did have a couple of wonderful evenings of Gospel presentation.  One night we learned and basked in the study of the Character of Christ.  Then on the other night, we heard messages from the MTC presidency members.

    I am a “people watcher” anyway, so I loved looking behind me (behind the seats reserved for us “Seniors”) and seeing the young Elders and Sisters gathered for the events.  One Elder in a gold suit wanted to be seen in my photos.

    THE  FAMOUS MTC MURALS

    There are 21 different meeting and residence facilities at the MTC.  Throughout all of the buildings, they have on virtually every available wall space, majestic murals of the Life of Christ and His servants – as well as real life missionaries teaching people all over the world.  These murals are so awe-inspiring – and they strongly bring the Power of the Holy Ghost to the entire campus.

    The “T-4” (teaching building #4) building, is a six-story structure.  And throughout this facility they have giant, full-wall murals of Christ and His workers in His kingdom.  We were encouraged to go through the facility to view and experience these beautiful murals.  Each mural was awe-inspiring, magnificent, and wonderful.  These really helped me to feel the Spirit – and the power of the might of Christ, prophets, and others.  So magnificent!

    Mural of “The Sons of Mosiah” Preaching to the Lamanites

    A BIT OF MTC TRIVIA

    The MTC was established in the mid-1970’s.  My younger brother was one the last Elders to enter the Salt Lake Mission Home.  That was September 15, 1978. Today, the MTC trains over 20,000 missionaries each year.  And the missionaries are trained in 60 different languages of the world and there are a dozen or more regional MTC facilities located through the world.

    I am so old that my “young missionary training (1973)  actually precedes the MTC experience.  My wife and I actually reported for missionary training and duty at the old Salt Lake City “Mission Home”.  Wow!  That is really old!  This Mission Home was housed in an old school located across the street from 29-story skyscraper of the Church office building.  That is an interesting scenario that warrants a study by interested historians.  Good stuff.  As I was compiling my 20-volume autobiography a couple of years ago, I researched the old Mission Home and included it in one of the volumes.  Here is a link for avid historians.

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F81GvT2801UwMUwe93qH1teLUOH9Xjap/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=1068e19282860106253950&rtpof=true&sd=true ­­­­­­­­­­­­

    Also, here is a link to my own journal entries for that experience. 

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FKPdi_ZaS2DwlAtSAT4k9oxJXNBMFmhS/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106819282860106253950&rtpof=true&sd=true

    Enjoy!

    TO THE NATIONS

    One of my favorite experiences of the MTC was feeling the reverence and awe of the Gospel being taken – with all of these magnificent missionaries – to all countries of the world.

    There is a rotunda of flags of the nations to which the Gospel is being taken.  They line the sidewalks all around the training buildings.  It is so exciting to see these flags.  They are rotated daily to include more of the national flags.  These flags are a testimony of God’s work spreading over all of the world.  Just being here at the MTC is a testimony of God’s work and the truthfulness of the Restoration of the Gospel – wherein God and Christ called Joseph Smith to be their modern prophet and the person through whom their Church was restored for our day. 

    International Flags at Mission Training Center

    In a prior day, I wrote a hymn that expresses my feelings about these flags of the world nations.  This is what I wrote:

    I look forward to sharing this Gospel and The Restoration with the many visitors who come to experience Nauvoo with us.  This should be a grand adventure.

    The words of “MAGNIFICENT”, “TOTALLY AWESOME!”, “GRANDEUR AND MAJESTY” and “FULL OF THE SPIRIT” definitely describe our wonderful MTC experience.  Ready now for action in Nauvoo.

    We take off from the MTC April 10th– though I am “sicker than a dog” at the moment.  We go forward in faith! Nauvoo bound!  Pray for our safety!

    Elder Kevin and Sister Lou Hunt

    Gratitude, History and Heritage, Inspiration, Mission Service

    Getting Ready to Head out on the Mission

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    By Kevin V. Hunt

    Elder Kevin and Sister Lou Hunt preparing for Missionary Service April 1, 2024

    Getting ready to head out on the mission …  I announced earlier about the upcoming mission that my wife and I are doing for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The plan is to be gone for 18 months.  We have been asked to serve in Nauvoo, Illinois – which is a historic church site in Illinois.

    As we prepared to go on the mission, there was much to do.  My wife and I both had “To Do Lists” that were a mile long – at least.  It was kind of over-whelming.  There was so much to do.  My wife wanted to organize and clean up the entire house.  She cleaned and sorted everything in the house and garage. Everything had to be perfect.  She wore herself out in this process.

    I had many family history and other computer projects that kept me entertained.  I worked hard to get these tasks completed and ultimately got through many – but not all of them.  I worked on these projects right up to within a few hours before we were to head out of town.

    We were invited to give a talk in church.  (See my previous blog, entitled, “Praise to the Man” Check it out!

    As we anticipated the church talk, our children decided to come from all over to participate with us.  We had a steady stream of family for a couple of weeks as we were trying to make our trip preparations.  One daughter, her husband and son, came from Texas and they stayed a week.  A daughter came from Idaho with her two boys, and they were with us for two weeks.  Another daughter came from Idaho.  They made a family trip and came to be with us for two days on their way home.  And we had two children come from towns 50 or so miles away.  And of course, we have three families who live in our own home town.  Two sons-in-law were not able to come – and we missed eleven of the 42 grandchildren.  So, this meant that we had a crowd of 50 of our posterity – and many other family and friends gathered with us.

    After the church meeting, we gathered to the home of a local son, and we had a great farewell dinner and activities together.  And of course, we posed for more family photos than any person should ever have to endure.  We got shots of every possible group gathering.  It was great!  (We have many able photographers in the family … so they are great!)

    We had a few challenges in the week before our departure. Our microwave oven gave up the ghost. Our son had an accident in his vehicle. He needed a vehicle while he worked with insurance, etc . We offered to loan him our second vehicle. Then three days later, his wife wrecked our car.

    On Thursday before our Saturday departure, the alternator of our vehicle decided to quit.  Three sons-in-law worked together to get the alternator changed.  They finished at midnight about eighteen hours before we were to head out.  They made a great team as they consulted together and tried to loosen all of the bolts, the belt, etc.  They called themselves, “Three brothers-in-law, a wrench, and You-Tube”.  We were so grateful for their combined efforts.

    The night before we were to leave town, a daughter put out an “all hands on deck” call to get her siblings to come to help.  Again, there was much to do.  Many responded to the call to help us.  Son-in-law, Mike helped check out the vehicle to make sure it was road-worthy.  Ladies helped with packing and a plethora of other projects.  (And meanwhile, my wife and I still tried to complete tasks from our never-ending lists).  We said sad good-byes to the local children and grandchildren.  It was a happy-sad day as we all knew that it was good-bye for a year and a half.  There were a lot of tears and of course, everyone (including us) had to get in “just one more hug”.  One daughter sobbed, “How can I survive without you?”

    Then came the big day to leave town – Saturday, March 30th.  It was a short night before D-day.  We each only got about four hours of sleep – not enough, for sure.  We had already said our good-byes.  One son-in-law came to our home about 6:30 AM to load our two bicycles onto our car rack.  I finished packing the already-too-loaded vehicle.   (We had packed the vehicle on Thursday and Lou had meticulously packed different suitcases for each phase of our adventure of the next two weeks.)   Somehow, we got everything but the kitchen sink – and then some – into the Honda mini-van.

    We had wanted to leave at 6:30 in the morning, but it was 8:00 AM  when we finally headed out of town.  We stopped in Tempe to say goodbye to one more family.  And then we were off.  We headed north on the I-17 freeway from Phoenix – and headed north toward Flagstaff.  We stopped at our usual Sunset Point rest area for “drink and drain”.

    As we were just a few miles south of Flagstaff, the lack of sleep caught up with me.  I swerved a bit, and we were saved only because of our pre-departure prayer, and the faith of our family.  It could have been bad!

    We had planned to drive clear north to Salt Lake City – to spend two nights with my wife’s sister.  We didn’t make it.  We decided that we had to stop for a night – in order to get a full night’s sleep.  We had driven north on Highway 89A – as is our usual custom on trips to Utah.  We spent a wonderful night in the beautiful Jacob Lake Inn.  (Such a great place to stay …  Everyone ought to stop there at least once.)  Their home-made cookies, alone, are worth the drive, but the drive through the Alpine setting – with a big forest of beautiful pine trees, made the drive most enjoyable.

    Then the next morning, we awoke to four or more inches of snow on top of our car and everywhere else.  This was a bit of a shock to us desert rats.  Somehow we got the snow off of the window – or at least enough to peer out.  And getting up and out of the snow was another adventure.  We wondered if we would be going anywhere that day.  Again, the prayers of faith got us out of the ruts and on our way.

    By this time, it was Easter Sunday, and it was not the Easter day that we had anticipated. – to celebrate the Atonement and Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  We did rejoice in Him in our interesting circumstance.    Our clothes were all packed tightly in the vehicle – such that it was not easy to get to them.   We had not planned for church along the way but our desires to attend church en route were foiled.  We opted to use our phones to tune in to a video broadcast of a daughter’s Texas local ward (congregation).

    We arrived at the home of my wife’s sister and husband, and they had a wonderful meal waiting for us.  They are always great hosts, and we love them.  We noted with them that they have hosted us five previous times as we have prepared to send off our missionary children.  (Two other children also served missions – but they reported directly to foreign MTC facilities.  A daughter attended an MTC in England and a son reported directly to the Brazil MTC.  It was interesting to now be the parents entering the MTC.

    And then, it was April 1st – the day for us to report to the MTC (Mission Training Center) where many out-going missionaries are trained for the work they will do on their various missions.  (Stay tuned for our blog about the MTC – to come soon!)  We had been anticipating this day for almost two months since we had received our mission calls (assignments) to serve.

    We had a leisurely morning – cold cereal and all.  I did some last-minute repacking of the vehicle.  Always such a fun task.  And I even found a few minutes to post the “Praise to the Man” blog post.  We dressed in our missionary attire.  I was in my black suit and a brand new shirt, socks, shoes, and everything.  Sister Hunt wore a beautiful dress that matched my suit (though this was not planned).  I think that we looked great – if I do say so ourselves.

    We left in plenty of time to get from Salt Lake to Provo, Utah.  We had to chuckle a bit.  We were given rather specific  instructions that said we were to report between 10:30 and 10:40 AM.  Wow!  They have this reporting system down to a science.  Very impressive!

    We had about fifteen minutes to kill before our scheduled arrival time.  We decided to do a video conference with our many children – located all over the globe.  Many of the family members were able to join in with us.  My wife manned the phone call as I drove the car into the MTC.  We got through the security booth and parked in a parking lot designated for “senior missionaries” like us.  Senior missionaries are those (with gray hair and expanded stomachs” who have achieved an advanced age – but who still have some energy to commit to missionary service.  We revise the old Primary song, and sing, “We’re glad they’ve called us on a mission … now that we have grown a foot of two.”  (Not to brag about the direction of that growth.)  Well, anyway, we got one of the last available parking spots.  And it even accommodated our mission bikes that were strapped onto the back of our vehicle.  We must have looked a sight with the fully packed car, the bikes, the Jacob Lake dirt, snow, and salt, and more.   Admittedly, we thought that we had everything that we thought that we needed for the next 18 months.

    My wife continued the video call with the family – and they “went” with us right up to the front door.  I finally had to tell her and the family that it was time to “be hanging up now”.

    We had many service missionary folks there to usher us in to start the mission.

    And the adventure begins …!  Moving onto the Nauvoo Scouting trail … !  Can’t wait!

    Gratitude, History and Heritage, Inspiration

    Praise to the Man!

    1 Comment

    By Kevin V. Hunt

    (Photo copyright by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

    Kevin’s Mission “Talk in Church”

    PRESENTED MARCH 24, 2024 – Pacana Park Ward

    We sing a popular hymn #27, as written by William W. Phelps.   With gusto, we sing, “Praise to the Man”.

                    Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah

                    Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer

    Blessed to open the last dispensation,

                    Kings shall extol him,

                    And nations revere …

                    And the final line of the 4th verse says, “Millions shall know “ Brother Joseph again …”

    As we know, Elder M. Russell Ballard, long the “Acting President of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles”, died just after General Conference.  His final address – just a month before his death – was a powerful testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith – his great grand uncle. 

    He said, “I have seemed to have the Prophet Joseph in my mind the last few months.  I’ve sat and contemplated his glorious responsibility in becoming the prophet of this, the last dispensation of the fulness of times.”

    “I think how grateful we are as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that Joseph Smith, a boy who desired to know what he needed to do  have his sins forgiven, found the courage to go into a grove of trees near his home in Palmyra, New York, and there kneel in prayer.

    “On that occasion, as Joseph got on his knees in what we call the sacred Grove, the heavens opened.  Two personages, brighter than the noonday sun, appeared before him.  One spoke to him and said, “Joseph, this is My Beloved Son.  Hear Him!”  Thus began the Restoration of the fulness of the everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Still quoting Elder Ballard:  “I’ve been thinking about all the marvelous thins that we know and all of the things that we have … and how abundantly blessed we are to know all that we know because we have Joseph Smith, the prophet.

    “We have an understanding of the purpose of life, of who we are.  We know who God is, we know who the Savior is.  … We can know that Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ have revealed themselves in this latter-day and that Joseph has been raised up to restore the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ.”

    “[Because of Joseph] we have the Book of Mormon … another witness, another testament that Jesus is the Christ.

    Then Elder Ballard said, “So my testimony this morning is that I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world.  I also know that our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus appeared and spoke to Joseph and prepared him to become the prophet.”  A powerful final testimony by Elder Ballard.

    The conference talk of Elder Rasband grabbed my wife and me.  He talked of the great need for more senior couple missionaries.  Lou and I had talked of a mission before but we didn’t want to get the Covid shots so did not want to go when we first retired.

    But with Elder Rasband’s talk, we felt it was now our time to go.

    From that talk, we began immediately to make preparations to serve.  We began our missionary recommendation form and process.  It was truly a miracle that we were able to complete all of the medical appointments, the shots, the photos, the application, and much more – all within just a week.  That was in October, and it seemed to take forever to get the application moved on to the next step. I was frustrated and did not have the humility that my wife has just talked about.  For the record, Lou has pretty much conquered that trait, but I still need some work on it.  That’s why she  was assigned the topic today – so that she could do some preaching to me. But, looking back now, we see the knowledge of God in the timing of us going to Nauvoo when we are.

    When couples go on a mission, they can specify some “preferences” of where they want to go.  But that doesn’t mean that this is where you will serve.  In the paperwork, the couple signs a statement that they will serve anywhere the Lord needs them.  We initially listed several preferences, but ultimately pulled all of the preferences and submitted our will to that of the Lord – to serve anywhere as needed.

    I still have to laugh at my mother and step-father as they planned to serve a mission.  My step father had some Salt Lake connections and he thought that they had all of the t’s crossed and all of the I’s dotted  for them to go to Nauvoo.  When they received their call, the step-dad called their Bishop.  He said, “Now Bishop, how did you spell Nauvoo on that application?”  The Bishop said, “N A U V O O …”  Elder Nash said, “Well, let me tell you how THEY spell it … T O O W O O M B A”.  The Bishop said, “Where in the world is that?”  They were called to teach institute out in the Australian bush in Toowoomba, Australia.

    My wife wanted to go to Australia since she had served there – a hundred years ago – in her youth.

    So, our folks wanted to go to Nauvoo, and they got called to Toowoomba, Australia.  Sister Hunt and I wanted to go to Australia, and we got called to Nauvoo.

    When I went on my youth mission, I was sure that I would go to a foreign mission.  My patriarchal blessing said I would go to a foreign people and learn their customs and ways”.  I was surprised with the call to  Alabama, Flawda, and Jawja.  My mother said then, “Those people are about as foreign  as you can get … I reminded Mom of her statement when she and Richard were called on their 2nd mission to Alabama –  They served in Tuskeegee.  She there met David Oryang, then the Branch President of the small Tuskegee branch and his wife Christine.  A couple of months ago, I went on an Elder’s Quorum visit to visit Brother Randy Tuke in our Pacana Park Ward.  We got to talking about missions and it was interesting that Elder Tuke also served in Tuskegee, Alabama.  He knew the Oryangs and even produced photos of them when he attended their elaborate African wedding.  He ministered to them and set an example for them.

    My folks were there in Tuskegee just a couple of years after Elder Tuke was there.  They continued to fellowship the Oryangs.  They taught them the Temple prep lessons and got them to the Atlanta Temple where they were endowed and sealed.  I worked for a time for America West Airlines, and we flew to Alabama – all 11 of us – and visited Mother and Richard on their mission.  We attended their Tuskegee branch with them.  We met President Oryang, the branch president, and I can still recall seeing this great Ugandan Brother as he stood tall and testified boldly of the Prophet, Joseph Smith.

    Mother continued to stay connected to David and Christine over the next 25 years.  They came to visit her in Mesa, and she visited them in their home in Washington, DC   I connected with them, and they participated by video on the program at her 90th birthday celebration held just before her recent death.  Because of their continuing connection, I had their contact information in my phone.  As Randy Tuke and I talked about the Oryangs, he said that he had lost contact with them.   He was surprised and pleased when I told him that David is now the stake president in Washington, D.C..  We took a selfie photo, and I shipped it off immediately to Pres. Oryang.  He was very pleased to see the photo.  I got Randy and David connected.  President Oryang and his wife have just been called as Mission Leaders in Nigeria.

    We never know the full results of our missions …  It may be years before we learn results of seeds that we plant … and we may never know our impact.  As a youth, I was a teen guide at the Mesa Temple for a couple of years.  Lou and I and our baby, Jackie, served as guides at the Ogden Temple and Tabernacle soon after our marriage.  Our mission at those places was to help people feel at home and to feel Spirit and the Lord’s guidance in their lives through our testimonies.    Such will be our mission in Nauvoo.

    I served in Cullman, Alabama – a strange town for the South  – since it was all German Catholics.  I was there five months – and I felt that it was a total waste.  I tracted out the whole town 3 ½ times.  I didn’t baptize anyone … I had been home for FIVE YEARS when got a letter from a Sister Buchanan, from Cullman.  She thanked me for bringing her into the Church.  I could not remember her – nor could my companion of the time.  I went to my missionary journal.  I found a couple of entries about her.  We first met her and taught her the first discussion on her porch.  She loved everything and said, “Ya’ll come back now, ya heah?”  We did return the next week to teach her again.  Her husband met us and kicked us off the porch – with no “Ya’ll come back”.  That was our last contact with her.

    Then five years later, she wrote to tell me that she had been baptized – all because of me.  She had my address from my “Article of Faith” card I had given to her.  She wrote again a year later and said that her two teens had been allowed to join the church.  Then still later, she wrote me and said that her husband had mellowed out and had also joined the church.

    My Brother Kyle served his mission in NYC – Our first child was a girl.  Unusual … Hunts do not generally have girls first.  I looked in our family history … had to go to the 1600’s to find a girl born first …I  knew that our Hunt family had been in Utah, Kentucky, and North Carolina but I had totally forgotten that our Hunt family first went to Hopewell, New Jersey about 1620 and were there for over a hundred years.  My brother Kyle at that moment was serving his mission in Hopewell, New Jersey … I copied genealogy pedigree charts and sent them to him.  He tracted out all of the local Hunts who were still there and shared the charts with them.  Then after he had been home, seven years, he received a letter from a guy in Pennsylvania.  He said, “You do not know me, but I have been doing Hunt family genealogy work all of my life and have not known what to do with it.” 

    “I contacted a  cousin in Hopewell, New Jersey.  She said, “If you want to know about Hunt genealogy, you need to talk to a Mormon elder who was here a COUPLE of years ago.”  She then gave him Kyle’s article of faith card he had given to her.  To make a long story short, I communicated with the guy, got his genealogy package – and ultimately processed 1,000 names for Temple ordinances.

    We are a missionary family – All four of our parents went on missions.  Lou and I served – and we sent seven children on missions …  We are now starting missions for the grandkids.  Our first grandson is presently serving in Argentina.  His younger brother just left the MTC to go to Yakima, Washington.   Two granddaughters are processing their missionary applications.   These are exciting missionary times for our family.

    Sister Hunt and I are going on a couple mission now for the grandkids.  We could have done a service mission and remained at home, but felt that we needed to uproot and GO somewhere … so that the grandkids – all 43 of them – would see us and later say that Grandpa and Grandma WENT a mission and we want to be the examples for them.  It would make us very happy if all 43 of them would serve a mission.

    When we are willing to be missionaries, the Lord puts people in our path to hear of the gospel from us. We have had many wonderful missionary opportunities through the years …

    Sister Hunt talked of her folks serving on a mission to Nauvoo.  Just for the record, almost no one baptizes anyone as they serve as missionary guides at church historic sites – as we will be doing.  That is not a goal for historic missionary guides.  When they were at the Lucy Mack Smith home, the folks were frequently visited by a young lady from nearby Keokuk, Iowa – located about 10 miles across the Mississippi river from Nauvoo.  She just kind of gravitated to Gramps/Elder Belcher.  She came to see the folks frequently.  Elder Belcher ended up baptizing this young lady in the Mississippi River.

    Years later, as our family was in the Nauvoo, “City of Joseph” pageant, we were in a scene with all of the huge cast.  In this scene, we were all Saints who were “building a city” – building Nauvoo.  All over the stage there were a multitude of city building tasks going on.  The centerpiece of the building scene was a giant water wheel that was about 20 feet or more tall.  During the scene, the water wheel suddenly started to topple.  I joined several men around me and we rushed to help “steady the ark”.  Somehow we managed to keep it upright.

    After the scene, a lady whom I did not know came up to me.  She introduced herself as a news reporter from Keokuk.  She said, “I got a picture of you with the water wheel … now I need your name and information for my newspaper article.”  We talked of my former mission to Nauvoo, the train trip of my family and me, and more, but she was not impressed.  Then I said, “My father in law served a mission here years ago and was at the brickyard.” She then lightened up.  She asked his name.   When I said, “Elder EH Belcher,” she nearly ejected from the stage.  She excitedly told us that Elder Belcher had baptized her in the river.  We were all in total amazement at how the Lord had orchestrated all of this.  Wow!

    With our 18-month service in Nauvoo, we will be historic guides at a multitude of historic homes and shops of old Nauvoo.  More than 20 of our combined ancestor families lived in Nauvoo.  We will arrive in Nauvoo just as all of the Nauvoo properties of Joseph Smith have transferred to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It will likely be our privilege to guide visitors through those marvelous properties.  Talk about the timing of our mission …!

    One of our mission training booklets is called, “On Holy Ground”.  In this booklet President Gordon B. Hinckley was quoted as he dedicated Historic Kirtland.  Those words are applicable also to Nauvoo – to my wife and me, and to each of you.  He said, “May this area become a great gathering place for Thy people from over the earth.  May they come here, walk about with reverence and memories, feel the power of Thy Holy Spirit, and grow in faith and testimony concerning Thy work and Thy kingdom.  May it be a place of spiritual refreshment, where hearts and minds will be  touched by the power of the Holy Ghost to lead them to knowledge of Thee and their Redeemer, Thy Beloved Son.  May it be a place where the stranger will be touched by Thy Spirit and come to know something of the wondrous workings of Thy cause and kingdom.  May men and women from over the earth experience here a sure and solemn witness of the divine calling of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the divinity of Thy work established through him.”

    That is an invitation to all of you … come visit Nauvoo while we are there … bring your families … come and stay several days … walk the paths of the Prophets and your ancestors … Come to experience the two Nauvoo pageants.  Come and see Sister Hunt and me in our pioneer costumes, sing with us, “Praise to the Man” and Come and get to know Brother Joseph, again.  I know that Joseph Smith was and is God’s Prophet that God, our Father, and His Son,  Jesus Christ did in reality visit Joseph and called him to be Their prophet to restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the world.  I look forward to testifying of him and of Them to the world as we are in Nauvoo.

    In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

    Heading to the Provo MTC today! A great day for UP” (Dr. Seuss)

    Kevin the Nauvoo Scout …