IT’S PAGEANT TIME IN NAUVOO!

BLOG 17

By Kevin V. Hunt

It is Pageant time in Nauvoo, and it is truly an exciting time to be here.  There is so much energy – so much fun – so much to do.  Everywhere in town we see and feel that energy.  It is all around us and the pageant lifts and excites everyone.

(FYI: This proved to be a rather long blog (so much good stuff) but at least with the bold bullet headlines, you can pick and choose what you want to read. You have been warned! Kevin]

There are presently two different pageants running simultaneously in Nauvoo over a three-week period.  “The Nauvoo Pageant” is staged on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights and the “British Pageant” runs on Wednesday and Friday nights of each of the three weeks. 

The Nauvoo Pageant – 2024

The Nauvoo Pageant talks of the building of the city of Nauvoo under the influence of Joseph Smith, the Prophet.  The British Pageant, with the theme title of “Let Truth Prevail” shows missionaries going to preach the restored Gospel in England and through all of the British Isles.

Missionaries here in Nauvoo love the pageants because they draw hoards of guests from all over the country.  And that is why we are serving here in Nauvoo …  we want to share the Lord’s Gospel message with many people.  The pageants are a focus and dream for months before they actually happen.  We look forward to the folks coming.  (I do admit, however, that there is a bit of trepidation – as we anticipate crowds beyond what we can usually handle on our individual tours.)

HISTORY OF PAGEANTS IN NAUVOO

The original Nauvoo pageant, an outdoor musical staged by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was called “The City of Joseph”.  This historic musical of Nauvoo premiered in the summer of 1976 and was staged each summer until 2004.  As the title indicates, the show testified of the life and mission of the Prophet Joseph and the “covenant community” created in Nauvoo by him and members of the Church from the years 1839 through his death in 1844. 

The purpose of the “City of Joseph” pageant was “to reach out to non-members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – to teach them about the faith and to build the testimony of those participating, similar to that which occurred with the pageants at the Hill Cumorah and Manti, Utah,” (BYU Studies Quarterly Volume 53)  … seeking to inspire the audience with the nostalgia and memories of former days in “Old Nauvoo”.

The ”City of Joseph” pageant was replaced in 2005 with the new “Nauvoo Pageant” – titled, “A Tribute to the Prophet Joseph Smith”.   Like its predecessor, it “celebrates the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the city of Nauvoo.  The pageant’s purpose is to honor the prophetic leadership and mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and to commemorate the construction of the original Nauvoo Temple.  The pageant also emphasizes the joy of early Latter-day Saints as they learned to love and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ through their faith.   The pageant helps visitors see and feel the sacrifice and faith of the early “pioneers” who came to Nauvoo and built a city from a swamp.

The ”British Pageant”, titled, “Truth Will Prevail”.  made its debut in Chorley, England in 2013 and is performed there every four years (except when expanded for COVID).  The pageant was first performed in Nauvoo the following year – in 2014.  It has been performed annually in Nauvoo ever since.  The British Pageant is captured in the words, “I go because my Master calls” as it portrays the departure of faithful Saints as they left their native lands to answer God’s call to gather to Nauvoo.  The British Pageant invites all to enjoy the blessings that come from seeking and following God’s truth.

The two shows complement each other.   Many of the same characters appear in both shows – like Joseph Smith, Heber C. Kimball, Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, “Twizzleton” Turley (a fictitious name?) and others – the same men who built Nauvoo, “The City of Joseph” and who were the Apostles who were sent to preach the Restored Gospel in England.  The show depicts the beginning of preaching in England and then shows those same missionaries returning to Nauvoo with their English converts, full of the fire of conversion.   The Pageant explores the beginnings of the Church in the British Isles and the impact of the British members’ abiding faith and deep love for one another and the Savior.” (by Christine Rappleye writing for “The Church News” 25 July 2023).

Both Pageants teach important gospel doctrines including the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the divinity of the Book of Mormon, the ordinances and hope of the Temple, the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, and the prophetic mission of Joseph Smith.

THE CASTS OF THE “NAUVOO PAGEANTS”

The casts of the pageants are a combination of seasoned actors and family cast members.  The main “core actors” take the stage through the whole summer season.  Five “ensemble family casts” serve on a rotating schedule during the season.    Each ensemble family cast can include over 600 volunteers from the United States, Canada and England.  (And it is fun to hear the true “Brits” mixed together and speaking with the “Yanks”!)

Parley P. Pratt, an early Apostle and a “core actor” in the Nauvoo Pageant, narrates the show each night.  I love his opening line:  “When you’re here, we’re here”.  “The “British Pageant” is narrated by a “core actor” character named Arthur Ashton.

TRUTHS TAUGHT AND QUOTES FROM THE PAGEANTS:

Each night, missionaries and others distribute a “Nauvoo Neighbor” newspaper version of a pageant program, entitled, “PAGEANT TONIGHT”.  This wonderful publication shares wonderful quotes from the shows – on various Gospel themes:

               Families: “So, this was the grand panorama. The blessings of the Restoration … were for the whole of God’s family, from our fathers before us to our children after.”

               Life After Death: “How consoling to those of us called to part with a husband, wife, father, mother, child, or dear relative, to know that they shall rise again to dwell in immortal glory.”

               Prophets: “Like our parents and grandparents, we knew our Bibles. We knew that if God opened the heavens again, He would speak to us through a prophet.”

               Community:  “We who were many were becoming one.”

               The Holy Bible and The Book of Mormon: “In them together is the fulness of the gospel.  In the mouth of two witnesses” and “What kind of book is it?  My good man, it is the most correct of any book on earth!”

               The Spirit of God:  “But I’ve had a feelin’.  And it’s not a feelin’ I conjured up m’self.  I can’t quite explain it, but I know it’s true.”

               Divine Authority:  “Go on as the disciples of old and bless the sick in the name of Jesus Christ, healing them by the power of God, through the priesthood you bear”.

               Temples:  “Well this building is somewhat different, Robert, Because it’s a temple, and a temple is for making covenants with God.”

PRESENTATION OF HISTORICAL VIGNETTES BY PAGEANT CAST MEMBERS

While the “core actors” have been captured here in Nauvoo – as they participate in the show casts, they also take time to present great little vignettes to help people feel more of the special people and events of Old Nauvoo.  Often these vignettes also combine with the talents of the “Nauvoo Bagpipe Band” and the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries.

BIRTHDAY PARTY HELD IN HONOR OF EMMA SMITH

On Wednesday, July 10^th, Sister Hunt and I found ourselves serving at Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store.  Soon after we got going for the day, I learned that a “birthday party” was being staged that morning in the Smith Family Cemetery located between Joseph Smith’s Homestead and his Red Brick Store.  I sent Sister Hunt and the young sisters over to participate in it.  The performing missionaries and the Bagpipe Band were also there.  Sister Hunt later reported that they sang “Happy Birthday” with bagpipe accompaniment.  They also sang a song that was in Emma’s first hymnal: “Guide us, O Thou Great Jehovah”.  And they had doughnuts.  (Sister Hunt said that is why the guys from the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries showed up just at the right moment!)    It sounded like a fun activity.

LETTERS OF JOSEPH AND EMMA

The Pageant cast and leaders have created a new little program that featured Joseph and Emma Smith – and mother Lucy Mack Smith.  The Homestead and Mansion House (where we were serving for the day) were closed for about an hour and a half to accommodate the program that was held on the lawn north of the Mansion House.  Joseph and Emma made their grand entrance with an exit from their Mansion House – and again were introduced by the Nauvoo Bagpipe Band.   This group really has a way of making events even more special and wonderful.

Sister Hunt and I quickly ate our lunch after the sites closed.  We then went over to view the program.  The program was entitled, “The Letters of Joseph and Emma” and the characters quoted many of their beautiful and loving letters written to each other.  I loved the Joseph and Emma characters.   They both looked so authentic in their roles.  Joseph was particularly impressive – and he sings very well.  It was a very fun event (lasting about a half hour) – so fun  to view and to enjoy.  It was a very beautiful production.

THE PAGEANT BRINGS FAMILIES TOGETHER

As missionaries, we have noted that the pageant has been a major force in bringing families and youth groups together.  We have witnessed many families who have come together from all parts of the country to be united for the pageant experience.  It has been great to witness the reunions, the camaraderie, and just the fun of folks enjoying being together.  The family connections have added much to the total pageant experience for many.

And youth groups have come in throngs (and many buses) to join the pageant experience.  It is so great to see these young people as they have traveled together from all over – Texas, Indiana, Nebraska, Las Vegas, and other places – to enjoy the pageant – and all of our wonderful historic sites available to them here in Nauvoo.  Like their leaders, we know that their testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith as the Lord’s prophet, will be indelibly impacted by these experiences.  What a blessing to these young people!

ELDER AND SISTER HUNT HOSTED THEIR OWN PAGEANT VISITORS

Though they planned their trip before Sister Hunt and I were called to Nauvoo, they planned their trip (from their Tempe, Arizona home) so that they could participate in both of the Nauvoo pageants.  It was such great fun to have them here with us for almost a week.

The Simeon Dunn home where we reside is nice, but also rather small – and not really conducive to a family of visitors.  It is nice for the two of us but there is not a lot of room for others.  We made it work, however.  Conveniently, there is a giant rag rug (in the greatest of Old Nauvoo style) that has been folded on a table in the corner.  We dragged this out and swept it off and spread it on the floor of the home cellar.  The rug must have been made just for the home.  It filled the concrete floor perfectly.  And we were able to line up four air mattresses on it to accommodate the four grandchildren.

Then a large air mattress completely filled every inch of our free space in our living room.  This is where Jackie and her man spent their nights.  We had to be creative in scheduling use of the single bathroom – located upstairs in our bedroom. 

Somehow, it all worked out very well.  The tight togetherness brought us closer!  The family ate with us (or we ate with them). We headed off each morning to serve in our various historic sites and the family also headed off on their own schedule to experience all that is available to families here in Nauvoo.  They had a grand time – and were actually quite worn out each night because of their exhaustive schedule.  And as Jackie noted, “It was all FREE!”  She marveled that the Church has put together so much – and all centered around families.  She thought it was one of the greatest possible vacation destinations ever.   

We were able make arrangements to take the family on a private tour of Joseph’s Red Brick Store.  (And I documented this in my recent blog on “Miracles”).  Even with our tight service schedule, we still had a lot of time to spend with the family.  We even got to take a fun “field trip” with them on our P-day.  (More on this in a future blog post!)

And besides the Arizona family, their two cousins came at the same time with their Kyle, Texas youth group.  (Their trip was also scheduled before our mission call.)  The group came on three buses timed, of course, to be here for pageant.  So, we were able to connect with them and enjoyed activities and tours together.

We attended both pageants together (with all of the grands) and this was wonderful.  We also participated in the Country Fair each of the nights.

COUNTRY FAIR FUN

It is hard to describe the immense possibilities of fun and excitement afforded by the Country Fair that accompanies the pageants each night.  The event features a plethora of great activities that pioneer families may have done back in the day.  There were many fun games – like stilt walking, log sawing, sack races, and more.

The round dancing event drew young and old together for good old-fashioned country dancing.  Our 15-year old grandson even participated as partner to his 19-year old sister.  And I think that he had fun – in spite of himself.  And games of skill and strength …  wow!  What a selection: stickball, tug-of-war, relay and sack races, a handcart pull, graces and hoops, horseshoes, log sawing, stick pulling, and more.

The children’s activities were also fun.  Our ladies had fun weaving rags and braiding headbands and such.

And a real favorite of ours was the pioneer photo booth.  As a seasoned “fact checker”, I found the photo – with the pioneer handcart a little ahead of its time but super fun.   Somehow, we managed to corner the family all together at the same time and location to catch a photo of all of us together. 

Able and happy workers helped us all to don wonderful pioneer costumes and to stage our best photo op.  They even hit the button on our cell phone cameras.  Such fun!

STANDING RESOLUTE AT THE BRITISH PAGEANT

Not to break the surprise for those who choose to come next year, but all of the Nauvoo missionaries (young and old) get to participate in the finale of the British Pageant.  We missionaries had a difficult role.  We came in on cue, as the cast began to sing, “Come, Come, Ye Saints” and stood “resolute” on risers on both sides of the stage (as the worldwide missionary effort – beginning in England as portrayed in the pageant was introduced).

Ours was a hard role and we had to have two or three practices to get it down.  We came in singing “Called to Serve” and joined in singing for two more songs – “Then Say What is Truth”,   and “Redeemer of Israel”.  Our role was to “stand resolute” as silent witnesses to the united cast phrase of “Truth Will Prevail”.

THE HUNT FAMILY IN THE “CITY OF JOSEPH” CAST

The “City of Joseph” Pageant began in 1976 – the year after I was there as a missionary.  I had heard of this pageant for many years and lamented that I/we had not been able to be a part of the show.  And for years, I had the dream that someday I could go there to be in the cast with the whole family.  The dream was always there but I did not see any way that we would ever be able to do it (on our constant mode of lack of resource for such an adventure.  Having money was never a part of our family situation.)  I did not think time and resources would ever come together at the same time to give us the opportunity.  Finally, in late 1995 I told the family that “next summer is our year to go be in the pageant”.    We did not know how it would be possible, but we went forward in faith, trusting that things would come together.

We got accepted to be in the 1996 show.  We knew that it would be a major project to take us and nine children the 1,500 or so miles from our Mesa, Arizona home to Nauvoo, Illinois.  We learned that it would take our every effort and focus to get there.  It took a full year to get there.  We laid out our plan of everything that we needed to do, and began to work on that plan.

GETTING OUR COSTUME PARTS TOGETHER

We learned – with a bit of shock – that we would have to put together our own costumes.  Wow!  For eleven people … that was a major challenge.  We had been in the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant for many years and this pageant had always supplied the many and various costumes for us.  I guess we had been spoiled.

So, we had to have period pioneer clothing for all of us.  And we had to adhere in everything to a set standard that the pageant staff sent to us.  And we had to send in splotches of every material that we wanted to use.  And we had to use (or be in compliance) with various costume styles and patterns.  This became a lengthy and challenging project – that seemed to get bigger and bigger.

(And incidentally, times have changed …  Sister Hunt stood aghast as we recently visited the “new” pageant building – located way east of town.  There were rows and rows of glorious costumes of all kinds – just waiting for cast members to get into them.)

The boys and I had to have kind of baggy pants and shirts with specific collar styles.  The ladies needed frilly skirts with pantaloons.  And the list of accessory items seemed especially formidable.  We needed scarves, hats, special socks, aprons, suspenders, knickers for the boys, half jackets for the ladies, bonnets, boots, vests, shoes, and much more.  We made regular trips to thrift stores, garage sales, and everywhere else we thought might possibly have our desired or needed items.  And one by one, we found all of the needed accessories. 

MAKING THE TRANSPORTATION DECISION

We looked at various options for our transportation.  Finally, we decided that we wanted to take the Amtrak train back to Nauvoo.  We found a “1 plus 2” rate.  This meant that for each paying adult, we could take two kids for free.   Lou and I were, of course, adults, and Jackie – who was over age 16 counted as an adult.  We recruited Lou’s widowed father to go with us as the fourth adult (but after his fare was paid, he decided that he could not make the trip with us … and his fare money was lost).  This all proved to be a great deal for our large family.

FINDING HOUSING FOR OUR LARGE CLAN

There were some options … we could have tented in the state park.  We could have found a commercial place to stay.  (But that was before AirBandB was a thing – and the internet was just coming into its own.)  Another alternative was to stay in Camp Nauvoo – a camp owned by then Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ.  This ultimately proved to be the best option and we chose this plan.  The pageant had rented out the whole camp for use of the cast members.  There was to be a large kitchen and a cafeteria, and folks could rent cabins or bring RV’s.  Having no RV, we chose the cabins.  And we were lucy enough (highly blessed) to obtain a large “cabin” that had sufficient bunkbeds for the eleven of us.

In order to stay in the cabin, we needed to come up with about $80 per each of us.  This would include all food for the three weeks as well the cabin itself.  We began to save our pennies (lots of them) to be able to take this trip.  It would take a lot of effort and faith, but again, we went forward – not knowing how it would all come together.

FINANCING THE TRIP

I noted that financing a pageant trip was always the problem.  How to get all of the funds needed?  We had been out of a job (again) and this was not the best time to make such a financial commitment.  And in our circumstances, we did hold back a bit.

It was Christmas, 1995 …  That was a very challenging time – but many good friends, neighbors – and even people whom we did not know came forth with help so that we had a glorious Christmas (way beyond just the gifts).  One special gift was very much unplanned.  My sister, Lesa, and husband Charlie came to our home and somehow left us an old truck that had belonged to Charlie’s father (delivering the truck in the middle of the night with some special way of us finding the keys later).

The truck was so “vintage” that it was actually a genuine albatross.  A couple of years before, the government had banned the use of “Regular” gasoline, and all cars were to use the new “Unleaded” gas.  The truck used “Regular” gas.  (Regular gas was still available for a while, but it was very challenging to obtain it.)

Anyway, I rejoiced when we were given this great gift.  I knew that it had come in answer to our prayers.  I am not exactly sure why Lesa and Charlie had given us the truck, or what they thought we could do with it –  but it was amazing and so wonderful for us.  I told the family that this gift was the key – the opportunity – for us to go to Nauvoo.  We recognized it as the needed manna from heaven to help us make the journey.  The plan was for us to sell the vehicle.  And we tried for months to sell the truck – and no buyer came forth.  This became a greater test of faith for us, but we somehow knew that we would sell it to finance our trip.  Ultimately, we did sell the truck – but the sale came in the Lord’s own time – which was literally the day after our trip was complete and we were back home.  (Another major test – the timing – but it did somehow all work out … and we were very grateful for this great blessing.)

I don’t know what Lesa and Charlie thought of us selling their gift but to us it had come as a major miracle, and we rejoiced in it.

But still additional funds were needed.  We gave each child the task of somehow earning the $80 for their own share of the Camp Nauvoo experience.  Some of the children worked and were able to save much of their own money.  We needed something for the rest of the children.  We decided that we could paint address numbers on curbs.  So, we spent a great many nights over many months going out together (whoever could on a given night) painting curbs.  I think we painted half of the curbs in town!

THINGS BEGAN TO COME TOGETHER FOR OUR PLANNED TRIP

It was definitely a major stretch and surely a giant leap of faith, but somehow it all came together.  Lou and the girls were in a constant mode of sewing the many costumes.   As noted, we scrounged everywhere trying to find just the right accessory items needed for everyone – and somehow – one item at a time – we did find the items.  We packed these items into a large plastic trunk.  We were able to make our train reservations when the time came (and the window was a very small one).  Miracle after miracle happened and things fell into place.

We had to take all of our costumes and we bought a large moving wardrobe box – with the bar – to hold the dresses.  We had to take all of our own bedding to go on the metal cots at Camp Nauvoo … so this meant sleeping bags and blankets, pillows, etc.  Each person had to have their own suitcase(s).   We were to be gone for three weeks.  (And incidentally, I had recently been given a new job, but I made the needed time off a matter of my pre-hire contract – so we were able to be gone for the needed time – taken as “unpaid leave”.)

With all of this “stuff” that we had to take, we almost needed to rent a U-Haul to get us to the train station.  In the end, we came up with 25 pieces of luggage!  Wow!  So unbelievable – even now.  It was good that we had the family 15-passenger van – and a large borrowed trailer. 

Packing everything was a major miracle that Lou and all of us pulled together.  Jenae was a major force in this effort.  She and Lou stayed up nearly all night the night before our departure – sorting and folding everything.

The day of departure arrived, and it was time for our departure.  I had to work that day, so the final arrangements were left to Lou.  And as ever, she did an amazing job. 

A MAJOR LAST-MINUTE CHALLENGE AND A MIRACLE FOR KEITH AND ALL OF US

In the week prior to going to Nauvoo, our son, Keith, had been up to Utah where his grandfather had property that was bordered by a stream.  And all along this stream, there was poison ivy.  And the ten days or so before our Utah trip, Keith was also at Camp Geronimo in Arizona and there tromped through more poison ivy.  Keith showed no reaction to the poison ivy until a week or so after the exposures to it.  But, somehow it got into his bloodstream and surfaced on the day that we were to leave on the train for Nauvoo.  It broke out in its fury in the form of a pussy rash that completely covered his body.  And his head swelled up like a pumpkin – to the point that his eyes were swollen, and he could not even see out of them.  We took him to the doctor two hours before we were to leave on our trip.  The doctor examined him and said that we absolutely could not take him on our planned Nauvoo trip (because there would be no doctors en route on the train).  He was emphatic as he said that his breathing could shut down completely.

We were devastated.  We had worked tirelessly for over a year to prepare for this trip.  We had collected and created our extensive costume collection for the whole family.  We had worked at various tasks to earn money for our trip.  It had been an exhausting but wonderful preparation for the trip.  And now suddenly, we were told that we could not go.  A priesthood blessing was given by our bishop, friend and long-time neighbor, Richard Hale (as I was still at work) and Keith was miraculously healed – sufficient that the doctor finally allowed him to make the trip – with strict instructions for emergency medical attention if his condition worsened at any time en route.

THE TRAIN TRIP TO NAUVOO

Going on the train meant that we had to board it at Flagstaff, Arizona to go east.  Our journey started as our neighbor, Richard Hale, drove our big van with all of us to Phoenix.  We thought that we were to go to the Greyhound station in West Phoenix to catch a bus to Flagstaff.  We got there and found a sign that said that the station had recently closed and that we were to meet a shuttle bus (operated by Arizona Native Americans) from the airport.  So, we were now a bit pressed for time, but we rushed over there and arrived just in time.

As already noted, we had 25 pieces of luggage for our crowd.  This included all of our costumes, sleeping bags and bedding for all of us for the three weeks, regular clothes, food chests for two days of travel on the train – for our crowd, etc.  So, Brother Hale helped us get all of that loaded onto the bus and we were soon off on the charter connection.  We enjoyed the bus trip up north to Flagstaff.

Upon arrival in Flagstaff, the Indian bus line took us to a bus station – which was across the street from the train station.  He was kind enough to take us also to the train station.  We secured use of a giant old wagon on which we put all of our stuff.  The train folks assured us that we could leave the whole trailer in an open bin of the station – until our departure the next morning.

Another guy in our ward had a cousin in Flagstaff who owned a motel.  When Scott told his cousin of our service trip, he offered to give us two rooms in his motel for free for the night.  (Another great “tender mercy” of the Lord).  The hotel “The Pony Soldier” was located down the road about two miles.  (And our kids ranged in age from 1 1/2 to 17).  We had arranged for two taxis to come for us.  We learned that 5 was the maximum number of people to be in a taxi so that is why we had two.  And learning that there were 11 of us, they almost made us take a third taxi but, the folks decided that the baby could sit on mom’s lap.

We had a grand time there in the hotel that night.  This was a first for us and the kids loved it.

Next morning early, the two taxi cabs returned to take us to the train station.  We were told that Flagstaff “law” would only allow any train to stop for a total of six minutes (so as not to hold up traffic – or whatever).   And if this was not met, the train conductor would be arrested and a new conductor would have to be sent to Flagstaff from New Mexico.  (True statement!)  We were told that the off-coming folks would have three minutes to disembark and us on-going passengers (more than just our crowd) would have only three minutes to get on the train with all of our stuff.  We were told that we could just go in as fast as possible, drop our stuff and then go upstairs – and then in a little while, we could return downstairs to the luggage area to organize and store our stuff properly.

We lined up all of our 25 items on the sidewalk and put with each person assigned to one – or multiple items – to the kids whom we thought could best handle that part of the stuff.  One of the children was to take the baby and others were to have one or more items to be in charge of.  The children were all very psyched up and ready for the challenge.  When the train stopped our adrenaline was high.  The folks coming off just kind of took their time and the second that they were off, we blew the whistle (not really) and the signal was “Run!”  And it was really crazy.  (There were multiple cars so groups could pick whichever one they thought best – so there were a lot of people lined up on the sidewalk by different cars.)

We somehow managed to get all of the stuff and us into the train – and then it was off – full steam ahead.  We went upstairs and found the seats to be giant recliners – like the ultimate in movie theaters or the first-class section of a big airplane.  Wow!  We found seats all in the same area – another miracle.  And after a little while, we were able to go down to get our stuff put together.

The ride was absolutely fabulous.  The kids had a grand time going to the dining car (which we could not afford) or to the “recreation room” at the other end of the train.  Our nine-year old son was then into balloon tying (and was excellent at it) and he went up and down the train making balloon creations for young and old).

The train went 72 MPH in the daytime and 90 MPH at night.  And we had to spend a night on the train.  We wished that we had known that the A/C would be blasting full blast, or we would have planned and packed better so as to have blankets with us for the ride.  We drove through New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas City and then got off at Fort Madison, Iowa – located up-river about 15 miles from Nauvoo.

OUR UNIQUE HUNT FAMILY LOOK

As we prepared for our trip, we thought it would be fun to show up on stage (at the opening practice) in family look-alike t-shirts.  This was long before computers and modern-day graphics programs, but we created a great design and put this on shirts for all of us.  They were great!

OUR NAUVOO ADVENTURE BEGINS

As we arrived in Iowa, we really wished that we had our big family van.  We had to rent a car and could not afford to rent a big van.  So, we rented a little car.  And somehow, we got all eleven of us in the car.  (We left our collection of stuff at the train station – with the promise that we would be back for it soon.  And we then didn’t even know how we would get back for the stuff).  Then we were like Nephi and “went forth with faith”.  We drove in our squished condition to Keokuk, Iowa (because from my Nauvoo mission experience), I wanted to enter Nauvoo from the South.  We went to a fast food joint to eat.  Some folks there – maybe store employees – were shocked as our large crowd came pouring out of the car and into the place.  We were afraid that they were going to report us to authorities or something for child abuse or whatever.  So, we quickly got our food and headed out – across the river and up-river to Nauvoo the beautiful.

We drove to the Camp Nauvoo campground where we were to stay.  This campground – owned then by the RLDS church and rented to our church – had places for RV’s, tents, etc.  We had saved up enough money to rent a single cabin – with bunk beds – for our crowd.  The place also had a dining hall.  It was much like a Scout camp or similar (and we had plenty of experience with that scenario).

We checked in and got our assigned cabin.  We then walked around looking for someone who might have a truck and who could help us.  We knew absolutely no one.  But, we found a couple of trucks and their owners – and talked to the folks.  It was an instant connection – just as it was with everyone in the pageant – and the guys – new friends and brothers – were more than willing to assist us.  (Yet another major tender mercy of the Lord.)

I left my wife and most of the kids at the campground and I headed off with my new friends back to Ft. Madison.  We loaded all of the stuff into their vehicles and returned back to Nauvoo.

MISSING OUR ACCESSORY TRUNK

We got all of the stuff to the cabin and began to take inventory.  To our shock and horror, our main large trunk – that held most of our accessory items (which we had so painstaking worked to buy and accumulate) was “missing in action”.  We did not know what to do.  We knelt and prayed as a family.

I went to a pay phone (that was long before cell phones) – and after getting a large supply of quarters – began to make phone calls to the train company – and everyone else – to try to locate our trunk.  I was on the phone literally for about two hours through this process.  With the passage of time, I learned that our trunk had not made it off from our original Indian contract bus that we had taken from Phoenix to Flagstaff.  But, it gets better (or worse) …  The trunk was not discovered by the bus line, and it had remained on the bus.  And after our departure, it remained on the bus undiscovered and was touring all over Arizona – and had been for three days.  

The folks (with my many calls) finally located the trunk out in the middle of no-where Arizona somewhere.  They then made the necessary arrangements to get the trunk back to Flagstaff and onto the train.  So, we had to wait another three or four days for it to catch up with us.  Luckily, we were just in show practices at that time and didn’t yet need the costume items.

So, can you see the Lord’s hand in all of this?  We certainly did … and with grateful hearts, we gave thanks to the Lord for all of his many tender mercies in our behalf.  We were ready to hit it with the show!

We auditioned for – or were cast – in a number of scenes.  It was fun to be in so many of the great scenes.

THE HUNT FAMILY IN THE OPENING PAGEANT SCENE

Most folks who know me, know that I have a propensity for journal writing.  It has been my practice to write a daily entry in my personal journal for fifty plus years.  I now create and maintain my journal volumes on the computer but the first 101 volumes of my journal were hand-written.  As I worked to maintain my journal writing habit, I had learned to take the journal with me wherever I went so that I could take advantage of precious writing moments whenever and wherever I might have a few spare minutes to write.  Such was the case when we were in Nauvoo.  I took it with me to the stage set so that when we were not busy rehearsing, I could write in it.

On one occasion, I was busy writing when the director of our show, “The City of Joseph”, held a “think session” with his directing staff.  He was not comfortable with the show opening and was brainstorming with many of the cast about what they could do for the opening.  There was a lot of discussion.  Then suddenly he looked over at me writing in my journal and he later said it was as if he had a vision on the spot.  He said excitedly, “There it is!”  He had seen me with my journal beginning the show – on a blanket surrounded by my wife and nine children – and reading from my journal as if I was reading them the show story.  He had us enter as a family – coming from all directions, and me holding the journal book high.  We then sat on the ground as if at a picnic and I took out my journal and began to read.  The director and everyone else loved it!  It was a big hit.  We were cast in this role and we did this grand family entry for both of the summers (1996 and 1997) that we were in the “City of Joseph” pageant cast.  We all enjoyed this special opening role as we performed it each night. 

FOOD AND BOARD AT CAMP NAUVOO

We got all of our stuff into the cabin at the Camp Nauvoo. We lived in a single room – with 11 bunkbeds. We had to have a large table for the seven women to do their hair and other “girl stuff”.

We ate in the large dining hall with all of the rest of the cast who were staying also at the camp. This was a great place and we had many good times there – along with the food. We took turns with other cast members in the preparation of the food, clean-up, and other functions. We helped re-roof the structure as a service to the camp for letting us stay there. The place worked out well for us and our large gang.

With three very cute teenage girls, we always had a few extra guys hanging around and wanting to eat with us. The arrangement was mutually agreeable to all parties.

THE HUNT FAMILY GETS CAST IN THE PRODUCTION

There were 400 or more cast members in the production. Each family was given specific roles in the show. For some key roles, an audition was needed. Some other scenes were just assigned. Sometimes it was just being in the right place at the right time when more people were needed.

Anyway, we ended up cast in many scenes. Some were with the whole family and other times it was just two or three family members.

HELPING TO “STEADY THE ARK”

One of the great scenes of the Nauvoo pageant was a giant work scene.  All over the stage families were demonstrating work, crafts and all that helped the Saints build Nauvoo.  One of the props for the scene was a giant water wheel – about 20 feet tall.  As we progressed through the scene, this water wheel began to topple.  I and a few others who were doing our things close by, ran over to “help steady the ark” and to keep it from falling.

A while later – after we had finished the practice for this scene, a newspaper writer and photographer came up to me.  She said, “I got a picture of you holding up that water wheel so now I have to get your name so that it can be in the newspaper with the photo.  I provided her my name and then she asked what had brought us to Nauvoo.  I told her that we had many ancestors who had lived in Nauvoo.  I told her about being in Nauvoo on a mission.   She was kind of bored with all of that.  And then as a stroke of inspiration, I began to tell her that my in-laws had served a mission to Nauvoo.  She politely asked who my in-laws were – though she was not really interested in hearing the answer.  I told her that my father-in-law was EH Belcher and that he had built the original brick yard for modern Nauvoo guests.  As I told her the name of E H Belcher, she just about sky-rocketed off of the stage.  She said, “You’ve got to be kidding!” 

She then told us how EH Belcher had converted her to the Church.  We had heard this story but not knowing the lady – and not being in Nauvoo when the baptism occurred, we had never paid a whole lot of attention to it.  Now the story made sense.  This reporter – then not a member of the LDS Church – lived across the river in Keokuk, Iowa.  And frequently on weekends, she found her way to Nauvoo to hang out – having felt great peace there.  And one of her favorite places to go was to the brickyard – manned by EH Blecher.  And over many months, and at his prompting – after giving her a Book of Mormon and a brick, etc. – had decided to join the church.  And “Gramps” had baptized her in the Mississippi River.  That had been about 15 years prior to our Nauvoo experience.

And now suddenly she could not get enough of us.  She then interviewed us extensively.  She wanted to hear every detail of our family, our Nauvoo experiences and our pioneer ancestors who were there.   She took copious notes.  She did not even publish her water wheel photo but instead featured our family and created a 2-page spread that got published as the front page and more – in three local county newspapers.  So, our family became missionaries to all of those people.

2024 Note:  As Sister Hunt and I returned to Nauvoo as Senior Missionaries, we wondered what had become of our friend, Cecelia – the news reporter of long ago.  We knew that she had lived back then in Keokuk but really had no idea where she might be all of these years later.  Then we had a “miracle meeting” with a couple of “FM” (Facilities Maintenance) workers from here in Nauvoo.  We found out that they attend local wards.  We asked one brother if he knew Cecelia.  He did not – but looked in his stake directory to see if she might live in the local area.   And there she was … living across the river in Montrose, Iowa.

We have tried on a few occasions to connect with Cecelia, but we still have not managed the task.  But, sometime, we believe that we will suddenly come face to face with her.  We know that “Gramps Belcher” would like us to find and talk to her.  We know that it will happen

BECOMING ACQUAINTED WITH THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH

The Hunt Family with Joseph Smith at his Mansion House

One of the greatest blessings of being in the “City of Joseph” Pageant was the beautiful opportunity to become personally acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith – the Prophet of the Restoration.  We lived with him in his “covenant community” and even though a hundred and fifty years after his time, we felt we knew him.  We felt his power and influence as God’s Prophet.  It seemed that we were consecrating our efforts for him and our pioneer ancestors.  It was a glorious time.

One of my favorite scenes was an intimate one with the Prophet.  This was “Men on the Fence”.  A few of my pageant brothers and I were talking with Joseph.  He told us the story of some poor brother whose house had burned down.  We all felt sorry for the man.  Then Brother Joseph said, “I feel sorry in the amount of $5!” (with an implied hint that we all likewise “feel sorry”).   All of the men chuckled (almost lost it in their character role) as I put my debit card into the hat.  It was a great moment!

POETIC INSPIRATION FOR THE MOMENT

Often in spiritual situations, I receive inspiration and pen some lines for the occasion.  This was one of those times.  I wrote a cast song – and presented it to the show director for his future use:

THE THREAT OF RAIN AND TORNADO AND THE NIGHTLY MIRACLE

Nauvoo is a place that is absolutely green and beautiful with its lush grass and trees.  Of course, all of this beauty is dependent upon frequent rains to maintain the look and feel.  And so it was a natural thing to also be challenged by the rain at times.  There were times that we got dumped on.

We remember many (not just one time) when it would be raining for a couple of hours before a scheduled performance.  As a cast, we would meet in the Nauvoo chapel on the hill above the stage for a nightly devotional.  And sometimes it would rain outside through this devotional.  And then as the devotional ended and the chapel doors opened, the rain would miraculously stop – and the show would go on.  And on one occasion, there was a tornado watch within just a couple of miles from us.

Even today, Nauvoo insiders (even “non-members” of the Church) say, “We don’t know what it is with the Mormons …  The pageant never gets rained out!”  And it’s true!

We all remember one rain night with the “City of Joseph”.  The night had again happened as described above.  This was the final night of the show, and this meant that we needed to “strike the set” (take everything down) after the show.  This made for a very long evening.  Anyway, on this occasion, the skies were cloudy and there was a threat of rain but it held off.

“Old Blue” Semi Trailer – Still in use in 2024!

We finished our tasks – which included putting all of the tech stuff lights, sound systems, etc.) into “Old Blue” the church’s semi-trailer that goes around to all of the pageants.  (We became good friends with “Old Blue” as it came to all of the Mesa Pageants that we were a part of.  It was like an old friend.)  Anyway, we completed our strike and literally, the second after the doors of Old Blue were shut, there was an absolute deluge of rain.  We all got a free bath that night!  (But we rejoiced in the Lord for this great blessing and miracle that we experienced together!)

SHEDDING THE PAGEANT FUZZ

Many or most of the pageant men took advantage of the opportunity to show their manhood by growing a pageant beard.  That is, of course, every man’s dream.  (Though many women – including my mother – can be vocal about the evils of such …)  And I was no exception!  I love growing beards and I must say, I can grow a pretty good one.  It has often been the envy of many a brother who has seen the beards.  It was great fun to grow a pageant beard.

But sadly, all good things must end … And that was the case with the pageant.  Even this glorious and wonderful event had to come to a close.  And after the pageant ended, it was time to get back to reality – to the “here and now”.  As I had done many times after cast service in the Arizona Temple Easter “Jesus the Christ” Pageant, I hosted a “beard shaving party” for the true men of the “City of Joseph” cast.   Many men loved this idea, and they joined us for the grand event.

We gathered to a central place at our Camp Nauvoo and at the specified time – late at night after the final show – and after “striking the set” (taking down everything and putting it all away).  I provided many treats for the occasion and others brought goodies, too.   It was party time!

We all hammed it up!  We would let the women shave off parts of the beard and we would all go for the same look – and with each new look, we would take more photos.  This proceeded until the beard was fully cut off – exposing a new shade of whiteness under the intense tan of the upper face – gained from long practices in the sun.  We each had to tweak our own face a bit more – with a closer razor to fully take the remaining fuzz off.

It was a guy thing … And we all played it to the hilt and loved every manhood moment of it!

THE PAGEANT WAS LIKE A 3-WEEK YOUTH CONFERENCE

Words cannot adequately express the joy of each pageant experience – and especially in a summary reading such as this.  Suffice it to say that there was some kind of activity going on every minute.  There was never a dull moment.  There were classes, activities, programs, and events for each person, family, and age group.

Suffice it to say, it was like a giant EFY experience that went for three weeks.  The only difference was that it included all youth but also siblings, and parents – and new friends – all participating and enjoying every minute of it.

GRATITUDE TO THE LORD FOR GREAT BLESSINGS IN PAGEANT PARTICIPATION

Our pageant experience was truly one of the greatest experiences that we ever had with our children and family.  We all still talk of it (even 27/28) years later.  Doing this was one of the best things that we ever did for our family.

As we returned from our 1996 pageant experience, I reflected upon the many blessings that we had experienced from the Lord and through our pageant journey.  Though tired, I took the much late night time to recount those blessings in a journal entry – written on the day of our return to reality – August 12, 1996

SO MANY MEMORIES TO SHARE

This has become a rather large or long blog article, and I could go on forever expounding on the glorious events of those special pageant days.  I have just touched on some of the highlights of our experiences but there is so much more.  I cannot specifically mention all of the great times (as Book of Mormon writers said, “I cannot include even a hundredth part of what happened”.  I recorded some 81 pages of journal writing about our 1996 experience (July 24 to August 12, 1996). 

I have included a link here to my full journal writings of that time.  And so, the really interested person (and especially my children and posterity) can see and experience with us all of the gory details.  (And if you read something you should not – meaning some personal opinions of the writer, … act as if you have never read them.)

Here is the link:

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:176a3491-c0c7-4d41-8b6a-3ba776145a7b

RETURNING FOR THE 1997 “CITY OF JOSEPH” CAST EXPERIENCE

We had so much fun in 1996 that we decided to do it all again in 1997.  That too, was a grand and glorious experience.  While some of the memories shared above also apply to 1997, there were many more different and fun times.

In 1997 we could not afford to take the train again.  Sadly, we had to resort to driving.  Our 15-passenger van was literally packed to the gills.  I don’t think we could have put another sock into the mix.  In a stroke of genius, we bagged use of suitcases (literally).  They were just too big and bulky.  We resorted to the use of large garbage bags for everything – since they were “fluid” and “squishable” and we could compress them into every available inch and corner. 

The trip (both directions) was long and arduous … but so worth every effort.

A special part of the 1997 pageant experience was that we were joined in the cast by my long-time missionary companion and friend, Elder Shaltes, and his family.  At our urging, they applied for and became a part of the cast.  They made the trek from their Sacramento, California home.  It was super great hanging out with them reliving old experiences and enjoying new fun times together.

The Shaltes Family

(Elders) Hunt and Shaltes in front of “The Red Barn” Home where they had lived as missionaries together 22 years previously

Again, I journaled the entire experience and will include the link here.  There is some extraneous stuff in the entries leading up to departure day, but much of it talks of the preparations needed to make the trip.  To avoid all of this, you can, to use a printing term, (John Taylor Print Shop), and just “cut to the chase” and go direct to the entry beginning July 23.  (Same reading and forgetting rules as noted for 1996!)

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:66baeee8-13a0-41d1-91b4-4582da910be9

Each pageant experience was wonderful and glorious and though we would have loved to have returned year after year, we had to face reality.  Time and money would not always realign, it was hard to get off work for the required time, plus our kids’ school years began earlier and earlier (early August) so we had to be grateful for the two pageant experiences we had, and move on … to let some other families have the same experiences.

REVISITING “CAMP NAUVOO” AS SENIOR MISSIONARIES

I have noted that our family were privileged to be housed in a large “bunkhouse” room at Camp Nauvoo when we were here in Nauvoo in the “City of Joseph” pageant.  We had a grand time with the many other pageant families.  We became friends with many with whom we shared time and memories for many years.  Those were great times.  The journal entries detail many of those great times (at the dining hall, doing service, teens hanging out at the “water bubbler”, activities, and just being and sharing together).

Still holding to those memories of long ago, it was fun to go with Sister Hunt’s brother, Brad and Kerry, to revisit Camp Nauvoo.  Going back to the place was so fun.  It was great to relive those memories.  We walked the camp, visited the room where the 11 of us bunked, and of course, took a plethora of photos to share with the family.

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS OF PAGEANT PARTICIPATION

Our family had the opportunity to serve in the cast of the Mesa Arizona Temple, “Jesus the Christ” pageant 12 times (over 20 years).  This pageant cemented in our children their testimonies of our Lord, Jesus Christ as we walked and lived in the life of Jesus.  These were glorious experiences, and they had a life-long profound effect upon the children.

Likewise, participating twice in the Nauvoo pageant had a deep and abiding influence on the children – relative to Joseph Smith – as the Lord’s prophet.  Being in the pageant brought special feelings of the Prophet to each of the children.

Our daughter, Jenae, summed it up as she was on her  mission and was studying about Jesus and Joseph.  She talked of her testimony of both as she wrote her mother and me:   “I think a big part of that testimony was because of our experiences in both the Nauvoo and the Easter “Jesus the Christ” pageants.  I decided that those were the best experiences that you gave all of us – as those two subjects are so important in the Gospel and our testimonies.  It was probably one of the greatest preparations for serving a mission and in helping us develop a testimony of these teachings for ourselves.”

“I continue to learn that my testimony is strengthened because I have experienced for myself a small portion of Joseph Smith’s life and Christ’s life through both pageants.  My testimony of them is more solid because I got to experience their lives somewhat.  So, thank you for taking the time, money and effort to allow us to participate in both pageants.”

Our daughter, Kaylea, years later, also expressed her feelings and memories of pageant participation – along with how the pageant strengthened her testimony of the Restored Gospel.

“Being in the Nauvoo pageant for two years gave me some of the most memorable times of my life. It was a pivotal time in my life when I was building my own testimony of the church. Being able to walk the same streets that our Prophet walked and learning about all the pioneers was so special. I grew to love the Prophet Joseph Smith and all the sacrifices he made to bring the church back for us all. My testimony really grew so much! Being in the pageant almost made me feel like I was back in time. Being all dressed up in time period clothes was so fun!! And I made so many friends. There is a special spirit in Nauvoo that you just can’t feel anywhere. I’m so grateful my Dad made sure we had that opportunity to be in the pageant. It really made me understand and appreciate how the church was restored and all the sacrifices the saints made for us. I will never forgot my time in Nauvoo and the memories I made there. It will always hold a very special place in my heart.”

Being Pageant participants – and the adventures getting there and back – and being on stage were some of our greatest times. They were definitely fun times. But, beyond the fun times and the adventure or it all, it was also a time filled with the Spirit – the Holy Ghost. We felt His Spirit with us in all that we did – in our travels, in our activities, the practices, the associationj with others of the pageant “covenant community” and in our witness through our performances. We felt the Lord’s guidance and protection in our preparations, the trips, and in the performances.

Being in the Nauvoo Pageant was one of the greatest blessings that we ever experienced as a family. We had also served a dozen times (over 20 years) in the “Jesus The Christ” Easter Pageant at the Mesa, Arizona Temple. The Easter Pageant cemented in the children, a love for and an abiding testimony in our Lord Jesus Christ. And being in the Nauvoo Pageant solidified in each of them a burning testimony of the Joseph Smith as the Lord’s Prophet of the Restoration. Together, these various pageant experiences had a great impact upon our children and their testimonies of today.

We have been able to witness the pageants several times this year and we can readily see why the Church stages these performances – for both the cast participants as well as the thousands of visitors who see the performances through each season. It is definitely worth coming and doing!

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NAUVOO PAGEANTS IN 2025

Sadly, all good things must end – and the 2024 Pageants will soon be history.  But now, we can look forward to the possibility of experiencing the Nauvoo Pageants again in 2025.

The pageants next year – 2025 – will be staged from JULY 8 THROUGH AUGUST 2^ND.  Mark your calendars and start planning time and finances so that you might be able to make the trip.  Sister Hunt and I would be happy to welcome you here in beautiful Nauvoo.  And remember that the pageants are staged on alternate nights – so plan to attend both.

Happy to be on stage on the wonderful and historic trail of Old Nauvoo.        9