Elder Kevin and Sister Lou Dene Hunt are enjoying serving in Nauvoo homes and shops. We are pleased to be serving in Nauvoo as “Site Missionaries” in the Illinois Historic Sites Mission (that includes Nauvoo and Carthage). This is a great blessing and privilege.
As noted earlier, Sister Hunt’s parents, Elder E.H. and Sister Verna Belcher served in Nauvoo from 1979 to 1981. They spent their entire mission (18 months plus 2 6-month extensions) in the tiny Lucy Mack Smith home. They got to know that tour well. Also, while here, Elder Belcher built the Nauvoo Brickyard and created the now famous souvenir “Nauvoo Brick” that is still enjoyed by our guests today.
And you also know that I served in Nauvoo in 1975 for the final six months of my mission – also as a site missionary – just as today. There were then 8 sites that were open to the public and Elder Hunt knew each of these tours and took people through all of them.
Things are different today. There are over 30 restored homes and shops in Nauvoo, so visitors have a variety (and quantity) of places to see and experience.
Today Sister Hunt and I get rotated amongst the various homes – daily! We have the opportunity be in all of the 30 sites and have learned the scripts for each one. It is a great honor to serve in these sacred Pioneer homes and to share the lives and testimonies of faith of the early Saints who lived in Nauvoo from 1839 to 1846.
This presentation has been prepared to share with our family and friends. You often hear that “we are in this home (whatever one) today” with little comprehension of what that means. This document introduces the various homes and shops and tours that are available for guests to see and experience (and feel) here in Old Nauvoo.
We hope that you will enjoy this brief introduction to the many beautiful places here in Nauvoo. Perhaps it can help you enjoy Nauvoo from “a distance” until you have opportunity to come to Nauvoo to really experience Nauvoo for yourself. Come, and bring your families – and know and feel the full beauty, glory, and wonder that awaits you here.
Here is the link for you to connect to the presentation.
A while ago, I mentioned in passing about the Nauvoo Whistling and Whittling Brigade. In the earlier blog, I said that I would write about the Brigade in a future blog. And a promise is a promise!
THE WHISTLING WHITTLING BRIGADE IN OLD NAUVOO
Back in pioneer Nauvoo, the Whistling and Whittling Brigade was a thing – a special group – a brotherhood back then.
Today, we talk of the group in two of our presentations. One is at the “singing tree” where the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries (NPM’s) perform. There is a giant tree in Nauvoo. It is at the corner of Main Street at Kimball Street. Two or three times a day, the NPM’s sing at this tree, and it is so fun to gather there with whoever might then be on Main Street.
One presentation that we have enjoyed there is “Men Sing the Songs of Zion”. Another popular production is “The Youth of Zion”. In this little vignette, several of the young performers – both men and ladies – talk about the Nauvoo youth and some of their activities, their spirit, etc. I love this presentation. Like all of the other performances, this one is fantastic.
In this presentation, the performing missionaries introduce the Brigade and talk of how the youth of old Nauvoo protected the city with their whittling antics.
The Teamsters also talk about the Brigade as they tell stories out on their Carriage Ride – where folks ride on wagons pulled by horses – and as they go over the woods and through the river north of the Visitors’ Center. Their Depot – where the trip begins, is at the north end of the Center parking lot. The Teamsters tell of one David Moore and give him credit for starting the Brigade. They tell how his boys “whittled and whistled many a rascal right out of town.”
My ears perk up with any hint of some new piece of history for me to latch onto and to study in depth. And the Whistling Whittling Brigade was one of those. I am, of course, a whittler from ancient history – so I was particularly intrigued with this Nauvoo Brigade and their woodcarving. Whitling … now there is something I can relate to.
MY INTEREST IN WHITLING AND CARVING STARTED AS A YOUNG BOY SCOUT
I took up an interest in whittling when I was a Boy Scout – age 12. I had an official Scout knife – and I still have it. It is black and kind of “bulky” for a knife. (Not as sleek as later models.) I took the Woodcarving merit badge at Camp Geronimo. I earned the badge by carving a letter opener and a neckerchief of the hand of a Scout in the Scout sign. I still have the pocket knife and the letter opener. I cannot find the Scout sign, but I know that I must have it – since I never throw away “anything historical”. (I have quite a collection!) The two wood-carved pieces are not at all marvelous, but they do bring back special memories.
MY FIRST CARVED WALKING STICK
My woodcarving skills were put on hold for many years. I didn’t know that I had any skills – or even interest. Then I got involved with the Boy Scouts in a more professional way. And it was then that the dormant interest began to stir once again.
As a new professional for the Boy Scouts of America, I found myself on a 24 or so day training back at the old Schiff Scout Reservation in New Jersey. (This place was magnificent but has since gone the way of the world – sold to help pay for other Scouting opportunities). I attended what was then called “NEI” – which is the acronym for “National Executive Institute”. While at the NEI training, I went to the little bookstore that they had at the place. And I there purchased my first real Scout whittling knife. Wanting to carve, but not knowing what to carve, I found a stick and began to carve on it.
I carved “NEI” on it and took advantage of the natural curves and bumps of the stick to create a twisted funny face. Also on the stick, I carved “NEI 7803”. (I was in the 3rd NEI Class of 1978 …). I quickly learned that all one needs in order to whittle was to get a knife and a stick – and to go at it. I found that was true. It began to work for me. Again, it was kind of a humble start, but it was enough to get me hooked on the skill or hobby or whatever it was.
In the rush of leaving for home, I somehow left my newly carved stick at the NEI place in New Jersey. And then I was in a dilemma. I called back to folks at the Reservation, and they found the stick and the folks were able to send it home with a BYU friend who was in the 7804 NEI class. It took a few months before I had a rendezvous with Brad to get the stick back. I was grateful that he took it on the airplane and somehow got it back to me.
Carving that stick got me hooked on the practice and art of woodcarving. I resolved then that I would create a new walking stick for each Boy Scout camp that I would work at in the future. And, so, a new tradition was begun. I created a stick at and for Camp Loll where I worked later that summer. And then later, at Camp Bartlett, I created a new stick for that camp. And so, it began – and became a thing for me. I got into the mode of finding the right wood stick and with just my trusty Scout carving knife, I began to have success. I worked hard to create the new sticks through the years. And I had a great time doing it.
Creating the sticks was sometimes a challenge when the pressures of time and responsibility sometimes were so much that I didn’t have as much time to carve as I desired.
Over the passage of time, I created about 15 new walking sticks, and I have them in a barrel collection in my Scouting Trails Museum – now jam-packed floor to ceiling at our Maricopa home. We moved all extraneous stuff of Sister Hunt and me into our two front bedrooms to make room for our daughter and son-in-law who are residing in our place while we are on our mission. I filled one room (my museum) with my stuff and Lou filled the front bedroom with her stuff.
WALKING STICK COUNSELING
I found that carving the sticks at camps afforded me a unique experience. I called it my “walking stick counseling”. I could go sit literally anywhere in camp – even on some remote log on some hidden trail. I would start carving and within a few minutes, I would have a couple of Scouts there on the log with me. They were very intrigued with my carving and asked many questions as I showed them what I was doing.
We had great conversations. And as I sat with the boys on the log with me, I would ask them about camp. “How do you like the Nature area? What is your favorite thing to get at the trading post? Who is your favorite staff member? Do you see any problems with our camp?” And in these discussions, I learned about the goings on all around the camp. Then as needed, I could use what I had learned in future staff meetings or discussions with individual staff members.
By this method, I seemed to know everything that was going on around the camp. And this blew the minds of my staff. They wondered how I knew all of this about them, and their areas, and the camp. It was great!
THE POCKET KNIFE SAGA
I mentioned that first BSA whittling knife. I carried that knife in my pocket always for about 20 years. I had used this knife to carve many of my stick in the collection. Then, one summer, we took all of the kids up north to the town of Payson, Arizona and attended July 4th festivities there. We sat in the grass at a large park to watch the fireworks. Then sadly, the next morning, I realized with horror that I no longer had my pocketknife. We returned to the park, and we all scoured the area around where we were sitting – but to no avail. The pocketknife was nowhere to be found. (I am sure that someone else found it and enjoyed it.)
Soon thereafter, and knowing of my love for the knife, my three sons pooled their resources, and they bought me a new knife – identical to the original BSA carving knife. That was about 25 years ago, and I have since carried that knife everywhere as I had its predecessor. And, like it, I have now carved many more sticks with it. And I still (even on the mission) carry that knife with me everywhere (except church – where I’ve learned that it slips out of my suit pants pocket). And I also carry my dad’s “Old Timer” knife with me – keeping a part of him with me as I serve. (And there’s another “Old Timer” story … which I have already long since blogged about.)
MY OBSESSION WITH BOLO TIES
With my whittling interest, I have had a life-long obsession with a love of hand-carved bolo ties. Though I have never carved one, these have become my personal trademark. I have so loved them, that there have been few days over the years when I have not worn the carved ornaments around my neck. Even family photos through the years each sported a different bolo time (for posterity).
My bolo tie interest also had its beginnings in my youth. When about age 16, I read in the “Scouting” magazine about the famed woodcarver, Bill Burch. I read of him creating hundreds of the bolos and then giving them out to Scouts at the National Scout Jamboree. (And that is also when I first learned about Jamborees and developed an intense desire to take our Troop 155 to the upcoming 1973 Jamboree (and that is a story that I’ve already told).
Anyway, from that youth moment, I wanted to somehow acquire a Bill Burch Bolo Tie (or “neckerchief slide”) but didn’t know how to get one. This aching burned within me for several years. Then finally when I was about age 30, a Bill Burch bolo came to me.
Lou and I and three children (expecting #4) were then living in Santa Barbara, California (where I was still a professional with the Boy Scouts). I was also the Ward Mission Leader. We literally had absolutely no place to house our missionaries. (Santa Barbara is a wonderful and most beautiful place – but it is also very strange relative to housing for young adults and families.)
Lou and were already crowded in our 3-bedroom townhouse with our expanding family but we moved all of the children into one bedroom. We then created bunk beds and furniture in the other bedroom to accommodate young Elders to be with us.
One of the first missionaries who came to live with us was from Spokane, Washington – where I knew the carver, Bill Burch, lived. I got excited. I said to him, “Do you know Bill Burch, the Scout carving guy?” He said, “Yeah, he was my Scoutmaster.” I said, “Really …! Wow! I have forever wanted to have one of hisfamous bolo ties.” He said, “I have about seven of them in my dresser at home. I will have my mom send one of them to me.”
He did so … and that is how I got my first Burch bolo … numbered #6667 on the back. And that started an even greater obsession with them. The bolo had the address of Bill Burch on the back – with the number of the bolo. And with his address, I was able to communicate directly with him to acquire additional of his bolo ties.
Photo: Kevin Hunt (left with walking sticks and friends – at his 50th Anniversary in Scouting Jubilee Celebration
From that point forward, I have collected bolos from many sources and from more than a dozen different carvers of them. And now, I have a collection of about 35 of them – with the goal of having one to pass on (posthumously) to each to my nine children (including the ladies) as well as one for each of my 26 grandsons. It has taken a bit of effort and resources to accumulate such a collection. (And that brings to memory another blog article …) Read it at: https://thescoutingtrail.wordpress.com/2017/10/23/bolo-ties-are-part-of-my-scouting-tradition-part-1/
BLOGS, BOYS, KNIVES, STICKS, AND WHITTLING
Some years ago, a long-time Scouting friend, Darryl Alder, got me hooked on the hobby or whatever it is – of writing blog articles. I’ve written about a 100 blog articles on Scouting subjects and many of them through the years have been on woodcarving, or whittling,
I introduced one of those blogs saying, “There is something about boys, knives, and carving … Like kids and mud puddles, camp, Scouts, sticks, and knives just kind of go together. One thing that all Scouts seem to have in common is their propensity for stick carving.” (August 16, 2017)
Sadly, with the passage of time and the changing of the guard in Scouting (and me personally), many of the links to those former great articles have gone the way of the world. But I did save them and published them all in Volume #20 of my personal autobiography (that I called “My Life’s Collective Works”). You can access the book at this link:
NOW BACK TO THE NAUVOO WHISTLING WHITTLING BRIGADE
That was kind of a round-about way to introduce the Nauvoo Whistling Whittling Brigade. I hope that you enjoyed the detour …
So, boys, sticks and carving are not a new phenomenon. The connection is probably as old as time. Adam and his sons probably made knives and began carving soon after the Eden experience. It was likely a part of their survival mode.
When my sons were teens, they were privileged to attend the biennial Varsity Scouting “Mountain Man Rendezvous” held at Camp Geronimo near Payson, Arizona. In preparation for this grand guy event, the boys worked for months ahead to create capotes (large fur-like capes) mountain man hats, and other gear. Creating their own knife (from a plain piece of steel to a cool, finished knife) was a part of the program. And each Scout who made such a knife has, no doubt, treasured it for life since that time. (*Much to the dismay of their wives who wonder why their men keep such a thing in their homes.)
HISTORICAL BEGINNINGS OF WHITTLING AND WHISTLING IN OLD NAUVOO
Historical records indicate that the old Nauvoo Whistling Whittling Brigade likely did not get its formal start until 1845 – after the death of the Prophet Joseph
. However, Mosiah Lyman Hancock may have employed the same tactics much earlier – to help protect the Prophet Joseph Smith. Mosiah was born in 1834 so would have been ten years old when the Prophet was martyred. He was the son of Levi Ward Hancock (and nephew of my 4th great grandmother, Clarissa Hancock Alger). In his autobiography, he said,
“I joined the whistling and whittling band. In those days, there was, now and then, a fop or dude who would go to a man’s shingle pile, and with his hat or cap cocked on one side, would sit and whittle and whistle. There was no law against that, but from what we could learn, some of them were interested in taking the life of the Prophet. We kept a good watch and were directed to keep an eye on the “Black Ducks”. We really tried to do our duty, and we succeeded in bagging some game. I was about to give some instances, but forbear by saying, “In no case did I ever help to engage in whittling any one down to make them cross the great river unless they were known to be lurking around the Prophet’s premises quite late, or to be seeking that which was none of their business. In extreme cases when we knew a man to be a snobber, and who still sought the life of the Prophet, we would use our rail. We generally had four boys to a rail—–the rail would be flat on the bottom and was three cornered; on the top corner it was terribly sharp—–fixed to suit the aggravating circumstances. Four boys generally knew how to manage the rail. We all had our knives and our timbers to whittle and make rails from, and we knew what tunes to whistle. I do not know if the boys from Nauvoo would like for me to betray those old-fashioned secrets; but that was the way we initiated those who seemed to wish with all their hearts to become thoroughly acquainted with the secrets of the Prophet. …”
The above account tells of how Mosiah (who lived just a block East of Joseph’s Mansion House – on the corner of Water and Partridge Streets) helped to protect the Prophet Joseph. Mosiah continued: “The Brethren pushed the work on the Temple; and the Gospel was preached; and every Saint was busy doing all he could to help the work along. Although I was very young, I was on guard many a night, and gladly did I hail with many of the Saints, the completion of the temple.”
Mosiah adds an interesting side note: “On about January 10, 1846 [when he was 12] , I was privileged to go in the temple and receive my washings and anointings. I was sealed to a lovely young girl named Mary, who was about my age, but it was with the understanding that we were not to live together as man and wife until we were 16 years of age. The reason that some were sealed so young was because we knew that we would have to go West and wait many a long time for another temple.”
As noted, Mosiah seemed to be protecting the Prophet Joseph (who died in 1844). The real organization of the Brigade happened after the death of Joseph but Mosiah had the skills so he definitely would have fit right into the newly organized Brigade.
PROTECTION FROM THE MOBS
From the day of the First Vision, Joseph the Prophet of the Restoration, had to run for his life. He was constantly barraged by evil people who wanted his capture or even his demise. He had to be constantly on-guard and had to ask many other people for their help and protection in his behalf.
The enemies of Joseph and Hyrum thought that the church would evaporate or die with the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum. The harassment of the church stopped but only for a brief period before it intensified even more. The evil designs of the adversary opened fire against the Saints. Foes of the church were also determined to stop the construction of the Temple.
THE NAUVOO CITY CHARTER
“The Nauvoo City Charter was unique because it established a city council, municipal court, university, and independent militia unit (“The Nauvoo Legion”). The charter was quickly approved by the Illinois general assembly on December 16, 1840, and passed the final review by the Council of Revision on December 17, It became effective February 1, 1841. Before the 1870 Illinois Constitution, municipalities could vote to incorporate themselves or could be incorporated by special acts of the General Assembly. For a time, this city charter was magnificent. It served the Saints well and allowed them to create their own “Utopia” by which they governed themselves.
“The charter authorized the creation of a city council, consisting initially of a mayor, four aldermen, and nine council members; and a municipal court with jurisdiction over local cases and the power to issue writs of habeas corpus. The charter also included provisions for a university and a local militia. … The Nauvoo Legion, the city’s militia – and a local police force – was organized in 1841 and functioned until its charter was repealed in 1845. The Legion was made up of mostly members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some opponents of the Legion believed it was a threat to non-Mormons.
“ ,,, Nauvoo’s charter was unique among Illinois city charters, the combination of powers in the charter and the energetic use of those powers became a source of contention.”
Neighboring communities saw Nauvoo and its charter a political and economic threat and mob violence increased.
After the Martyrdom, mob rule was the order of the day. Violence increased as mobs and wicked people continued to want to exterminate the “Mormons” (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) – just as they had done in Missouri and elsewhere prior to the Nauvoo era.
Ultimately, the full charter – with all of its powers – including the right of citizens to defend themselves was revoked in 1845, again by order of the Illinois General Assembly. In January 1845, the legislature repealed the Nauvoo Charter by a vote of 25-14 in the Senate and 75-31 in the House.[2] Nauvoo was dis-incorporated and its assets were placed into a receivership. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nauvoo_City_Council)
EFFECT OF THE REVOCATION OF THE NAUVOO CHARTER
The revocation of the Nauvoo City Charter dissolved the Nauvoo Legion as well as the local police force. This action came as mob violence and prejudice continued to increase exponentially. The city was then totally without protection. The Saints were left to the mercy of those opposed to them. Dramatic action was needed for the protection of the city and for the completion of the Temple. Brigham Young and the Apostles soon realized that guards were needed both day and night.
Thurmon Dean Moody wrote a beautiful treatise (maybe one of the greatest writings) on the subject of the Whittling Whistling Brigade. I recommend his article can be found at chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1738&context=byusq
Citizens of Nauvoo knew that this was the demise of their beloved Nauvoo. Appeal attempts were made but to no avail.
Almon Babbit wrote an appeal to the charter revocation: “Repeal the charter of Nauvoo, prescribe her citizens by your public acts and you will tolerate and encourage the demonstration of mob violence that surrounds the people of Nauvoo.” He noted that fiends around them were waiting to feast upon the Saints to their destruction.
Wandle Mace said of the evil forces: “They tried every means they could devise to bring trouble upon Nauvoo. Frequently a party would land from a steamboat and come into the city, commit their deviltry, and return to the boat and leave again – well knowing we had no law to protect us since the city charter was taken away.”
A PLAN IS DEVISED
Apostle Brigham Young decided that action needed to be taken. On Sunday, March 16, 1845, Brigham called a meeting for the next evening. He said, “We want the bishops at the Masonic Hall, and we will organize them according to our notion of things. We have no police, and the legislature has repealed our charter. We mean to have the City of Joseph organized so the streets shall be kept clear and the poor cared for.”
Hosea Stout had previously been the Chief of Police under the city charter.
Photo: Hosea Stout
The committee organized the city into companies of ten with a captain at the head of each company. The “new police” were to continue to meet mostly as a guard for the Temple. They were not a city organization, but it was to be an ecclesiastical guard. The groups were to receive no pay and were to be volunteers. Not wanting to resort to extra legal extra activities and being aware that their priesthood authority did not apply to any but their own people they felt as if this would be a viable solution.
At the meeting Brigham called, Hosea was present and suggested a plan. He had met three days before with Stephen Markham, a captain in the former Legion. Both were anxious to preserve order as much as possible under the circumstances.
The plan was to organize the whole community of saints into quorums of 12 Deacons – each with a Bishop at their head. David Moore – referred to on the horse “Carriage Ride” said, “The purpose of the organization was two-fold: 1) to take care of the poor 2) to guard the city at night to keep everything straight.” He further recorded: I was appointed one of the bishops also (at age 26). I had a very large district assigned to me. I was allowed 13 men, and we had to keep watch over the north part of the city one night each week including the steamboat landing. Our weapons were a large hickory cane and a toothpick – a huge knife. The object of the knife was to whittle rascals out of town.”
Brigham soon proclaimed this as a new “official Mormon practice” at the meeting on the 17th of March.
IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN
In his autobiography, George W. Bean recorded, “This was my first real public service at the age of fourteen and a half years [and] being large of stature and well equipped, I did my full share of duty for five days and nights after this. I performed guard duty at nights all winter about the streets of Nauvoo.”
On each corner was a man from twelve to twenty years of age who watched all movements from sunset to dawn and reported any suspicious activity to the bishop who promptly consulted the leaders and the Nauvoo Legion Officials.”
THE AGE OF THE BRIGADE DEACONS
Some reports of the Whistling Whitling Brigade indicate that the “Deacons” were all very young – like teen-age boys. Such may not have always been the case. In those days, there was no age parameter for being a Deacon. A Deacon could be a young boy, or he could be an adult. Ages for Aaronic Priesthood quorum membership did not happen until 1908 (just in time for the 1910 organization of the Boy Scouts of America). At that time, young men of age 12 could be ordained as Deacons.
So, the Brigade Deacons could have been ages 12 to 25 or older in old Nauvoo.
THE JOB OF THE WHISTLING WHITTLING BRIGADE
Paul D. Bailey gave a detailed account saying that the community “met the increasing flood of gentile undesirables by organizing the boy population into a whistling and whittling brigade suspicious strangers immediately would be surrounded by groups of boys armed with long bladed jack knives and sticks whichever way the suspect moved the boys followed whistling and whittling as they went. Not a question would they ask not a question would they answer. They were too small to strike individually too many to battle collectively when they descended on a hapless stranger they hugged his presence like vermin until in exasperation he was glad to take hasty leave from the abode of the saints.”
Wandle Mace said, “Our families were exposed to the rascals who on finding them unprotected by husbands and fathers would insult and abuse them in consequence of such things. The old police formed themselves into whittling companies and guarded the city from the rascals. When a stranger came into the city they would learn if they were upon legitimate business and if so, they did not interfere with them but if they had no legitimate business, they were then under the surveillance of the Whittlers who would follow wherever they went whittling and whistling. They did not molest them in any way not even talking to them but simply followed them whittling and whistling as they went.”
William B Pace painted a vivid picture as he wrote in his journal of the activities of the Brigade. He said, that “every boy generally could whistle and most of them had knives from ten to fourteen inches long in scabbards ”a la bouy” and when any of these fellows became boisterous or showed any signs of meddling the boy who discovered would draw his knife and commence whittling and soon a crowd of his pals gathered. Then they would surround the obnoxious element – be he large or small – many or few – and whistled and whittled in his direction and they’d stick by him until he was out of town. This was rather an amusing process. Not a word was said but an unearthly whistle – and generally everyone had his own favorite tune – and an incessant whittling with those large knives was enough to strike terror to the hearts of the victims and he got out of town as quick as his legs could carry him.”
BROTHER BRIGHAM AND THE BRIGADE
Brigham Young was often confronted about the Brigade by men who got whistled and whittled. He denied that he had anything to do with the antics of the Brigade. But, on 14 April 1845, during the height of the brigade encounter, Brigham Young mentioned that “Nauvoo’s Whistling and Whittling Brigade and the deacons have become very efficient looking after the welfare of the saints. Every part of the city is watched with the strictest care and whatever time of night the streets are traveled at the corner of every block a deacon is found attending his duty.”
Dirty men who felt the brunt of the Brigade sometimes complained to Brother Brigham and accused him of orchestrating the plan and the antics of the Brigade. One such person who talked to Brigham was given an interesting retort back. President Young is reported to have quietly replied in the words of Martin Van Buren when president of the United States to Joseph Smith: “Gentlemen your cause is just but I can do nothing for you. The legislature has taken away our city charter we have no laws nor power to protect you.”
Obviously, Brigham Young did support the Bishop and Deacon method of watching and guarding Nauvoo, but it was not as apparent that he was supportive of what appears to be its offshoot the Whistling and Whittling brigade.
Many reflected the opinions expressed by many involved with the organization noting that the Brigade lasted but a few weeks. But, even so, Scoundrels soon learned that to go into Nauvoo, men must mind their own business and not meddle with the people, or they would get whistled out. So, if the whistlers kept out even a few of the bad guys – the scoundrels – they were successful.
While the Whistling Whittling Brigade was successful in the short run, the Bishops and Deacons ultimately could not fully control the mobocrats who came after the Saints. They were still expelled from Nauvoo – beginning in February of 1846.
SO, WHAT DID THE WHISTLING WHITTLING BRIGADE WHITTLE?
This blog article was based on the assumption that the Whistling Whittling Brigade actually did real “woodcarving” – and that the Bishops and Deacons created a desired object, shape or design with their sharp-edged cutting tools. (That is a Google definition.) I guess I assumed that the work of the Whistling Whittling Brigade was whittling or actually wood carving. And this is what drew me to the Nauvoo Whistling Whittling Brigade.
Now, however, as I have learned more about them, I have realized that their real purpose was to protect the city and to encourage scoundrels to get out of town fast. I realized that they really weren’t doing real woodcarving, but they sure put on a good act. They cut on sticks as if whittling – but probably were just taking big swipes (maybe taking the bark off of their sticks). I had no idea that they did their whittling with large “Bowie Knives”. Whittling really is not possible with a very large-bladed knife. Whittling – with a specific goal or design in mind – is best done with small blades that can be manipulated to create intricate designs.
WHAT DID THE WHISTLING WHITTLING BRIGADE ACCOMPLISH?
I learned that the Brigade really was successful – in that they accomplished their goals – but it was a different goal than I had supposed. Their mission was that of helping scoundrels out of town. They were a real source of strength to the Saints. Their presence helped Saints feel at least some peace and protection – even in the trauma of the time. Their work had nothing to do with whittling and carving. Theirs was a higher calling – to protect their community, the Temple and fellow saints. And they accomplished that mission.
The Brigade members served their Nauvoo Covenant Community. Each man or boy did his best and did his part to contribute to the community as a whole. Brigade participants experienced a great brotherhood as they worked and served together. They became friends, and brothers as they served together for the cause of Zion.
Brigade members worked under the direction of their ecclesiastical or church leaders. They were a beautiful witness of how the Priesthood can operate when all work together. Bishops were responsible for and guided their Deacons – men and boys – in the protection of their fellow Saints. Bishops and Deacons worked together to accomplish their mission – setting an example of how Bishops and Aaronic Priesthood men and boys can work together in our day.
The Brigade was successful in keeping the peace in the short run but, the Brigade could not handle the violent mobs that were to come, and the Saints were later forced to evacuate Nauvoo the following spring. The Spirit and camaraderie of the Brigade members, however, would live on within their minds and hearts as they went forward – united in faith – to their next adventures and future priesthood responsibilities.
I am surely not a whistler, but I do love to whittle along the trail whenever I can.
“The Book of the Law of the Lord”. Wow! What an intriguing title! It gets one thinking, doesn’t it?
One of my favorite tours as a site missionary here in Nauvoo is that of Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store. We tell our guests at the beginning of our tours there, “This is a special and sacred place because of the many great and sacred things that occurred here in Old Nauvoo.”
After giving a brief review of the history of the building, and how excited Joseph Smith was as he opened the store in January of 1842, we tell folks that “the Prophet Joseph was not much of a storekeeper. He was too kind. He gave everything away on “credit” to those in need.” We then say that “he turned the store operation over to his clerks, Willard Richard and Newel K. Whitney – and that improved the “bottom line” considerably.” We then say that “Joseph had a much holier calling and more important things to do than to be a store clerk.”
We also say, “And the Red Brick Store also had a much holier function than just being a store.” I like to point out the little square window at the back wall. And as I do, I say that “the clerks did normal store stuff – sales, receipts, etc., at that window, but they also did more important and sacred functions there.”
That holier store function was where Apostle Willard Richards accepted sacred donations for the Temple and the Nauvoo House construction – as well as tithing funds of the Church.
At Joseph Smith’s “Homestead” (where he and Emma and family lived from May 1839 to August 1843),
Joseph received the revelation of Section 124 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Verse 23 introduces the “Nauvoo House” and says that it is to be a “boarding house, [where] strangers may come from afar to lodge therein; … that the weary traveler may find health and safety while he shall contemplate the word of the Lord … and the glory of Zion, and the glory of this, the cornerstone thereof.” (D&C 124:24, 60). I love that! And the revelation continues: “Let no man pay stock to the quorum of the Nauvoo House unless he shall be a believer in the Book of Mormon, and the revelations I have given unto you, saith the Lord Your God.” (D&C 124: 119)
The same Section 124, also introduces the need to build [a new] Temple, “that [I, the Lord] may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the Priesthood … and I command you, all ye my saints, to build a house unto me; … And verity I say unto you, let this house be built unto my name, that I may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people. … And if ye labor with all your might, I will consecrate that spot that it shall be made holy. … And again, verily I say unto you, I command you again to build a house to my name … that ye may prove yourselves unto me that ye are faithful in all things whatsoever I command you, that I may bless you, and crown you with honor, immortality, and eternal life.” (D&C 124:40, 44, 55)
The Lord further stated that stock in the two buildings was to be sold, and Church members were invited to become “stockholders”.
On July 6, 1838, The Lord gave the revelation of Section 118. Joseph had prayed, “O Lord! Show unto thy servants how much thou requires of the properties of thy people for a tithing”. The introduction to this section says, “The law of tithing, as understood today, had not been given to the Church previous to this revelation. The term tithing in the prayer just quoted and in previous revelations (64:23, 85:3, 97:11) had meant not just one-tenth, but all free-will offerings, or contributions to the Church funds.”
In the revelation, it states, “Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop of my church in Zion. For the building of mine house, and for the laying of the foundation of Zion and for the priesthood … And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people. And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually, and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord … [and] all those who gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus properties and shall observe this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you.” (D&C 119: 1-5)
The Law of Tithing had been taught anciently by the Prophet, Malachi. His prophesies are recorded in the final book of the Old Testament. In Malachi 3:8-10, The Lord himself asked, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that they may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
These teachings of Malachi were given some 400 years before the coming of Christ. The New Testament has several references to the payment and receipt of tithes.
The Nephites left Jerusalem about 600 BC. This was about 200 years before the time of Malachi. They took with them “the brass plates” that had been kept by Laban and his progenitors. The Plates contained prophesies roughly up through the Old Testament Prophet Jeremiah. Obviously, they would not have had the teachings of Malachi.
It is significant that “when the risen Lord appeared to the faithful on this continent, he taught them the commandments the prophet Malachi had already given to other children of Israel. (Elder Dallin H. Oaks.) The Lord commanded that they should record and teach [the words of Malachi – as quoted above. It is also very interesting that after the Savior quoted these words, he told the people that God the Father had commanded him (Jesus) to give these words unto the people assembled. Wow! Talk about important! Consider the source!
And again, quoting Elder Oaks, “Here we see that the law of tithing is not a remote Old Testament practice, but a commandment directly from the Savior to the people of our day. The Lord reaffirmed that law in modern revelation, commanding his people to pay “one-tenth of all their interest …” (Again quoting D&C 119:4)
Elder Oaks quoted President Heber J. Grant who said, “I appeal to the Latter-day Saints to be honest with the Lord and I promise them that peace, prosperity and financial success will attend those who are honest with our Heavenly Father. When we set our hearts upon the things of this world and fail to be strictly honest with the Lord we do not grow in the light and power and strength of the gospel as we otherwise would do.”
Elder Oaks further said, “Tithing is a commandment with a promise. The words of Malachi, reaffirmed by the Savior, promise those who bring their tithes into the storehouse that the Lord will open “the windows of heaven, and pour [them] out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. … The payment of tithing also brings the individual tithe payer unique spiritual blessings. … We pay tithing as the Savior taught, by bringing the tithes “into the storehouse”. Elder Oaks continued, “In earlier times, tithing was paid in kind – a tenth of the herdsman’s increase, a tenth of the farmer’s produce. I am sorry that our modern cash economy deprives parents of the wonderful teaching opportunities presented by the payment of tithing in kind.” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, April 1994 General Conference)
I can definitely testify of the blessings of paying tithing and fast offerings in my life – and that of our family. We have never professed to have any money in our family as Lou and I raised our 9 children but … we faithfully paid a full tithing (on the gross) of every paycheck that we ever received. And we paid a substantial fast offering with each pay check, as well.
We were unemployed on several occasions, and we were often stressed financially but we were truly blessed. We lived on faith and in that faith, the Lord definitely came through for us – as promised by Malachi – and Jesus, and we experienced the opening of the “windows of heaven” in our behalf. And I note that generally, the windows were fully opened so that we got the full “draft”. These blessings were poured out upon us because of our faith and the tithing and fast offerings that we paid. The Lord always provided for us, and we never lacked. I believe that. I know that!
The saints in the days of Nauvoo welcomed the teaching of Joseph Smith, their prophet, as he continued to teach and encourage all (no matter how poor) to continue to pay their tithes and offering for the construction of the Temple and as tithing, generally.
And that brings us back to Joseph’s Red Brick Store, and the clerks of the Church. As Willard and Newell received the sacred funds, and contributions of all kinds, they recorded these in what they called “The Book of the Law of the Lord”.
I have been intrigued by this book and its title since I first learned of it (and have taught about it in Joseph’s Red Brick Store). It has been fun to teach the truths of this Book and the real “Law of the Lord”.
After I teach as described above, I say, “In today’s world, we sneak our tithing and other donations in on-line – using computers. And generally, we never even see a Ward or other Clerk.” But then, I assure my guests that “somewhere back behind all of that technology, we are probably still being recorded in “The Book of the Law of the Lord”.
I don’t say this, but I always think of D&C 128:8 (also revealed in Nauvoo) which says, “.. Whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven, for out of the books shall your dead by judged, according to their own works. …”
Willard and Newel were acting in accordance with D&C 85:1 that says, “It is the duty of the Lord’s clerk, whom he has appointed, to keep a history and a general church record of all things that transpire in Zion, and of all those who consecrate properties …”
After telling guests about the technology relative to donations, and the possibility of being recorded in “The Book of the Law of the Lord”, I then say to them – and I point to the children or teenagers, “That is a very important book. You really do want to be recorded in “The Book of the Law of the Lord”. (And their parents always smile …!)
Recently I decided to do a deeper dive into the subject of the “Book”. I Googled it and found the actual recordings of donations of the Saints, as recorded in the Joseph Smith Papers (Josephsmithpapers.org). I spent an evening – two or three hours – reading entries in the Book. This proved to be an exciting and wonderful read. It was a real eye-opener! (And a tear-jerker, too!)
A Sister Ann Lewis used my same tactic – but she researched the original Book in Salt Lake City at the Church Historian’s Office. She was kind of overcome – as was I – as she read of the sacrifice of the Nauvoo Saints. She kept records of her findings and summarized them by kind in a blog article. Hers is a very fascinating record, and I highly recommend it for your information and sobering pondering. You can reach her record at
The Ann Lewis presentation is definitely a great read – as is the original source as noted above in the josephsmithpapers.org. Check them out.
I have included a couple of her pages – just for your edification.
I have also included here, just a couple of pages that I extracted from the real “Book of the Law” record. I was particularly interested in entries that mentioned my own ancestors.
Photo: Sample page from Book of the Law of the Lord
Photo: Nathan Cheney – 3rd Great Grandfather in The Book of the Law of the Lord
Photo: Horace Rawson – 3rd Great Grandfather in Book of the Law of the Lord
From my reading in the real “Book of the Law of the Lord”, I was “caught up in the Spirit” of it all and decided to pen a few lines about what I found – and my feelings for it:
THE BOOK OF THE LAW OF THE LORD
The “Book of the Law of the Lord”,
A book wherein all Saints should be.
The Book showed faith, their love of God,
Of Nauvoo Saints on bended knee.
A tithing book – for Temple too,
Giving all by consecration.
The Saints gave hearts, all they could do,
Sacrifice, their strong foundation.
Poor and driven, homes forsaken,
For God’s Kingdom, the Saints did live,
For though mobbed their faith unshaken,
Humbly, grateful, they came to give.
And lacking cash, “in kind” they gave,
Of what they grew, or what they raised.
They gave what little they did have,
And doing so, their God they praised.
Temple labor, one day in ten,
They worked together, they did build.
With brothers from their wards as when,
In turn, their duty to fulfill.
Some sacrificed, gave half their land,
Some even gave their iron plow.
Each person gave with open hand,
Willing to help that all might grow.
Women gave the quilts that they had made,
Or shirts to clothe the working men.
In faith and trust they often prayed,
For God’s protection of their men.
Men gave the products of their trade,
Loaned their horses and their wagon.
They gave to God the best they’d made,
The proved their salt, they were true men.
Some gave the savings of their life,
So willingly their all did share.
Together, husband and his wife,
No thought for any worldly care.
Some gave horses, saddles, harness,
A bag of flour, a bushel of corn.
A treasured watch, chest or mattress,
Hogs or chickens from the barn.
Some water pails, a skillet, lid,
A rolling pin, a looking glass,
Some wooden bowls, a feather bed,
Some beets, pumpkins, a big fat goose.
In their giving, Saints felt great joy,
Rejoiced that they could help and share,
Great blessings, they did all enjoy,
With trust, God gave His loving care.
God’s Prophet, Joseph, did impress,
His Saints to bring to Red Brick Store.
Their offerings, humble, but their best,
And we like them, can give as yore.
All consecrated to their God,
Gave to the clerks from faith within.
“The Book of the Law of the Lord”,
It’s a Book we want to be in.
Kevin V. Hunt – September 24, 2024
Yes, “The Book of the Law of the Lord” is really a special and sacred book. And like the Saints in Nauvoo, it’s a book we want to be in!
Hoping to be found recorded on the trail of the “Book of the Law of the Lord” … Hope to see you there, too!
Yes, it’s “full circle” for me relative to missionary service here in Old Nauvoo, As you might have surmised, I am here in Nauvoo in 2024 serving as a site missionary. It is “full circle” for me – since I was also here in 1975 – doing exactly the same thing as I am now doing in the present here and now moment of 2024. Forty-nine years later? How is that possible?
Serving here in 2024 I am serving with my own companion – my wife, Lou. This is one of the greatest moments of my life. It is great to be serving here with her. I am so grateful for the opportunity to return to serve in these times in this sacred and holy place of Nauvoo. In being here, I recognize the hand of the Lord in my life and in my being here – again! And as I put it all together, I stand in total amazement. It is really very fantastic to see how the Lord has and continues to pull everything together for me to serve and to accomplish his purposes – on behalf of myself and others who come here to this holy ground. I marvel at how the Lord pulls together time and space, people and circumstances – to make them all come together in continuing miracles. It’s a big WOW!
Sister Walters is half of a senior missionary couple here in Nauvoo. (Her husband is a teamster!) She is charged with the task to create an annual mission history for our Illinois Historic Sites Mission. This is reminiscent (for me) as I recall having that assignment to create such a history – as I did this for eight years for the Mesa South Stake “of Ziion” in Arizona. I remember well, the Church’s charge to create such historical documents (and I remember the Lord’s charge of such to Nephi (3 Nephi 23:6-13) and again through the Prophet, Joseph Smith in our day (D&C 85:1-2). The charge remains the same! So, I appreciate Sister Walter’s efforts.
Sister Walters somehow discovered that I had been here before – and that I have come “full circle” by being here once again to serve in Nauvoo. She suggested that I write my feelings about that coming “full circle” phenomenon. I readily agreed to her invitation.
My mind was filled with the “dash” – the many years and Nauvoo memories and even miracles that have come together for me here in this special and sacred place. To my mind came many images (and a fistful of 3×5” notecards) of people and experiences to write about – really filling the details of that “full circle”. I soon saw in the invitation a full blog. And with so much coming to me, I decided that I should reread her invitation – to see what she really wanted. I knew that I could feed her more than she wanted (you know me!).
I went back and reread her original message to me. She wrote: “Hi there! Elder Hunt … I had talked to you earlier about doing a page in the history called ‘full circle’. I would like to feature you on that page. Would you please send me a short paragraph on how you feel as a returning missionary to Nauvoo?” (She said she already had sleuthed some photos of me – one as a young missionary and one with my beautiful wife). She continued, “It seems like such a special and unique thing to be able to minister in the same place at different stages of life. How cool is that??? Would you be able to do this within a week or so?” (I had previously missed the “short” part of the directive – so I had to rethink my approach.
She said it so well … beautiful. I could have just let her say it for me. After re-reading the invitation, I realized that my volume of thoughts probably extended way beyond her hopes and expectations. But she already had me going. I quickly created a “short” (for me) rendering of the facts and sent it off to her. I was off and running, however, so I decided to just keep going – for my own sake – and that of posterity (and possibly other interested parties).
I have spoken and written about some aspects of my “full circle” in previous blogs and I apologize if I repeat myself or if I will bore you with more than you want. But, it is a great story and so I guess I will just continue with my expanded vision of that “circle”. It will actually be great to have all of the material together in one space and blog. So, here goes …!
First, about my initial (1975) call to serve in Nauvoo (and I note that I have a daily journal entry for every day of my mission – and every day hence) so I can go back to document the facts and memories:
MY ORIGINAL CALL TO NAUVOO IN 1975
When I first arrived in the Alabama-Florida Mission (later renamed to the Florida-Tallahassee Mission), I heard of some missionaries who had a few months before, been sent to serve in old Nauvoo. Their story was fascinating to me. And the Spirit told me specifically that I would later have such an assignment. I knew in my heart that I would somehow end up there. I didn’t know how it would happen, but I knew that it would.
On April 25, 1975, I recorded in my journal: “It has been an interesting day. All of us in the office received word on forthcoming transfers My transfer was a real mind blower. I will leave May 10th – along with Elders Moffat, Howard, and Rich, to go to the Nauvoo, Illinois Mission. I will spend the rest of my mission there. This means that I will have been here in Florida [Alabama and Georgia] for exactly 18 months. I am really excited about this. I have felt sure (by the Spirit)- that I would get there sometime. I heard parts of the phone call to President Spencer H. Osborn on Wednesday. He received a call from President [J. LeRoy] Kimball of the Nauvoo mission. Two seconds later, after he hung up, he called his Assistants into his office. I’ve known since then that something was up. We already had a transfer in progress for the week.”
Elder Kevin Hunt as Mission Recorder –
Florida Tallahassee Mission 1975
I knew after the call that I was on my way to Nauvoo – but I didn’t say anything to anyone about it. I just sat back and watched it go “through the process”. The mission leaders later told me that when they went into the transfer session, they knew immediately that I was to go to Nauvoo – but they fought it. They had plans for me to become the new secretary to the mission president – and that I was to then “train” the new mission president who would arrive in June. They thought that they had this all orchestrated and were beginning to implement the plan to make that happen. They finally “gave in” to the Spirit and went forward with the Lord’s plan to ship me out. And I was soon on my way.”
Florida Missionaries on way to Nauvoo –
Elders Howard, Rich, Moffat, and Hunt
MY 2024 RETURN TO NAUVOO
It was Tuesday, February 6, 2024. We knew that our mission call would likely arrive today. Our family gathering was set to start at 6:00 PM. (And Elders’ Quorum President, Doug Ford, had already cancelled our presidency meeting for the night). We let all family members make a guess as to where we were going. The guesses varied around the world. Katelyn made the guess of “Nauvoo”. After the guesses, we opened the large envelope that had been sitting on our counter all day (without us peeking into it). I tried to get Lou to be the voice – but she deferred to me. I read the full letter that was signed by President Russell M. Nelson, our prophet.
Here is a part of the my mission call letter:
Receiving this new mission call brought back memories of the mission call of my youth – issued in 1973 (50 years ago) to me by then President Harold B. Lee. And I note that we have had six prophets since that time: Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, Howard W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, and Russell M. Nelson. Interesting.
We were all jazzed with the call all so exciting! It was so great to be returning “home” to Nauvoo.
TRAINING FOR THE MISSION
There was no MTC in 1975. All missionaries reported to the Salt Lake “Mission Home” – which was housed in a remodeled grade school located across the street from the church headquarters building. We were there for just five days. We ate all our meals in the church headquarter cafeteria. I then flew from Salt Lake City to Tallahassee.
Salt Lake City LDS “Mission Home” 1973
In 2024, I attended the MTC (Mission Training Center) in Provo, Utah with my wife. We had had a long drive from Arizona up to Salt Lake City – and then back down to Provo. We were there for ten days of training. The training format was quite different. This was such a grand experience. (And I have written a blog just on the subject of the MTC.)
The Modern Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah – 2024
WHERE WILL WE SERVE IN NAUVOO?
Many of the Nauvoo missionaries that we were with us 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.) I checked my phone at a rest stop (and I must say that Nebraska has absolutely fabulous rest stops). And there it was … the mysterious and illusive 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 and to process that. Her folks had served 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 certainly wasn’t expecting that!” (We later learned that today’s senior missionaries get moved around to different homes – DAILY– 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 to have us follow in their footsteps.
Elder E. H. and Verna Belcher – Nauvoo Missionaries 1979-1981
ARRIVAL METHODS IN GETTING TO NAUVOO
The travel distance from Tallahassee, Florida (where I was serving in the mission office) to Nauvoo was right at 1,000 miles. I flew from Tallahassee to Atlanta, Georgia. The four of us then flew from Atlanta to Chicago. Then we boarded an old and quite small “prop” plane which took us from Chicago to Burlington, Iowa. On that last flight leg, I was afraid that we would drop and hit deer on the way.
In 2024, Sister Hunt and I packed a van with a large collection of our stuff. The mini van was literally full. We drove from our Maricopa, Arizona home up to the MTC in Provo, Utah. We then drove overland going east – for another 1,200 miles. Altogether, we drove about 2,300 miles to get to Nauvoo.
OUR FIRST DAY ON THE JOB IN NAUVOO
As noted above, we thought that we were on our way to the Lucy Mack Smith home and were excited about being there. Then just a couple of days before our projected first day, we received a message from the mission scheduler. We had been moved to the Browning Home and Gun Shop for our first day. We had not yet been on the tour thee and had not had a mentor to teach it to us.
That morning, Elder and Sister Turner were there with us. They took the first tour and then it got busy. As they were engaged with their group, another group came in the front door. The Turners were too far into their tour to bring the new folks into it. Sister Turner showed a look of panic. I said, “No worries, I can take this group!” She looked at me as if I were crazy. She gave me a look of “how is that possible?” I went to our group, introduced ourselves, and it was then that the Holy Ghost took over … and “brought all things to my remembrance”. It was a neat experience as I literally remembered the script that I had given at the same house 49 years before. I was in awe – and expressed gratitude.
SERVING AT THE HEBER C. KIMBALL HOME
Heber C. Kimball Nauvoo Home as Restored by Dr. J. LeRoy Kimball
Within a short time, we were assigned to serve at the Heber C. Kimball Home. This was exciting for me – since I had fond memories of the place from former times. As I stood to give the tour, my mind was taken back to the first day I served there back then.
Nauvoo Restoration visionary – Dr. J. LeRoy Kimball
On my first day of arrival Dr. J. LeRoy Kimball, the Nauvoo Restoration visionary, showed us new missionaries around the whole city – and specifically to his favorite home. In my mind (in the current 2024 moment), I could see him there – even then kind of an old guy – with his funny hat and his cane. He told us of his great-grandfather, Heber. He shared things that are not in our current missionary site guides – and which only he would know.
In the Heber C. Kimball home, we talk about Dr. Kimball – who started all of the restoration in Nauvoo. He is truly a legend for his great work. He restored the Kimball home and then began to purchase other homes – Wilford Woodruff, Brigham Young, and Lucy Mack Smith. That is part of the story told in the Kimball home. I had served in 1975 in each of those homes. It was very interesting for me as I told of Dr. Kimball and then told folks that he was actually my youth mission president in Nauvoo. Wow! “How cool that you were here and served with him – and that you are back now!” Yes, it was very cool, indeed! Wow!
DR. KIMBALL SHARED SLIDES OF HIS WORK OF RESTORATION
Also, on my first day in Nauvoo (ancient history), Dr. Kimball gathered the newly arriving Elders. He showed us a rather lengthy collection of his slides about the Restoration of Nauvoo. I remember these as being super fascinating and wonderful.
After being here in Nauvoo in modern history, I was working on a project. How I wished that I had those slides of Dr. Kimball. I knew that they had to exist somewhere – even though Dr. Kimball died in 1992 – at age 91. I got on-line and began a search for them. I located them at the Church History Department. It said that the slides were available for research but only in person at the Church History Library in Salt Lake City. (That was great – but not very convenient since I was in Nauvoo – and would be for another while.)
I completed the document request form (found with the collection notice for the slides). The form had me tell who I was and why I wanted the slides. I noted that I was a missionary in 1975 under Dr. Kimball and back again now in 2024 as a Senior Missionary. I said that I wanted to do a comparative photo presentation showing the results of Restoration over those 49 years.
I received a note back from a historian. They sent me a short list of some sub collections and asked if there was one that I was particularly interested in. I picked one – not sure what it contained.
Then a month or so later, I received another message from the historian. The person informed me that “after long discussion … the department has decided to digitize the full collection” (and said that I would later be able to access it all. Wow!
“A NAUVOO WALK DOWN HISTORY LANE …”
While here in Nauvoo as a young buck, Elder Shaltes and I went around everywhere and took photos of most of the old houses – any that we could identify. Many of the homes had “Nauvoo Restoration” signs identifying the pioneer resident. Some of the homes had current residents and could not be identified.
Anyway, the photos that I took were slides. And for years, these slides seemed doomed to an ignominious death (being buried where old slides get buried). Then a couple of years ago, our Grandson, Brodey, helped me digitize all of my old mission slides – including Nauvoo. All of the slides were converted to images that could be saved, moved around, used in publications, etc. This was truly amazing that we had done this and that the images were ready and waiting for a future project. And it is interesting that the digital images are actually better than the originals. Wow! But, even still, the slides then “slept” on my computer – not being used.
(And a Google search shows that if you just type “A Nauvoo Walk”, the link comes right up.)
It is amazing how this book came together. First, I took the photos as a youth. They sat dormant and undisturbed (almost dead) for years, I finally got them scanned, had them available in Nauvoo on my computer, and then I was able to use them – and the new photos to document the history of pioneer homes and the Restoration of Nauvoo over that many years. A few miracles came together.
COMPANIONS IN NAUVOO
When I was here when younger, I was assigned a companion, but we really did not have to remain with the companion. We went alone to many places and sometimes as a group. Elder Shaltes and I enjoyed being together. We have returned to Nauvoo a couple of times together and this was great to be with him again.
Kevin Hunt and Former Nauvoo Missionary Companion – at a 1997 reunion – in front of the “Red Barn” Missionary Home
Of course, now in 2024, I have my own companion, Sister Hunt – and I am hoping that neither of us get transferred.
LIVING QUARTERS IN NAUVOO
There were six of us young Elders who lived in a big white house – flanked by a giant red barn. We thus called ourselves the “Red Barn Elders”. Eight more Elders lived around the corner in “The Stone House” and six more lived in “The Lyon Drug Store”.
“Red Barn Elders” – Elders Anglesey, Buckley, Phelps, Shaltes, Hunt and Heighton
When I was here in 1975, the Lyon Drug Store had not yet been restored – but it was an original building (needing some help). Sister Hunt and I have served in the Lyon Drug on our present tour. It is now a wonderful place (almost an 1840’s Walmart) – as is the magnificent garden back behind the home.
While in Nauvoo back in the day (and still) I kept a daily journal. I had forgotten this, fact but in reading my 1975 journal, I was surprised to find that I spent my first night in Nauvoo in the Lyon Drug Store building.
Photo: Above Lyon Drug in 1975 before Restoration and below 2024
When I first saw the Simeon Dunn home in 1975, it was not overly impressive. It was kind of “worn” and “hammered” looking and had obviously sat vacant for many moons. Elder Shaltes and I took photos of the place.
Simeon Dunn Home in 1975 Prior to Restoration
Never did I think that I would one day live in this place. Gratefully, the place has been remodeled to be quite comfortable inside with its modern renovations.
Elder Kevin and Sister Lou Dene Hunt at Restored Simeon Dunn home in 2024
THE RED BARN HOME TODAY
In today’s world, they have “subdivided the Red Barn home (the white building) into two apartments for senior missionaries. Our friends the Reeds live on the top floor of the building and the Walters live on the bottom floor. Elder Brian Reed and I were friends in grade school in Mesa, Arizona and rode the same bus to the old Lehi School when we were in second and first grades (I was a year older than he was). We were then together in the old Mesa 1st ward.) Elder Walters is the veterinarian for the ramada of giant horses, the oxen, etc…
A few weeks ago, I met Elder Walters at a dinner gathering of missionaries. I had known who he was and where he lived but we had never talked. His wife (the Historian) introduced me to him and told him how I had been a missionary here – shortly after the Restoration. He found this interesting and asked me where we then lived. He was very surprised when I said, “I lived where you now live!”
We talked about what is there now. They have residence on the bottom floor – which like the 1975 home, has a small living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a single bedroom. When I was here before, there were four bedrooms upstairs – and I guess they have added a kitchen up there. So they have done some remodeling, I guess. The stairs have since disappeared. All very interesting!
Someday, I hope that we will have an occasion to go into both up and downstairs to jar the old memories and to see how things have changed.
Nauvoo “Red Barn” above – 1975 and below – in 2024
If I look hard, I can still see the original red barn in the new barn structures (also red) that now reside there. And across the street to the west (with fabulous view from my 1975 corner window), is the Mississippi River and another new large red building – that is HQ for the whole horse operation. In pioneer days, this lot belonged to my own ancestor, Nathan Calhoun Cheney. It was so cool that I could see his property each day from my own window. Wow!
Photo: Property of Ancestral home of Nathan Calhoun Cheney – 3rd Great Grandfather in Nauvoo
And presently there is a large pasture to the north of my 1975 window – where the horses are pastured.
Another 3rd great grandfather, Horace Strong Rawson lived on this lot. Again, it was great to look out of my north window to this property. Ten years or so down the line, the progeny of these families married each other. (And in the same pasture was the then run-down wood home of Francis Lee (ancestor of the Prophet Harold B. Lee. This place has since gone the way of all the world and is no longer there.)
Above: Former home of Frances Lee – ancestor of Prophet, Harold B. Lee
GARDENS OF OLD AND NEW NAUVOO
When I was a young missionary, each couple planted and tended a lush garden behind the homes where they were assigned to work. Many also had their own personal gardens behind the homes where they lived. Even us young missionaries in the Red Barn had our own garden – and we worked it most p-days. Eating from these many gardens was truly wonderful. That really was a big WOW.
Photo: Elder E. H. Belcher missionary garden
In those days, the Church had an apple orchard. I remember going to work there to pick apples several days as a missionary. One of the great benefits of this job was getting a bunch of apples from which we made a plethora of apple pies (as a Red Barn team). We put these in the freezer and enjoyed them together as the urge hit us. It was a great WOW each time that we dined on one of our wonderful pies. And we found a pear tree near the Stone House – and we made more pies of the pears.
I remember back when – the Church sent an old guy out to manage greenery at the various restored homes. I wish I could remember his name. It seems that he was about 75 years old – and maybe he was even 80 or 85. He was a gardener deluxe. He was most impressive in his work and the gardens that he produced.
Today, only the Facilities Maintenance missionaries do gardening. And they do a fabulous job. The gardens here are so gorgeous.
At a recent zone training meeting, our Heber Zone was privileged to hear a presentation staged by Brother Richard Hancock (my 4th cousin). He is the head gardener and designer for all of the beautiful gardens in Nauvoo. He had never heard of a church apple farm. His PowerPoint presentation featured the beautiful gardens he and his FM team have created at the Lyon Drug home and store, the Browning home, the Women’s Garden (adjacent to the visitors’ center, and at the Wilford Woodruff home. All of these gardens are spectacular, and it is fun to capture great photo ops in these colorful and majestic gardens. Each garden is a special WOW!
Magnificent garden at Jonathan Browning Home – 2024 Navuoo
TOURS OF THE ORIGINAL NAUVOO RESTORATION HOMES
It is interesting that the tours to the original homes of Nauvoo Restoration seem to be immortal. The tours at Lucy Mack Smith, the Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, Jonathan Browning and Brigham Young homes are almost identical now as compared to what they were in 1975. This makes me feel stability and strength through these places of the pioneer greats.
I do still love going to the Brigham Young home and posing with him (with or without a beard) since I still look very much like him. I like to show the photo of me with a gray beard and standing beside the bearded Brigham. I enjoy telling people “that’s me on the left!” Har Har … this always brings a chuckle from the photo viewers.
SERVING IN THE LUCY MACK SMITH HOME
It is a special privilege to teach and testify of Lucy Mack Smith, the mother of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is interesting to view the current rooms and to compare them to the way they were back then. I don’t think any of the furnishings have changed from that time. There is a little bathroom in the back corner – now – and I am trying to figure out where this came from. It was not there when I was there.
Lucy Mack Smith Home – 1975
I look at the china on the shelf. We used to say that it belonged to the family of John Smith (brother to Joseph Smith, Sr.). Now there is no mention of this.
Outside, we show people Lucy’s carriage shop. We just calmly point out the beautiful carriage inside – without comment. Back in the day, we clearly said that “This is Lucy’s own 1790’s Boston Carriage.” And that is what Dr. Kimball taught us. And he should know!
1790 Boston Carriage of Lucy Mack Smith – in Nauvoo
When I served originally at the Lucy Mack Smith home, there was no brickyard across the street. The Belchers had not yet hit that scene. They would not arrive for another five years. We have visited Nauvoo several times through the years and have seen the development of the brickyard over time. It has changed dramatically. And as we have come each time, we have enjoyed getting one of Grandpa Belcher’s bricks. We love telling people who come today about the brick yard and how Lou’s father, Elder Belcher, created the brickyard, learned the process, and created the now famous Nauvoo brick souvenir. People are just amazed when Sister Hunt tells the story of her parents. They cannot believe that it was her father who did this – and that his daughter is back here in this modern age – carrying on the enduring legacy that Elder and Sister Belcher created. We are proud to be here in their footsteps.
TOURS IN RESTORED HOMES
When here in 1975, I was a “Site Guide” and that is my exact duty here again in 2024. We then had only eight places in which to take tours. These included the Wilford Woodruff, Heber C. Kimball, Lucy Mack Smith, and Brigham Young Homes. We had the Jonathan Browning Home and Gun Shop, the “Times and Seasons Building” (with a tour very different than today and the John Taylor Home, the Blacksmith Shop and the 70’s Hall.
Above: Nauvoo Restoration Map 1975
Above: Nauvoo Restored Homes – 2024 Map
Today in 2024,there are 26 homes and shops where we take tours. There is a plethora of “Main Street Trades” that we demonstrate. I needed to learn the eight tours then, and we learn and rotate through the 26 places today. Wow!
In 1975, couples were assigned to specific homes, and they remained there through most of their missions. Today, we have nearly 30 site missionary couples and we rotate to different homes virtually every day. It is pretty normal that we rotate to serve in six different homes within a single week.
OPEN HOURS OF SERVICE IN RESTORED HOMES
In 1975, each of the restored homes were open from 9 Am to 8 PM. Us “young ‘elders” would go and relieve the senior couples for lunch. We would go to one home for an hour and then when they returned, we would move to a second home for another hour. Then the couples left their homes at 5:00 PM. The Young Elders would relieve the seniors and take over their homes until closing time.
Today, in 2024, the homes are open at 9:00 Am. And they all close at 5 PM. Getting a lunch break is always a trauma. We serve the entire day with no replacement personnel for breaks. And often, there are so many visitors who come that taking a break is impossible – even with multiple couples or young sister missionary pairs serving in a single home. The Mission President has mandated lunch breaks – but the reality of making them happen is challenging at best.
THE NAUVOO MISSIONARY FORCE
Nauvoo “Young Elders” Serving in 1975
When I served here anciently, I was one of 20 “young Elders”. We came from five different missions “east of the Mississippi” (and this was a “part of our way home” since we all lived west of the Mississippi.) We had about a dozen senior couples. Two couples were “roving couples” and spelled off the others so that all could have “p-days). There were no young sister missionaries.
Full Nauvoo Mission Photo – 1975
When I was here back then, us young Elders all left for home within a couple of months of each other. We finished up our missions here in Nauvoo. I do not feel that I ever got “trunky”. However, most of the young Elders were definitely very “trunky” for a couple months before their departure for home. This was not a good scene – 20 missionaries all departing at once for home.
After I returned home from my mission, I was working one afternoon at the flower shop of my brother-in-law (who married my sister while I was on my mission). I received a phone call from a General Authority. And that call still baffles me. There was no one at home to give the caller my work phone number. Somehow they found me at the flower shop. The GA (General Authority) asked if I had “a few minutes” to talk about Nauvoo. Of course I was pleased to do so. He wanted to know anything and everything that I could tell him about life as a Nauvoo missionary – as well as to hear my suggestions for change.
I suggested that it would be much better to pull missionaries to Nauvoo from neighboring missions – and to bring missionaries who had served for six to eight months in their own missions. I suggested that they bring the missionaries to Nauvoo for just four months – from April or May through about mid-September. I then suggested that these missionaries then be returned to their original missions to serve the remainder of their two years. And that is exactly what they did – beginning the next year. The missionary department and Nauvoo operated in this mode for several more years.
At some point, and I don’t know when it was, the practice of receiving young Elders was discontinued completely and young sister missionaries were then brought here instead of the young Elders. Today, young sisters begin to serve from mid-March through mid-May. They serve here until about the first of October. They then go serve an “outbound” mission – with a new call – anywhere else in the United States and they serve there for six or so months. They then return to finish up their last six months here in Nauvoo. This seems to be a great system. My Mission President told me that there have been 66 young sisters here this season. Half of the missionaries go home around this time and the other half go out for their outbound service.
Our missionary force increased by many more missionaries in 2024:
Full Nauvoo Mission Photo – 2024
In my former life, there were no kind of performing missionaries. I was brought to Nauvoo purely on my good looks and my natural charisma. If I had had to audition, I would not have stood a chance of coming here.
As already noted, my In-laws were here from 1979 to 1981 as a senior couple. In their day, they were drafted (with or without talent) to perform in the Cultural Hall and out in the fields in the primitive productions of “Night on the Prairie”. They did the best they could.
Elder and Sister E.H. and Verna Belcher in Nauvoo stage production
And nowadays, we have two different casts (summer and fall) of performing missionaries = plus the Nauvoo Bagpipe Band. These folks are absolutely fabulous, and they bring so much spirit and energy to the current Nauvoo scene. They really are a big WOW!
WEARING APPARREL FOR MISSIONARIES
Elders Craig Shaltes and Kevin Hunt in white-shirt Nauvoo missionary attire
When I was in Nauvoo in 1975, all of the men – young and old – just wore white shirts and ties. And now, in 2024, we all wear 1840’s “period” costumes. I really like having and wearing costumes. They help create a special spirit and they help people to better feel the people who once lived here in this “covenant community”.
WORK IN THE VISITORS’ CENTER
When I was in Nauvoo in 1975, each of the 20 “young Elders” reported to work each day at the Visitors’ Center. One missionary was designated as the “zone leader” (or whatever we called him). He created a schedule for the rest of us. Four pairs of Elders were given assignments to man the homes and to relieve the couples for their lunch hours. We were given PM assignments to take over for the couples. One or more Elders were always up at the front desk – with the three senior couples who spent their whole time there. They called the rest of us up (from our downstairs lounge) to give tours in our turn.
When not giving one of the three tours in the Center, we spent our time in the basement under the East Theater. We spent most of our time studying.
Photo: Missionary Lounge in Visitors’ Center – with clipped ties from former missionaries to Nauvoo
They had a large and very interesting history library for us to peruse. While here, I read about 20 biographies (Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Heber C. Kimball, Lucy Mack Smith, Parley P. Pratt, and many more). This has proven to be a major blessing to me through the years. It gave me a very solid base of Church history knowledge – which I have often been able to share with others. And in addition to study time in the lounge, there was also time to take an occasional nap and even to play ping pong or other games. It was a glorious place of recreation and learning.
I stopped in to check out the old hang-out recently. Now the place is inhabited by the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries and is their “green room” where they prepare for their performances. The place looks very different.
Back then we took tours that gave a general history of Nauvoo – on the first floor of the Center. We gave tours upstairs about The Book of Mormon and the Relief Society.
Today, the center displays are very different. The displays have been changed a few times over the years. Today the displays are mostly self-guided with the help of many electronic innovations and modern graphic opportunities. In the old days, I learned to walk backwards – to maintain eye contact and connection with guests – always facing them. And I got so skilled at this art, that I could even traverse the two flights of stairs in the backward mode. It was funny to have the visitors “warn me” of the coming stairs: “Watch out … there are some stairs”. (“Oh, is that right? I didn’t know they were there! Thanks for the warning!”)
When a young missionary, I was able to use my flower arranging prowess (learned from years of working at Crismon’s Flowers). My brother-in-law, Charlie, sent me a large box of silk flowers and I created four beautiful floral arrangements – at each of the corners of the upper floor of the center. These draped down toward the lower floor below. These were beautiful in their day. It is sad to see the open “holes” of the corners sitting vacant today. I miss my arrangements of yesteryear.
Floral Greenery at Nauvoo Visitors’ Center – Designed by Elder Kevin Hunt
We had a movie in 1975 that told the history of Old Nauvoo. We have a similar movie today – but it is a newer version. The movie still has the “feel” of the old one. The movies have been an introduction to the people and lives of the pioneers of the 1840’s. It gave me a shot of nostalgia as I first went to the theater in the modern time to start a movie. A great memory!
A major function of the current Visitors’ Center is to assist people in locating their own pioneer ancestors. For a while, there was a designated “Land and Records” office. COVID helped to kill that building – and staffing of it – but the function remains.
I enjoy current opportunities to serve in the Visitors’ Center. It is great fun to have close connections with the visitors who come to us. I spend a lot of my time teaching people how to use the Family Tree phone “app” to get to the “My Nauvoo Relative” search resource. Once we find a Nauvoo relative, I (or the young sisters) will print a sheet which shows a map where the ancestor lived. We can then send them off to find the property once inhabited by their peeps. And everyone gets so excited about all of this.
And I might add, that with my extensive historic research of the homes of Old Nauvoo, I know well the whole community lay-out and what historic homes are or are not there now. I have become somewhat of an authority on the process and the old homes. It is great to be a good resource to our visitors.
PERSONAL TOWN TOURS WITH GUESTS
In 1975, if we found a family or people who showed great interest in our message, one of us (not two of us) would get into their cars with them and would take them on a detailed historical tour of the town. We would share the history that we learned from our hours of study in our basement hide-out. We would stop at restored tours along the way. If there were no other visitors, we would let the senior couples take our friends on their tours. And if they were busy with other guests, we would take the folks on the tour – with us as the guides. I had some really great experiences as I was able to give special personal attention (by the Spirit) to the folks. Most of the folks on these personal tours were not members of the Church – so we had some great missionary experiences and opportunities for in-depth discussions.
Note from Kirby Todd after Elder Hunt took him on a personal tour around historic Nauvoo – 1975
We have not yet experienced a winter here in Nauvoo (and we are kind of terrified of it as we anticipate the unknown … not a fun prospect for us “desert rats”). We have heard that in the dead of winter – when it is way too cold and we have few guests, we remain at our homes (doing research or other self-guided projects). All of the site guides will be on-call on a rotation schedule. And when an interested group or individual arrives wanting a tour, the Center will give us a call with about 15 minutes notice to get in our costumes and to report at a specific site to begin a “concierge” tour with the guests – taking them to one or multiple sites on our “tour”. Should be interesting to see how this is managed and how it all works.
THE TEMPLE LOT AND CHANGES THROUGH THE YEARS
In my Young Missionary days, the Temple lot was kind of an enigma. One needed a lot of imagination to envision the former Temple there. The scene was a sunken lawn surrounded by rectangular pieces of Temple stone. There were brick foundations to represent the former spiral staircases. In the center of the lot was a well – that was said to be the original Temple well. This had a metal grate over it. And around the well was some brick and what was said to be a part of the shoulder of a baptistry oxen.
Nauvoo Temple Lot – as it appeared 1975 before reconstruction
With these sparse conditions, we still took people up to the Temple Lot and tried to help them envision the Temple of long ago. We were able to teach somewhat of the functions and ordinances of the Temple and this discussion was beneficial to many.
The looming Catholic Girls’ school in the forefront of the Temple Lot was a deterrent to the overall scene between us and the Mississippi River. I am sure that the school provided a necessary and important function, but it was sure great when the lot (like Joseph’s Red Brick Store) obtained a much higher and glorious function.
Former Catholic Girls’ School in Nauvoo, Illinois – Razed in 2002
In 2002, the former Nauvoo Temple was reconstructed in all of its former glory – and more. And now today, it stands majestic at the top of the hill. This certainly is a grand improvement over the former sparse ghost of its pioneer past. And that is a bunch of WOW’s!
Nauvoo Temple – Reconstructed and Restored in 2022 – as it appears “illuminated” in 2024
TODAY’S “TEMPLE CITY” TOUR
Soon after the re-creation of the Nauvoo Temple, the Church created the “Temple City” tour to better tell the story of the Temple and its impact upon the pioneer Nauvoo community. This tour was a great addition to the Temple and surrounding area. The tour includes the homes of William Weeks, Bishop Edward Hunter, and William Gheen.
The home of William Weeks, the architect of the Nauvoo Temple existed in my original mission experience. It was then, a rather unique structure – perhaps equal to the role of a creative architect. I was surprised in modern times to see how this structure has changed.
William Weeks Home – Architect of the Nauvoo Temple – as it appeared in 1975 – before restoration
The ornate top of the structure (not sure what it was called) was removed – as was an addition that was added on the east side of the existing structure. This was removed to get the building restored back to the way it really was back in the 1840’s era.
Photo: William Weeks home as it appears in 2024
The William Gheen home did exist in 1975 – and its exterior was about as impressive as the Simeon Dunn home. “Well-worn” was a good description. The exterior of the building was spiffed up to look new – and not a whole lot of restoration was needed on its Nauvoo brick. The interior was restored to its current special state – complete with a surprise “funeral parlor” in one room. The view of the Temple outside the windows of the Gheen home (minus the current tree) was magnificent and still is.
The home of Bishop Edward Hunter existed in 1975. I remember it well. It was kind of unique with its kind of interesting greyish-blue hue. It seemed that the home was in pretty good shape.
Photo: Bishop Edward Hunter home as it was in 1975 – and before it was later razed
So, as I returned to Nauvoo in 2024 and gave tours of it, I was surprised to learn that the home had been totally razed and reconstructed in the interim. I later learned that the home was owned back then by the Catholic Sisters. And for whatever reason, they determined to take the building down. And still later, the Church purchased the property, and the newly reconstructed structure is wonderful – and equal to the stature of Bishop Hunter – who later became the Presiding Bishop of the Church.
Photo: Bishop Edward Hunter – Reconstructed Nauvoo home – 2024
And the Temple view from the perimeter of the “Temple City” is absolutely amazing and breathtaking. Words cannot describe its beauty as it is illuminated splendidly with no or full moon. It is so spectacular, and Sister Hunt and I never tire of the beauty of the majestic building.
And I cannot forget the beauty and grandeur of the equestrian statues of the horses – and riders – of Joseph and Hyrum. They are truly wonderful in the sunset – with the river as the background. They stand majestically to the west and in front of the Temple. With the Temple, they make a beautiful backdrop (or front drop) of the Temple and the river. Together, the temple and the statues create a bunch of WOWS.
The Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother the Patriarch – Equestrian Statue – Nauvoo 2024 – Copyright by Kevin and Lou Dene Hunt
THE SEVENTIES HALL
I love the simple elegance of the Seventies Hall. We had the Hall when I was here in 1975. It had been newly reconstructed and was beautiful. Back then, I recorded in my journal that on a couple of occasions, I (with a companion) washed all of the multitude of windows of the place.
It is interesting that the upstairs archeology museum (of items found in the ground as diggings were performed around the original 8 homes of Nauvoo Restoration) still houses the same artifacts and pieces thereof that we showed guests back in 1975. The addition of the index books that show all of the former Nauvoo members of 70’s Quorums is a great addition, and guests get very excited about these books.
It is fun to compare the 70’s Hall in its former function of training missionaries to that of today’s MTC that is world-class in its facilities and training for missionaries.
A few days ago, I had an interesting experience. We were serving in the Sarah Granger and Hiram Kimball home. My journal records: “We had completed the tour for a family named Fredrickson. I had an interesting experience with this guy. At the end of the conversation, we somehow got onto the subject of his father and how he starred in several church films back in the 1970’s – and he said that the dad played the role of “Satan” in the temple film. I asked him how many years that film ran and he said to about 1982. I knew that this was in the ballpark.
“I asked the guy if he had ever come to Nauvoo. He said that he came here in 1975 when he was age 14. I then related my story to him. I remember the guy (his dad) being on my tour at that time in the 70’s Hall. At that time, I recognized the guy from the Temple movie and asked him about it. I can even remember the exact moment of our conversation. We were going up the stairs to the museum area of the Hall. So, I told this Doug that I remembered the exact moment when I met his father – and we realized that this Doug would have been a teen on my tour at that time. Wow! We were both in awe. Another Nauvoo miracle!” That was certainly a big WOW!
THE BLACKSMITH SHOP
As a young guy, it was fun to frequently serve as a Blacksmith for a day. At that time, we created and gave out the “prairie diamond” ring that we pounded and formed by metal nails fired in the forge and pounded on the anvil.) The story was that young men in the old days – might not have been able to come up with a diamond or other ring of worth in order to win over the heart of his lady. And lacking resources, they soon discovered that they could offer their lady a ring made of a horseshoe nail. Getting one of these traditional “prairie diamonds” from the Nauvoo Blacksmith Shop was a big deal – and all the rage. Everyone wanted to obtain one – and those who got them cherished them for years. In my case, I made myself one of the rings and have literally worn it (and one successor) through all of these successive 49 years. Wow!
Somehow, the Church History Department determined that the prairie diamond was purely a myth, and sadly, the famous ring sank into oblivion. People still request them, however.
Photo: Old and new: Nauvoo Blacksmith horseshoe and the former “Prairie Diamond”
Today Blacksmith missionaries create mini horseshoes at the forge and anvil. They begin with raw metal, heat it to 1800 degrees or beyond (until it is “red hot” and then they pound it/them into the shape of a horseshoe. And generally, only one horseshoe is given out within a full visitor group – or at most, one horseshoe for each family who are on the tour.
THE TIMES AND SEASONS TOUR VERSUS THE PRINT SHOP
In my original day in Nauvoo, we took tours through the “Times and Seasons” building – operated in the 1840’s by John Taylor. In this building, we talked of the Times and Seasons more as a cultural place in the community. We demonstrated the art of weaving on a large loom. Today, the same facility has been transposed into a print shop replica of the former actual print shop where newspapers were created and printed. We have a couple of replica printing presses. And I must say that the current mode is very much an improvement. (And the loom has a new home in the Family Living Center.)
The John Taylor Print shop in 2024
The John Taylor home – of the 3-building complex, was there in ’75, and it was as beautiful then as it is now. It was amazing. It was fun as missionaries, to tell the great story of John Taylor – 3rd Prophet of the Church. But we don’t have an answer to the many people who have been coming to this home for years – and who wonder why the black toy rocking horse – made by John Taylor for his son – is no longer here to be seen and enjoyed by the guests. Fact or fiction? I wish I knew!
The Nauvoo Post Office under reconstruction in 1975
The 3rd building of the John Taylor complex was non-existent in 1975 but it was then under construction. Today the post office and Merriweather Store are housed in the building, and they comprise a fun tour for our guests.
Elder Kevin Hunt at the Restored Post Office in Nauvoo 2024
THE CARTHAGE JAIL TOUR EXPERIENCE
When I was in my younger days, we made missionary trips to the Carthage Jail on our P-days. Then, the stain of Hyrum’s blood was still very visible in the wood floor of the martyrdom room. The stain had remained imbedded in the woodwork for then 130 years. Now the Church has gone to great lengths to remove the stains, and they are no longer there for visitors to experience.
A Martyr’s Blood – Carthage Illinois as it was on the wood floor – 1975
When I was here in 1996 and 1997 with the “City of Joseph” pageant cast, we were able to walk the old Carthage trail – from Nauvoo to Carthage. Today the road is mostly non-existent. It is mostly covered by corn fields and endless patches of soybean fields.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SCOVIL BAKERY
I thought that I had no photo of my former mission home in Tallahassee. I was really anxious to get such a photo. And then a family came for our tour at the Scovil Bakery. And believe it or not, these folks actually purchased the old Tallahassee mission home and have lived there for years after the church no longer needed the home. They produced the photo that I desired. Wow!
Florida-Tallahassee Mission President’s Home – 1975
In the tour at the Scovil Bakery, we produce and show a photo of what the place looked like – after the archeological dig on it – but before reconstruction of the building. It was in 1975- while I was here in Nauvoo, that the bakery building was totally reconstructed up from the foundation and cellar that previously had been buried under the ground.
Photo of Scovil Bakery under reconstruction – 1975
I took in-process photographs of the bakery in the construction process. And now here I am 49 years later, I am giving tours in the bakery.
THE RESTORATION OF THE CULTURAL HALL
Today the Cultural Hall (next door to the Bakery) is a gorgeous 3-story structure. It is fun to take folks through the place – and it is great to experience productions by the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries (NPM’s) in the grand hall.
The Nauvoo Cultural Hall in 1975 before Restoration
In my 1975 Nauvoo visit, the Cultural Hall was only two stories high. It was known that it originally had 3 stories. The dirt was piled up about three feet high on each side – and extended out in right angles on each side.
Photo: Archeological Digging at Nauvoo Cultural Hall prior to restoration – 1975
I had an interesting experience at the Cultural Hall. There were some skilled archeologists here – who knew what they were doing. They brought all of us missionaries there on an evening and they let us dig around in those mounds surrounding the building. In this dirt, we used brushes and other delicate instruments to brush away dirt as we located items that had lain for decades in the in the dirt. We found much of the roof under the dirt. We also found fragments of the plaster of the place – so we could tell what color the place was painted inside. I enjoy telling guests of this experience – and the restoration of the building and they are in total amazement. They are amazed when I tell them about our archeological digging on the place.
When the top roof was removed, the original floor of the third floor was exposed. The new roof must have been kind of low over that floor. And amazingly, that beautiful wood floor is still intact. In its day, this was a dance floor (among other things) and even Joseph Smith and Brigham Young danced there with their wives.
Photo: Nauvoo Cultural Hall – Original Wood Floor – as Refinished around 1975
The Restored Nauvoo Cultural Hall – as it appears in 2024
STODDARD TIN SHOP
When I first served in Nauvoo, the former Stoddard Tin Shop looked like a World War II ruin. It was really devastated. The walls – if you could call them that – remained only partially up all around the foundation. The most interesting feature of the ruins was a tree that had grown up out of the building.
By the time that I arrived in 2024, the place had been totally reconstructed. It was great to see the new building that had not been there before.
As Sister Hunt and I took our first tour in the Stoddard Tin Shop, we noticed a very old photo of the former ruins from which the Phoenix had risen. It was not a good photo. It was hard to discern the former building. As I saw the photo, I said, “I can do better than that!” I had taken my own photo of the ruins in 1975. I printed off a new photo from my slide collection and had it printed as an 8×10” photo. I signed it on the back – as a donation – and presented it to the Mission Presidency. They soon placed this in the old frame.
The Sylvester Stoddard Tin Shop as it stood in 1975
Now the photo is a part of all tours to the place. And each time I return there to give tours, I bask in the fact that I took the photo. And it is fun to show the photo to folks and to say, “I was there …”. It is hard to admit that I am old enough or historic enough to have remembered or been a part of such a relic.
THE JOSEPH SMITH PROPERTIES
When I was in Nauvoo in 1975, our access to the Joseph Smith properties was kind of limited. All of the Joseph properties were here then, and the limited tours were taken by college interns who were recruited by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ. We knew these guides and many of them came and experienced the power of the Spirit in our meetings. We had softball games and ice cream socials together with them.
Photo: The Visitors’ Center of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ as it was in 1975
They had the little so—called “Biden Stable” where tours began. This place was very small. I remember their folding chairs in there and they showed a short slide show. And they charged guests a fee to enter the Homestead and Mansion House.
The Reorganized Church (Later known as the Community of Christ) later built a very nice visitors’ center. I do not remember ever going in there in our subsequent trips to Nauvoo.
It was a grand moment as I read the news on March 5th of this year. On that day, a multitude of historic properties transferred from the Community of Christ Church to that of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For me – that was glorious beyond description. On that day, the church received the Joseph Smith Homestead and Mansion House, the Sidney Rigdon Home, the “First Hotel”, Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store, the homes of Hiram Clark, William Law, Jonathan Wright, Aaron Johnson homes, the Nauvoo House, Joseph’s summer kitchen, the Community of Christ visitor’s center, the foundations of the Times and Seasons building, the James Brinkerhoff, Levi Ward Hancock homes – and everything in between. Words can not express my joy as I heard the news.
And the people of the Community of Christ Church were as saddened as we were joyful with the March announcement. The transaction caught them all totally by surprise. And as we say on all of our tours of the Joseph Smith properties, we can be grateful to the Smith family, the Reorganized Church and the Community of Christ Church for their careful and dedicated care of these properties through a century and a half (plus – and which now makes it possible for us to share these special and sacred places with our guests).
Sister Hunt and I arrived here in Nauvoo about a month after the transfer of the historic properties. I am sad that we missed all of the historical training staged for the missionaries in preparation of the transfer. But we were able to catch up fast. And since then, it has been a great blessing to testify of Joseph the Prophet, on his own properties.
I do remember going through the Homestead of Joseph and Emma back in 1975. I then took photos of the beautiful “1840 Addition” kitchen. People come through these days and ask, “has this room changed much over time?” It is interesting that in my view, the room really has not changed over the years. I think that it looks almost exactly the same now as back then.
Joseph Smith Homestead 1840 kitchen addition as it was in 1975
Joseph Smith Homested 1840 kitchen addition as it appears in 2024 after property transfer to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
As we conclude our current tours of the Manion House, we take them to the back end of the former hotel – and show where much more of the structure was demolished over time and we try to help people envision two stories up – on the existing limestone foundation that is still visible.
Photo: Foundation of east side of the Joseph Smith Mansion House (removed in 1890) as it appears in 2024
I tell people that I was in Nauvoo 49 years ago and then the Red Brick Store then looked exactly like the current Mansion House foundation. People stand there dumbfounded. (The Reorganized Church reconstructed the Red Brick Store about 1980.) Joseph’s Red Brick Store certainly looks different today!
Photo: Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store in 2024
JOSEPH SMITH’S RED BRICK STORE
As noted, the Red Brick Store was just a hollow foundation when I was here in 1975. Today it is a great privilege and blessing to now be able to testify there of truths which include the Wentworth Letter – the Articles of Faith as a foundation for sharing the gospel, and the prophesy of the Standard of Truth – and how the Gospel is now going forth to all of the world. We talk about how Joseph Smith finished and published the sacred Book Of Abraham – and the restoration of the Abrahamic Covenant. We tell of the function of the clerks and how they recorded tithing and other donations in “The Book of the Law of the Lord” (more on that later). We talk about clerks helping Joseph write his own history as well as that of the Church. We talk about the organization of the Relief Society, how the first endowments were performed in the store, and the transfer of Priesthood keys from Joseph to the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. As we conclude the tour, I summarize these many blessings and amazing events that came under the direction of Joseph the Prophet. They are all magnificent and wonderful. The place is full of major and sacred WOWs for me and our visitors.
I have experienced many miracles at the Red Brick Store. I have previously shared some of those miracles.
One miracle was a visit by a family from southern Georgia. They knew a family whom I loved when in Tifton, Georgia back in 1974. They had the contact information for this family, and I was able to reconnect with the Pierce family of Tifton, Georgia. We had a joyful video call that lasted over an hour. It was a great time.
CITY OF NAUVOO EVENTS, BUSINESSES AND OTHER BUILDINGS
When I was in Nauvoo in 1975, there was a giant cheese factory. This was located adjacent to the LDS chapel. That factory was torn down in 2002. It is no more.
Former Nauvoo Cheese Factory – Razed around 2002
And today, in 2024, the Church is building another new Visitors’ Center – to be located across the street west and a bit north of the Temple. This visitors’ center will focus on the Temple and the worldwide growth of Temples and the principles and ordinances being more available to members throughout the world. And the lot where the cheese factory once stood will be the parking lot for the new center.
Photo: New LDS Nauvoo Temple Visitors’ Center under construction in 2024
After the church members left in the late 1850’s a group of French Icarians moved in and took over many of the homes of Old Nauvoo. Their communal society did not last very long. Soon the Germans moved in and established a strong presence in the community. They built the giant and lofty Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church at the top of the hill around 1875 (and it still stands adjacent to our own Temple).
The town combined all of the above to create the annual “Wine and Cheese Festival” and a major event was the “marriage of the wine and cheese” that happened over the Labor Day weekend each year. The big marriage ceremony was widely advertised in every tourist publication in many counties around Nauvoo. And it was quite interesting to see the results. … The famous ceremony lasted all of about 20 minutes. And people had come from miles around to participate. After the very short ceremony, folks were stuck with trying to figure out what to do for the rest of the weekend. And most visitors ended up coming to our restored home sites. (And hence, it turned into a grand missionary opportunity for us and the Church.)
Today, with the cheese factory history, there is no longer a wine and cheese festival. The big event here is now the “Grape Festival”. This event (still held over labor Day weekend) features a 5K run through old Nauvoo, a pancake breakfast – staged by the local Scout troop and pack, a car show, music, dance, and more music through the whole weekend.
When I was here in the previous life, and I have noted already that there was a large Catholic girls’ school located just to the west of the site of the former Temple. This school stood at the crest of the hill. My own daughter came to a BYU Nauvoo Semester in 2002 – the year that the new Temple was dedicated – and all of their school functions – and their dormitory – was in this former Catholic girls’ school. And when the temple was recreated, the school became a major blockage of the magnificent view from the Temple – looking west to the Mississippi River. The church soon purchased this property, and it was eventually torn down. And now the view is truly amazing and wonderful. It is a definite WOW – or multiple WOWS!
CHURCH MEETINGS
When I served here in former times, we had not yet evolved to the “consolidated meeting schedule” that we know today. The missionaries were able to attend early morning Priesthood meetings up the hill at the Nauvoo chapel. We missed Sunday school – that was held midday – because this meeting was held after we opened our home sites for the day. Then late in the evening – like 7 PM, we held our own weekly sacrament meeting – just for missionaries – in the west theater of the visitors’ center.
We did not then have access to all of the sessions of the General Conference. We were able to receive the Priesthood Session – but generally just one or maybe two hours total of all of the other sessions. (We would have welcomed being able to view all sessions).
Today, we can view all sessions of the General Conference – in our homes – or at the chapel or probably in our visitors’ center theater.
And today, all of the missionaries (of every variety) meet each Sunday at 8 Am for our own sacrament meeting (held in the East Theater). We all remain for Sunday School two Sundays each month and on the other weeks, the Priesthood men meet in the west theater and the sisters meet in the east theater for Priesthood meeting and Relief Society. We begin tours in the homes and shops at noon after the meetings.
COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY
When I was a young missionary, receiving and sending written letters was a really big deal – at least for me. I made sure that I wrote a letter home to my folks and family every week. And I could count on my mother’s weekly letter to arrive each Wednesday. She wrote to me every Sunday afternoon throughout all of my mission. Getting mail was a big deal.
Today, the world has changed with the computer (that wasn’t even heard of back in 1975). And of course, e-mail revolutionized how messages and communications are sent. In today’s world, I spend a lot of time writing blog articles for others to read about our mission adventures. Blogging was not even heard of back then. It is amazing to think of how computers have changed my own life and the world. And that’s another real big WOW!
I took my photos back then on a camera. Most of today’s youth have never even seen such a gadget. I took mostly slides. We had to send our film to an outside company for them to print the photos or to create the slides. And it would take a couple of weeks or more – and a fair amount of money to pay for the photo or slide creation. Each film roll was for a dozen or two photos or slides. So, a photo project like mine became a bit costly – and was a prolonged process. If photos came back bad, we had to retake them and try them again through the lengthy process.
And today, I take hundreds of photos on my phone. I can instantaneously get the results, can e-mail them, and can include them in my writing.
In 1975, I maintained my daily journal writing habit by handwriting in a bound volume. And it is such fun to go back to read entries from that era. Today, I create my journal entries on the computer and can easily save them and refer back to them as desired. This is truly a big WOW!
SOME THINGS HAVEN’T CHANGED
The town of Nauvoo is still a very sleepy little village. It has not grown or changed much in all of the passing years. It still isn’t much to write home about. Many Saints, however, have come to Nauvoo in recent years – feeling literally “driven” of the Spirit – to come here to open up various businesses. They are a welcome addition. Sadly, these places – though great ideas when they start – often cannot survive the sporadic summer/winter swings of being very busy – and then sinking in the winter to nothing.
Nauvoo in 1975 had no stores. Today, we are a big city metropolis with our own “Dollar General” store. It is surprising what a great inventory the place has for a small-town store. A funny story: Some of our kids have wanted to send us out to eat and are disappointed to learn that there are no real options here. We finally convinced a daughter to buy us a “Dollar General” gift card where we could at least buy ice cream as the urge hits.
When I was here in 1975, we always went weekly to do our sp-day hopping in the town of Keokuk – located about a dozen miles south of Nauvoo. We then shopped at the Hy-Vee grocery store. This was the only option – so they had a monopoly on the shopping business of us and the other missionaries. Surprisingly, this Hy-Vee store is still among the living. Sister Hunt and I shopped there initially (and for the sake of nostalgia( and found it kind of expensive, and though a great store, we wondered how it has survived through all of the years.
Gratefully, there are some additional shopping options in the modern time. The ALDI store is a great store and we like shopping there for fruit and vegetables and other deals. And of course, we love the convenience of the modern Walmart store. Always amazing when the wagon needs replenishment! Going to these stores is a part of our every week p-day.
NAUVOO PAGEANT PRODUCTIONS
When I first served in Nauvoo, the annual pageant had not yet come to Nauvoo. The “City of Joseph” made its first debut the following summer. This pageant was staged for another 20 plus years before the current “Nauvoo Pageant” made its debut. (I have already blogged about the Pageant and how it was operated back in 1996 and 1997 when Sister Hunt and I brought our family here to participate in the cast – and I compared it to the mode of operation to now in 2024. The dual Pageants bring great energy and excitement to our community each summer.
When our family participated in the pageant, we had a stage located between the Visitors Center and the chapel on the hill. There ws no Temple shining above us. We enjoyed a grand production, and it was so special to be in the cast. If I look really hard, I can find some evidence of the old stage now buried deep under the current stage where Nauvoo Performing Missionaries perform each night through the summer.
And now a “state of the art” modern stage has its own space in a different location. The stage is amazing and wonderful.
The stage of the Nauvoo Pageants – 2024
When we served in the pageant, we had to design and create our own costumes – along with the plethora of accessory items to go with the costumes. In today’s pageant world, cast members are provided beautiful costumes from a “store” of costumes – located at the new “Pageant Building” (which did not exist when we first served here).
FULL CIRCLE WITH ELDER WARD
Sister Hunt and I were working at the Family Living Center one Sunday afternoon. Elder and Sister Robert Ward were also there with us. As some young sisters arrived, we got into a discussion about where us Senior missionaries went on our “young” missions. Elder Robert Ward said that he had gone to the Florida-Tallahassee Mission. I said, “Wait … how old are you?” He said, “69”. I said, “Then we had to have been there together.” We realized that we were both in northern Alabama in the same zone at the same time. I found this fact in my letter home to Mom and Dad about a zone conference held January 7, 1975. I tried to open up my journal of the day there at the FLC, but it would not open. We were both dumbfounded, however, that we were in the same mission and at the same time period.
Back at home, I was able to find my journal entry of the day (on my big jump drive). I found the referenced zone conference and read about it. It was a tri-zone conference held in Birmingham, Alabama. After Elder Franklin D. Richards, an assistant to the Council of the 12, spoke, we divided into our three zones. The record reflected that I gave a talk or presentation – using the example of Ammon – my favorite missionary. (Elder Ward, I noted, would have been in attendance as I gave that presentation. He was a greenie and had only been out a couple of weeks.)
Digging still deeper, I continued to read in my journal (knowing that I got transferred out of the area on January 25th – and would not have seen him after that transfer.
I found a journal entry for a district meeting held January 17th. I learned that we were also in the same district. I was then serving in the German Catholic town of Cullman, and Elder Ward was in Guntersville. The entry said, “We then went to a district meeting. Elder Ames, as our new district leader, conducted the meeting. He and Elder Howard (ZL) gave talks as did Elders Ward (greenie of 1 month) and Adams. The Elders present included Ames and Birrell (Gadsden), Adams and Wheeler (Scottsboro), Zumwalt and I (Cullman), Howard and Rich (Huntsville) and Montgomery and Ward (like the store) of Guntersville. It was a good meeting. Elder Ames and Howard interviewed all of us. Elder Rich conducted a study class. We played a game of football gaining touchdowns as we answered questions right. Elder Z and I won the rest of them.” Wow! So amazing and wonderful that I actually found Elder Ward in my record – evidence of former times shared long ago. Wow!
“And it keeps going … I dug deep into my mission slides and found a great photo taken on the actual day of the January 17th district meeting. This photo showed the greenie, Elder Ward and six others. Sadly, I was taking the photo – so was not in it.
Photo: Huntsville, Alabama Missionaries – January 17, 1975 – District Meeting (Elder Ward is in the blue suit)
It was so fun to later share all of this info with Elder Ward! He said, “That was ME!” I stand in awe and amazement of how the Lord puts all of these miracles together. It is so great!
Photo: Elders Robert Ward and Kevin Hunt together as senior missionaries in Nauvoo 2024
FAMILY LIVING CONNECTION TO CULLMAN, ALABAMA
Another time I was serving in the Family Living Center. A young family came in and I learned that they are from Cullman, Alabama (which I just mentioned). I asked about some of the people whom I knew back then. I was surprised and pleased to learn that Kuenn Drake is still there with his family. He was a teenager when I was there in 1974, And in fact, he took my companion and me “Spelunking” (that is cave exprloring 0 with head lamps, ropes, etc.) on Thanksgiving Day. I remember him as a great kid. We often went to the Drake home to eat. And his mother’s apple cake is still my all-time-favorite cake. I make it frequently from her recipe.
When I was in Cullman, we had a very small branch of the church that met in Suite 222 of the Downtown Plaza. There were only about 25 members in the branch. My new friend, Josh, who came to the Family Living Center reported to me that there is now a large ward and a beautiful chapel in Cullman. Wow!
Cullman, Alabama LDS Chapel – Photo by Charles Drake – 2012
And Kuenn, who took us spelunking is now the local Stake President.
Photo: Spelunking with Elder Wessman (left), Elder Hunt, and Drake Brothers – Thanksgiving 1974 (Kuenn on Righ)
And that is another wow! He was just a teen of about 16 when I was there earlier in time. And the Pierce teen – already referenced in Tifton, Georgia – is also now a stake president. Wow!
IN AWE AND GRATITUDE OF CONTINUING CIRCLES OF NAUVOO SERVICE
Well, now that I have completed the writing of this rather lengthy blog, I am pretty much dumbfounded. It is interesting to see all of this material – and to note all of the changes over time – all in one place. And it is amazing and wonderful to see how much remains the same. Each season of my Nauvoo Circle was (and is) special and wonderful.
Being here in Nauvoo through the span of years has been such a great blessing and opportunity. I am in awe of the Lord and His trust as he continues to bring me to Nauvoo in concurrent circles. I so much enjoy these marvelous experiences. It is so great to serve the Lord again in this sacred and hallowed space. I love walking the streets … pondering about Joseph the Lord’s Prophet, and my own faithful ancestors who were part of the Nauvoo community.
The Nauvoo Miracles continue, and I am blessed to experience them each day as I now serve in Nauvoo. And the memories and experiences of the bygone time continue to bless me in the still expanding circle of my Nauvoo experiences. The Spirit of Nauvoo is indescribable. Just being here brings me such intense feelings of reverence as I represent the Lord Jesus Christ – and his chosen prophet, Joseph.
I am so enjoying the special times – again – on the historic trail in Old Nauvoo.
Greetings to you all! I am pleased to preent this new blog to you, I have entitled this “Nauvoo Homes, Bricks, and the Legacy of Elder EH Belcher”.
This blog has been a long time coming – and it has come with much research and effort. The book talks of brick making in Old Nauvoo. There were about 2,000 homes built by the Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo between 1839 and 1846. This presentation talks of log homes, wood frame homes and of course the beautiful Nauvoo red brick homes. There were about 350 brick homes by the time that the Saints left Nauvoo beginning in 1846.
Elder Belcher (the father of my wife, Lou Dene) and his wife, Grandma Verna – were here in Nauvoo on a mission from 1979 to 1981. They served their entire two and a half years in the Lucy Mack Smith home as site guides. And with time on his hands, Elder Belcher researched and created the Nauvoo brick yard. And he created the now famous Nauvoo Brick that is taken by most visitors who come to Nauvoo.
This presentation details his efforts to create the Nauvoo Brickyard and the Nauvoo brick – that our guests still take home – and enjoy 45 years after Elder Belcher created it. It has become an iconic symbol linking the pioneers of by-gone times to us in the current age. Nearly everyone who comes to Nauvoo wants to have one of the special Nauvoo bricks as a memory of the Spirit and testimony (the power of the Holy Ghost) as they experience “this holy ground” that is so special.
This presentation reflects the history of all of the above.
I am sending you two different ways to open the file. One is a PDF file and the other is a PowerPoint Presentation.
Here are the two links. First, the link to the PowerPoint presentation:
Creation of this presentation came only after very extensive research and persistence in the search. I learned that there was very little material available for brick making in the 1840’s … but many of the processes have been used for many generations – and thousands of years.
Within a few days, I will create and publish the presentation as a new book on lulu.com. I will let you know when this happens. Meanwhile, enjoy the free copies!
On the trail of the Nauvoo Brick … Elder Kevin Hunt
Recently we witnessed another Nauvoo miracle, and it was truly a historic day for our covenant community of Nauvoo missionaries. We had 300 Nauvoo missionaries all together. Anytime you have 300 missionaries together, it becomes a historic moment, but this was one of the truly great moments.
The occasion was a full mission photo with everyone. Getting that many missionaries together (other than maybe at the MTC) is a miracle in itself). We gathered to the steps of the Nauvoo Temple for the grand event.
On the Sunday before, it was announced in our “ward” that we would have a group photo on Tuesday night. We were told that we would meet after a mission-wide training – also to be that night.
On Monday evening, August 5th, we received a communication announcing the photo op. It said, “We plan to take a mission-wide photo tomorrow evening, Tuesday, August 6th, on the front steps of the temple. Please wear proselytizing missionary attire. Our Tuesday night training will conclude at 7:00 so that we may assemble for the picture in time to catch the light. Carpooling from the VC will help the parking challenge.”
Then Tuesday evening came, and the weather caused a change of plans. It was interesting weather. It wasn’t rainy, but it was kind of a different sky. About 6:30 PM that night, we received a new communication. It said that “our light is fading fast” and we were all instructed to “do not pass go … do not collect $200 …” – to go immediately to the Temple for photos. We were told to be there at 7:00 PM. This became a bit of a challenge since the missionaries had to come from the stage, from Carthage, and everywhere in between.
We got there just a few minutes before the new time and joined other missionaries on the temple steps. And incidentally, there could not have been a better site for such a gathering. The Temple has a dozen or so steps up to the front doors – so we could all be at different levels, be seen in the crowd, etc. We still had to be a bit “friendly” as we tried to compact into the space – with so many of us, but it worked well.
Elder Mills is the mission photographer, and he had pulled his van up to the front of the Temple. He had his camera set up on the top of his van. He began taking practice shots with those that he had to work with. Missionaries came to the gathering from all directions – and wearing whatever missionary attire they were in at the moment.
Most of the senior missionaries wore “church clothes” – (white shirts and ties for the men). But, the performing missionaries came in whatever attire they were then or would later be performing in. Some even were to be on stage at that moment – performing “Sunset on the Mississippi” (a wonderful display of song, dance, and extreme energy) – and they had to tell their audience to “hold that thought”. They left the stage and literally ran the two blocks away – all out of breath – having used most of it already on stage – to join us on the Temple steps.
Elder Mills kept taking “practice shots” as we continued to be joined by more missionaries “flying” in. Our mission president, President Mehr – directed new-comers to side or other positions where they might be accommodated or seen best. It was fun just to watch the whole process. We were asked, “Does anyone know of someone who is missing?” And the old quip: “If you are not here, raise your hand.”
Elder Mills would do a count down and we could goof off on 1 and 2 and then on 3, we were to give our best smile. We would think that we were done. and then four or eight more missionaries would come running in and we’d have another count-down. We finally called it good. It was a fun activity – and with a magnifying lens, one can almost see us. (As were leaving, we saw four young men Performing Missionaries who hadn’t run fast enough. Sad!)
AN INTRODUCTION TO NAUVOO MISSIONARIES
First, a clarification … we are not called to the “Nauvoo Mission”. There is not such a group. We are the “Illinois Historic Sites” mission. (Carthage is in our mission – so it is not just Nauvoo!)
Nauvoo – the full area and mission, even the community – is known as a “Covenant Community”. That is what the Saints had when they were here – and the feeling continues with the missionaries who serve here. We are all here to serve and help as needed. No one tries to “out-shine” another. And each one tries to help and love everyone. We are all bound together by our own Gospel Covenants (in the Temple – and as set-apart missionaries). We all work for the common good and for the overall mission of the Church – and as licensed representatives of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each one of us has special talents and abilities which we are willing to share to assist and help fellow missionaries, visitors who come, and everywhere we can. This concept of “Covenant Community” is real and it creates a special and wonderful bond between all of us.
In Nauvoo, there are really just two kinds of missionaries here – Elders and Sisters. And we all share the black nametag and the desire to serve our Lord.
Nearly everyone who serves here absolutely loves their time here. Many try to come back again, and again – in whatever way they can.
There are about 300 missionaries in our mission. Can you imagine that?
Our mission president happened by – on his bike – the other day when we were at the Red Brick Store, and we had a good conversation with him. He shared some stats on our mission.
We have 66 Young Sister Missionaries (YPM’s). Until last week, we had 71 Nauvoo Performing Missionaries (NPM’s). So, if you are doing the math, that must mean that we must have about 160 or so Senior Missionaries – which means about 80 couples. I just checked the roster and found 60 couples on the list.
Missionaries serve varying terms. Senior Couples traditionally serve for 6, 12, 18 or 23 months. (I guess 23 and not 24 is a “tax thing.) NPM’s come for about 3 months each. YSM’s are called for 18 months. And our President noted that he has some flexibility in recruiting couples “as volunteers” (outside of the traditional mission call scenario). These volunteers can be returning missionaries – or just interested couples – for short periods – or folks here just for busy times (like pageant support).
Serving as a Nauvoo missionary can be a “cheaper mission” (than many other missions( since the Church owns the housing, and contracts out for internet, utilities, etc. (That becomes a good option for Bishops. Housing is made available to all missionaries (of all kinds).
All missionaries buy and prepare their own meals.
Senior Missionaries drive and bring their own cars to the mission. (And some even bring two … but we have not seen much of a need for a second vehicle.) Performing Missionaries (NPM’s) and Young Sisters (YSM) are provided with mission bikes and cars as applicable.
One perk about serving a mission in Nauvoo is that families (for Senior Missionary Couples, Young Sister Missionaries, and Nauvoo Performing Missionaries) can and are encouraged to come to visit their family who serve here. Many of the assigned homes of senior missionaries are limited relative to family accommodation space but some have a lot of room for guests. (You do not seek the housing arrangements … it “finds you”.) Families of the YSM’s or NPM’s would have to arrange for their own housing needs. When family members come, they can tour on their own as their missionary is busy. And the missionaries can be with their family guests “after hours” and on their P-days. Family members are welcome at the Sunday meetings held by the missionaries. (Friends are encouraged to attend the Nauvoo Visitors’ Branch … that is separate from the missionary meetings.)
When not assigned elsewhere – and on p-days – missionaries can visit and tour the many sites (restored homes and shops). They can also attend and enjoy the many performances of the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries as they have time and as their schedule allows.
Senior Missionaries generally serve from 9 Am to 5 PM each day (Monday to Saturdays) and Sundays from 12 to 5 PM. They get one P-day each week and can manage their own schedule and activities on these p-days. We often eat out at the Mi Camino Real Mexican restaurant in nearby Hamilton. This place is legit Mexican food!
There are only a handful of places to eat out in Nauvoo. And the opportunities for shopping and entertainment are very limited. Most missionaries (of all kinds) do their shopping in nearby Keokuk – that is located about 12 miles “down river”.
Senior missionaries can even “escape” (when pre-arranged) for limited short trips back home – for weddings, funerals, and other special occasions. These get-aways must be arranged through the Mission President and of course, all expenses are paid by the missionaries.
During the pageant – and throughout the summer, there are always fun and entertaining (and spiritual) events to participate in. Typically, the mission conducts training events each Tuesday night. Mission-wide training meetings are held twice each month and on the off nights, zones and districts stage their own training meetings and activities.
All missionaries of the Illinois Historic Sites mission are organized by districts and zones – just as in any other mission. Missionaries (Senior Elders and Young Sisters) serve as these zone and district leaders. Senior missionaries are also assigned to serve and receive “ministering couples” – as in wards back home.
Missionaries of all varieties (except Temple Missionaries) are called upon to teach Priesthood, Sunday School, and Relief Society lessons, to give talks, and to lead or play music in our various meetings – as in any other ward.
CALLS TO SERVE IN NAUVOO
When Sister Hunt and I were called to Nauvoo, my experience was based upon 49 years ago. Then, Nauvoo missionaries were just that – Nauvoo Missionaries. We were site missionaries (just as I am now). Nowadays, there are a variety of mission calls that Nauvoo missionaries receive.
When we got to Nauvoo, I initially thought that we were just “Nauvoo Missionaries”. Then someone asked if we were called to be site missionaries. I had to return to the mission call to see what we were called to do. The call did say that “you are assigned to labor in the Illinois Historic Sites. Your primary assignment is to serve as a historic site missionary.”
In a recent mission gathering, a leader asked how many of the Senior Couples did not specify Nauvoo on their missionary applications. Everyone was surprised that about a third of the couples had not made any “request” on their Missionary Recommendation Form. About two thirds of the group had specifically requested a call to Nauvoo as their designated preference.
Senior couples do have the option to note a request for a specific mission service area. Couples can put in as many as five mission requests or preferences. And the senior missionary website – on the church’s website talks about many current missionary options where or how Seniors can serve. On this website, you can select missions and different functions – based upon a variety of designated types of missions (office, historic sites, family history and more). These options also give details about the possible missions, the cost to the couple, geographic area, and more. You can get very specific as you choose from the options available. And this list changes quite regularly. So, there are always new mission opportunities that pop up and as some are filled, they no longer show up. The list that you see when you begin your mission journey will change dramatically by the time that you are ready to submit your Recommendation form. You obviously can hone in on the Nauvoo opportunities.
You do also sign a statement that says you are willing to serve anywhere as needed. There is no guarantee that you will be called as you desire.
THE CALL OF ELDER AND SISTER HUNT TO NAUVOO
Sister Hunt and I were among those who did not put in a missionary preference. We did, at first, find many possible mission opportunities (as listed on seniormissionaries.org (on the Church website). We got excited about some of them. But, many of the places that we wanted were way beyond our somewhat limited resources available for funding such an adventure. And in the end, we removed all preferences and requests. We decided to just make ourselves available to serve wherever the Lord needed us – and for as long as He needed us. We resorted to total faith and submitted our Recommendation Form through the Bishop and Stake President and looked forward with trust for the call to serve. As with all missionaries, we looked forward to the big day when the envelope (of nowadays … the e-mail) that would bring the big news to us.
And the day that the call (finally) came, we excitedly opened our calls. We were elated to learn that we had been called to serve in the Illinois Historic Sites mission. Wow! It was wonderful beyond our dreams and expectations. We were actually quite speechless. Nauvoo! Wow!
The mission was really perfect for us. I have noted that I served in Nauvoo as a “young missionary”. (And so cool to return to serve in the same place and exact function as before.) We had been to Nauvoo many times on various trips and treks through the years. We served in the “City of Joseph” cast two different summers. And Sister Hunt’s parents – Elder and Sister Belcher, served in Nauvoo for two and a half years – at the Lucy Mack Smith Home and the Brickyard – which her dad started. She was destined to be one to carry on their special legacies.
And it helped that I am totally into history, family research, genealogy, and everything in between. Of course, I have been a historian for much of my life. And the Lord knew all of these things – our unique talents, skills and abilities that we could offer to Him.
[Import or have a link to my blog about Gratitude for Talents}
A while ago, I wrote a blog article that talked of this subject and my gratitude for the talents given to me. Here is a link to that article:
I am the first to acknowledge that I have been given a multitude of special talents and abilities. The Lord has greatly blessed me. I am one who has worked to develop my talents and as I have done so, the Lord has graciously given me even more of them. And with each new talent, I recognize that each has come from the Lord and through the power and inspiration of the Holy Ghost. And I am truly grateful!
I hope that these talents were considered (of the Spirit) as my missionary recommendation was in the selection process. I like to think that they played a part in my call to Nauvoo (in 1975 and again in 2024).
OUR SPECIFIC SERVICE ASSIGNMENT IN NAUVOO
And beyond the basic call, there is another little detail that is worth sharing. Maybe I have already done so in a previous blog – but it is worth repeating.
When in the MTC most of the couples with us – and who were also going to Nauvoo – had received an advance notice of the home that they were to work in. It was thought by all of us missionaries that we would receive such an assignment and that it was to be kind of a permanent arrangement. We were also told that we would be given a “trainer” who would help us get oriented to the new call and site assignment. (Sadly, we never did find this connection.)
We were kind of baffled by the fact that we seemed to be the only couple who had not received such an assignment. We left the MTC – still with no assignment for our service – but with the assurance that it was “forthcoming”. We were told our assignment would come soon.
We were traveling at high speed on the I-70 Interstate toward Nauvoo. We were about halfway there. We stopped at a rest stop. I got back to the car before Lou did and used the moment to check e-mail messages to see if our assignment might have come. It was there! And of course, I read it with great interest and anticipation. I loved it. I could not wait to share the news with Sister Hunt. She returned to the car, and I told her that we had received our much-anticipated site assignment. I put her off a moment with my teasing. Then it was time to share the truth with her. We had been assigned to serve … YES! IN THE LUCY MACK SMITH HOME … just has her folks had 45 years before. She was in a state of total and absolute shock. It took a few moments for her to internalize and believe it. I enjoyed the moment as I saw her utter shock and disbelief. Then reality sunk in. We went forward!
(We did not realize it at the time, but we would not be given a long-term assignment. The first assignment was really just that – a beginning.) When we arrived, we actually spent our first day at the Browning Home and Gun Shop (not even in the Lucy Mack Smith home). We did later serve for a few days at the Lucy Mack Smith home, and it was glorious. And Sister Hunt broke down and got very emotional as she thought of her mother serving there … and her tears created a very special spiritual experience for her and the guests. (The Spirit seems to accompany tears!)
SOMETIMES THE CALL IS NOT WHAT WAS SELECTED OR ANTICIPATED
I like to tell the story of my own mother and stepfather. They were ready to go on a mission. And as they completed their Recommendation form, they thought that they “had all of their t’s crossed and their I’s dotted” to serve in Nauvoo. “Richard” even had some special connections at Church headquarters – so they thought it was a “done deal”.
Stepdad Richard, called the bishop after they received their mission calls. He said to the bishop, “Now how did you spell Nauvoo on that application?” The bishop spelled it out saying, “N-A-U-V-O-O” Richard said, “Well, let us tell you how THEY spell it!” He then spelled out “T-O-O-W-O-O-M-B-A.” The bishop was baffled. He said, “Where in the world is that?” Richard said, “Toowoomba, Australia”. And yes, they were called as institute teachers “out in the bush” (way off the beaten path) in the state of Queensland, Australia.
When we were in the MTC, there was a couple there who heard that we were going to Nauvoo, They expressed frustration (almost anger) that they were not called to Nauvoo as they had designated and anticipated. They were very jealous and boisterous about this. We felt bad for them.
When I was on my “youth mission”, I was in Tallahassee, Florida. I was surprised as a new call or “assignment” came and which would facilitate me getting transferred from Florida to serve my final six months in Nauvoo. This was quite an unusual call and one which I normally would not have thought possible. (I did have advance notice – of the Spirit – at the beginning of my mission of such a future call) and I did have previous skills that prepared me for such an opportunity. I had served for two years as a “youth guide” at the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center – and that was a grand experience.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we all believe in a Prophet of God, and know that ultimately, all mission calls come over the signature of the current prophet – now President Russell M. Nelson.
Many Apostles have shared with church members how they have been a part of the mission assignment process – and how they have assigned missionaries to their coming missions. And then after their process, the calls are signed by the Prophet and then they are sent to the missionaries. And so, with faith, we can all go forward believing and knowing that all calls ultimately come from the Lord’s Prophet as the Lord’s personal representative. The Lord knows each of us personally and he knows our talents, skills, and abilities – and where and how we might best serve Him.
Many – but not all – mission calls to Nauvoo begin service in March, April or May. Missionaries serve through the summer, one winter, and another summer. About half of the missionary force goes home in late fall (6 or 18 months after they come to Nauvoo).
TYPES OF MISSION CALLS TO NAUVOO
After we arrived in Nauvoo, we learned that there are many different calls to Nauvoo. And we learned that there are a multitude of different missionary assignments or functions in Nauvoo. The call, as noted above, comes from the Prophet. Then once in the mission, all missionaries come under the direction of the local mission president and as he is led of the Spirit, he sends missionaries where the Lord wants them to serve. And he can give various assignments and delegate functions as he deems best for the mission. And in these assignments, typically, he can move people around and give different tasks. No additional or specific “call” (from the Prophet) is given, but the President does call his missionaries to these many different assignments. That is also the case in Nauvoo with our President Mehr.
I believe that there are at least six different Nauvoo calls that could be specified on the Prophet’s mission call.
THE CALL TO SERVE AS A YOUNG SISTER MISSIONARY (YSM) IN NAUVOO
Many young sister missionaries are surprised by a call to serve in Nauvoo. This has often “not been on their radar” but most seem to enjoy being here once they get over the initial shock. They have a strong “sisterhood” here and they enjoy being and serving together.
As noted above, most missionaries begin service in the spring. This is also the case for the Young Sister Missionaries. They serve for six months (or so) – through one summer. They then receive a new call (also from the Prophet as in standard mission calls) to serve in a 6-month “outbound mission” as they call it. These calls can be to anywhere in the United States. They go on their outbound missions – and serve for six months as regular proselyting missionaries just as any other missionary in the world. Then in the spring, they return back to Nauvoo for their third mission “trimester”.
About half of the YSM force leaves for home this fall, and half will leave for their “outbound” missions. There are no YSM’s assigned to Nauvoo during the winters (with severe cold and diminishing visitors). The whole “campus” is manned by just the Senior Missionaries in the wintertime. (The Temple is still open, and many Temple missionaries remain over the winter.)
We have YSM’s of varied ethnic groups – and they add much to the “covenant community”. Each one is valued in their roles and service. There are several YSM’s who speak Spanish, and they come from various parts of the US, Mexico, and other countries. They are always anxious to find Spanish families with whom they can share tours and special experiences. They serve all over but are also “on call” for any time that we have Spanish speaking guests who come to us. They come and meet the group and take them on tours of various places in the community.
THE SISTERS ARE CALLED TO SERVE “OUT-BOUND” MISSIONS
As noted, the YSM’s serve an outbound mission for the middle third of their missions. There is a traditional night – usually late July or early August – when each Sister receives a new mission call. And by tradition, they all gather at the historic 70’s Hall (the earliest church MTC) for the big night together. On this night, each Sister receives her own new call. Excitement is high as they all wonder where they – and their sisters – might be called. (And how cool is that to receive a mission call in the 70’s Hall – the 1840’s site of missionary training. In those days, many missionaries actually received calls (after the building was completed – which was after the Martyrdom) by Brigham Young. Many of the departing missionaries were ordained Seventies. There were 35 quorums of Seventy in Nauvoo. On January 12, 1845, Brigham issued calls to 24 Seventies in the morning audience. And then in the afternoon, an equal number of High Priests were called.)
Each mission president in Nauvoo develops his own plan as to the format and plans for the evening, but the function is still the same. The meeting is scheduled, the sisters arrive, they receive their new calls (delivered in some way by the mission president) and then the Sisters all reveal somehow where they are going. And then there is a lot of “girl” hype and energy as they celebrate together.
The Senior Couples were not invited to the event – that was just between them and Elder and Sister Mehr, but we did gather outside the 70’s Hall and anxiously awaited the moment of their coming out of the hall. We were there to support and cheer them on – and this was a grand time for them and us. All of the Senior Sisters hugged the YSM’s (and vice versa) and we all rejoiced in the joy of the moment. It was truly a grand and wonderful event for all of us who participated – either getting a call or as members of the support team.
THE CALL TO SERVE IN THE TEMPLE
There is a plethora of missionary couples who serve in various Temple functions at the Nauvoo Temple. They serve as sealers and ordinance workers. I am not sure how many couples serve there, but I found some information that said that 60 homes were built in 2002 to house Temple missionaries. They have nice housing. The Temple missionaries wear black name tags like the rest of us.
They actually serve under direction of their Temple President – not our mission president – so we do not have a lot of official contact with them. They do come to many events where our missionaries participate, and it is always fun to have them come. They seem to have a lot of time (outside of their Temple responsibilities) to come to visit and tour the many sites – and so “site missionaries” get frequent interaction with them.
The Temple missionaries also do not come to our Sunday meetings. They are actually sent (kind of permanently) out to attend church each Sunday in the various small wards surrounding Nauvoo.
THE CALL TO SERVE IN FAMILY HISTORY
There is a FamilySearch history center here in Nauvoo. It is located across the street from the Temple. The function is housed in the historic and restored home/store of Raymond Clark. I think that there are two couples who serve there all of the time.
There used to be a “Land and Records” office where people could also get help to locate their people – to map and to see where their people lived in Old Nauvoo. After COVID, that function was moved to the Visitors’ Center. And the responsibility for the desk rotates around to whatever missionaries get rotated in to serve at the Center each day.
THE CALL TO SERVE IN THE MISSION OFFICE, MEDICAL, AND OTHER IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS
Some older sisters have been specifically called to serve in office functions.
A medical doctor (and wife) is called to assist all of the missionaries in medical needs, referrals to local medical providers, etc. And as the doctor serves, the sister is called to serve in the sewing room – or elsewhere as needed.
Another Elder is a veterinarian and he, of course, is called to take care of all of the medical needs for the animals who also serve here with us.
These doctors are called specifically for their medical skills and knowledge.
THE CALL TO SERVE IN THE PAGEANT – AND AS SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATIVE HELP
Two or three couples served in administrative functions relative to the pageants. These folks actually work at their function – recruiting, processing, scheduling, etc. – all winter – but they work from home – and have to go to various try-outs, etc., in Salt Lake – in preparation for the coming performing season.
As my previous blog stated, families can also sign up to be Pageant missionaries (i.e. cast members). The “Core Cast” is chosen by auditions, and they come for a month during the summer. There are three or four different casts of like 300 people. Each cast comes for two weeks.
There are also many “pageant volunteers” who come to serve but who are not in the casts. These folks can serve as security guards, in parking, photography – and other support functions. This is a great role for couples who want to serve – but who cannot commit to a full 6, 12, or 18-month mission. We knew several of these volunteers and they seemed to be having a grand time – like all of the rest of “us”.
Cast members eat catered food at the Pageant Building – located a couple of miles east of town. I am not sure of the financial arrangements for the food. Costumes are provided for the cast members. (And there are missionary sisters who are called or assigned to the creation of these 100’s of costumes … that is another missionary opportunity).
The challenge is housing. Each individual family is responsible for finding their own housing. Families could bring an RV and stay in it at Camp Nauvoo. They can tent or RV at the Nauvoo State Park. Google (all knowing) states that the Nauvoo State Park does have showers in a shower building. The building also has flush toilets. There are RV sites and some small cabins (“tiny houses”.)
There are also a great many cabins, AirBandB and other contracted rental places. These can be rather expensive, and they tend to fill up fast during the pageant season. If you want to be in the pageant cast, you need to arrange housing early.
When not on the stage, pageant cast members have free time to explore the many restored homes and shops while they are here.
Being in the pageant is a glorious and magnificent experience. It can be the highlight of a teen’s life and will create memories and testimonies that will last many years. Being in the cast can be a costly adventure but the benefits probably outweigh the challenges and costs.
Cast members do not receive a mission call from Church Headquarters but they do have to be cleared by their local leaders for participation. Calls to be in the cast come from the Senior Missionaries who administer the pageant. Applications must be submitted by early fall in anticipation of the being in the pageant the following summer.
THE CALL TO BE A NAUVOO PERFORMING MISSIONARY (NPM)
We have a great army of Nauvoo Performing Missionaries here. They are energetic, fabulous and totally amazing.
We have had two different “casts” of NPM’s. One cast came in May. They came and practiced for a month and then performed for two very intense months. The other cast came in July and practiced for a month. They began performing in mid-August and they will be here until about the first of October.
Elder Lunt has administered the NPM program for the past 18 months. A new couple has now taken over for the coming 18 months. Elder Lunt told me that as the summer cast completed their service commitments, they all flew out of St. Louis for their own homes on one day – and it took a convoy of about seven large vans to get the 43 missionaries there. He said that there were 28 members in the “Summer Cast” – plus the members of the Nauvoo Brass Band. This included two missionaries who were tech guys (who managed sound, lights, and other systems). Two performers were specialty violin players. And there were 24 performing missionaries. There is the same group size of “Fall Cast” members. And of the 24, half are guys and half are ladies. (This makes it better for dancing!)
All of these performing missionaries live in large group homes that accommodate six or eight of them.
Each of these NPM’s receive a call to serve for their designated time. They wear black nametags and are known as Elder and Sister. (And they are equal with the rest of us.) The NPM’s are single young adults who are between the ages of 18 and 25. Some of the NPM’s have returned for multiple years – but most are new recruits each year. Some of the NPM’s come to Nauvoo as mission “preemies” – meaning that they come before serving or as they prepare to serve regular proselyting missions. And some have already served their proselyting missions.
These performing missionaries stage a plethora of wonderful shows throughout each day.
Then every night, they perform with great energy and enthusiasm in their production of “Sunset on the Mississippi”.
In addition to the so-named NPM’s, there is also a dedicated corps of folks who are “Died in the wool” (or living in the legend of Highland dancers – with kilts and all – and whatever is underneath them) bagpipers who come to Nauvoo at Pageant time.
These 20 or so folks (young and old) do not receive mission calls, but they come – sometimes year after year – as “volunteers”. They are absolutely amazing and so fun to have here. They march down the streets and perform and squeeze their pipes – with their unique and wonderful sounds – throughout the town. They play for many major events and performances while they are here. They bring their own kind of energy and excitement to the town – and it is so sad when they make their departure.
These performing missionaries all have a Monday P-day but at all other hours, they are on stage (various stages and performing scenarios). They start early each morning and work until late in the evening – with only short breaks for lunch and dinner. And they don’t just “act” … they sing, clog, and dance with great energy and enthusiasm. We wonder how they can keep up with the demands of their rigorous performance schedule. They literally run from one performance to the next – and they entertain crowds on the street, at the Cultural Hall, at lawn “parks”, at the 70’s Hall.
Another 15 or young people (NPM’s) serve in the Nauvoo Brass Band. These young people all play one or multiple instruments. And they maintain the 1840’s tradition as the original Nauvoo Brass Band – and all that this entails. They have their own horse-drawn “wagon or carriage”, and they go all around the town (on the streets and in front of the historic sites – wherever they can get a crowd (large or small) to hear them.
All of these Nauvoo Performing Missionaries have been preparing much of their lives for such an experience. They have all put in many years of endless practices and performances – and now get to use their unique talents to help build the Lord’s Kingdom in very special ways.
HOW TO GET A CALL TO SERVE AS A NAUVOO PERFORMING MISSIONARY
A few days ago, Sister Hunt and I were serving for the day at the John Taylor home and the Times and Seasons building (combined as one tour). We were asked to remain closed for the first hour or two (to ensure that there were no “photo-bombers”. We discovered that a couple of NPM’s were selected to be “on camera”. They represented the many NPM’s of the current cast. Their mission was to help create an “advertising clip” to help the Church recruit new Nauvoo Performing Missionaries for future years.
We watched as Sister Shields began the conversation, “Hello, I’m Sister Shields. I am a Nauvoo Performing Missionary” and then Elder Carroll as he said, “And I’m Elder Carroll …” They said their lines to a director and a camera guy. Sometimes they goofed up and had to repeat the lines two or three times before they got it “perfect”. But ultimately, they did it right.
Their mission of the morning was to create a video clip to be posted on the official ChurchofJesusChrist.org website – to be used to encourage future would-be Nauvoo Performing Missionaries in the coming summer(s). They explained the recruitment and application process. They explained how would-be performers need to submit clips of their singing, dancing and performing prowess.
THE CALL TO BE A TEAMSTER MISSIONARY
If you are a guy who loves everything about horses, then this mission might be the call for you. There are about 16 or so men who serve as Teamsters. They have to feed and care for the fleet of 26 or so large horses (like Belgians). They drive carriages and wagons pulled by horses. Generally. there are two Elders on each conveyance. One is the driver and the other goes as the companion for moral support and safety. Teamsters also manage the “oxen experience” – leading visitors in wagons pulled by oxen.
The “Wagon Ride” takes riders around busy Nauvoo and the Sister guides talk about various sites as they make the 30-minute ride through old Nauvoo. One Sister goes along with each “wagon ride”. The sisters sit in the back of the wagon and deliver scripts about the town of Nauvoo. And the wife of one teamster driver (who is not giving the carriage tour) is assigned to work in the sewing room or as site missionaries.
The “Carriage Ride” goes off into the “north 40” through the beautiful countryside (going “over the woods and through the river”). Two Teamster Elders go together on this ride (and their wives get assigned on other duties). Along their way, they share stories of interesting pioneers who lived here in old Nauvoo.
The horses do not work on Sundays and so the Teamsters are generally assigned to work in the various sites on Sunday afternoons. (All sites are open Sundays from noon to 5:00 PM.)
Teamsters also get a “p-day” – as do all missionaries. These p-days (as do ours) rotate to different days each month – so that all missionaries are not off at the same time.
THE MISSIONARY ANIMALS
As noted, there are about 26 very large horses that pull wagons. And there are six or so large oxen. These animals are on their own missions … and we all treat them as regular missionaries. They do not wear name tags. And I am not sure how they receive their “calls”. I am sure that they are a part of an intense recruitment plan. They do also have a “p-day” (“pasture day”) one day a week and all animals are off and do no work on Sundays.
The horses seem to enjoy their function and role in the overall excitement of Nauvoo. You can see their pride as they prance along and pull the wagons and carriages (large people transporting caravans on wheels) throughout the town.
And they seem attached to their partners with whom they “share the pull”. They stand with their partners even when they are in the fields.
We are all grateful for these majestic missionaries who serve with us.
THE CALL TO BE SITE MISSIONARIES
Site missionaries – like Sister Hunt and I – serve in the 30 or so restored homes and shops of Old Nauvoo. We are given scripts for the many places, and we learn each of them as we rotate through the various homes. Unlike my in-laws, who remained in the Lucy Mack Smith home for ALL of their two-and-a-half-year mission. … (And Sister Hunt and I cannot even begin to fathom that scenario), we get moved around almost daily to the different historic sites. And generally, we are even in a different home each day of the week. So, we “work” or serve 6 days each week and have to know all of the various scripts.
It may seem to some that such a scenario would be a major challenge. But, it really is not as bad as it may seem. When given a new home, we have a week or two of advance notice. This gives us time to study, learn and practice the script for the new place. We have created a mini leather journal book (for each of us) that contains our scripts and we can read quotes from this – and it looks really legit.
I tape the tour script for Lou – and then we listen to it a few times over breakfast.
Then at the site, we kind of have to refer often to our book of scripts – for the first time or two. Then after that, giving the tour is easier each time that we present it. And after giving it ten or more times in a day, we learn it fast. And once learned, it kind of sticks with us. And we acknowledge that the Spirit can “bring all things to our remembrance”. And He always seems to come through for us. So, it gets easier and easier.
And when we later (a week or two or a month later) get assigned again to the place, we can quickly review as above – to prepare once more for service in the site. And again, the words come back to our minds. One week was a bit of a challenge. We had a different site assignment every day – and four of the sites were new to us. This gave us a workout, but we made it through okay.
I will introduce the many historic sites in a future blog. You can hold me to it!
In addition to serving as “site missionaries”, our “friends” and companions also serve in other “assignments” beyond or as an extended part of the call. Some of these functions include:
Zone and district leaders
Mission Presidency
Ministering Brothers and Sisters
Mentoring couples (for new couples in the mission)
Site Coordinators (to “shepherd” the site, order materials, coordinate needed repairs, etc. (Sister Hunt and I serve in this role for the Joseph Homestead, Mansion House, and the Nauvoo House.
Mission Historians (tasked with creating an annual Mission “ministering” history of events and activities, training, and more for the mission (per General Church guidelines for histories)
Coordinators for sacrament, speakers, and music for the “Visitors’ Branch” (and the Senior Elders get to bless and pass the sacrament)
Vehicle fleet management
Sewing of costumes (for pageant and for regular missionaries). This role can also be a designated “mission call”, as well. As noted above, sisters whose husbands are teamsters often work in this role)
One Elder is assigned as the mission “scheduler”. He has the massive job of creating the composite service schedule for all missionaries each week)
Computer Techs (a team of them) provide support for all gatherings and even personal assistance for computer or other tech problems.
Photographer for mission events
Support (ushering and set-up, etc.) of events staged by the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries
Shoeing the horses – working with Amish experts who come to assist.
Working in the Blacksmith Shop forge
Finance record keeping.
Serving on 3-month or whatever time shifts in Carthage. (There are generally two senior couples and two YSM’s assigned out there. They live in Carthage and work there each day. And they return to Nauvoo for Church, training meetings, Etc.)
Serving as the “postmaster” for distribution of all incoming mail for all missionaries (including Temple missionaries)
Coordinating the contract to ensure that we have plenty of ginger cookies to serve in the Scovil Bakery
Planning of mission events and programs
Training meeting coordination for all missionaries
Working at the “Brick Yard” to create thousands of bricks to be distributed to the many visitors who come to Nauvoo.
Scheduling of interviews for or with President Mehr
Daily cleaning of each site after the day of serving there – performed by the missionaries who served at the site together.
As one can see, there are plenty of assignments – and opportunities to share current talents – as well as to explore or gain some new ones. Everyone gets a chance to use their own special talents. There seems to be a special job for each and all missionaries serving here.
In making this list, Sister Hunt and I have probably left off many of the tasks performed by missionaries … but you probably get the idea. It is much more than the mission call to serve here in Nauvoo.
THE CALL TO SERVE AS FACILITIES MAINTENANCE (FM) MISSIONARIES
We did not know that there was such a person or responsibility when we received our own Nauvoo calls. We have come to learn how fabulous they are. Our “Covenant Community” in Nauvoo could not survive without them.
There is a whole cadre of FM missionaries out here. They are everywhere and into everything. They are very much needed to keep all of the historic sites open, functioning, and in good repair, and looking beautiful.
Some of these FM functions include many of the “skilled trades” – of facility maintenance and upkeep. There is a huge collection of tasks to be done, and these people willingly serve wherever they are needed. Many of these people are called to be facility maintenance missionaries because of their skills, abilities, and background as “general handyman”, plumber, painter, furniture maker, general maintenance and cleaning. Specific tasks or assignments could vary daily and could include specialty or project work performed – or as special needs come up:
General facility maintenance
Facility cleaning
Specialized cleaning of heirlooms, historic relics, and artifacts
Lawn mowing and tree trimming.
Arborist management of the 100’s of trees on the “campus”
Painting of window frames, buildings, and anything and everything that needs a facelift – in compliance with the overall maintenance plan for each site or structure.
Cleaning and preparation of missionary housing (in preparation of new missionaries as they arrive or change houses)
Perform home maintenance for the 130 or so church properties (homes and shops) where missionaries of all kinds live). This includes painting, A/C service, utility maintenance, getting rid of mold, mowing and trimming,
Creating beautiful and luxuriant gardens, flower displays, and everything related to the development and maintenance of planters, gardens at sites, and general beautification of the wonderful world around us.
Set-up of physical facility arrangements for events and activities (chairs, stages, etc.)
Creating new draperies for historic sites as needed
Reading or development of building plans
Performing very delicate and specialize cleaning of old relics and artifacts – to carefully preserve them for current and future enjoyment by visitors. (Some of these articles have been in the homes for 50 years or more. I remember many of them from when I was here 49 years ago – all due to the care that is given to them.
Provide routine and long-term maintenance projects as needed by the FM team.
Making plumbing, A/C, and heater repairs and installations
Repair of structures at the various Nauvoo historic sites
Cleaning of multiple restrooms used by missionaries and visitors.
Window cleaning for all buildings
Repair or creation of toys at the Pioneer Pastime Pavilion, props, and demonstration items
Cleaning of pioneer costumes at Pioneer Pastimes
Pick-up of old cleaning rags and supplies and delivery of new supplies to the sites
Creating or making benches and other specialized wood projects as needed anywhere (and created in the fabulous on-site FM wood shop)
Greenhouse management (even in the changing seasons)
Road maintenance
Driving and maintenance of various vehicles and heavy equipment
Tool Sharpening
Anyone (male of female) who has general maintenance or specialized abilities in any or many of the “skilled trades”, could be a candidate for a call as a Nauvoo FM missionary. You could serve in these functions – and never have to give a missionary discussion or a site presentation.
THERE IS A NEED FOR EVERYONE HERE … EACH PERSON HAS SPECIFIC TALENTS AND ABILITIES TO CONTRIBUTE TO OUR “NAUVOO COVENANT COMMUNITY”
No matter what your background or abilities, or even your limitations, there is something that you can contribute to the Nauvoo (and Illinois Historic Sites) mission. We are a part of a mini (or large) utopia community that exists to help visitors have spiritual experiences relative Jesus Christ, to the restoration of the Gospel through the Prophet Joseph, and the building up of the Lord’s kingdom in this sacred historic site – even the Nauvoo “Covenant Community”. We truly “walk on holy ground” and you could be a part of the team on this holy ground.
And I might add that if you do not see yourself in the church communications or opportunities posted for Nauvoo missionaries, you could always contact the mission president, Daniel Mehr, and tell him of your unique circumstances, interests and availability and perhaps he can (with you) create your own special opportunity to serve here in Nauvoo. It is worth the try!
And if after all of this, you do not now see yourself as a missionary in Nauvoo, send this blog on to someone else who could be a Nauvoo Missionary!
WE ARE LIKE CRAYONS IN THE BOX
Here in Nauvoo, we are all like crayons in a big box of crayons (like the giant 120 box). “Each of us has a role, none are more important than any other job. They are necessary and we need to learn to work together just like we need all the colours in a crayon box to make a beautiful picture.” (homestreamradio.com) “We are a box of crayons, each of us is unique, but when we get together the picture is complete.” (Unknown author)
Each one of us come “to the box” (Nauvoo, our “Covenant Community”) with our own talents and special skills. If we are willing to get in and be in the box – with the others – then God can use those talents and abilities to create a beautiful picture made up of all of the colors in the box. Each person – with their own skills and talents are needed here. Individually, we can be a wonderful color, but when we all pull together, the opportunities are amazing and spectacular. That is our opportunity as we serve in Nauvoo – and it can be available to any who will develop the talents and skills (and interest) to be put into the Nauvoo crayon box. And God, Christ, the Holy Ghost, our Prophet, and mission leaders can all help us to achieve our best color for our unique roles in the box.
Happy to be one called to serve on the Nauvoo Covenant Path (the mission trail) … Elder Kevin Hunt
Markers, monuments … and the dash! That is the life goal of every family historian (like me).
Over the years, we have received bulletins or newsletters from various family organizations established to help us remember our pioneer ancestral lines. Just this summer we received one from the “Parker Press”. My wife’s lineage includes Parker ancestors starting back many generations in her direct line. In this issue, I found a great quote for the moment: “… each marker represents a person, once living, a breathing person with a story or stories to share.”
With the passage of time and lives, various markers – headstones and other markers – are placed along the trail to mark the spot wherein lies the final earthly remains of a once breathing person. Often these stones show a carved inscription such as 1811 – 1852. That is what the marker for my 3rd Great Grandfather, Nathan Calhoun Cheney (located in Centerville, Utah) would have read – if it even had the dash.
I have found just a few hints about the dash of Nathan Cheney – and I will share those in a future blog post. (Admittedly, Nathan Calhoun Cheney is one of my ancestor heroes. I sure look forward to meeting him. I have always thought that his “dash” was way too short!)
Sadly, that is what most stones have – just a beginning date, an ending date, and the dash in between. What I want to know about is the “dash” for each ancestor. In that dash, there is likely much of joy, trails with pain and suffering, greatness, of adventure, of a whole lot of life … and always a story. Everyone has a story! Some are waiting to be discovered. Sometimes a story can be found in personal and family histories– and at other times, the dash is left totally to the imagination of those of us who have followed behind.
As a “dash hunter” for nearly sixty years, I am constantly looking for even the slightest hints of ways to expand that dash for as many ancestors as possible – and to share it/them with my family. Those dash stories are so interesting and wonderful. We should all find and then celebrate the “dash” of everyone in our family tree – both roots and branches.
GRAVE HUNTING WITH THE FAMILY
According to two daughters – reminiscing with “wo is me” in a single week – I guess I abused my children as they grew up. I dragged them incessantly to cemeteries all over Utah. I guess they had a traumatic childhood – thanks to me. Admittedly, we went to a few cemeteries … but I didn’t think that I went to enough to traumatize the children – so that they never want to again go to a cemetery.
Mom’s Larsen Family in the Fairview, Utah Cemetery
Most of the cemeteries were kind of on the beaten path so they weren’t too challenging to find. The challenge came because we would not know where in the cemetery our people were buried. Upon arrival at a new cemetery, I would send my forces (all nine children) off to all points within the cemetery looking for the desired headstone(s). (It was a great activity when children needed a break from the van.)
One site was particularly bad and was so bad, I guess, that the authorities could probably come after me for what I did to all of the children on that occasion. No doubt, it may have permanently warped the children. We found ourselves in the middle of nowhere in central Utah (literally) in the remote village of Teasdale. I had never been to this place in my life – and the likelihood of getting back there again was pretty slim. I knew that this one was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to find my 3rd Great Grandfather, Amos Hunt. Most of my Hunts (from 1850 to my grandparents – were buried in Enterprise, Utah). Amos lived in southern Utah (around Enterprise) most of his life, but for his last couple of years, he lived with his daughter in Teasdale. And he died there.
Okay, so it may not have been the greatest of circumstances. It was winter, snowy and it was bitter cold. And most of the headstones were kind of hidden under the white stuff. Nonetheless, I sent out the troops. They were obedient, but they didn’t go happily. Gratefully, one of the soldiers did finally find the desired stone.
This experience was before the modern internet convenience. As I was writing this blog article, I decided to do a Google search for “Amos Hunt gravestone in Teasdale, Utah”. It worked! Within seconds, it was as if I was right there in the Teasdale, Utah and easily found the stone but minus the white stuff. I totally missed out on the adventure of finding the stone and the ambiance was just not the same!
MORE THAN JUST HISTORICAL SITES
I remember seeing signs for historic markers everywhere on our travels with the family through the years, but unless they coincided with a “drink and drain” function, we usually did not stop. Looking back now, I think that we may have missed out a bit. There are a lot of historic things out there that would have warranted a quick stop.
So, we, of course, are here in Nauvoo – a very historic place. Everything around us is historic in some way. Sister Hunt and I were called as “historic site guides”, and this means that we spend all of our days guiding folks and interpreting the history that is all around us. But, even we, with all of that around us, could miss much of that which is lurking hidden everywhere. I realized that we just need to open our eyes and expand our vision a bit.
A TOUR OF IOWA AND ILLINOIS MARKERS AND SITES
It was to be our p-day, and we didn’t have much going on. One can only look at the walls around us so much. I always ask Sister Hunt what she would like to do – and being a “home body”, her answer is always the same. “I can’t think of anything.” She never has a long list of things to do nor places to go. But gratefully, she is always willing to go along with any on most adventure I might think up. This one particular Saturday (then on a p-day) seemed the perfect day to go out and about. Sister Hunt went along for the ride – afraid that the boogie man might get me if out by myself in the boondocks, etc. Women have a great imagination for such things! I was happy to have her along for the ride. She makes good company (and I am glad that we are missionary companions.)
Quincy is in Adams County – south of Lima
I decided that we would take a history tour seeking anything and everything within a fifty-mile radius out from us. In preparation for the trip, I researched the internet the night before, for any “Mormon Pioneer” era markers that might be nearby. And so it was, on our p-day, that we headed out on a wandering adventure for the day. Before leaving, however, I doused my pant legs (at the ankles) and my shoes with some chigger deterrent spray. This is a must in our country. Chiggers are a microscopic, little “cootie” that creeps onto you unawares and then grabs you in the crotch or anywhere else around the belt, or on the legs. And we sure don’t want to get cooties! (Chiggers … not on the list of favorite creatures.)
We drove east from Nauvoo, and then north, and west across the Ft. Madison bridge (on the Mississippi River) and crossed into Iowa. Ft. Madison is a rather historic site – in and of itself – but we were specifically seeking sites peculiar to pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (then known as “The Mormons”) (1840-1850). [There is that “dash” again].
We drove south from Ft. Madison toward the town of Keokuk, Iowa. We first went to the “Linger Longer Park”. (What kind of name is that? Sounded like a Young Single Adult Sunday excuse to eat a little earlier on a fast Sunday.) Well, that was the name. With a bit of imagination, Google was somehow able to get us to the remote spot on the banks of the Mississippi River – and just north of present-day Montrose (formerly part of Zarahemla!)
We found ourselves in a quiet little spot across the river from Nauvoo. (And we could see the majestic spires of our Temple on the hill.)
THE MIRACLE OF THE QUAIL
It was October 9, 1846. Most of the Saints had already left Nauvoo and had headed out across Iowa. The ones who were left were the poorest of the poor – who had no means to make the journey. They were ill-equipped and quite unprepared. They had been forced out of Nauvoo during the “War of Nauvoo” a few days before. The Saints were impoverished and destitute as they “camped” on the riverbank just over the river.
On that occasion, several flocks of quail flew into their camp and provided them with sufficient food – enough to feed about 640 people. Eye-witness participants said that quail were everywhere, and the Saints could just go and scoop them up – to be prepared and made into a tasty meal.
The miracle is reminiscent of the miracle that the Lord performed for ancient Israel during their exodus our of Egypt under the leadership of Moses. This was truly a miracle for the Saints.
This site is also the first stop for the frozen emigrating Saints as they made it across the frozen Mississippi River – as they were pressed prematurely out of Nauvoo. They spent some miserable nights in the bitter cold there along the frozen river – with wagons pointed west and headed for Salt Lake City – far out in the unknown west. Many folks were not equipped for that horrible scene that befell them.
In light of the above, Montrose obviously became the start of the Mormon migration west. Now the historic Lee County site hosts a marker stating such by the Iowa Mormon Trails Association.
We did find the markers – but they were not quite as depicted on Google. Time had taken its toll on the once beautiful markers.
It was noted at the plaque placement ceremonies that more improvements were planned for the next couple of years – including paving the parking lot and adding shelters to the picnic tables. (I must have missed those!)
RIVERVIEW PARK IN MONTROSE, IOWA
Just a mile or two south – still at the river’s edge, we found the Riverview Park. If this park was impressive at some point, it had outlived that designation. The smell of dead fish along the riverbank seemed to mask the beauty of what might have been.
Montrose, Iowa is historic for a few reasons. One is that prior to or concurrent to the settlement of Nauvoo, many of the Saints – recently extracted from Missouri, had ventured north seeking a peaceful new gathering place. (Joseph Smith was still in the Liberty Jail.) Many the exiled Saints found meager refuge in what was already an “abandoned” military base (old Ft. Des Moines). And if the place had been long abandoned before, imagine what time did to them. They could not have been too marvelous.
One can only imagine how bad these facilities might have been. Of course, this was long before the advent of modern plumbing – for toilet functions – or for getting water.
The weather then was bitter cold. But, nonetheless, the Saints were brave enough to huddle into what had to be very squashed and most uncomfortable quarters. Wilford Woodruff stated that he and his family moved into one “barracks” room that they shared with the Brigham Young family. (Quite the scene for two future prophets holed up in such scant circumstances together.)
On June 20, 1839, the “Mormon” Church (more specifically The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) bought 20,000 acres of land around Montrose from Isaac Galland for $2 an acre. In 1841, 750 Mormons lived in the newly created Iowa stake. In Montrose, the Prophet Joseph Smith was in Montrose and made the statement that the Mormons would be driven to the Rocky Mountains and would become a powerful people.” (Source: Ensignpeakfoundation.org/Montrose-iowa-monuments-2003)
This site, along with three other historic Mormon Pioneer sites were originally dedicated all on one day in 2003 with appropriate fanfare and a small entourage of local dignitaries. In those days, the dedication trek began at Keokuk and moved northward to the Linger Longer scene noted above. Doug Atterberg was the local historian most responsible for the joyous occasions. The plaques were created in concert by the Mormon Trails Organization and the local Lee County Conservation Board and supported by local leaders. A double quartet must have been impressive when they sang, “Come, Come, Ye Saints” – the famous Mormon Pioneer anthem that was written on the Mormon Trail in Wayne County – located in south central Iowa.
Over 20 years have passed since the placement of the various plaques and the passage of time has not been good for them. Today they are faded and difficult (at best) to read their messages. It was a grand idea at the time and one which should be one for rejoicing – for at least history was acknowledged at that one moment.
Google states that there were two different markers placed in Riverview Park back then in 2003. I had a hard time finding both markers. I did find evidence of what might have been two markers located within one 16’ square cement border. Again, time was not on the side of the original plaques.
TRIANGLE PARK IN KEOKUK
We continued our trek, and our next stop was at Triangle Park in the town of Keokuk, Iowa. (Typically, we get to Keokuk via the beautiful river road south from Nauvoo. This time, however, we went south on the Iowa side of the river.)
At the original plaque dedication held in 2003, Rob Clark, a member of the Mormon Historic Sites Foundation board of trustees, said, “… the story here is one of friendship, openness, and good will. We hope when the latter-day Saints visit here, they do so in a spirit of friendship. We hope this marker is a symbol of friendship.” (Source: Ensignpeakfoundation.org/Montrose-iowa-monuments-2003)
It was interesting in our quest to find the Keokuk plaque. This miniscule “Triangle Park” was hidden away at the peak of a very small park in a secluded residential area. I wondered with its placement if anyone might ever even happen by to see the plaque. This plaque was in somewhat better shape than the previous plaques, but it was still weathered and worn.
I did not know this before, but I learned that many emigrating Saints made a stop in Keokuk as they progressed upriver from St. Louis (and beyond). Keokuk actually became a staging center for the Saints as they outfitted for their westward trek.
The record states: “On 1 April 1853, a steamboat docked at Keokuk and discharged some 200 passengers, the first of 2,500 Mormon immigrants who were to camp at Keokuk that spring, to earn money and to learn survival skills before taking the trail to Utah. … Eight shiploads of Mormon immigrants sailed from Liverpool to New Orleans between January and May 1853. Steamboats transported them to St Louis, where most paused before taking another boat to Keokuk. Three steamboats of the St. Louis and Keokuk Packet Company made twice-weekly scheduled runs. The first ship leaving Liverpool carried mostly Danes, but their ocean crossing took so long, a Mormon company of English folk were the first to arrive at Keokuk. …Among the immigrants was artist Frederick Piercy, who sketched scenes along the immigrants’ route, including “Camp at Keokuk,” (https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=179356)
One migrant noted, “Elder Isaac C. Haight, who was the Church Emigration agent at the outfitting point, selected a very healthy camping place at Keokuk, on a bluff near the river, where there was plenty of wood and grass handy. The citizens of Keokuk manifested a benevolent feeling toward the Saints, which was highly appreciated by them … The Mormons are mainly honest, earnest and sincere.” (Source: Ensignpeakfoundation.org/Montrose-iowa-monuments-2003)
In May 1853 William Belknap, who later served as a major general in the Civil War and as Secretary of War to President Grant, wrote the following to his sister, Clara, about the Mormon emigrants who were outfitting in Keokuk that spring and summer. “Yesterday was Sunday and I wish you had been here to go up to the Mormon camp with me. They had preaching at three stands in three languages – English, German and Danish. They sing – especially the Danes – very sincerely and are perfectly enthusiastic. It is a strange, strange mystery and if you were here, you’d be astonished. There are nearly 3,500 here now and “still they come” by boat and some of them are genteel and many of the girls [are] very pretty…. The Mormons are mainly honest, earnest and sincere.” (Source: Ensignpeakfoundation.org/Montrose-iowa-monuments-2003)
The Keokuk plaque was placed by the Mormon Historic Sites Foundation. It was interesting that the modern Foundation helped place curb and gutter around the small park – just as the pioneers before them helped grade part of the area where they disembarked.
We normally do our shopping in Keokuk, but we delayed our shopping (and our traditional “Pecan Mudslide” at Dairy Queen) until a pass-through on our return trip home. We continued south toward the town of Quincy. There were other stops that I wanted to make along the way. We crossed the river and went back into Illinois before we headed south on Highway 96 toward Quincy.
THE MORLEY SETTLEMENT
I knew that a plaque had been placed in the very rural village of present-day Tioga, Illinois – because I was there when it was placed back in 1997.
Finding the plaque back then was a bit easier than today. I had specific directions back then and easily found the location for the plaque ceremony. Today, it was a bit more challenging. We found the village of Tioga and drove around a while seeking the plaque. We finally stopped to ask a friendly and helpful local resident and business owner for directions. He told us exactly where to go.
I remembered the spot being somewhat secluded, but I did not remember that it was totally surrounded by the Illinois corn and soybean fields. I thought I remembered a few houses and a nearby country church. These were not readily evident. (Actually, the beautiful country church was there – but it was a couple of blocks away.
Talk about being in the “middle of nowhere …” This was the spot. It was difficult to even see the plaque amongst the fields and growth of weeds surrounding it. Then it was there. I had found its hiding place. And I was glad that I had my anti-chigger spray on for this moment – even though it was only through about 12 feet of very high prairie grass.
The rural community was known back then as the “Morley’s Settlement” because many of the settlers included converts and missionaries who brought the Gospel to them. The Hancock family (including father Thomas and sons, Levi Ward and Solomon – and my own 4th great grandmother, Clarissa Hancock Alger) had been together in Ohio and later in Missouri. Also in the group was the Simeon Carter family. This family are ancestors to my wife. After the Saints were expelled from Missouri, this same group of Saints settled in this rural area of Illinois.
PLACEMENT OF THE 1997 PLAQUE
I said that I was there … On that summer day, August 2, 1997, Lou (Sister Hunt) and I had come from our Mesa, Arizona home to participate in the historic pageant, “City of Joseph” in Nauvoo. As we attended Church in the local Nauvoo ward the Sunday before, we learned of a plaque dedication ceremony to be held on Saturday to commemorate the Hancock, Durfee, Morley and other families who lived in Yelrome.
On that date, I recorded in my journal: “We had cast call at the early hour of 8:30 AM this morning. We first had a clean-up of the whole area – that was a mess following last night’s show. We then gathered for “cast notes”.
“We (the Hunt family) left the set at 10:00 AM as they were ready to start a cast dance. … We then went back to the campground. Marinda, Keith, and I changed into our pageant costumes. We drove south on Highway #96 toward Quincy. We went to a little town now called Tioga. This is about 26 miles south of Nauvoo. We followed some cars ahead of us. We parked and walked about two blocks down to a plaque which was to be dedicated today. The plaque is in memory of the pioneers who lived at the Morley Settlement (also known as “Yelrome” which is “Morley” backwards).
“At the Morley Settlement the mobs came and burned down everything which the Mormons had. (Settler, Edmund Durfee died in this incident.) This occurred in September of 1845.
[Historical Note: On Wednesday the 10th of September an anti-Mormon mob of arsonists burned down the Durfee home, and shortly thereafter, burned down the homes of dozens of other Mormon families. On the morning of the 11th, they again set fire to more of the homes.
After losing their homes, the Durfees, Hancocks, and other homeless residents fled to Nauvoo for safety. Edmund and other residents returned to Yelrome on November 15, 1845, to harvest crops and stayed in the unburned Solomon Hancock home. Late that evening, night riders set fire to hay in the Hancock barnyard. Awakened, the Latter-day Saint men rushed outside to fight the fire. Edmund Durfee, who was age 57 at the time, was shot in the back and killed.
My journal continues:
“… About 150 people gathered to the site of the plaque. The group included two bus loads of the Durfee family who had come en masses from Salt Lake to St. Louis and then to Tioga. The rest of us heard of the ceremonies in various ways.
Keith and Marinda under shade of the plaque
“The festivities were planned mostly by the Durfee family as a memorial to their slain ancestor. so, the plaque was mostly on him – though the other families were mentioned. A Durfee conducted the meeting/program. As he spoke, he asked about the gathered group. Our family was the only one there from the Hancock descendants. The man had me (with others) say who we were.
“As I mentioned Hancock he said, “Hallelujah for the Hancock family.” I learned today that Solomon Hancock, brother to our Clarissa – and son of Thomas Hancock, was the man who baptized Edmund Durfee.
“I met a man named Paul Hansen from San Diego. He shook my hand and said, “I’m indebted to you because your ancestry baptized mine.”
“During the program we heard more from the Durfee, Carter and Morley families. The speakers spoke of the history of the settlement and the lives of some of the people. A couple of ladies sang two musical numbers.
“I was glad that the three of us wore our costumes. This added to the scene.
“It was interesting that the Durfees had arranged with the local Church of Christ congregation to host them for lunch. This was probably a good missionary activity.
“Our kids (most of them) wondered why we went to this dedication. They acted bored and wanted to be on our way (afraid they’d miss lunch at the campground). I was very glad that we were there – especially since there was no one else there for the Hancock family. I think that we will all see the day in which we’ll rejoice that we were a part of this program. Family from the other side of the veil are also probably pleased that we were there.”
UNEXPECTED HISTORIC MARKERS ALONG THE WAY
As we continued our journey to Quincy, we noted an unexpected “Historic Marker” sign along the way. I did a quick U-turn back to see the sign. It was interesting that it was a marker in favor of the mob that killed the prophet, Joseph, and Hyrum, at Carthage. I guess history commemorates the bad as well as the good people. It did commemorate a Mormon family in a good way.
We saw another beautiful monument as we whizzed by. I could not resist a turn-back to check it out.
WASHINGTON PARK IN QUINCY
Sister Hunt got detoured when she saw a Goodwill store in Quincy. So, while she remained to drool over their merchandise (her greatest thrill), I followed directions of a store worker and went about three blocks south to the Washington Park. It was in this area that the Saints – exiled from the violent mobs in Missouri – had camped. The wonderful people of Quincy welcomed the Saints and did all that they could do to assist them with shelter, food and more.
I made a pass through the park seeking the plaque that I knew had to be there somewhere. I came to three homeless guy types, and I asked them if they might know where the plaque might be. They pointed me to the opposite side of the park. I finally found the plaque that I sought. This plaque too, was very vintage and showed that it had been in the park for many years – but it was actually in better shape than some of the other markers I had seen.
“QUINCY, Ill. — The Mormon Tabernacle Choir gave a rare benefit concert here tonight to say thank you for kindness extended 163 years ago by the citizens of Quincy to Latter-day Saints fleeing religious persecution during the winter of 1839. $75,000 in concert proceeds will benefit the Quincy Area Community Foundation.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, world leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, personally announced to the concert audience those proceeds had been conveyed to Mayor Charles W. Scholz.
“We shall always be grateful for the kindness, the hospitality, the civility with which your people met our people who were exiles from the state of Missouri,” President Hinckley said. “I express my gratitude to those who are successors of those who were here long ago and say thank you with all of our hearts.”
OTHER SURPRISE PLAQUES IN WASHINGTON PARK
I was surprised to find another set of plaques and statues in this Washington Park. I guess it was at this same Washington Park that the famous and very historic 6th Lincoln/Douglas debate was held in Quincy on October 13, 1858. I enjoyed the interesting information displayed about the debate.
OUR RETURN TO KEOKUK
While in Quincy, we found another Goodwill store – this one much bigger and newer than the previous one. Here Lou was delighted to find the bread making machine she had been searching for – along with an ice cream maker and waffle iron – all at great … and Sister Hunt was elated as she “had attracted this to her” (and God put it in her path). There goes my mannish figure!
While in Quincy, we also ate at the local Texas Roadhouse restaurant. They do not have such places anywhere closer to us. Quincy is located about 50 miles south of Nauvoo. This is about like us driving from Maricopa to Mesa – a trip which we made frequently in Arizona – but this trip from Nauvoo to Quincy seems further.
It was now past sunset, and we began our trip backwards to Keokuk. We did our usual business there (including the D.Q.) and returned to our Nauvoo home.
OUR FAMILY FOOTPRINTS IN RAMUS – NOW KNOWN AS THE TOWN OF WEBSTER
I was doing other historical research and read that Benjamin H. Johnson had lived in Ramus. When I had done the Google search for Mormon monuments within 50 miles of Nauvoo the town of Webster came up in that search. And as I read of Ramus, I recognized the name of Benjamin and remembered that he was the ancestor of our son-in-law – Michael – husband of our Jackie.) Also in the research, I learned that Ute Perkins – the ancestor of my wife – had also lived there. Interesting that the two family lines connected there.
I learned in the research that the Prophet, Joseph, visited in the home (more than once) in the Benjamin Johnson home. And on one of those occasions, Joseph took the hands of Benjamin and his wife and there in their own living room, sealed them together as eternal companions.
Joseph Smith’s sister, Catherine is buried in Ramus/Webster:
With the childhood abuse that I inflicted on the children (relative to cemetery tromping), Jackie was probably not jazzed when they visited, and I suggested that we make a family trek to Ramus. We did, and she will likely never forgive me. I hadn’t known of her cemeteraphobia when I suggested the trip.
Anyway, it was a Sunday afternoon and Sister Hunt, and I had a rather rare “not scheduled” assignment. Nice! We used the time to go to Carthage and then went east to Ramus (now Webster) to check out the place.
Webster is one of those places that was probably a lot better in its former time. The current scene is not overly impressive – but it is historical and thus very interesting.
On-line, I had seen a very old church, and we somehow found our way there. We found a very dilapidated and run-down country church.
We found a very unique plaque on-site that noted that there had been a former church on the site – and that wood from that original chapel was used to construct the more modern facility.
(And interesting that this “new church” was also now hardly standing and obviously very old and fragile. The sign noted that the foundation and cornerstones of the old Mormon church was still evident – and we saw the four cornerstones of the former building.
It is interesting that this original chapel was noted as the “first LDS chapel built in the state of Illinois”.
Unplanned “Selfie” at the Ramus Church Sign
The sign had the phone number of a local guy who now owns the church property. I texted this guy and he wrote me back. He said that his mother was at that moment dying and he promised to get back with me “after the funeral”. He said that he is the current owner of the former Benjamin Johnson property – and noted that it too, is for sale. Wow! I will have to check back with this guy after things have mellowed out a bit for him.
While in metropolitan Webster, we looked around at the big town. We found an old building that likely survived the Mormon era of the 1840’s. We relished in the fact that our ancestors likely shopped there (if it was a store at the time).
We looked across the street and found another unplanned plaque. This was dedicated to the memory of Ute Perkins, the pioneer ancestor of Sister Hunt (and our posterity with us that day).
OUR TRIP TO RAMUS CONVERGED ON “THE MARTYRDOM TRAIL”
As we returned to Nauvoo from Webster, we took a rather rural route. Some members of the family had doubts that we would ever get back to Nauvoo reality (that women thing again), but I knew the direction that we would need to pursue. I knew too, that we were in the vicinity of the Martyrdom Trail (that I wrote about in the blog article entitled “Millions Shall Know Brother Joseph”). We were about half-way back to Nauvoo when I found the first Martyrdom Trail sign. Michael was the only one interested in getting out for a photo of the sign. He took a photo of me with the sign.
We did, indeed, make it safely back to Nauvoo. Another great history trek was history! (And I hope that Jackie will not be bruised for eternity because of the trek. I tried to stop at the Pioneer Cemetery as we approached Nauvoo, but she wanted nothing to do with that. That is when she mentioned the trauma I had inflicted on her in her youth with similar stops.)
It is so fun to be out on the trail discovering the facts of life … the dash of the lives of real people – and especially those who lived in and around Nauvoo.
This concludes Part 1 of the blog. You are invited to now go to Part 2 of this blog. There were just too many photos for one article. Stay on the trail … Markers, Monuments, and the dash. (Do not forget the DASH!)
Still on the marked trail in and around Nauvoo … Elder Hunt
Markers, Monuments, and the dash … Well, here is more of the dash! We will take up where we left off. Hopefully, you have already read Part 1 of this 2-Part blog article. There were just too many photos for one blog article.
THE NAUVOO PIONEER CEMETERY
After Jackie and family headed back to Arizona, I made my own visit to the Nauvoo Pioneer Cemetery. And Lou didn’t want to chance it with the chiggers and decided to let me have my own cemetery experience.
I went to the cemetery – located only about two miles east on Parley Street – just up the hill from my own Simeon Dunn historical home – also on Parley Street. I parked and did the overland trek up a hill and into the woods. I scoured the cemetery and tried to see all the gravestones that were somehow still standing and legible. Many, or most of the gravestones were too badly aged to be readable. There were really only a very few stones that I could read.
One of the first headstones I saw was that of Edward Partridge, the first Bishop in the Restored Church
I was pleased to find the graves of Lury Scovill and three of her children. We have taught about her as we have served in her own Scovil Bakery home.
I also found the graves of James and Hannah Webb – the parents of five brothers who were the Webb Blacksmiths here in old Nauvoo.
THE NAUVOO CEMETERY
I have thought for years that only the Pioneer Cemetery held graves of early Mormon settlers. I knew that there was a Nauvoo Cemetery but didn’t think that it contained graves of the Mormon settlers. Then on one of my tours, I was talking with a brother who said that he descended from Seymour Brunson. Together, we found a photo of his grave on Findagrave.com. I analyzed the photo of the grave and knew (from my recent visit to the Pioneer Cemetery) that it was not there. I told him that it had to be in the Nauvoo Cemetery.
I later did some more research and learned that early Mormons were buried in this cemetery – beginning in 1841. I again made my own trip (with cootie precautions) to the Nauvoo Cemetery – located a mile or two from downtown Nauvoo – on the road to Ft. Madison.
Upon arrival, I first found myself in the Catholic section of the cemetery. I didn’t see the sign until after I had explored most of the gravestones.
I continued to seek the Seymour Brunson grave site. I knew that the stone was quite large and could not be hidden. I continued my search and found a section – located at the south and then west of the cemetery – where early Saints were buried.
I did find the Seymour grave – and later did more research on him. It was at his funeral that his friend, the Prophet Joseph, preached. And it was in this sermon that Joseph first preached about the new principle of Baptism for the Dead.
I was surprised and pleased to find the grave of James White. He was the river trapper man lived in the village of Commerce before the Mormons came to the area – and who owned the home (built in 1823) that he sold to Joseph Smith – and which we know today as the Joseph Smith Homestead. (So, the building that was the first Nauvoo home to Joseph and Emma is fully 200 years old – and is still in great shape! Wow!)
I found the grave of a Laura Clark. I found this interesting because it showed that she was the daughter of Timothy Baldwin Clark. I recognized that name – as that of my 4th great grandfather. (I later checked my Ancestral Quest family database, and this confirmed my thought that she was a sister to my 3rd great grandfather, Ezra Thompson Clark. My program also told me that “ Laura CLARK-3303 is the 3rd great-grand aunt of Kevin Von HUNT-1. Their common ancestors are Timothy BALDWIN CLARK-3292 and Mary Polly KEELER-3293.” I also noted in my file that her husband was Morris Phelps. It was great to find one of my own people in the Nauvoo Cemetery. So great!
A few days after finding the Laura Clark gravestone, I found myself serving at the Seventies Hall. Upstairs in this Hall, there is an index of all of the members of the 15 or so Seventies Quorums of Nauvoo. I was helping a brother in the index. He found a couple of his men listed there. Then he said that he wanted to find a guy named Phelps. Then he was quick to add, “but not the famous W.W. Phelps”. I recalled my Nauvoo Cemetery visit and the Laura stone. I said, “By any chance was this, Morris Phelps?” He was surprised that I knew his guy. I then showed him my photo of the Laura Clark Phelps gravestone. This guy was excited – and so was I. Another one of those Nauvoo Miracles (of which I recently posted). (As a side note, Morris Charles Phelps lived 30 beyond Laura and was buried in Montpelier, Idaho.)
THE GRAVES OF JOSEPH, HYRUM, EMMA AND THE SMITH FAMILY
The graves of the Prophet Joseph, Hyrum, and Emma are all located in the Smith Family Cemetery located behind and just west of Joseph Smith’s Homestead. This is a beautiful, sacred spot. The Smith Family Cemetery is open to the public at all times.
In addition of Joseph, Hyrum, and Emma, about 20 Smith family members are buried in the cemetery. A sign in the cemetery denotes the many Smith members who are buried there – including Joseph Smith, Sr., Lucy Mack Smith, Samuel Smith, Don Carlos Smith – and many more..
The gravestones of Joseph, Hyrum, and Emma have changed many times – and somewhat dramatically over many years. The current stones might be the ones that will remain there until the resurrection.
Graves of Joseph, Hyrum, and Emma as seen in 1975
When I was here in Nauvoo 50 years ago, I took photos of the Smith gravestones.
This photo marks the spots of others of the Smith family. Those markers do not exist today – but they are noted on the sign.
JULIA MURDOCK SMITH
A Sister Missionary in the visitors’ center, knowing of my visits to local cemeteries, asked me what I knew about the burial place of Julia Murdock Smith – the adopted twin daughter of Joseph Smith. Together we found the grave site of Julia. I learned that after the death of Joseph, she later married a man named Elisha Dixon and for a time they helped to manage the Mansion House. They then moved to Galveston, Texas. After a short time, this husband died in a bizarre steamboat fire. She later married John J. Middleton. Tradition is that this man abandoned Julia.
Julia returned to Nauvoo and lived with and took care of Emma Smith until Emma’s death in 1879. Julia did not go west with the Saints, and it is not known if she joined the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ with her other Smith family members. Later in Nauvoo, with few church alternatives, she joined the local Catholic Church. She died a year after Emma in Nauvoo. She is buried in the Catholic section of the Nauvoo Cemetery. We found her headstone and it gave an interesting history – a bit more “dash” than most gravestones.
I learned that later, her Murdock brothers had done her LDS Temple work on behalf of Julia.
JENETTA RICHARDS GRAVE
Jenetta Richards became the first person in England to be confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A year after her baptism she married Willard Richards who was ordained an Apostle while on his mission.
When you are a property owner already, why get a cemetery plot? That may have been the thinking of Sister Jenetta Richards, wife of the Apostle Willard Richards.
When Jenetta died on July 9, 1845, she was only 27 years old when she passed away. Jenetta was buried about 20 feet SW of the Richards home on White Street. Gray stones with inscriptions were placed both above and below the casket.
In 1868, an excavation was being made near the home of the Richards and they found Janetta’s tombstone and coffin. It was moved to the SW corner of the lot. In the early 1900’s the coffin was moved again to it’s present location which is part of an old burying ground. Years later, the family returned and placed a nice headstone there where it is easily accessible. business).
Today, Jenetta’s grave is located just a few feet west of the current Highway 96 (on Durphy Street) that passes through Nauvoo. The Williard Richards home has since been turned in to a bed and breakfast place and the grave is about 50 yards east of the B&B.
MONUMENTS TO THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH, HYRUM AND BRIGHAM
One of the great monuments at the river’s edge on Parley Street (the point of departure for the Saints) is a statue of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. This beautiful statue depicts Joseph pointing the way West to Brigham. The statues speak to me (and probably other viewers) of the bond between the two prophets as well as the ongoing leadership of Brigham and his role to lead the Saints to the West and the Rocky Mountains.
In this statue set, Joseph and Brigham are standing, looking west, with Joseph Smith raising his left hand westward, while Brigham holds the map of the Great Basin and the route to the Rockies. As already noted in this blog article, Joseph had prophesied earlier that the Saints would go to the Rocky Mountains.
With this statue is a plaque that reads:
EYES WESTWARD
“To Your Tents O Israel”
“On the anniversary of the 200th year celebration of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the 175th anniversary of the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, this monument of His prophets Joseph Smith and Brigham Young has been erected.
“In Nauvoo the saints heard the rallying ancient cry, “To your tents, O Israel”, in sublime faith and trust, such as history scarcely records, they obeyed, ready to follow their leader where ever he might direct their pilgrim feet. The scenes of wagons, impossible to fully comprehend the hardships those sweet early saints endured.
“The first wagons left Nauvoo on February 4, 1846. This early departure, brought on by increased mobocracy subjected them to gale-force winds, torrential rain, snow, subfreezing temperatures, and axle-deep mud. Most of the Saints were poorly prepared for this epic journey. Many were city dwellers from the eastern United States and England, skilled in many crafts, but unaccustomed to the feeding and harnessing of horses, oxen and mules, driving wagons and herding livestock. Through much work, sacrifice and prayer and under the inspiration of Heaven and their inspired leaders, these faithful Saints completed their journey west and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847.”
“To those early pioneers whom we love, honor and cherish; may your names be forever remembered.”
I love all of the monuments to Joseph Smith, the Lord’s Prophet, but the one of Joseph and Hyrum on their horses – located in front of the Temple – is truly wonderful and inspiring. Entitled, “The Last Ride”, this scene depicts the departure of Joseph and Hyrum as they were leaving the Temple Site and going willingly toward their martyrdom fate.
Joseph and Hyrum in Sunset – Copyright by Kevin and Lou Hunt 2024
“The Brothers” statue of the Smith brothers – Joseph and Hyrum – in front of the Carthage Jail is also magnificent and inspiring. (I should have included this in my blog article, “Millions Shall Know Brother Joseph” but didn’t. I have since updated that blog to include this photo.
Joseph and Hyrum Statues at Carthage – 2002
The artist, Dee Jay Bawden sculpted the statue of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum that graces the plaza leading to the jail and the visitors center. Also, with “The Brothers” statue, six large historical monuments or tablets carved by artist, Jeff L. Anderson – five of which are on the plaza.
Statements on Plaques by Jackie Hunt – 2002
1935 Plaque – State of Illinois
OTHER HISTORICAL MARKERS ALONG THE WAY
By now, I was really into my ongoing discovery of interesting plaques and markers of various kinds. This “dash hunting” was really growing on me. (just like a tree … it keeps growing!) I searched all over Nauvoo and the surrounding area for more markers and monuments.
PARLEY STREET PLAQUES BY THE RIVER
I went to the end of Parley Street – to the place where the Saints headed out across the ice or the river toward Salt Lake City and other western opportunities. At this location, I found a number of different markers (besides the statues of Joseph and Brigham.)
A Plaque on the “Trail of Hope”
MEMORIAL TO ALL WHO “DIED BEFORE THEIR JOURNEY’S END”
There is a beautiful memorial pavilion dedicated to the many pioneers who died en route from Nauvoo to the Salt Lake Valley. This is a circular “monument” that lists the names of hundreds of known people who “died before their journey’s end”. I found the names of Thomas Hancock and others of my ancestor families.
A SURPRISE MONUMENT DEDICATED TO ONE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE PIONEER NAUVOO ERA
All around Nauvoo, there are monuments to many of the pioneers of the “modern” pioneer era of 1839 to 1946 and any monument is appropriate and wonderful. I was pleasantly surprised to find a monument to another great American leader. This was in honor of Moroni – General of the Nephite nation Army. (And was his Zarahemla any relation to the modern-day Zarahemla across the Mississippi? I don’t know … but that is an interesting study for another day.)
Moroni is one of my all-time greatest heroes, so I was pleased to see him remembered appropriately in a plaque under the giant flagpole at the site.
THE NAUVOO MONUMENT TO WOMEN MEMORIAL GARDEN
Truly one of the greatest monuments (or a collection of monuments) in Nauvoo is the Nauvoo Monument to Women Memorial Garden.
I have always loved this collection of many monuments to women – all displayed together in the Memorial Garden. They are all beautiful individually, and together, they show the life cycles or stages in the lives of women.
When on duty serving recently at the Visitors’ Center, I took a stroll out through the Memorial Garden. It was a beautiful morning, and I felt the Spirit as I walked and reflected upon the statues. The surrounding greenery and flowers were most wonderful. It was a quiet, peaceful, and beautiful spot. And the weather of the day made it even stunning. (Sister Hunt and I have lamented that the surrounding greenery is so lush and big that it actually hides the garden – and sadly, few people realize that it is even there.)
I really like the statue of the mother and child – since my wife and daughters depicted this scene in the “City of Joseph” pageant years ago.
I have also loved the statue of the grandma making a quilt. This reminds me of my own grandma, Augusta Wilcox Hunt, my own mother Alura, and Aunt Winona – all of whom were dedicated and generous quilt makers.
And my Aunt Leonie and Uncle Allen have memorialized Grandma Augusta and her quilts in one of their best songs (and though written to Grandma Augusta, all of the words apply also to my mom, Alura.) I have included just a bit of the song. (And Allen sent me his lyrics to this and other of their songs just a couple of days before his recent death.)
Written by Allen Hunt
Nov. 1991
Grandmothers Quilts
What could she do to give them her love
Her children who’ve gone from the farm
Make each a quilt to comfort and warm
And be there instead of her arms
Long after she’s gone to Grampa
And the fingers that sew have grown still
Children of children will rest through the night
Warm under Grandmothers quilts.
While out in the garden, I noticed another plaque that I had not previously seen or acknowledged. I was surprised to learn that this monument had been in Nauvoo since 1933. I thought at first that the current plaque might just be a “memorial” to the original plaque. 1933 … Wow! That was before any Restoration occurred in Nauvoo. Seeing the plaque got me interested in searching deeper. The history was surprising and interesting.
I learned that the original 1933 monument was erected on the banks of the Mississippi River – adjacent to Joseph’s Red brick Store. I also read one article which stated that the statue had been moved to the Nauvoo Temple site in 1953. I saw no evidence of this statue at the Temple site when I was here as a missionary in 1975. I was really baffled by all of this.
This is what I found:
The First Relief Society Monument
“In the midst of the Great Depression, Apostle George Albert Smith suggested that a monument be placed in Nauvoo in memory of the Relief Society. He and General Relief Society President Louise Robison asked Frederick Smith, president of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (RLDS) and grandson of Joseph and Emma, for permission to place the monument on RLDS property where Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store once stood. Frederick Smith approved, and the dedication took place on July 26, 1933.” (https://latterdaysaintmag.com/article-1-15001/)
I also wanted to see what the statue looked like back in 1933. At first, I could find no image of the original 1933 statue. It took some research effort, but I finally found a photo of the original statue. It was interesting that I found the photo on an E-Bay postcard (and of course, I bought the beautiful card)
Seeing the monument photo drove me back to the Visitors’ Center. Sister Hunt and I returned to the Center – and there it was … The whole monument was still there – and still in its original form.
I read the plaque on the monument and that brought up another question. It mentioned that the name of the Relief Society in 1933 was the “National Women’s Relief Society”. I had never heard of this title. More research … I found that the organization was incorporated under this name in 1892, and the name stuck until it was changed in 1945 to the current “Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”. All very interesting!
I learned that the plaque was moved once again to the site of the Monument to Women Memorial Garden in 1988.” The current Monument to Women Memorial Garden was dedicated in 1978. President Spencer W. Kimball offered the dedicatory prayer. At the dedication of the Women’s Garden, the General Relief Society Presidency spoke on the beauty of the sculptures saying: “The deeply significant figures are not only a pleasure to the eye, they are an enduring statement about women, a vision of the divine potential of the daughters of God, which we want to share with the world.”
The Monument to Women has additional history and background information that is interesting. Here is the link for a more detailed look:
Though not traditional markers or monuments, museums are just that … rather large plaques. I have recently discovered four local museums. I was surprised and pleased with what I found in each one.
One is a small little place in Nauvoo – in the former historic “Weld Home”. This is operated by the local historical society. This place had many displays about people and places of old Nauvoo. My focus was old homes and structures of Nauvoo, and I found much good information – and many good photos of the pioneer homes of the Saints.
Another local museum features “The Tomb of Joseph”. This place has a very interesting history – both pioneer and modern. The “Tomb” was discovered by a new owner of what would become the local Zion’s Mercantile store. (Such a great place!). After he purchased the property, the new owner, Brian Christiansen, found a “gold mine” buried under his building. This museum documents the many burials of the Prophet, Joseph and has much good information – including some to feed my historic structure interests.
See tombofjoseph.com for more interesting details.
And there is a new museum that is building down on Mulholland street (the main drag in Nauvoo). This “Martyrdom Museum” is just beginning its adventure, but it is a growing thing and there is promise of great things to come (summer of 2025) per owner, Brian Stuztman (whom I met on one of my site tours). I will look forward to watching the growth and progress of this new museum.
The fourth museum was also a surprise. Upon arrival at the Carthage Jail, we were informed that we would have nearly an hour before we could get a tour for our group. With time on our hands, I noticed the KibbE Hancock Heritage Museum (for Hancock County – not for my ancestors). I went in and saw how great it was – and went and dragged Lou, Jackie, and family in to check out the place. Talk about fabulous! This place had displays on many subjects – including Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and more. And they had a few panels (with old building photos) of Nauvoo.
Sister Hunt and I were astounded by this wonderful museum and thoroughly enjoyed our visit there. (see kibbe.wordpress.com) Our host was amiable and wonderful. I do not remember his name, but he is the president of the local historical society. I highly recommend this great place to all – and especially those delayed and waiting for the Carthage tour.
Each one of these museums is unique and are a collection of fine “markers” and a lot of “dash”.
MANY OTHER NAUVOO PLAQUES TO FORMER CITIZENS
As you all know, Sister Hunt and I serve “Nauvoo Historic Site Guide” missionaries. In this role, we present daily “tours” of the thirty or so restored homes. These homes all represent and tell the “story” (a detailed and spirited “dash”) of the man and his family who built (or had built) and lived in the various homes. Each one is a special monument to be recognized and celebrated.
In addition to these restored homes, there is other evidence of other great Saints who lived in old Nauvoo. It has been fun to seek and find these hidden plaques and monuments. I have found them all over.
I share these hidden treasures with you without explanation or editorializing – since each one kind of tells its own story (as designed to do so …
There are also some foundations of other homes that once were. It may seem strange, but I see these foundations also as monuments to the people – even in their current devastated state. They are evidence that a family did actually live there, had a house, and lived and were a part of the Nauvoo covenant community.
THE ELDER E.H. BELCHER BRICK KILN AT THE BRICKYARD
Foundation of former Levi Ward Hancock Home in Nauvoo
In a previous blog, I showed the sign that introduces the Martyrdom Trail – the trail of doom taken by Joseph and Hyrum to their death in Carthage. This trail sign is a monument itself, but certainly the trail, with its emotional traditions, is even more so. The sign is on Nauvoo’s Main Street and is an invitation to all to see and experience the trail – the bigger picture.
OTHER HISTORIC PLAQUES FOUND EVERYWHERE ON THE TRAIL
As if the above is not enough, there are a plethora of other plaques out there. They appear randomly all over – on the highway, in Nauvoo, and all around. They are all interesting … and they help to paint more of the picture – “the dash” – enlarging the story of old Nauvoo.
MARKERS, MONUMENTS AND THE DASH … ALL VERY INTERESTING AND FUN
Well, it has been quite the ride! I hope that you have all enjoyed it as I have. We do truly have a great heritage, and it is so great that many folks and organizations have been willing to create markers and monuments to help us remember special people and times from Old Nauvoo. We can all be grateful for the efforts of many who have helped to capture life as it was, and the people who made us what we are. It is all very interesting … and fun to and experience … if we just take the time to stop and “smell the roses” – or in this case, stop, read and learn from the signs, the plaques and the monuments out on the trail and to learn more of our history. It’s all out there on the trail! Stop and more fully enjoy the ride … and “the dash” in between.
Enjoying the history and reflective moments on the trail … Elder Kevin 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 10th, 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.)
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!)
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 2ND. 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
It’s not just Sister Hunt and me. It is a thing with all of the Nauvoo Missionaries – no matter what kind of missionary he/she may be. We all find ourselves REJOICING IN NAUVOO MIRACLES. And it is definitely a very real thing for us here in Nauvoo. We all experience them every day. It is amazing and wonderful. We know that these miracles are guided and orchestrated by a higher power – one greater than any of us. And the results come off better than any of us could possibly have imagined– even if we thought hard about them.
In my first blog, written after we got here to Nauvoo, I commented on the amazing church meetings of our missionary “ward”. We have nearly 300 missionaries serving here together in various roles and support functions. It is so great to attend each Sunday – and to feel of the strength and power of each person in the vast audience. Each one contributes their own skills and talents – for our “covenant community” and it is wonderful how everything comes together.
In a recent Sacrament meeting, our Mission President (Mission Leader), President Daniel S. Mehr was conducting. He noted a recent interview that he had held with a “YSM” (Young Sister Missionary). They talked about Nauvoo Miracles. I guess she had at first, been skeptical of the concept, but has come to be a believer. He then invited each of us, as we partook of the Sacrament that day, to ponder the Nauvoo Miracles that we have each experienced, and to thank our Savior for those miracles. I did that, and it was a great experience. It was special to reflect – and to acknowledge the true source of those many miracles – the influence of The Spirit and the work of Christ (or the Godhead) in our behalf.
Almost no day passes but what we do feel of Their love and Their guidance in creating these miracles, or making them come to pass for us. Many of those miracles involve PEOPLE and our connections with them. And the connections are just so fun. We are always amazed and grateful in our moments of surprise and wonder.
In that same sacrament meeting, a NPM (Nauvoo Performing Missionary), Elder Josh Call, inspired me as he said, “The Lord is very willing to bless the lives of those who are willing to bless the lives of others.” Maybe that is why we have been so great blessed in our connections with so many people here. Or maybe better, that can be an ongoing goal for us.
ALREADY RECOUNTED MANY MIRACLES IN BLOGS
In my many previous blogs, I think that I have already recorded many Nauvoo Miracles. We have felt the Nauvoo Miracles before we arrived – in our preparation and travels to get here. And we have certainly experienced them since our arrival. I acknowledge the Lord in all of these miracles. I try to be grateful each day – and to recognize that these special blessings – or miracles come to us froma God who loves us..
I had an interesting conversation with a friend a month or so ago. He said that he likes my blogs because they are positive (and I didn’t say it – but probably because I write about the miracles). He has traveled the world, but he says that he is too “literal” and often cannot enjoy the beauty and wonder of the moment because he gets side-tracked to start over-analyzing things – thinking to himself, “I don’t think this is the right place” or “I don’t think it could happened like that.” Funny that he admitted that he has this problem and recognizes the effects of such a behavior. This look at the world keeps him from seeing the miracles around him.
THE MIRACLE OF JUST BEING IN NAUVOO
Just being here in Nauvoo is a miracle. When we were preparing our mission application paperwork, we ultimately removed all preferences and said that we would go wherever needed and for as long as needed. We had not even thought about being sent to Nauvoo. But it was exciting when we received our mission calls to serve in Nauvoo as site guides. As already noted, Sister Hunt’s parents had served here for two and a half years (and I have written about them). And I had served in Nauvoo for the last six months of my mission (another Nauvoo miracle) a hundred years (or half of that) ago.
And how cool is that – to get to come back to serve in my original mission – and with my own companion? Who gets that opportunity? I feel so blessed!
This has proved to be a special miracle and one which I have often been able to talk about while here (though not in the script). As people hear the story, they too, think it a miracle to be back here.
LEARNING FROM THE BEST – MY DAD – THE ULTIMATE PEOPLE CONNECTOR
In our work in the tours, we get to meet a plethora of people. They come from all over the country (and even the world). (And as a sidenote … I log each night the number of people we hosted on our own personal tours that day. And thus far – in just 3 months, we have personally taken through 5,917 people! Unbelievable!) As we greet people, we tell them we are from Maricopa, Arizona … and then we are quick to add “And, that is the TOWN of Maricopa and NOT the Maricopa County and their election woes that you have heard about”. (And it is funny how many people have heard of those woes … and Sheriff Arpaio and his pink underwear … we see it in their reactions). We then ask them where they are from – as a way to develop a common bond or connection with them.
This is a trait that I actually learned from a lifetime of being with my dad, Russel F. Hunt. He was the absolute ultimate best at making such connections with people. It was almost a joke in our family. We teased him saying that he could take off in a car going anywhere, and within minutes, he would find someone with whom he had common ground or connections – and could even find a place to stay anytime – using those same skills. He was truly the master connector. I have been grateful for his training as I have been here in Nauvoo.
NAUVOO RESTORATION – A WITNESS OF THEN AND NOW
One Nauvoo Miracle about me returning to my former mission is that I have been able
to see history in action. In my Blog #9 I shared a link https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1bRVa8rnQdY9YmBRA8AVDuAS5NeXgwsGA/edit#slide=id.p10 (that I have also printed in a book). In these presentations, I shared a multitude of photos taken 100 years ago (50) when I was here in 1974. And now back on the mission all of those years later, I share in the presentation/book, what various homes looked like then and today – comparing the two eras. This is a rare Nauvoo Miracle that few other folks could create.
THREE HUNT COUSINS
At the MTC, we were surprised to learn that there were three Hunt couples reporting there at the same time. We all reported on April 1st – no joke! We had not known each other previously, but a check on “Relatives” proved that we are all 3rd cousins – all from different sons of a common 3rd great grandfather. It has been so fun to associate at the MTC and since.
It has been fun to share our “cousins” story with many visitors. We hear all of the time from visitors, “Oh, so, you’re one of the other Hunts”. Evidently, they have seen our cousins as they have been teamsters with the folks on their rides. Some have already heard our story from the cousins, and some get to hear it from us.
DUNN FAMILY VISITORS
As you already know, Sister Hunt and I live in the historic home first owned by Simeon A. Dunn. He built the first 2-story home in Nauvoo and even the Prophet Joseph enjoyed the view with him from the 2nd story. Anyway, the home is original on the outside, but we have modern guts inside. (Glad we have indoor plumbing and electricity.)
Anyway, we’re finding that being a Dunn family descendant is quite the thing. I guess years ago, per some of our visitors, the Church invited Dunn family members to contribute to the restoration of their ancestral home – and many did.
Now all of these years later, the Dunn family members have spread the word – the tradition of the Nauvoo home. And when any Dunnite gets here, they all want to check out the family home.
We can always spot a Dunn descendant. They drive up to the front of the house and they sit there in awe in their vehicles. Some will snap a quick shot out of the front car window. They are a dead giveaway. On such occasions, we always hurry outside and invite the folks in to see the house. The folks are always in awe of a rather small and plain-looking living room and kitchen. In this room, we do point out the boarded-up area where the fireplace would have existed.
We take them up the stairs to the rather normal – L-shaped bedroom (complete with a “dressing area” – where we have a rack with our many Nauvoo costumes). The three old dressers – with mirrors – are kind of unique but are likely not “of the period”. The bathroom is just like any other. But, with all of these “unique features”, the folks are just in awe and act so excited and grateful to see their Dunn home.
We then take our guests down into the cellar. Here it gets a bit more interesting. The whole basement has been plastered so it does not look at all 1845’ish. We do show them the original limestone fireplace foundation and they all think that this is so cool. Then our final “Wow” is the stairs that exit up from the basement to the world above (and I think I’ve shared a photo of this in a previous blog). The steps are the original limestone – as are the rocks that line the sides. Folks always get a kick out of getting a photo of themselves coming up out of the cellar (with the photo being taken from up top, and looking down).
And then, our final act is to invite them to sign the Dunn family book. This becomes a ceremonial treat as they sign their name – just as many Dunns have been doing – since 1982. I always get a laugh at their entries – as they each try to explain how “great” they are (meaning how many generations down they are from the legendary Simeon A. Dunn). Then most folks want a “real” photo out front with the sign (without fear that they will be discovered out on our lawn).
In the short time that we have been in the Dunn home, we have had seven or so different families who have met the above qualifications and with whom we have shared the home. Being the Nauvoo Miracle for these folks is always fun as we experience how overjoyed they are with the experience and the home.
COMPLETION OF BOOKS ABOUT MY GRANDPARENTS
My grandparents, Ray V. and Augusta Wilcox Hunt were married on June 25, 1924. A few months ago I realized that we would be celebrating (June 25, 2024) their 100th wedding anniversary. I realized then that I wanted to create a commemorative book on their lives and the great family legacy which they built.
Before my mission, I was able to create much of the book (which turned into two large volumes). I tried to finish the books before the mission but it just didn’t happen. There was too much to do.
Along with everything else, I was able to complete the writing and editing of the two books. I was able to publish them for all of my family to enjoy. This was a Nauvoo Miracle for me.
I was pleased recently, when my Aunt Mary Ann wrote me and had me order 6 copies of each of the books.
MY TALLAHASSEE MISSION HOME
A couple of years I created a rather extensive autobiography (of 21 volumes so far). In those books, I tried to recreate my whole life with all of the details that I could put together. I found photos of much of my lifetime. I was sad then that I could not locate any photos of the mission home of my young mission. I served in Tallahassee, Florida. I knew the mission home well. I was an office elder missionary so we were at the mission home with President Spencer H. Osborn frequently. I helped mow his yard. I played with the President at his favorite game of ping-pong in his garage. We often attended special gatherings there to welcome new missionaries and to hear departing missionaries share their final mission testimonies. I looked through all of my “stuff” and files and could not find the desired photo. It has been lamentable, ever since.
Then just a couple of weeks ago, Sister Hunt and I were serving in the Scovil Bakery for the day. A family – parents and married daughter came for a tour. As ever, we asked them where they were from. I was elated when they said that they were from Tallahassee. We talked of the new temple that is set for dedication in December of this year. We talked of the several wards in “Tally” – well beyond just the one or two wards when I was there. We talked of my mission president Osborn and the mom of the family said that she had been a teenager in the Tallahassee stake when President Libbert was the stake president, and her own father was a counselor to him.
I then told the folks, the Long family, that I had one mission regret – that I did not get a photo of our Mission Home. I was not prepared for their response. They said, “Well, we bought the home after the Church decided to sell it (after the mission was closed). And we LIVE IN IT,” they said! Wow! I was in shock. Talk about a Nauvoo Miracle!
The mom did not have a photo, but her daughter did. She quickly pulled up the desired photo on her phone. She sent it to me on my phone immediately. I was so happy! What an amazing miracle!
NEWMAN BRICK YARD MEMORIES AND MORE AT THE SCOVIL BAKERY
Just moments before the meeting with the Tallahassee folks, Sister Hunt got her own surprise miracle. She has been collecting information – anything and everything – about the brickyard that her father created when a missionary here in Nauvoo. She wanted to know what his place looked like – and which is no longer there.
A Newman couple came in and somehow the subject of the brickyard came up in the conversation. They told us that they had both – individually before their marriage – been to the brickyard. Each of them had specific memories of the Belcher brickyard that they shared with us. The lady thought that she might have some photos. She promised to go home to seek photos. Another Nauvoo miracle.
And that same day, we had a visit from some Hunt family members. had fun tgalking with them.
He said where he was from, and I said, “So, who is your grandfather?” Again, I got that funny stare … He said that his grandfather is Edward Hunt. I said, “Is that Edward Loren Hunt?” He said, “Yes”. Then I said, “Okay, then who is your father.” When he said, “Jay”, I then knew his genealogy. His father and my grandfather were “distant cousins”. My grandfather’s dad was the oldest of 15 children and Edward was the youngest of the 15.
Then to the surprise of this Bryce Hunt, I told him that I used to go deer hunting for many years with his father – and his older brother and sister – at the annual traditional HUNTing expedition at the old Hunt hunting grounds (where six generations of our family hunted). This guy was the youngest of the family so I never knew him at the Hunt camp. So, this Bryce and I are first cousins – twice removed. Another Nauvoo Miracle.
NOT WAITING ON THESE NAUVOO WOMEN
Sister Hunt and I work with about 75 different YSM’s (Young Sister Missionaries) here in Nauvoo. They live in various places – usually with 6-8 sisters (a district) in one house. I am sure that they have plenty of sleeping area but with that number of women, no number of bathrooms – and current bushes (for all of those curling irons) could ever be enough.
We talked of the miracle of these Sisters all getting work on time. We start at each site at 9:00 AM and are supposed to arrive at the site by 8:45. Most of these sisters have a car for the district. So, one companionship asre the drivers and they have to drop off two other sets – at some other places. And somehow, they are always on time. Wow!
Having a wife and six daughters, I have come to know and sympathize with the trauma of the guy who sings, the country song, “Waiting on a Woman”. I can attest to that. I have much experience in that area. I can only imagine what a true miracle this really is for these Sisters here in Nauvoo.
MUCH NEEDED COMPUTER HELP
With all of my writing and typing, I literally and completely wore out a computer. Many of the keys would not even work. This was traumatic – since the old computer was not all that old. But, I guess thousands of documents took its toll.
I ordered a new computer and this was exciting. Then came a new problem, however. I know how to use and abuse a computer – with a hundred files open simultaneously … but Iam not and have never been a “tech guy”.
Here in Nauvoo, there is a team of computer “tech guys” who have expressed willingness to help any of the mjissionaries with their computer needs. Wow! I was so happy with Elder Mills offered to assist me. He has spent a few hours trying to get the new system set up and all of my 130,000 files (over 20 years) and 30,000 photos backed up – on a large storage drive – as well where they need to be on the new computer.
Talk about a Nauvoo Miracle. This is a special miracle in my behalf and I am so grateful for his expertise and assistance. Thanks, Elder Mills!
A MESA CONNECTION TO THE LOCAL OWNER OF ANNIE’S CUSTARD SHOP
It was a summer evening, and we needed a treat. We usually go for ice cream bricks at the Red Front, but on this occasion, we decided to try Annie’s Custard – located across the street from Red. We got to talking to the proprietor of the place and learned that she is from Mesa, Arizona. Further conversation proved that she is a granddaughter of Oakley Ray – the patriarch of the great family – of a dozen children and 88 or so grandchildren. We talked of how all of the family men wore a bolo tie to Oakley’s funeral. (I think he was age 101!) We talked of Delwyn Ray – (whom Sister Hunt and I have both known for many years). He and his wife are her aunt and uncle. So fun!
Like so many shop owners here in Nauvoo, she felt “driven” of the Spirit to open up a shop here. That is the story told by many of these folks here.
UNPLANNED BRICKYARD VISIT
Some Nauvoo Miracles happened on June 6th as we were serving at the Orson Hyde Home. I have already written much of that day in previous blogs (the Field family descendants and Mary – “The Last Leaf”.) I quote from the journal entry for that date: “Lou lost her white hair piece somewhere in our travels today. She wanted to go to try to find it. We headed out. We got detoured, however, as we passed the old Belcher Brickyard and saw several cars there.
We decided to stop to see what was happening there. We found Elder Bundy – the site coordinator – there giving a demonstration to one of the mission districts. We almost left – since they are not our district, but Sister Bundy came running out and invited us in. We loved hearing some details of how they create the Belcher brick in the current brick making center. This was all great material.
We were glad that we “happened” to go by the brick yard at just the right time. This proved to be a “blessing.”
MORE MIRACLES THAT BEGAN AT THE RED BRICK STORE
Our first visitors on a day at Joseph’s Red Brick Store were the Watsons from Thomasville, Georgia. This is near Tifton – one of my mission areas. We loved the Suth’an accent of the folks (a couple and their adult son.) We talked about Tifton, Georgis where I served. I asked them if they know Blaine Pearce. He was a teen when I was there – and I think (per my journals of the day) that he and I were pretty good friends. I know that he and his family went with me on a picnic and spent most of the day together on the day that I was transferred from Tifton to Birmingham (50 years ago last week – where did that time go?)
The Watsons did, in fact, know Blaine Pearce, recently released as stake president – and a currently a member of the planning committee for the new Tallahassee Temple. And they had his contact information – which they shared with me.
I wrote text and e-mail messages to this Blaine. He soon responded – expressing that he was glad I had written to him. After a few days, Blaine and I (and his mother – whom I also knew) were able to connect over a video conference call. We talked for over an hour. It was such fun to connect with Blaine and to talk of our lives (and other ward members) over the past 50 years. Another Nauvoo Miracle!
Then as our Jackie and family were here, we arranged for us to stage an “after hours” tour just for them and us at the Red Brick Store. They showed up at the appointed hour as we were closing the place. We ushered in Jackie and family. I was closing the door and a youngish couple came running to join us. I could not shut the door on them. I welcomed them in and told them about our private tour we were going to have with our children. They acted as if that did not matter. They really wanted the tour – so I told them we would “adopt them into our family”. They thought this could be great.
They joined us for our best tour as we gave many extra details we do not give to everyone who comes. This Miller couple really ate it all up. They were excited about everything.
After the tour – as Sister Hunt and the family cleaned up the store’s “upper room”, I went outside as promised to share with and point out to them- the many historic properties which recently came to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Community of Christ. They were in awe.
As we talked, somehow the Hancock family came up in conversation. He was the one who mentioned them as his ancestors. I then shook his hand and said, “Hey, we are cousins”. This really caught him by surprise. We then talked of our common family connection. I was able to share with him a lot of information about Thomas Hancock – who died along the way to the Salt Lake Valley. I talked of the Hancock connection to Yelrome (the Morley Settlement). He was very happy about all of this information. It was so fun to have this connection with these special folks.
The Millers also joined us for our next family tour at the Lyon Drug Store (since we were on the subject of “stores” in Nauvoo).
We had three people who came from the country of India. They were not on our tour, but we talked extensively outside before their tour. The guy is the pioneer but has been a member for over 20 years. He went on a mission. The couple spoke very good English. They are looking forward to the construction of a newly announced temple that will be near them. After their tour, she stood by the sign for the place and her husband did a video taping of her essentially talking back the tour that she had just experienced. A very cool experience for me to watch. Great folks!
We took through a very large group of about 37 people. I began their tour outside – because a Spanish tour was going on inside. In the Red Brick Store tour, we talk about Joseph Smith’s prophesy called, “The Standard of Truth”. As I present this, I alwayslook for one or more former missionaries who might have recited the Standard – on their missions – and then I invite them to stand up and recite the Standard “with GUSTO”. On this tour, I very surprised when about 20 people on the tour knew the Standard and they all recited it together. They were absolutely magnificent.
We ended the day with a small group of only 6 people. One couple on the tour were named Robison. They were on their way home from a mission in Richmond, Virginia. They descend from Lewis Robison from the Nauvoo era. I had done a lot of research on this guy – as he is an ancestor of Brother Tyler Wright of our Pacana Park Ward. I shared this information with him – including photos of the existing beautiful structure. They were fascinated with all of this information.
GRATEFUL FOR UNPLANNED CONNECTION MIRACLES
My Aunt Mary Ann wrote me a note. She asked us to look for a young Sister Rivas. She said that this sister is from the country of Spain, but was a recent friend to Mary Ann’s family. I told her that with the number of Young Sister Missionaries, I did not know when we might find her.
The day after her note to me, we thought that we were to work at the John Taylor Print Shop. We reported there for duty and got ourselves all set up for the day. Then two young sister missionaries came in and were surprised to find us there. W learned from them that our assignment for the day was to change at the last minute to be elsewhere.
We were surprised that one of the sisters was this Sister Rivas that we were supposed to locate. Had we not been there by mistake, it would have been a while before we would meet her. Interesting. we took a photo and I shipped it off to aunt Mary Ann.
FROM ONE WRITER TO ANOTHER
On a personal note: As a writer, I do my best to write and to share good (or better) material for audiences to read and to enjoy. This has long been my goal and ambition. I love writing and hope that I am having a positive impact through my writing.
A couple of weeks ago, we were serving at the John Taylor Home and Print Shop. John Taylor was the editor of the local “Nauvoo Neighbor” newspaper and the “Times and Seasons” church magazine. I have been in awe of his writing prowess. I have idolized the writing efforts and expertise of John Taylor. John knew the Prophet, Joseph Smith, intimately and personally. I enjoyed reading to visitors about Joseph’s confidence in John’s writing.
He said, “I believe you can do more good in the editorial department than preaching. You can write for thousands to read; while you can preach to but a few at a time.”
I do not think that my writing is my full mission, but love that it can be a major part of my mission ministry. I liked the acknowledgement of the writing function by Joseph Smith.
THE PALMERS OF MESA, ARIZONA
Thirty years ago, we lived in the Mesa 20th Ward in west Mesa around Westwood High school. We knew David and Kathy Palmer and their large family well. We then had eight (of nine children) and they had 10. We had much in common. Over the years, we have seen the Palmers at various sports and other activities – even after we moved from Mesa (a different house) and then to Maricopa – where we now live.
The Palmers are currently serving as Nauvoo Temple missionaries – where he is a sealer. We had heard before our Nauvoo arrival (from their son-in-law – our dermatologist) that we were all to be in Nauvoo together. We were anxious to connect with them again. It took a couple of weeks before we first connected with them, but now we see them everywhere – and it is so fun. Their daughter (who is the age of one of ours) was here with her family and they came to the missionary Country Fair (that I talked of in my last blog). I had forgotten who her husband is, but when I saw him, we both knew we had shared Scouting experiences together in that old ward.
Sister Palmer had not known or had forgotten, that we have a family connection that goes back almost a hundred years. Our families both lived in the little town of Fairview, Utah. My mother, as a child, was friends to her two older sisters, Carolyn Biggs and Anita Farnsworth (now both in their 90’s) . And in fact, her father, Max Cox, was the 4th grade school teacher to my mother. And then somehow her family and my mother all ended up in Mesa, Arizona.
SACRAMENT ADMINISTRATION
Helping to administer the Sacrament is always a great opportunity for any Priesthood man. Sacrament administration is typically a function (at least nowadays) is generally a role completed by young Aaronic Priesthood brethren.
Two weeks in a row, I was able to assist in passing the sacrament. The first was in our Missionary “Ward”. The second was in the newly formed “Nauvoo Visitors’ Branch” (which holds meetings at the Nauvoo Stake Center. And in both situations, I was invited to pass the sacrament to the presiding authority and others on the stand. This was a great honor. I thought of the words of Joseph Smith who once said, “It was my privilege to administer the emblems of the Lord’s sascrifice.”
And speaking of the Nauvoo Visitors’ Branch … This branch was started as a service to the many folks who find themselves in Nauvoo over a Sunday. And it is an effort to keep the Nauvoo Ward meetings and ward somewhat normalized. And so, a branch just for visitors was formed. It meets at 8 AM – before the other two wards in the chapel. It is interesting that the branch only has three official members – and they are the Branch presidency. Branch leaders never know how many people to expect for their meetings. One week they had 200 people in attendance. And another Sunday, they had 450 people.
In preparing the sacrament for the visitors, we (senior missionaries) prepare 16 sacrament trays. Half of those are set up on a table in the cultural hall (with one central blessing on the bread and water).
SPECIAL INSIGHTS OF THE HOLY GHOST
Yesterday when we were at the Temple City Tour, – in the home of William Weeks, the Temple, architect, I was reading the Temple vision quote by Joseph Smith. He said that he had “seen in vision the splendid appearance of building illuminated”. As Lou and I talked to a couple of missionaries, I was impressed of the Spirit to realize Joseph never saw the Temple completed. And in those days, the people had only lighting by candle power. And that power would not have been sufficient to have illuminated the outside of the building. The Temple would not have been lit up and illuminated until after 2002 when the Temple was restored in our day. I realized that this was a great miracle – for him – and for us as we now ponder that thought. Wow! This was amazing and wonderful.
THE LORD ORCHESTRATES MANY PEOPLE FOR US TO CONNECT WITH – OFTEN DAILY
Sister Hunt (and all of our children who learn of the situations) are amazed at the many people whom the Lord puts in our paths for us to connect with through our tours. These are such fun connections. And it is interesting to see the circumstances under which the connections are orchestrated. Many come after some kind of “random” incident that involves changes in schedules or planned circumstances.
A FamilySearch Connection at the Orson Hyde Home
We had a group come to us – as parents of Elder Call, a Nauvoo Performing Missionary – at the Orson Hyde home. I learned that Brother Call works for FamilySearch. Before I came on this mission, I served a two-and-a-half year service mission writing and editing blogs and doing fact-checking for FamilySearch. (I was one of the two first ever missionaries (that we know of) that were called as fact checking missionaries.
When I learned that Brother Call works for FamilySearch, I asked him if he knows Paul Nauta. Paul is one of the greatest of men and it was my privilege to participate in weekly spiritual devotionals with Paul. Brother Call, did know Paul and is a good friend to him. Together we called Paul and showed Brother Call and me there thinking of him.
Tiffany – Friend and former roommate of our Marinda
Marinda told ahead of time that Tiffany, her former Snow College Roommate and friend was coming to Nauvoo and wanted to see us. We did not know how or when we would connect. The moment came as we were giving a tour at the Joseph Smith Homestead. Tiffany and her husband, Dave, “happened” to find us as we made an exit with our group from the Joseph Smith Homestead. She and her children joined our group. Then at the end of the tour, her husband joined us. We got photos and reminisced about old times – when they came to visit us in Arizona – even before they were married.
Jane Manning Actor
Again, at the Homestead/Mansion House tour, we had special guests. A lady “of color” was a part of our group as we told the story of Jane Manning – the free black woman who came against all odds to Nauvoo – some 800 miles from Connecticut where she was baptized – to be with the Saints in Nauvoo. Our guest had been an actress who had many times portrayed Jane in drama productions. She was able to give us great insight into Jane and her special story.
Joseph’s Own Desk
In the Mansion House parlor, we happily point out the beautiful desk that once personally belonged to the Prophet Joseph Smith. He had this desk at his home in Kirtland and it somehow survived through many moves and trauma between Ohio, Missouri, and Nauvoo. That is a miracle in itself.
This amazing desk (where Joseph likely received and recorded scripture) has been on display for years in the Mansion House. A few years ago, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints borrowed the desk from the Community of Christ organization. Our craftsmen carefully took the desk apart and part by part, they created an exact duplication of the desk. The duplicated copy was placed in the newly restored Joseph and Emma Smith home in Kirtland.
And then on March 5th of this year, the original desk (in the Mansion House) transferred ownership from the Community of Christ to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So now, our Church has both the original and the duplicated desk.
And I just learned that Levi Ward Hancock my great uncle (actually several greats) – was the builder of the original desk. (Levi was a brother to Clarissa Hancock Alger, my ancestor). How cool is that?
We were talking about the desk in a tour last week and a family on the tour had just been to Kirtland. They saw the duplicated desk and heard the same story that we have been telling – including the part that Levi Ward Hancock played in it.
Heath – A great missionary friend of our Rusty
Rusty wrote us saying that Heath and family were coming to Nauvoo and that they wanted to see us. Heath and Rusty were missionary companions in Brazil. And after Heath and family moved to Arizona, we have had many wonderful gatherings at our home – and that of Rusty – where Heath and family have been present. Heath has been almost like an additional son to me and his kids as if they were my grandchildren.
Heath and family did make it to town and managed to find us as we served at the Lyon Drug store. It was so great seeing them.
Windsor P. Lyon Home in 1975
Lyon Drug Store – After Restoration – 2024
And speaking of the Lyon Drug Store, I had just been reading in my journal of times on my original youth mission. I was elated there to read that my first night spent in Nauvoo – after my transfer here – was actually in the Lyon Drug Store – before its restoration to its current glory.
Enterprise Visitor was Home Teacher to Uncle Dale
We seem to get a lot of visitors from the Southern Utah city of Enterprise, Utah – where my grandparents raised their 13 children – out on the farm homestead on the Beryl desert (17 miles north of Enterprise). Enterprise is a rather small community and usually folks there are all related rather closely. And so, with each introduction wherein an Enterprise resident comes forth, I immediately want to do “Relatives Around Me” to learn our connection. And they always come through! We always have a close degree of cousin relationship.
I met one such cousin at the Pendleton School House – outside – before the tour. I asked this “cousin” if he knew my dad’s sister, Evaline, and husband Marvin Bracken. I was pleased to learn that Marvin was his 3rd grade school teacher. (And this connection came at the Pendleton School House!)
At a sacrament meeting, I ended up sitting by a brother Schill – who is from Enterprise and who is in the local stake presidency. He knew Marv and Evaline – who still live near the old Hunt family farm – and who now attend church in the nearby village of New Castle.
A Young Sister Missionary, Sister Chambers and I learned that we are 2nd cousins once removed.
Another brother – whom I also met at the Mansion House, was a home teacher to my Uncle Dale – may dad’s younger brother. He replied that he had been the home teacher to Uncle Dale for quite some time. We shared memories of Dale (now deceased).
Photo of Stoddard Tin Shop on my Mission
In the Stoddard Tin Shop, there has been displayed a really bad photo of the place 50 years ago – before restoration on the building. The photo is included in our tour. I looked in my slides of 1974 and I found a much better photo of the ruins of the former tin shop.
THE BLACK FAMILY FROM MORGAN, UTAH – AND TERRY ALLEN
At the Blacksmith Shop, I met the Black family from the town of Morgan, Utah. I served Morgan County and Stake when I was a newlywed professional with the Boy Scouts of America (in the Ogden Lake Bonneville Council). He told me about the death of Milan Mecham a Scouting friend from those former times. I had reconnected with Milan not too long before his death
I asked Brother Black if he knew Terry Allen – the former Morgan High school principal. And of course, he did. I could not resist telling the story of my early association with Terry. And I invite interested parties to check out an article which I wrote about Terry – and included in one of my Scouting books. Here is the link:
I did not know the brother Hansen who came to participate in the many activities at the Family Living Center. I found him milling around watching a bigger group. We talked and I learned that he is from the Arizona city of Lake Havasu City (the modern home of the London Bridge).
I said, I have a cousin who lives in lake Havasu. I mentioned that I did not know if my cousin attends church. I have not seen or talked to Sue Ann in years. He looked her up in his ward directory (he is on the high council). He quickly located her and learned that she is there – and even in his ward. He made a note and promised to visit her.
On another occasion at the Family Living Center, we were surprised when Jan and Jenna (mother and daughter) came in. Jan’s deceased husband was my son’s Scoutmaster – and long a family friend. Jenna walked in and saw me in the entry waiting to greet new guests. She was only a little girl when I last saw her, but she immediately recognized me. She ran and gave me a big hug. Later in the day, she returned with her mother, Jan.
And on still another Family Life Occasion, Sister Hunt was meeting and greeting visitors. A large family came in – with their 13 children. Bonnie and Spencer were very surprised to see Sister Hunt. They all recognized each other immediately. Sister Hunt brought the family to me as I was teaching rope making. I helped her family make rope as we renewed memories and caught up on the here and now.
A lady came to the Center – and was watching my rope making demonstration. The lady kept looking at me. Finally, she came up and asked if we are the parents of Jenae in O’Fallon, Illinois. She recognized us from when we have made a few visits to that town with our children – and attended church there. We all had good conversation.
Two different families came and recognized us from Maricopa. Both knew our daughter, Marinda and had been in current or former wards with her and Mike. We met these folks – in two unrelated groups the same day.
At the Family Living Center, there is a display of the former Belcher brickyard. The former learning center at the Brickyard kind of died an ignominious death during COVID – but the tour still talks of the brick yard and the process of making bricks. Sister Hunt has had several opportunities to share memories of her father and how he created the first tourist brick yard – and the famous Nauvoo brick – that is still given out to all who want it – at the Family Living Center and at the Visitors’ Center. The people always are amazed at Elder Belcher’s story – and kept alive by his missionary daughter today. They say, “That is so cool that you get to continue his legacy.” It is a pretty special Nauvoo Miracle.
ALLRED FRIENDS FROM IDAHO FALLS
I talked with Elder Wilson, a fellow Senior Missionary who is from Shelley, Idaho. I asked if he knows my son-in-law – who is now in Idaho Falls. This Elder Wilson was the high school teacher of our son-in-law and knows his grandfather, Merlyn Jolley, a long-time Shelley resident – and with whom we have shared many great family events.
At the home of Williams Weeks – the architect of the Nauvoo Temple, some folks came looking for us. We had a name mix-up but finally figured out the connection. It was the sister (and husband, Bro. Atkin) of our Lana’s father-in-Law, Delwin Allred – also from Idaho Falls. I guess they had heard that we were here, and family told them to be sure to find us. They did … and we had a good visit together. Always so fun!
We have met at least two other visitor families who know our son-in-law. A popular guy in those parts!
“CITY OF JOSEPH” FRIENDS AND PAST PARTICIPANTS
We have met many new friends who were also cast members in the former “City of Joseph” pageant. This show was last performed in 2003 – and the “Nauvoo Pageant” and “British Pageants” are now performed.
We met Elder and Sister Sanders – new site missionaries. We shared a couple of years in the former pageant casts. They remembered our Hunt family opening scene in the 1996 and 1997 pageants.
We took our daughter, Jackie, to the stage of the drama and dance program staged nightly by the “Sunset on the Mississippi” Nauvoo Performing Missionaries. On this particular evening, the show for the night got cancelled because of rain (a couple of hours earlier). We by-passed the notification sign to take Jackie up to see the remains of the former stage (now kind of hidden under the new stage). As we were showing her the stage, a family came up and heard us talking. She noticed our missionary name tags. She asked if Kaylea might be our daughter. She said that she is a sister to Blaine – a young man whom our Kaylea was totally twitterpated with when they were both teens. (We still don’t know how she connected Kaylea with us.)
Red Brick Store Connection
The guest at the Red Brick Store did not know us. He saw only my Hunt nametag. And of course, there are thousands of Hunts in the world. After the tour, he said, “This is a long shot, but do you know a Porter Hunt?” I said, “Yes, I have a nephew Porter. We talked more and learned that my nephew is a former classmate and friend to this guy. Wow!
Mesa 10th Ward Friends
Our family was a member of the Mesa, Arizona 10th Ward for many years. We have found two or three couples who were from the old ward – but long after my time. We learned that these couples know my niece, Shar, as well as my long-time friend, Scott, their former Bishop.
PEOPLE FROM TEMPE WHO KNOW JACKIE
We were at the Heber C. Kimball home and were chatting after the tour with a family. They had said that they are from Prescott, Arizona. Anyone from Arizona gets our attention but we don’t know many folks in Prescott – located north of us about 3 hours. Then the lady said something like, “Well, it is not nearly as hot here as where I grew up!” I asked her where that was and she said, “Tempe, Arizona”. I then brought up my son-in-law, Michael – since his family is a “died in the wool” long-time Tempe family with very deep roots in Tempe They were surprised to learn that our Michael is the Bishop of his ward and that he was formerly a counselor to her parents – now serving a mission of their own.
TEXAS FRIENDS OF KAYLEA
The Kyle, Texas stake recently brought their stake youth to Nauvoo. And the group included our grandkids, Brodey and Lucy. We ended up finding many adults whom we had met on previous trips to Texas for ordinations, mission farewells, etc. We quickly took selfies and sent them on to Kaylea – who is the Texas resident photographer and who loves such photo connections.
LADY DOING TEMPLE SEALINGS WITH US FROM PACANA PARK WARD
We were in the Temple doing a sealing session. We needed one more Sister to help with the process. A lady was brought in to join us in our sealing session. She kept looking at us. We talked after the session and learned that we are in the same Pacana Park ward back home in Maricopa. We were both kind of new to the ward so we didn’t know each other – but it was unique that we are in the same ward.
Under another circumstance, a lady heard that we were from Maricopa. She said, “I have a cousin from there.” She said the cousin’s name and we were both surprised that the lady is the wife of a brother in our current Bishopric. She quickly sent off a selfie of us together to her cousin.
A CHANCE MEETING WITH PROGENY OF MY DAD’S LONG-TIME FRIEND
We were assigned on a Sunday afternoon to serve at the 70’s Hall. This is the starting place for a 3-site tour. The tours begin at the 70’s Hall and then moves to the Blacksmith Shop and then finally to the Brigham Young home. Normally, a couple of missionary couples would rotate to all three buildings in our turns.
On this Sunday, however, they had an extra couple there. This was a rare occasion. We decided that two couples would remain at the 70’s Hall and one would go to the Brigham Young home. Sister Hunt and I said that we would walk the two or three blocks to the Brigham home. (I have expressed my love of Brigham on other occasions.)
We got there to Brigham’s home and were sitting casually in the little missionary waiting room. We had our sign changed to “open” but the sign saying that the tour starts at the 70’s Hall still was permanently in place and visible to visitors.
We saw a car driving by slowly – trying to figure out if they might get a tour. I went out and flagged them down. They came in and we had a wonderful visit and tour.
At the beginning of the tour, I used one of my dad’s tactics. If he found someone with a surname of someone he knew, he would always say, “Who is your father?” This has become a long-time family joke – and yes, I definitely take after him in starting conversations with these words. (But now, at my age, I often have to start with “Who is your Grandfather?” or even a few times with a young-un, “Who is your great grandfather?” (Wow … could this be possible?)
Anyway, this guy named Godard came in. I don’t think that there are many Godard people in the world. I first asked him where he was from. And then when he said, “Gilbert, Arizona”, I pressed further. I asked his name. When he said, “Craig Godard”, my heart took a leap. I then asked the “golden question” of “So, who is your father?”
He looked at me as if I was from Mars. I could see his reaction written all over his face, “What does that have to do with the price of eggs?” People always have a weird reaction when I ask them this – as if “Why would you ask me that dumb question?” I got all of those reactions from him on this occasion. He did finally say that his father is Jerry Godard.
I could not believe it. I knew that Jerry and my father had been friends forever. They had been friends for so many years that I had forgotten even how they were connected.
After he told me his father’s name, I said, “I am so happy that you came in here today. Our fathers were best friends forever. He still looked at me as if I was totally off of my rocker. He had doubt written all over his face. Only then did he believe me and divulged his first name.
He finally gave in and began to talk to me. I told him of how we were in the same neighborhood years before – when his siblings and I were teenagers. He was the little kid brother – but I knew his teen brother, Randy and sister, Debbie who were close to my age. I told him the story of the birth of my sister. (And we determined that he was born just a few months before my sister was born.)
Anyway, on August 27, 1964, my sister, Laurie (now deceased) was born. On that occasion, my father was in Salt Lake City for an all-church softball tournament. He was up there with our champion team from our old Mesa 10th ward. (And he missed Laurie’s birth!) And in anticipation of him being gone for the big event, he asked his friends Jerry and Pam Godard to take mother to the hospital if the birth came while he was gone. And that is what happened! They did come and they took mother to the hospital. I told this Craig, “So you were then only a couple of months old, so you probably went with them in arms to the hospital.” Now Craig was in total awe and amazement.
But it got better! I then related to him a story of his older brother. I told him that I have written the “History of Scouting in the Church”. I told him how I went to the Church History Department and announced to personnel that “I would like to write the history of Scouting in the Church.” They said, “That is great … No one has ever done that. We will help you do it.” And for the next two days, the entire staff of the department was literally at my every command. They really gave me great service and a whole lot of material.
I went home and wrote the book. And a couple of years later, a new guy went to the Historical Department and said my exact words. They said to him, “Well, we cannot help you. We gave all of our information to a guy in Arizona.” Somehow this guy tracked me down and called me in Arizona. He told me his story and we realized that we had been friends as teenagers. (Our families used to do many things together before the Godard family moved to California.)
Craig and I got a big laugh at this. It was a fun story to share with him.
We talked of our fathers to try to figure out where they knew each other. We talked of military service, mission and more. Finally, we realized that his father, Jerry and my father had both grown up together on the Beryl Desert – north of Enterprise and that they had been friends literally through all of their lives. And it was interesting that both lived to age 90 and they died within a week of each other.
I gave the Brigham tour and Craig was so fascinated with everything. Then at the end of the tour we were to part. I was surprised when he grabbed me and gave me a big hug as if we had been brothers forever.
JACKIE AND FAMILY HERE SAME WEEK AS TEXAS GRANDS
The first week of Pageant, we found ourselves with parts of families of two our daughters here in Nauvoo at the same time. Jackie came from Tempe, Arizona with her man and four children. Also Brodey and Lucy were both here from Texas with their stake youth group. By “coincidence” (Nauvoo Miracle),all of the above showed up here in Nauvoo at the same time. The Texas grands stayed in a local hotel/inn. Jackie and family hung out here in our Dunn home with us. (And they were part of the welcoming committee when Dunnites came to visit us and walked through their dormitory quarters in the basement – on the way to the fireplace and cellar exit.)
We were able to get all ten of us together on a few occasions and of course, we sent photos off to the Texas momma. It was so fun to have so many of us here together. (More about our time with them later – in a future blog.)
The unique thing is that both of these trips were organized and planned long before we even received our mission call to Nauvoo. Another Nauvoo series of miracles! So amazing!
LADY IN AWE AT JOSEPH SMITH HOMESTEAD AND MANSION HOUSE
We took through a lovely lady on our tour of the Joseph Smith Homestead and Mansion House. We loved her comment at the end of the tour. She pointed to both Lou and me and said that Sister Hunt and I, during our tour, looked just like Joseph and Emma and she told us how amazing that experience had been for her. We were happy that we were a part of a miracle for her (and a humbling miracle for us).
FUN AT THE RISER BOOT SHOP
Two different guests came (today – June 15th) to the Riser Boot Shop where we were working. They were both descendants of Benjamin F. Johnson – an ancestor of our son-in-law, Michael. We talked of our excursion yesterday to Ramus, Illinois. (More about this in a future blog post.) (And at the Temple City Tour the next day, a YSM also descended from the same Johnson line.)
Another great miracle: We were just ready to start our tour. We had introduced ourselves and the husband looked at Sister Hunt. He said, “Are you the Sister Belcher who served a mission in Melbourne, Australia?” It was my wife’s turn to be surprised. He then introduced himself as “Elder White” who had served with her. Even his wife got excited and said, Both of the Whites stood and gave Sister Hunt hugs. “We have been to your home in Mesa,” they said. They recounted details that we had long forgotten. Sister Hunt remembered Elder White when he had black hair – and now suddenly he finds himself with gray (almost white) hair. Anyway, the two of them had served simultaneously in the same area on the island of Tasmania.
The wife stood – and Elder White followed suit and gave Sister Hunt a big hunt as if they were long-lost friends. Then Sister Hunt and Elder White had discussion about their missions in the ZAMM (Zion Australia Melbourne Mission). Such great fun! Another special Nauvoo Miracle.
Another family came there and announced that they were from Snowflake, Arizona. I asked if they knew Allan and Meryl Hunt Adams (who have lived there forever). They said that they know the Adams well. I told them that Allan was my first missionary district leader in Florida. They found this interesting. And then at the end of the tour, the lady told me that she had texted Meryl and she said, “Yes, Elder Adams remembers you well.” This made my day!
PHOTOS OF THE PAST FROM JACKIE
When our Jackie was here, she talked of photos that she took when she was in Nauvoo as a student in the BYU Nauvoo semester program in 2002. She sent them to us on her return home. She sent photos of her Grandpa Belcher’s brickyard – as well cemetery photos taken at the town of Ramus – where we had ancestors living. Both photo sets gave new perspectives that we had not known previously.
Well, I could keep going for a long time. I could think I am done (for this article) and then more miracles come along. We truly do receive special Nauvoo Miracles often – and generally every day. We stand in awe of these miracles and rejoice in them. We recognize that the miracles come from a loving Father who keeps arranging these miracles for us. He makes life good for all of us.
DAILY REMINDERS OF GOD IN OUR LIVES
Anyone who knows me knows that I stand in constant amazement of fabulous sunsets. I see them as daily reminders of God’s love for me and those around us. Each sunset in Nauvoo is a miracle of wonder and awe.
Wow! There are truly Nauvoo Miracles for us and others here in Nauvoo. It is beautiful to know and feel the Lord’s miracles that he stages for us. We stand in awe. We rejoice in the Nauvoo Miracles – and we are grateful.
In awe of the miracles on our Nauvoo trail …
Elder and Sister Hunt
Nauvoo, Historic Nauvoo, Senior Mission Couple, Historic Sites, Missionary, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintS
On the Nauvoo Trail 