Yes, here you have it! Reporters recording history live from Nauvoo!
From the earliest days of the Church, Joseph Smith and other church leaders were anxious to record and disseminate the news of the church. Various publications through the years were established.
Note: All of the material about publications (shown below) came from an article on the Church site https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org All very interesting!
The first “semi-official” newspaper published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was “The Evening and the Morning Star” was published beginning in June 1832 in Independence, Missouri. The news was stopped and later resumed in Kirtland in December 1833 for a short time. It ceased publication in September 1834. This publication included many of the revelations given to Joseph Smith and most of these became canonized sections of the Doctrine and Covenants.
The “Latter-day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate” was printed from October 1834 to September 1837 in Kirtland, Ohio. This succeeded The Evening and Morning Star as the church newspaper. It carried Church news, doctrinal essays, official statements from Church leaders, and other content related to the restored Church.
The “Elders’ Journal of The Church of Latter-day Saints” only ran for four issues – in October and November 1837, and July and August 1838, in Kirtland. This was published at Far West, Missouri. The news included Church news, meeting minutes, doctrinal essays, and similar content.
A newspaper was created in May 1844 to advocate Joseph Smith’s candidacy for president of the United States. “The Prophet” was published in New York City from May 1844 to May 1845.
There was a need in Europe to communicate the news of the church in America in Europe. “The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star” began publication In the United Kingdom in 1840 and was published until 1970! Wow! The title was ultimately shortened to “The Millennial Star”. It covered news and articles from Church members throughout Europe!
Ever heard of “The Zion’s Watchman”? This was published from 1853 to 1856 and was published monthly in Sydney, Australia. It carried news from Utah and the Australian Mission, as well as articles about the Gospel and Church doctrine.
In February 1855, John Taylor began the publication of “The Mormon”. It served as a platform to defend the church, and ran weekly until September 1857.
Beginning in January 1853, “The Seer” was printed monthly in Washington, D.C. Later the publication moved to Liverpool, England in July 1854. It was discontinued the next month. The Seer focused on defending polygamy, which was practiced by the Church at the time.
The “Times and Seasons” began publication in Nauvoo in 1839. This periodical was originally a private enterprise by Don Carlos Smith (brother to the Prophet, Joseph) and Ebenezer Robinson. They began publishing the news in “an abandoned warehouse” that was dingy, wet and just overall bad. Both men became ill from the circumstances and Don Carlos succumbed (at age 25) from the situation.
Later, Ebenezer created a new building at the corner of Bain (not Main) and Water streets, near Joseph’s Red Brick Store. That building’s underground limestone foundation is still visible even today.
And still later, the Church purchased the James Ivins building located on Main Street. There John Taylor later became the editor. At that time, there were two publications. The Times and Seasons was published beginning in July 1839. It was renumbered and restarted in November of that year. The publication ceased in February 1846. During its run, the newspaper carried news, Churchy minutes, and important documents, such as the Wentworth letter and the Book of Abraham translation and facsimiles.
In 1842, Joseph Smith said that the official church publications (then and now) should come under the direction of the Apostles. And even Joseph Smith served as Senior Editor of the “Times and Seasons”. John Taylor was acting editor and he became the voice of the Church and of Nauvoo. At this time, many of the Apostles were being sent off on missions. Joseph Smith, however, wanted John Taylor to remain at home – and close to him. 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. We have one else we can trust the paper with.” (John Taylor – as writer and editor – is one of my greatest heroes! By Kevin)
The “Times and Seasons” was published bi-weekly. Concurrent with its publication, “The Nauvoo Neighbor” was published each Wednesday. This was the local news and it covered articles from returning missionaries, local gossip – like “who’s new in pink and blue”, who was getting married, who had moved into town, immigrants, and more. An important element of the newspaper was news reports of “You’ve Got Mail”. They had no mail delivery and there were no addresses at the time. Towns people rushed to get the newspaper each Wednesday to see if they had received mail that was waiting for their pick-up at the post office. (In today’s Print Shop” we show copies of “Neighbor” issues that show the mail list and I was pleased to find that several of my own ancestors were receiving mail. Fun stuff!
From the beginning of the Church, Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer and other were commissioned by Joseph Smith and the Lord to write the history of the Church. At the time of the Martyrdom, Willard Richards was an executive secretary to the Prophet Joseph and he worked with Joseph to create his own personal history as well as a history of the Church. After the death of Joseph, Willard continued to help create the Church history – mostly at his own home. He was frequently visited at his home by Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff as together they worked to create the current history.
RECORDING NAUVOO HISTORY IN THE CURRENT TIME
Sister Hunt and I are not official church recorders, but maybe we are. We were called by our mission leaders, President Daniel and Sister Rebecca Mehr to be the official news reporters and historians for our mission – the Illinois Historic Sites Mission. We will serve in this role through the rest of our mission – and maybe even beyond to help create the history.
Our Historian mission is kind of 3-fold. We are to create an annual history of the mission – to be submitted to the Church History Department at the end of the mission. And we are to create a “Reader’s Digest” condensed version of key points for Church leaders. And in the process of creating the annual history, we also monthly publish the happenings of the mission. This is published as the “mission newsletter”.
Sister Hunt and I work together in this role. I do all of the computer work but she is actually quite helpful. She is the chief photographer and she takes photos of everything that goes on around us. She creates a list of noteworthy events and activities and presents this to me. This helps me know what to write about. We make a good team.
We recently published our January edition (and actually the February also … but we are awaiting approval from mission leaders before it is published). I specifically asked President Mehr if the news/history can be published on social media and he replied, “Yes, it is history!” So, this is great!
And that means that we can share it with you. We are happy to do so. Here is what we came up with … We hope that you enjoy it! Elder and Sister Hunt.
Well, there you have it. All you wanted to know (and more) about us and our mission activities. And you can see a bit of what we do in our free time.
Always fun to be engaged on the Nauvoo history trail!
Yes, you read it right! We actually got to experience riding in a horse-drawn open sleigh here in Nauvoo. Such sleighs are a part of the hidden-away inventory of the Nauvoo Teamsters. And I guess they are legendary! We have heard many people talking about them – all in great awe and wonder. That is everyone’s dream … to ride in a real sleigh!
Even our daughter … they used to live near St. Louis, Missouri and recently moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. We have heard her talk many times of the famous sleigh ride. She said that she wanted to come here in the winter in order to ride the sleigh. When we got called to serve in Nauvoo, that was the first thing that she mentioned to us. She said that she wanted to come ride the sleigh while we are here.
Actually, planning ahead for such a ride might be a bit tricky. First off, you would have to have snow. And not just snow … it has to be over about four inches so that the sleigh runners would work as designed. So, a trip from Vegas to ride the sleigh might be challenging. By the time she would get here on a plane to St. Louis, and then a 3-hour trip up river – the snow would be long gone.
I have noted before, our trepidation of anticipated snow when we came here. (That is the “Arizona” in me.) I erroneously thought that we would be out here digging ourselves out of ice caves daily. Thankfully, it has not been quite that bad. (But I say that the Lord has “shielded” us from the real cold – even though we are out in it.)
Upon arrival here, we have heard much of the “lore” of the sleighs. Anticipation has been high with all of the missionaries. We have all been hopeful for a future sleigh experience. We have had several “minor” snowstorms but none of the storms have had the “umph” required for sleigh rides.
A couple of times this winter, we have had threats of the “snow storm of the decade”. And Nauvoo folks – and especially missionaries – got excited over the prospect of sleigh riding. Those proved to be mere threats, however … the snow ended up being “underwhelming” (at least for sleigh riding).
Then last week we got a bit more snow than usual. Hopes were high again. And this storm actually brought about 4” of the “white fluff”. There was buzz about whether or not the sleighs could get into operation. I heard one older senior sister say, “I have been invited to go on a sleigh ride”. This was before the opportunity developed fully.
Sister Hunt and I were at home awaiting a tour opportunity. We hadn’t heard about a sleigh actuality after the night’s snowfall. Our internet was down but suddenly got resurrected. Then about 12:10 PM, we saw a late notice. It said that the sleighs would operate from 10 AM to noon. We were given a location (in front of the Nauvoo Temple) to go for photo ops. And there was mention of rides departing from the “horse barn”.
We grabbed our coats in a hurry and dashed out – hoping that we hadn’t missed it. We skipped the photo op scene and “cut to the chase” (a printer term) and went straight to the horse barn.
We actually found one sleigh going north down Partridge Street heading for the big red horse barn. We figured if we slowly remained behind the sleigh, we might be able to talk the teamsters into a short ride from the barn once we arrived there with them. We followed close behind them for a half mile or so. We got to the barn and parked quickly and ran over to the sleigh. Luck was on our side. We got there just as the former sleigh occupants were stepping out.
Above photo: The “Modern Red Barn”. I lived in the white house (left) when I was a young missionary back in 1975. My room was the one top left. The Red Barn was next to us. I can still finjd the old barn as a part of the current barn. And because of the Red Barn, the six of us were known as the “Red Barn Elders”.
(above: “Red Barn” as it appeared in 1975)
Sister Workman was there and loaned Sister Hunt her scarf and another layer of clothing for the predictably frigid ride. We hadn’t stocked up on enough layers in our rush to get out of the house.
Teamster, Elder McBride was wonderful.
He quickly became our photographer. Then he and his teamster partner helped us (and four other people) board onto the sleigh. The teamsters graciously provided us with some of their blankets. We climbed aboard, snuggled for a cold but wonderful ride, and got in a few more photos. We were all bundled up and sitting on the famed sleigh. Wow! I can say that it was as magical as “Currier and Ives” and it wasn’t even Christmas.
Elder McBride and partner then signaled to the horses, and we were off. It was definitely a chilly affair, but once again, we were kind of protected from the cold. We were bundled up well and tried to warm each other. The cold was bearable in light of the nostalgic sleigh opportunity.
We headed south down Partridge Street. At an intersection, Elder McBride said, “This snow is going fast.” The sleigh runners grinded against the emerging pavement as we went through a dip at the intersection. There really was not enough snow but we moved forward. There was a bit more snow as we moved on.
We passed the Nauvoo Temple on our left and the Temple in the white snow scene was magnificent. We noted in the distance the other sleigh and its occupants as it scooted across the snowy Nauvoo “prairie”.
It was so magical seeing those giant horses as they literally pranced ahead. I think that even they senses the greatness of the moment. I think that they enjoyed being a part of the scene. Again, the scene was magical. We all marveled at how great it was to actually be out on the ride. It was definitely a rare opportunity. We laughed and enjoyed the ride. And we didn’t really get too cold. It was definitely a very fun activity.
We returned to the horse barn and realized that we had just made it – I think that we were in the last ride to have gone out. The Teamster wives invited us into the sacred (and inner sanctum) “Teamster Building”. They had hot cider and hot chocolate ready for us and the other sleigh riders. Life doesn’t get much better than this!
Above: The “Teamster Building” in 2025. Note that this building is built on the historic (at least to me) lot where my ancestor, Nathan Calhoun had his home in the 1840’s. And this was directly west of my upstairs “Red Barn” bedroom. It was such a joy to look out there each morning and to see Nathan’s property.
Above: Cheney Property 1975 – where the current “Teamster Building” is located – and as seen by my 1975 “Red Barn” bedroom window.
I looked forward to sharing our photos with our children. (Ya gotta gloat once in a while … when you can!) The children (and particularly those who themselves are photographers) continue to be amazed with the Nauvoo photos that we share with them. They think we are “having way too much fun here” and we probably are. One daughter said, “You have the coolest mission!”
After I posted the sleigh photos, Kaylea had a funny comment: “Stop it!!!! That’s the coolest thing ever !!!! That’s one of my dreams, to ride in a sleigh like that !!! I’m so jealous!! How fun.” (And who has not secretly dreamed of riding on a one-horse open sleigh – but actually our sleigh was pulled by two horses.)
Marinda said, “Mom and Dad, that looks so magical and cold! Ha, Ha!”
Jenae said, “Ahh, I love this so much mom and dad. I tried for a few years to get to Nauvoo in winter to ride their sled but there was never enough snow to get down there as well when they were doing it but I love so much that you got to ride it. That’s a fun memory. So fun. Love the photos.”
SAYING GOOD-BYE TO MY FRIEND, GENE
A couple of months ago, I mentioned that I had happened to meet my old friend, Gene McMeins. I just happened to hear someone talking with him. They said that he was now age 92. I had known him 50 years ago when I was here in Nauvoo as a “young missionary”. The folks had his phone number so I gave Gene a call. Sister Hunt and I later went and visited with him in his home and had a great visit with him. He shared with me a notebook full of vintage Nauvoo photos. I took photos of each page – for future reference – and now I am so glad that I did this. We then saw him again as we attended church in Ft. Madison, Iowa two or three weeks later.
Brian Christiansen, the Ft. Madison Ward Elder’s Quorum President, knowing that I knew Gene, called me with news that Gene had taken a turn for the worse with his shoulder cancer. Brian stated that Gene had been placed in a Hospice facility.
We contemplated a visit to Gene on our P-Day. Then we learned that he had died the morning before.
Sister Hunt and I were able to attend his funeral held at a little mortuary located here in Nauvoo. We showed up dressed as missionaries. We visited with an elderly brother and sister of Gene. They were not members of the LDS Church. Gene was the only family member of the church. And Gene had told me that he had the historic distinction of being “the first LDS male convert since the pioneer days”. Wow … how cool is that? I obtained a memorial program (with a photo) for Gene – and the same photo was framed on the display table. I had two really great photos of Gene that I took on each occasion with him. I was sorry that I didn’t know they needed a good photo (nor would I have known how to get them to them). I was able to send my photos to both of the folks (with the tech help of their grown children).
It was a small crowd – only about 25 people present. I noted only a handful of people there from Gene’s ward. He had several nieces and nephews present – and a few others.
We talked to the young Ft. Madison ward Bishop Blacker. We had met him in Ft. Madison when we attended a 4th of July picnic there. He was intrigued when I told him that I had met Gene 50 years before. He invited me to offer the invocation at Gene’s service. This invitation surprised me but I felt honored.
The Bishop gave brief remarks – and these should have given the folks some hope through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – with the hope that they would indeed see their Gene once again. I enjoyed his remarks.
The other elements of the February 3rd service surprised us a bit. The Bishop played two Elvis Presley songs. At first, I thought, “That’s really strange …”. He said that Gene had requested that these songs be played at his funeral. One song was entitled “There’ll be Peace in the Valley”. He then played a second song, entitled “Take My Hand”. The songs proved to be a pleasant surprise. They were actually beautiful and really great for a funeral. The songs were quite nice, mellow, and appropriate to the occasion. Thanks, Elvis!
Since we were on-call in the tour queue, we opted not to go with the cortege to the Keokuk cemetery. It was a nice little Nauvoo Miracle that I happened to be here in Nauvoo at this time and that I got to visit with Gene before his passing.
NEW MISSIONARIES ARE ON THE WAY
With the hope of Spring – and with the prospect of many more visiting guests, in the coming spring and summer season – we have received notice of many new missionaries who will arrive within the next couple of months. We will soon receive many more senior couples and “YSM’s” (Young Sister Missionaries). Last summer we had 63 young sisters. This year we anticipate 80 young sisters. Wow! They start coming in mid-March. This reminded me of the famous 1940’s poster.
As district leaders, Sister Hunt and I get to welcome the missionaries assigned to our district. We get to have advance communications with the folks. We thus become friends with them in anticipation of their arrival.
One such couple is Elder Dan and Sister Wendi Ballard. They entered the Provo MTC (Mission Training Center) at the same time as my brother, Darcy, and his wife, Laura. I told each of them to look for the other couple. They did find each other and they sent us a photo of the two couples together. So great!
Above: Sister Wendi and Elder Dan Ballard, Sister Laura and Elder Darcy Hunt together in the MTC
We kept in touch with the Ballards and knew when they would arrive here in Nauvoo. We arranged with our district members to greet them and to help them get their stuff moved into their apartment from their small car. When Elder and Sister Ballard pulled up, I quipped, “I didn’t know you were coming in a Volkswagon.” It didn’t seem that they had much stuff for their 18-month stint here. Our district members were all there for them. It took only a few minutes to unload their small wagon. We also fed them dinner that night at our place. We also arranged for two other district couples to feed them on successive nights. We all worked to help them feel “loved” and welcomed to our “covenant community” here in our beloved Nauvoo.
Elder and Sister Burr are set to arrive about the 12th of March after their MTC experience. We have also spent time on the phone with them. They are from “Burrville”, Utah. (You don’t have to wonder about his ancestry with such a connection!) I asked if the town of Glenwood is near them. He acknowledged that Glenwood is in his LDS stake. We found out that he knows my step-brother, Malcolm Nash, of Glenwood, and his wife, Wendy.
We talked about the nearby village of Fremont and he said that Paul Taylor lives there He said that he has worked with Paul in the Temple. Paul and I were young missionary companions. Elder Taylor and I served together in Birmingham, Alabama – shortly after “the Restoration”.
In those days, I enjoyed cooking and often cooked for the two of us. I would ask Elder Taylor what he wanted to eat and his answer was always the same: “Poached deer steak”. Elder Burr admitted that Elder Taylor had likely enjoyed some of that in his life.
In this same time period, we also said good-bye to Elder Bruce and Sister Betty Davis. They both worked in the Facilities Management (FM) group. He was a carpenter and she was a painter.
Above: Elder Bruce and Sister Betty Davis in Nauvoo
They are both in their mid-70’s. She spent most of her time up on high lifts painting our historic houses. They were here for 23 months – so they were the true veterans by the time that they departed. They were both worn out – and particularly her – from their service. He said that she has really been pushing herself to finish her mission strong. Sister Davis has been the epitome of the energizer bunny. Unbelievable! She was painting right up to 3:00 PM the afternoon before they left – and she stopped only because she had to go turn her keys in. He said he hopes that she doesn’t go off like a time bomb on the way home. Dedicated folks!
We invited them over to eat with us the night before they departed – since they should have had no food in their house by that time.
We also said good-bye to our special friends Elder Kurt and Sister LuAnn Walters. We have both felt a connection to them. For 18 months, He was the horse veterinarian and was also the coordinator for the Teamsters union and she was co-mission historian. They headed west to their Wyoming home. It is hard to say good-bye to our Nauvoo friends as they depart but we are grateful for time spent with them. Our mission president Mehr says that we were all fore-ordained to come here to serve in Nauvoo and that we knew our Nauvoo friends previously. Such a grand thought!
ZONE MEETING
Each Tuesday in our mission, we have training meetings. The first and third Tuesdays we hear from our Mission Leaders. The second Tuesday is reserved for zone meetings and the fourth Tuesday is for district meetings.
Above: Teamster/Zone Leader – Elder Atkinson
We are in the “Hyrum Zone” and Elder Atkinson and his wife are our zone leaders. They are doing great and we appreciate their service and help.
Above top: The Red Brick Store lit up at night and below: The Hyrum Zone Meeting at Joseph’s Red Brick Store
And a side note: The full General Relief Society Presidency were here in October and they filmed a video in this room. The video is set to aire in March as a part of the worldwide Relief Society devotional.
We met as scheduled in Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store. There were about 30 of us missionaries there. We studied about Joseph Smith and his various methods of his scripture translation.
FINDING A NEW EATING PLACE
The options for eating out around Nauvoo are pretty slim. There is just not much here or in the area. Hence, it was quite exciting on a recent date night when we found a new place. This was the “Gate City Restaurant” located in Keokuk (about 12 miles south of us in Iowa). I looked up “gate city” and found that Keokuk was or is a “gate” between the upper and lower Mississippi River. Okay … I had seen the obscure restaurant sign as we have driven past each week. The sign was kind of underwhelming and didn’t do the place justice.
I finally pulled over once and we checked out the place. We were surprised and pleased at what we saw. So, it was a nice evening as we later went to this place. The place was much bigger than we had thought. It was beautiful and spacious inside. We were pleased to find that the place is a buffet style restaurant (one of our favorite restaurant types). Wow! We were also surprised that the place was so busy – and that almost everyone who came to Gate City had advance reservations.
The buffet line was excellent with its many salad and main dish options. And they have cheesecake – looking like the famed “Cheesecake Factory”. We haven’t tried that yet. We really enjoyed our evening there together.
CONCIERGE TOURS
With our Nauvoo guests kind of “few and far between” at this season in Nauvoo, we are not swamped with visitors. But, we do still get to be with some great people. One such group was the Lopez family from Utah. This was a husband and wife and their little guy, Lucca. That little guy was “cute as a bug’s ear” (and how cute is that?). We took the family on tours of seven places on Saturday and then four more (with the Ballards also with us) on Sunday.
The Lopez family loved everything that we shared with them. We took them to the Joseph Smith properties, the homes of the Apostles, the Field and Sessions cabins, the print shop, post office, the Lyon Drug Store, and more.
And then another little “Nauvoo Miracle”. … I helped the wife find several of her Nauvoo ancestors. She learned that she descends from Vinson Knight – her 5th great grandfather. I knew that the home of Vinson Knight is still intact and that I could show them the house. We had taken them also to the Blacksmith Shop and were given a tour there by Elder and Sister Batteen. It was interesting that these Batteens now live in the Vinson Knight home. I called them and asked if we could bring some Knight family to see their little place. They welcomed us there. They said that their son-in-law is also a 5th great grandson of Vinson.
Seeing this Vinson Knight home – and taking a photo outside – became the highlight of the Nauvoo visit for Sister Lopez. She was so happy!
PROJECTS FOR SISTER HUNT AND ME
With time on our hands – as we await the tour call at home – Sister Hunt and I have had our own projects and have kept busy.
Sister Hunt has made three new pioneer dresses and I think 6 new aprons. She had been pleased as the beautiful dresses have come together. And she looks beautiful in them. And with the new dresses she returned her “loaner dresses” back to the Sewing Room.
Above: Sister Hunt modeling newly made apron on her “loaner dress”
Above: Elder Hunt in new cape – trying to stay warm
As ever, I have kept myself very busy researching and recording history. I have worked on various projects.
I have created PowerPoint presentations for five different classes that I have taught (once a week) on the subject of family history.
Lou and I are the mission historians and we have both been busy creating our first monthly mission history (January). I have enjoyed creating a few blog articles.
Above: Elder Hunt teaching family history classes
I have really enjoyed teaching these classes and preparing the class presentations. My subjects included creating family history heirlooms, writing your personal journal, writing your personal history or story, collecting documents for family history, and compiling and publishing your family history. All of these presentations can be found on this blogsite: InNauvooWithKevandLou.wordpress.com.
DINNER WITH OUR NAUVOO “NEIGHBORS”
As missionaries, we are kind of spread out throughout the town. There are little pockets of missionary residences in various places. And each group connects and has activities together. Such is the case with us. There are eight or so of us couples who live “on the lower flat” (below the Temple hill). We got together back in November but we got together again recently.
We enjoyed a wonderful pot-luck meal. Sister Hunt made our family favorite recipe “Nauvoo Potatoes” (aka “funeral potatoes” in modern Relief Society terminology). I first tasted these potatoes when I was here as a young missionary and even then the older sister who made them called them “Nauvoo Potatoes”. And as we raised our children, I have called them by that title also. The dish has long been a family favorite. And “Nauvoo Potatoes” sure sounds better than “funeral potatoes”. The company was also fun. We had good conversation together.
Sister Hunt and I missed the games that followed the meal. We had to hurry home (diagonally across the street) to participate in a family video phone call.
OUR GRANDSON GAVE US GOOD NEWS
Our grandson, Bryson, lived with Sister Hunt and me a few times over the years as his family was displaced. He has felt almost as if he is a son of ours – rather than a grandson. Bryson returned a few months ago from his mission to Argentina. On the mission, he met a sister missionary. They really were not around each other much – so really, only met a couple of times.
Bryson and this sister found themselves together here at home. She had returned several months before he got home. They met at a reunion of their mission group. They began dating and VOILA! They got engaged. The fun thing is that this Annie has the last name of Hunt. (and Hunt is his middle name). And after they fell in love, they learned that they are 4th cousins – once removed. How funny! They got on-line and learned that a marriage under such conditions is still “kosher” – that there would likely not be family mutations. (That was a welcome relief for them.) We all got a kick out of the scenario. Typical Bryson, however, I am still waiting for him and them to do “Relatives Around Me” so that I can really see the family connection.
Bryson let us know ahead of his projected proposal. We were able to join the scene on-line with many of our joint families participating as if we were right there. We saw the scene but left the kiss to him, however. I noticed he was a bit “teary-eyed” after the experience.
On this night with the “flat group” we hurried home to join another call. Bryson and his lady made a trip from Utah and were hanging out with the Arizona family. And while they were there, we took the opportunity to stage our traditional “family council” meeting with them. This is a 3-generation tradition that came to us from Lou’s Belcher family. When a new person wants to become an “out-law” in the family, they must first attend a “family council”. In this infamous gathering, all family members fire questions at the incoming person – like, “How many children are you going to have?”, “Who will take out the garbage”, and “Do you like the toilet paper to unwrap from the top – or from the bottom”. These are all earth-shaking and vital questions. (And incidentally, Sister Hunt has long been a toilet paper bottom-loader but here in Nauvoo, she has seen the error of her ways and she generally now loads it to be a top-loader. Wow! Is that another Nauvoo miracle?
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Above: Bottom Right – Bryson and Annie in “Family Council” engagement gathering via Zoom
Anyway, we all had a fun time with family members on the call from five or more states. It was a fun evening. And ultimately, Annie passed the test. We took a family “vote” and by unanimous vote, we elected to “welcome her” into the family.
In Sister Belcher’s family they had many apple trees. And one time they picked all of their apples at one time. They took them to the local church cannery and made the apples into applesauce. And for many years (or couples) the family presented three cases of the applesauce to the incoming bride or groom. It was almost worth getting engaged for. Since my wife was the last to get married, the applesauce supply had been reduced considerably and I think we had to settle for just one case.
I have some fun (is that the word?) memories of my own appearance at the Belcher “family council”. Wow! That was an experience! (I ought to publish that story some time …)
As our own children were pairing off, Sister Hunt and I did not have the advantage of applesauce to lure unsuspecting people into the family. We sought another alternative. And since our name is “Hunt” we found it appropriate and fun to present the new “out-laws” three cases of “Hunt’s Tomato Sauce”. We have had a lot of fun with these sauce cases over the many marriages.
In this case, Kaylea and her family (since this is their first marriage) opted to begin their own tradition and to bestow a 10 or more pound chocolate bar to Bryson and Annie.
The soon-to-be-weds plan to tie the knot in June in the Taylorsville, Utah Temple. Sister Hunt and I are strongly considering a trip back there for the great event. (Couple missionaries can sometimes pull off permissions for such a trip.)
MORE FUN WITH THE FAMILYAND EXPERIENCING “KEVINISMS” TOGETHER OVER THE MILES
This has nothing really to do with our mission in Nauvoo, but it does show some of our fun with family across the miles. It is nice to know that they are thinking about us!
Anyone who knows me knows that I have my own language at times – sometimes I call them “Kevinisms”. Our son, Keith, has long been intrigued with these weird sayings of mine. He must have had a lot of time on his hands a few days ago and with the help of his friend, AI, he put together some photos of me with the sayings. These brought some laughs on our family on-line communication page. I greatly enjoyed the fun. Thanks, Keith
VISITORS TO THE HISTORIC DUNN HOME
I have noted in the past that Sister Hunt and I live in the historic home built by the Nauvoo resident, Simeon A. Dunn. Many of Simeon’s descendants somehow are led (by grandma and other oldsters) to come and do a drive-by in front of our house. They are told to “be sure to go see our family home.”
We always welcome them in and show them around. I have previously described the typical visits by these descendants. The other day, we had such a visit but the folks actually did not even have Dunn blood running through their veins.
They were the Davidson family from Jacksonville, Florida. They came on the errand of their Bishop Dunn in Jacksonville. We gave them the usual tour and they had the usual Dunn reaction. They also signed the book on behalf of their Bishop.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS NIGHT
We have activity staging missionaries – the Wilsons – (Spencer’s math teacher and coach at Shelley High School in Idaho – who do a fabulous job of staging a multitude of activities. They stage activities (at least for winter) every other Wednesday night. This week they staged an “emergency preparedness night”. They had various missionaries share their talents. One Sister talked of canning. Another talked of emergency communications and preparedness, a couple showed their “BOB” preparedness backpacks. A Sister taught gardening. Another Sister taught natural herbs and spices. I felt as if I was back in the Boy Scouts again. It was a good evening – with many great presentations.
P.I.E. (PIE INHALATION EXPERIENCE)
Back at home, I have for many years enjoyed staging a P.I.E. event the night before the Thanksgiving. And this is fun to stage the pie-making with many grandchildren. I suggested the same event for the mission but the idea got nixed for that time. They suggested another date and suggested a pie making contest. The event kept getting bigger and bigger … and we were in charge of it.
Elder and Sister Kevin and Lou Hunt (that’s us) staged a fabulous P.I.E (pie inhalation experience) night. I will now defer to my journal entry of that day for all of the gory details.
JANUARY 24TH – FRIDAY
I arose this morning and got into the pie making mode. I used a chocolate crust. I then made a luscious chocolate crème – which is one of my signature puddings/pie fillings. I put this on top of the chocolate crust mix. I then stirred up the green layer of the grasshopper pie. I put in whipped cream, marshmallow cream (from a jar), peppermint extract and green food coloring. This pie is always a major hit with my wife, children and grandchildren.
Next I made the pie filling for a butterscotch crème pie. After I got it cooked, I added some walnut pieces to it. I put this into a pre-baked pie shell. After the pie had cooled a bit, I had Lou drizzle some caramel syrup on the top. I also roasted some walnuts to put on the top.
My next effort was a coconut crème pie. I cooked yet another batch of my custard. When it was done cooking, I added some toasted coconut and coconut flavoring. I garnished the top with more toasted coconut.
I then cleaned up my kitchen mess. And I did all of this and got it done by 10:00 AM. The pies all look amazing. Lou made a Nutella cream pie yesterday – with a chocolate chip cookie crust. It looks great also.
I put my pies outside to chill in the cold weather. I told the family that ’I have never had such a large refrigerator for pie making” (meaning all of the Nauvoo outdoors around us). This was nice.
Lou and I (mostly her) gathered all of the supplies needed to stage the pie event this evening. I told Lou, “This is almost like catering!” (Oh, the memories!) We ended up with a lot of boxes of materials.
We told Elder Sanders that we would need to be off from 2 PM today in order to stage the event and he made a schedule note to reflect this. We thought that we might get a tour in the morning. At 1:00 Pm, Elder Wilson called us for a tour at Temple City. We could have finished just Temple City by 2:00 PM but wouldn’t know what to do if people wanted to see more. We discussed this with him and he decided to pass us up and go on to the next couple.
I made a large batch of pie pudding – with nine boxes of pie filling mix. I dumped these into two big bowls. I then added about 20 cups of milk and stirred the pudding well. I took the pans outside to cool – and the air did the job.
About 2:30 PM, I began to pack the vehicle with all of our party stuff. This was a chore. And the cold weather added its own excitement. I got the task finished. Then we headed out.
We went to the “Pageant Building” where the event was to be staged. We unloaded the car and took all of the stuff into the building – amidst the freezing weather.
We set up the place. We set up three tables for display of the incoming pies. We covered each of these tables with coral colored tablecloths. These added to the total scene. We set up two tables for the “ladies” competition, and one for the “men’s” pies. We also set up four tables (with tablecloths) on which to stage our eating activity. Lou put a black garbage bag – with head and arm holes – on each chair.
Sister Beauregard came early (as a judge). She and I set up about 50 chairs to accommodate the anticipated crowd. (And a plethora of folks would be standing for the activity). Sister Hunt also set up five long banquet tables lined up end-to-end.) These were set up for one person of each couple to sit and be fed pie (with four couples and chairs to be at each table). Sister B. placed some napkins and water bottles in front of each place.
We had previously invited everyone in the mission to create their best pies for the contest. We told them that they could bring their pies – to be judged – between 3 and 5 PM at the Pageant Building. Lou did a great job of creating name and number tags to go for each pie. She had her tags ready and was prepared for the check-in visits by the pie bakers. Her system worked well. I was proud of her and grateful for her assistance.
We had a list of people who were to bring about 31 pies. Some people showed up unannounced and we were happy to accept their pies. (One can never get enough pie!) We soon discovered that we had some really fabulous pies.
I had put out a plea for pie judges – telling them that “it is a rough job, but someone has to do it.” The group included Sisters Beauregard and Cullen, and President Workman and Elders Parker, Schaefer, and Price. They came before the scheduled judging start. I handed out the sheets that I had created for their judging the pies and these worked fairly well. We judged on the merits of creativity, appearance, crust, filling and taste. There was a possible 100 points. They talked about how they would judge and they went to work.
Above: The Pie Judges
We did not want each judge to have to taste 30 plus pies. So, we gave each of them five pies to judge. This system seemed to work well. The folks seemed to really enjoy their experience – and the many pies they got to taste. We all knew that it “was a rough job, but someone had to do it”. Elder Schaeffer thanked me later for the great opportunity.
Sister Cullen was the “secretary” for me and she complied all of the stats and gave me a list of the top ten or so scores. I appreciated her efforts. Lou and Sister B. worked to cut the many pies. They made small cuts so that people could sample multiple pies.
At this point, I took my own pies out of the running for the competition. By the judges, one of my pies was #2 and the next would have been #4. Nice to know how my pies “stack up” with the competition!
By this time, Elders had come to the main hall of the facility and they set up tables and chairs for the 100 or so anticipated people. Lou and I joined the crowd in there.
In planning for this event, it was decided that the main course menu would be for any kind of “meat pie” (and salads). These meat pies proved to be fabulous. Everyone seemed to love this new meal option.
Elder Jones was the MC for the event. He is always hilarious and he did a great job, as usual. He also called for three Elders – Pres. Mehr, Pearce, Atkinson to come up to tell “Dad Jokes”. He brought up Elder Sanders and did a “roast” of him with accusations of misconduct at the forge.
Elder Jones recognized new missionaries who have arrived in the past month. Elders and Sisters Walters and Davis were recognized as they will soon depart for home. I will miss both of these couples. We have grown close to both.
Then with all of the business completed, Elder Jones called Lou forward. She recruited 10 couples (should have been 20 couples) to “eat pie first”. The unknowing and unsuspecting people were confused but they followed me to the designated “pie room”. As the group arrived, I said to a few couples … “There were supposed to be 20 couples – not 20 people. Sister Hunt does not do math!” Upon arrival in the room, I gave the incoming folks instructions. I said that it did not matter who does what, but said that one of the couple should sit down and put on “the black robe” and the other was to put on gloves and stand behind the other person. By this time, they were all in major shock as the reality of what was coming hit them. It was hilarious to see their reactions. But at that point, there was no way that I would any of them get away.
Then all of the other folks made their entry. I tried to strong-arm more folks to join us at the table. I vocally called upon Elder Brad Hunt as his wife tried to skirt away. He said that his wife could not do it. I said, “Well, then get another Sister Hunt”. This brought some great laughs. (There are 3 “Sister Hunts” here). I called Elder Reed by his first name (I’ve known him since second grade – when he was in 1st grade and we rode the bus together to our Lehi School). He and Sister Reed came forward to participate.
Most of the folks had seats to sit in. Others stood around in the back. With the crowd gathered, I gave instructions for the event. Then on signal, the action began. Those behind ”blindly fed” their spouse who was sitting in front of them. This became a hilarious scene – which we all enjoyed watching. We all laughed with great gusto!
Folks really got into the scene. Some of the “behind” folks were really exuberant and deliberately got their pies spread down all over the “front” people. Elder and Sister Atkinson finished their pie first and they were followed by Elder and Sister McBride. I announced them as the winners … and I presented each couple with a small box of 2 pie slices. So hilarious as a prize. Everyone loved this.
I then announced the winners of the pie contest. I first awarded the winners of the “ladies’ competition”. Third place was Sister Workman, second was Sister Hampton, and the grand prize winner – with a perfect 100 score was Sister Jestice (with a Hawaiian coconut pie). We had prizes for each of the three winners.
I then presented the awards for the “men’s competition”. Elder Turner made two pies – banana cream and the other Reese’s peanut butter – and he got both second and third place. I first recognized him for his 3rd place pie and he asked, “for which pie?”. I said, “Well, if you put it that way, you got both 2nd and 3rd place.” This brought great laughter – and glee for Elder Turner. The top award went to Elder Croxford with his perfect 100 score for his apple pie. Sister Croxford felt sad – saying that she and Elder Croxford had created their pies together – that he had made the filling and she the crust for both. Luckly we had an extra prize which we gave to her.
I thanked all of the pie makers as well as the judges.
The crowd loved this whole recognition and award experience. It was great fun. Several people said how great it all was.
Then it was time to eat the pies. I let Pres. and Sister Mehr lead the crowd over to the pies. Then, true to our word, we let the banana cream contenders go through the line first. We had promised them that they could eat pie first. (And technically they had already eaten their pie first.) Then everyone else went through the line. I had suggested that everyone begin with just two small slices until everyone had gone throught he line. I need not have worried … It was like the “feeding of the 5,000”.
The pies were so fabulous. I tasted several of them. I wished I had more time to eat more – but we took home pieces to eat later. Such a great thing! Again, … can’t get enough pie. (My Grandpa Larsen loved pie and someone asked him his favorite. He responded, “Round”. But I have also had “square” and decided that it too, was good.
The event was made even greater as everyone just stood around and visited. All in all, the whole event was just amazing and fun. We were happy that we could serve and minister to all in the mission.
After the pies had been eaten, there was still a lot of pie remaining. Lou worked to help encourage folks to take the leftovers. Many folks helped to clean up, vacuum, put tables and chairs away, etc.
I then put all of our stuff (now considerably reduced) into the vehicle.
It was about 9 PM when we got home. We brought in all of the stuff and put it away. I did the dishes as Lou put pie leftovers away. We did enjoy another slice each as we watched our movie.
Sister Hampton: “Thank you and Sister HUNT for the terrific pie night. You did such a great job with organizing and pulling off one of our best and funniest dinners yet! You guys are amazing!”
Sister Cullen: “It was a super fun night.”
Sister Beauregard: “I really enjoyed the activity and appreciate all the time you spent in organizing it.”
Elder Price: “You hit it out of the ballpark with the pie activity!”
Sister Quinn: “I have never laughed so hard in my life! One of the best activities we have had. Everyone just stuck around and had a fun time visiting.”
President Workman: “Everybody had a great time. What a good idea.”
Elder Turner: I finally came up with names for my pies: 1) Bananalicious Cream Pie and 2) Heart Attack Palooza Peanut Butter Pie.” (Must have been the trick. He took 2nd and 3rd place in the overall Men’s competition).
Such a great event!
KICKING UP THE DANCE FLOOR
Every Thursday night we have been found kicking up the dance floor. Elder and Sister Sanders have been teaching many of us about ballroom dancing. We have been learning the waltz, the swing and the fox trot. This has been very enjoyable. We have been dancing in the Cultural Hall (of the 1840’s). We dance up in the 3rd floor.
Screenshot
In the pioneer day, the Cultural Hall (aka “The Masonic Lodge”) was three stories high. Over time, the 3rd floor fell to the ground and “went the way of the world”. In fact, when I was here as a young missionary we had a missionary activity to do archeological digging at the site and we found much of the roof piled over time and with dirt over it at the side of the building.
Anyway after the demise of the real roof, the building was re-roofed to cover the 2nd floor. Then in restoration, the top roof was removed in order to replace the 3rd floor as it had before. When they removed the roof, they found the original wood floor hidden underneath.
This is the same floor where Joseph and Brigham and their wives and others danced their nights away. It is so fun to dance on this old and creaky hardwood floor. It brings back a lot of nostalgia.
Above: Original Dance Floor in Upper Level of Cultural Hall
Above: Archeological Digging around Nauvoo Cultural Hall – 1975
Photo by Kevin V. Hunt
Above: Nauvoo Cultural Hall 1975 before Restoration –
Photo by Kevin V. Hunt
Above: Cultural Hall as it stands restored in 2024
STAGING A VINTAGE DANCE
We got a head start on the Valentine’s Day celebration. The mission activity team staged a wonderful Valentine’s Dance on February 5th and again, this was held in the wonderful Cultural Hall.
Again from the journal: Lou left about 4:30 PM and went to the historic Hatch home. Many ladies gathered there. Lou was part of a crew to fix hair for several ladies. She did the hair of Sister Ballard, and both Sister Hunts. She fixed hair to look like the 1840’s era. Many other ladies also helped fix hair.
Above: Sister Hunt fixed the hair of Sister Sandy Hunt to give vintage 1840’s look
Above: Sister Lou fixes hair for Sister Tammy Hunt
This evening Lou and I went and participated in a very fun event. The Activities team staged a Valentine’s dance. This was held at the Cultural Hall.
Everyone was invited to wear their best 1840’s vintage costumes. I wore brown pants, a tan colored vest with my pocket watch, my 1997 “City of Joseph” costume white shirt. Lou also made me a blue cravat tie that matched her new blue dress. She just recently created this new blue dress – with a pink apron. She looked beautiful.
We looked great together. Everyone present looked great – very classy. This added greatly to the whole ambiance of the evening. (And Sister Hunt realized later that the ladies would not have worn aprons to such fancy occasions … but she did not get the memo.)
About fifty missionaries gathered for the event. That is about half of the mission group of the moment.
A local Brother and Sister Grant taught us all how to do various old-time pioneer dances. We learned five or six different dances – doing couple line dances – with 1 and 2 partnerships who danced back and forth around each other. Sister Grant did a marvelous job of getting everyone dancing. She led us in doing the “Yardley Dan”, an “English Country Dance”, “Hole in the Wall” and more. She and her husband wore very classy vintage clothes. She looked amazing in her wide pink dress.
In the basement level of the Hall, Sister Reed and three or four other ladies (including Sister Hunt) had provided cookies – mostly sugar cookies – for everyone to eat and enjoy.
We hung out there for a while with Elder Brian Reed (long the Mesa Rock-N-R Ranch blacksmith), Jake and Sandy Hunt, and others. This was a fun time.
All in all, the whole event was really wonderful. It was a great opportunity for us all to gather for such a fun vintage event.
OUR OWN VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION
About three weeks ago, I was sneaky and bought a Valentine card for Sister Hunt – without her knowing that I got it. I had it hiding out in the back seat of the car until time to unveil it.
I decided to order some roses and a large Hershey Kiss (our tradition) for her. I also ordered about eight yards (the amount needed for a pioneer dress) of red fabric. Lou has wanted a red dress for some time. I decided to surprise her. I ordered the stuff from Walmart and they delivered it right to our Dunn home.
I had invited Sister Hunt to go out to dinner and at one point in the afternoon, she wanted to know what time we would be leaving. I was vague since I knew that the Walmart delivery was to be between 4 and 6 PM. The delivery guy arrived at 4:30 PM. I saw him coming and remained seated. After he left the goods on the front porch, I said to Sister Hunt, “I think that someone just left some stuff out on the front porch.” She was surprised as she hadn’t seen the guy. She went out and found the valentines there waiting for her. She came in and said, “Did you send these?” She was indeed surprised and pleased. It was fun to pull off the surprise for her.
And Sister Hunt wasted no time in making the new dress and apron using the Valentine fabric. She was excited. She has wanted a nice red dress for a while.
We didn’t want to go to eat at a place that would be very busy on this night. So we went to the quaint little “Hamilton Family Café” – located down river about 10 miles from us. This was perfect. The place was about half full and low-key. We had no wait, no line, and the food was good too. A fun evening.
Well, some really fun times just keep happening here in Nauvoo. (We do also give tours and minister to the many guests who come! And of course, that is the reason why we are here!) We are enjoying all of these great things with great people. Riding in a horse-drawn wagon, dancing, and stuffing ourselves with pie … it’s a rough life … and we are glad that we get to do it.
This is a talk which I presented in Sacrament meeting in our “missionary ward” on Sunday, January 19, 2025 – in Nauvoo, Illinois
Greetings, friends and fellow laborers here in Nauvoo.
Today I will quote many verses from Joseph Smith’s own history as he recorded the events of the Restoration. This history was written in 1838 and as found in our canonized “Pearl of Great Price. I knew months ago that at some future time, I would be asked to give a sacrament meeting talk. And months ago, I determined that Joseph’s First vision as contained in his history would be my topic. President Workman invited me three weeks ago to speak today and on that day, I finalized my talk. Then last week as Sister Hunt and I did our “Comr Follow Me”, we noted that the reading for toay was to be from Joseph’ history. So, maybe we need the duplication.
Ours is a great blessing to serve as missionaries here in Nauvoo. As we serve here, we have the opportunity to learn more of and to focus upon the life and mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Sometimes, we even feel guilty as we might think that we focus more upon Joseph Smith than on Christ. Such is not the case for us as we teach and testify of Joseph, we are actually testifying of Christ, because it was He who called and commissioned Joseph Smith as His chosen prophet.
In 2020, President Russell M. Nelson, our prophet, invited us to read and to study the First Vision in preparation for the upcoming 2020 April General Conference – which celebrated the bi-centennial (200-year anniversary) of the First Vision. I accepted his challenge then and enjoyed receiving personal revelation relative to the First Vision. I continue that quest here in Navuoo.
BACKGROUND AND SETTING:
Joseph’s family had lived in Vermont and other places as they tried to eek out a living as poor but determined farmers. And recently they had moved to the village of Palmyra in Western New York. This was not a chance move for the Smith family. The Lord guided and brought them to this location. He needed them there. He needed Joseph to be there for future events. For fourteen hundred years previous to this time, God had directed an ancient American Prophet, named Moroni, to bury sacred metal records in a hill near this Palmyra. Joseph needed to be there to be prepared to obtain and receive this record.
In 1820, young Joseph Smith went in to a grove of trees near his home to pray. He was a religious, sober and reflective young man who was very concerned about his standing before God. Following his prayer, he was visited by God, our Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost was also present and testified to Joseph’s heart of the divinity of his Heavenly messengers. We can learn much truth from this vision and subsequent events surrounding the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
JOSEPH’S FAMILY HELPED PREPARE JOSEPH FOR HEAVENLY ANSWERS:
Joseph was a young man who was brought up in a strong religious home. Scripture reading and prayer were a part of his every day experience as he grew up in the Smith home. The Bible was readily available to him in his home. The scriptures were read frequently as a family and he spent much individual time reading the scriptures. This Christian upbringing prepared Joseph’s young mind for his questions relative to God’s plan for him, taught him that with faith, he could talk to God and receive answers from Him.
There was much action in the community relative to religion. God also had a hand in this revival excitement in that it helped instill questions and concerns in the mind of young Joseph. Joseph attended the meetings of various preachers and denominations. He had read of the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible. He seriously sought for a church that mirrored that of the former day church. But the more he heard from these various preachers, the more he was confused. His family members added to the confusion as they joined different churches. Joseph did not want to make a hasty decision. He wanted to KNOW which church was right and which he should join before he took action. He sincerely believed that there was a true church to which he should become affiliated. And Joseph was concerned about his own spiritual situation and wanted to be “right with God” in his conscience, feelings and actions.
JOSEPH PREPARED HIMSELF SPIRITUALLY TO RECEIVE PERSONAL REVELATION:
Joseph teaches us how to study the scriptures: In verses 11 and 12 of his history, Joseph states:
“I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of god, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not: and it shall be given him. Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God I did …”
Joseph thought of these verses frequently over time and pondered their application to himself. His was not just a single reading of these verses. Joseph studied them over and over again and thought of them deeply. “Can God really hear me and answer my prayers,” he wondered? “If any of you lack wisdom …” And Joseph certainly felt that he did lack wisdom. “Let him ask of God … And let him ask in faith …” Joseph wondered if he had the faith to ask of God and to receive an answer.
Verse 13: At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to “ask of God”.
Again, this was not a quick decision. He thought of these questions again and again. This pondering, combined with his simple but strong faith in God, ultimately led him to the grove.
Verse 13: So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt.”
Joseph checked out possible places in the grove, maybe going there multiple times to ponder his questions and heart desires. Finally, he found his desired spot and he thought of this spot a few times and maybe even visited the spot over the next several days as he tried to envision how he would pray and what he would do.
Then, having made his decision, Joseph was at peace. He was excited as he looked forward to the experience ahead. And then the morning came. He got up real early (likely on a Sabbath Day but if a weekday, before the planned work of the day).
Verse 14: It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty”
Joseph went firmly knowing of his plan for prayer and he had the faith to know that he could receive his desired answers.
Verse 15: “… I retired to the place where I had previously designed to go … [and] looked around me, and [found] myself alone.”
Joseph purposely went to the quiet place he had previously selected and where he knew he could be alone to commune with his Heavenly Father and to offer his heart out to God. He went to his chosen spot deep in the woods – a place in nature that was calm and beautiful. He went to the grove in the early morning – when the world was most beautiful and serene. No doubt he sat again and pondered the beauty around him and his mission in going there. He enjoyed the peace and solitude of the morning as well as the beautiful creations around him. He prepared spiritually for his desired experience. He likely had no idea of the magnitude of what would follow but somehow in his heart, he believed in faith that he would feel and know the desires of his heart. He knew that it was time to exercise his mission and reason for going to the woods.
Verse 14: “It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never made the attempt to pray vocally.”
Joseph had prayed in his mind and heart many times in his life previous to this occasion. But, this occasion was different in that he felt a need to pray vocally. He had not done this before. But, in so doing, he believed that he could more directly speak with God. He wanted to use his voice and not just inner feelings. He spoke vocally with the faith that his God could actually hear his voice. He opened his mouth and slowly began with the words, he had read so many times in his scriptures: “Oh, God, the Eternal Father … Hallowed be Thy name … ” He probably paused there a moment thinking of how to say next what he wanted to say and also waiting for a response back. He wanted to know and feel that he was being heard.
Verse 15: “I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God.”
Joseph knelt down and folded his arms and quietly bowed his head. He waited a few moments as he tried to imagine speaking with God and the questions that permeated his mind. In faith he began softly … “Oh, God, the Eternal Father …”
Verse 15: “… Immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.”
Joseph was overcome with an over-powering darkness. He knew that he was struck by a very negative power. He could not move. He was about to give up as this power bore down upon him. From this experience, he came to know without a doubt that Satan was real and that he was working hard to thwart the work of God.
Verse 16: “Exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction – not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being …”
JOSEPH IS DELIVERED FROM THE EVIL INFLUENCE THAT HAD HELD HIM BOUND:
Joseph prayed with great fervor and increased intensity exerting all inner strength that he had, “OH GOD … Help me … Save me …” (He was trying desperately to hold on … to be rid of the overwhelming power of darkness. The record does not say this, but Joseph likely needed help to get rid of Satan. God appeared and likely told Satan to depart).
And then with Satan ousted from the scene, God then was able to speak to Joseph. Joseph was probably worn out, exhausted from his encounter with Satan.
JOSPEH IS VISITED IN PERSON BY TWO ANGELIC BEINGS:
Verses 16 & 17: “I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.” … “I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound.”
Joseph must have looked with great joy and gladness upon the two personages there before him. He was then overcome and amazed at the brightness around him . The Holy Ghost came upon him and he was able to see and comprehend the two people who stood before him. He thought he was seeing angels. At this point, he did not know who they were. But, he knew that the darkness and depression was gone. And he could feel and see the glorious and exquisite brightness before him. As his eyes adjusted to the light, (and as now prepared of the Holy Ghost to see God), Joseph now relieved, overwhelmed with joy and peace as he basked in the light and glory of the scene before his eyes.
Verse 17: “When the light rested upon me I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other – This is my Beloved Son, Hear him!”
GOD CALLS JOSEPH BY NAME AND INTRODUCES HIS SON TO JOSEPH:
We can only imagine how God the Father and Jesus smiled upon Joseph. They likely told him that they had come in answer to his prayers. And then God smiled again and quietly said, “Joseph … This is my Beloved Son, here him!” Joseph knew then that it was God, the Father, who was talking with him. He gazed and listened with rapt attention and great joy as the significance of the occasion began to sink into his soul.
Jesus added his own self-introduction to himself as he said, “I am the Lord of Glory. I was crucified for the world …” (First Vision 1832 Version) The Lord then asked Joseph, “Joseph, what can we do for you?” Joseph then said that he had come seeking forgiveness of his sins. Imagine the joy as the Lord said, “Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee. Go thy way. Walk in my statutes and keep my commandments.” (1832 Version of the First Vision)
Joseph expressed his sincere gratitude for this feeling of grace that he felt from his Savior. He had a feeling of great joy and peace in his mind and heart.
Verse 18: “My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects were right. … and which I should join.”
Joseph then also stated the second reason why he had come to the Lord in prayer. He said, “I am confused about the many churches and I want to know which church I should join.” J
“At this time it had never entered into my heart that all [churches] were wrong …”
Joseph was surprised when the Lord told him that none of the churches then on the earth were His true church and that Joseph was to join none of them, The Lord said to Joseph:
Verse 19: “… they [are] all wrong … [for] their creeds [are] an abomination in [my] sight, … those professors [are] all corrupt; [and] they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof”.
Verse 20: “again [Jesus] forbade me to join with any of them.”
In verse 28, Joseph states that he was “called of God” for a future work and also told by the Lord that he, Joseph, would later be an instrument in His hands to restore His true church to the earth. We have no other details at this time, but there must have been much other conversation and instruction given to Joseph from his Heavenly visitors. For said Joseph,
Verse 20: “And many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time.” (JS History, Verse 20)
As the “interview” concluded, Joseph found himself on his “back looking up into heaven.” Joseph notes that “when the light had departed, I had no strength”. (JSH-Verse 20) He was spiritually and physically exhausted. He remained in the grove for a time as he pondered on what he had just experienced. And having recovered somewhat, Joseph returned to his home. He went quietly – in reverent awe of what we now refer to as “Joseph Smith’s First Vision”. He said within himself,
And this is quoted from Joseph’s 1832 version of the First Vision: “I beheld a [glorious] vision … I know that I did. I saw God, the Father of the Universe and His Son, my savior, Jesus Christ.” And said Joseph, “My soul was filled with love and for many days I could rejoice with great joy. The Lord was with me.”
Joseph did not run quickly to tell his mother of his experiences but as he came into the house, Lucy Mack Smith could see that Joseph was exhausted. She wondered what had happened to him. Mother Smith asked her son if he was alright or if he was sick. Joseph told his mother what he had seen, experienced and felt. He knew that his mother would believe his words. And she did. And then he gave her a little jab as he said, “I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism [the church she had joined] is not true” (JS-History verse 20.)
What a glorious vision Joseph Smith experienced. And because of his experience, he would never be the same. And the world would also be forever changed. Joseph came out of that grove of trees on that spring morning knowing more about God and Christ than any other man then on the earth. He would go forth to testify of that which he learned and knew. Persecution began immediately to rear its ugly head in opposition to the vision that Joseph had seen. And he recalled the New Testament words of the Apostle Paul who had seen a similar vision soon after the death and resurrection of Christ.
Verse 20: “It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom, else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?” (JSH-Verse 20)
Joseph lamented as he experienced intense persecution and said, “It was often the cause of great sorrow to myself.” (JS History, v. 23) but Joseph would forever be bold in his testimony to the world, saying,
Verses 25 and 27: “It was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. … I saw a light, and heard a voice. “I did see a light, and in the midst of that light, I saw two personages, and they did in reality speak to me. I had seen a vision, I know that I did, I know it, and I know that God knows it, and I cannot deny it and none of this persecution can make it otherwise.” “And,” said Joseph, “I will know to my latest breath that I [did] see a light and heard a voice speaking unto me and all the world could not make me think or believe otherwise. … I continued to affirm that I had seen a vision.”
Joseph knew that he must “continue as I was until I was further directed.” (JS-History, Verse 26). That must have been a very hard time for Joseph, but it was a time to ponder, reflect and to prepare for his future mission. And says Joseph, “I often felt condemned for my weakness and imperfections” (JSH: Verse 29) Joseph knew that he had been called of God (JSH: Verse 28) and that the Church would be restored through him, but Joseph was not given the time table for the events. When no further direction came to him, he would have been tempted further of the father of lies and who would try to make Joseph doubt the reality of his experience or to give up on his forthcoming mission. But, in the meantime, Joseph waited patiently knowing that eventually, he would be given further direction. He continued to read, study, and ponder. And as time passed, Joseph wondered continually of his status with God. “Am I still worthy? What am I to do?” Joseph wondered what the next step would be and when it might happen. Finally, the time did come.
Verse 29: “[On] the twenty-first of September, after I had retired to my bed for the night, I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins and follies, and also for a manifestation to me, that I might know of my state and standing before him; for I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as I previously had one.”
Like Jesus, Moroni, also a resurrected being, came in the form of a man to Joseph on the night of September 21 and 22, 1823. In a series of visits, Moroni came in a pillar of light that was brighter than noonday and “his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. (JSH: Verse 32) And Moroni also called Joseph by name (an indication that the angels of heaven know us mortals here on the earth). Moroni taught Joseph about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, but he also carefully tutored Joseph in the Lord’s continuing call for Joseph to be His prophet.
Later, John the Baptist and Peter, James and John came and bestowed the Priesthood and the associated keys upon Joseph. With divine authorization and keys, the Restoration had begun!
Joseph’s “First Vision” and all subsequent events that brought forth this restoration were miraculous and amazing. And because of these events, the world would forever be changed as the Gospel would roll forth to all the world in preparation for the promised Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
And indeed, we can learn many great and marvelous truths from the First Vision and other events of the Restoration. And it now becomes the mission of all members of the Church of Jesus Christ – the Latter-day Saints, to be bold in testimony of these truths – knowing that we have the divine revealed knowledge and truths that the world does not know or have. The people of the world are depending upon and waiting for us to share the glorious message with them. It is essential to them and for the salvation of all of God’s children now on the earth – and for all future generations.
So, what are the truths that we learn from the First Vision and other events of the Restoration?
GOD HAS A MASTER PLAN FOR OUR EARTH AND THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST UPON THE EARTH:
God The Father had his eye on the Smith family for some 4,000 years before Joseph was born. In the Book of Mormon, as Lehi gives a blessing to his son, Joseph, Lehi quotes a prophesy of Joseph the son of Isaac (the same that was sold into Egypt). In this prophesy, the patriarch Joseph said that he who would restore all things would be called Joseph (after him, the patriarch) and that his name would be named after the name of his father (Joseph Smith, Sr.) (Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 3:15)
As already noted, The Smith family was BROUGHT to New York to be near the buried plates and future events already planned by The Father in his eternal plan.
God delegates to Christ the administration of this earth but is there to introduce and support him
God and Christ knew the name of Joseph as a son of God
God can indeed appear to man – though some may say that “No man has seen God”. (He was able to see God because he was first prepared “of the Holy Ghost” to see them
We are commanded to hear Christ – we go to God through Christ and His church
Joseph was called of God to accomplish a specific work or mission
When God wants to implement a new plan, He works with someone young and teachable
Joseph was told that he would be the instrument through which the true church of Jesus Christ would once again be restored to the earth
When God wants to communicate with us or with our church leaders, he does it through Jesus Christ
There is now one true church of Jesus Christ upon the earth
THROUGH THE VISTATION TO JOSEPH, WE LEARN OF THE TRUE NATURE AND ATTRIBUTES OF GOD AND CHRIST:
God is real!
God and Christ have physical bodies
God and Christ spoke to Joseph with their mouths and he heard with his ears and saw with his eyes. God has ears to hear our prayers, eyes to see our actions, a mouth to speak to us, and a heart to feel compassion and love
Joseph saw a light and heard a voice. God and Christ appear in pillars of light. God and Christ have light brighter than the “noon-day sun”
Light dispels darkness. God and Christ come in great glory “The Glory of the Lord”
God the Father is the literal father of Jesus Christ
God and Christ are separate beings (an important truth not known to most of the world)
God is a personal being and all men and women are made in his physical image
God and Christ exactly resembled each other
When God the Father comes to earth (on very rare occasions) he comes to introduce His Beloved Son
Joseph Smith testified that God does live and that Jesus Christ also lives
Jesus is a resurrected being (as is The Father). He rose from the dead and lives today. (And because of His resurrection, we too may all be resurrected).
The Holy Ghost is separate from God and Christ.
From the First Vision, we do indeed, learn much of God the Father and Jesus Christ. And in that experience, we also learn much about Satan, the father of lies. We learn that
WE ALSO LEARN MUCH THE POWER OF SATAN:
Satan is real and powerful.
Satan tries to thwart the work of God’s plan. He inspires opposition
Satan also knows us by name and knows who we are as sons of God and our specific roles for building the Kingdom of God. Satan knew Joseph personally and knew of his upcoming mission.
Satan will motivate evil-disposed and designing persons to thwart the rise and progress of the church
Satan knew God’s eternal plan (including God’s plan for Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Gospel) and wanted to keep it from happening.
THROUGH JOSEPH AND THE FIRST VISION, WE ALSO LARN MUCH ABOUT THE PROCESS OF RECEIVING PERSONAL REVELATION:
Joseph’s “mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness, with deep and poignant feelings” (JSH-Verse 8) which caused him to reflect seriously upon religion, and which church was right and who was wrong
Confusion led Joseph to dig deeper into the scriptures for answers (JSH-Verse 11)
Joseph read with his mind and “felt” the scriptures with his heart. The scriptures he read “seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart.” (JSH-Verse 12)
Joseph reflected upon verses of scripture again and again. He wanted to receive wisdom from God. (JSH-Verse 12)
When a scripture is not understood, one needs to go to God – the ultimate source of all truth – for additional light and knowledge.
The heavens are yet open in our day – not closed as in the dark ages of the past. There is revelation and there are visions in our day.
To receive revelation we need to retire to quiet places where we can be alone to pray.
Revelation and answers from God often come in the early morning hours when our mind is clear and alert
Personal scripture study can bring revelation
If we ask of God, we can know that we can receive answers
The Holy Ghost can bring understanding to the scriptures
We can all pray to know of our own standing before God.
We can prepare for prayer by kneeling and humbling ourselves – getting in the right location where we can be alone.
God and Christ promised Joseph further light and knowledge – additional revelation and that can also be our blessing.
We must be true to revelation and inspiration we receive
To receive revelation, we must be specific in our requests and what we seek
Having received revelation from God, we must act and testify to others
THIS IS AN IMPORTANT KEY IN THE PROCESS OF REVELATION
After receiving revelation, we need to acknowledge God and the Holy Ghost as the source of the revelation and inspiration and be grateful for the inspiration and revelation received.
MY OWN TESTIMONY AND WITNESS:
Having read, studied, pondered and prayed about Joseph Smith, his “First Vision” and subsequent visits from angelic messengers, I (Kevin Hunt) have felt the witness of the Holy Ghost relative to Joseph and the coming forth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our day. I know that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, did in reality come to earth and that they spoke as live and resurrected beings to Joseph Smith – giving him much guidance and instruction for our day. I have come to know that Joseph was indeed called of God and that the Church was restored once again to the earth through him. I know that Joseph became and was a prophet of God. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is indeed the Lord’s only true church here upon the earth. I know that The Book of Mormon is true and contains the fulness of the Lord’s Everlasting Gospel. I am and will forever be grateful for this knowledge and for the truths restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith and because of his visit from God and Christ.
We sing with gusto, “Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!” We could also sing, “Praise to Jehovah who communed with His Prophet.”
This is an unusual Christmas for Sister Hunt and me. Typically, we are in our home and are surrounded by family who all gravitate to be with us and celebrate the special time with Grandpa and Grandma. This year, however, we are celebrating Christmas on a holy ground – away and kind of in our own little world. We are blessed to be able serve the Lord on a couple mission and we are in the beautiful and sacred grounds and sites of Old Nauvoo, Illinois. This has been a great blessing and opportunity.
Full Mission photo of “Winter Missionaries 2024” in the Illinois Historic Sites Mission
We are many miles from our children and grandchildren this year, but we feel their love, support, and prayers. They have sacrificed to send us many gifts and we are grateful for those. More importantly, however, are the gifts of themselves – and the lives that they are living.
As has been my custom for 35 plus years (see the link down at the end of this article), I took some time at this Christmas season to contemplate the Lord Jesus and his birth, his life, his mission and all that He has done for me and us. I prayed for direction and the inspiration came. These are my thoughts of the day:
2024: JESUS, OUR LORD, ON HOLY GROUND
In Heavenly realms, before our birth,
Our Father chose Jehovah, Son.
Planned holy ground for him on earth,
For Jesus said, “God’s will be done.”
God’s Son, with Mary here on Earth,
Born in a stable, oh so lowly.
In a manger, Jesus had birth,
That quiet place became one holy.
Shepherds in fields did keep their sheep,
As Father’s Glory shown around.
Long a promise, our God did keep,
His son, now born on holy ground.
Chorus:
God’s shown His love on holy grounds,
In special times in days gone by,
Gods show themselves, on holy grounds,
They want us to remember why.
Atonement made Gethsemane,
His precious blood, He freely gave.
On Calvary’s cross, for you for me,
On holy grounds, His sheep to save.
That Easter morn, He brought new life,
The tomb became our holy ground.
As Jesus once again did live,
His sacred love, then knew no bound.’
To Nephites and to other sheep,
The resurrected Lord did come.
With them on holy ground did weep,
From God’s own presence he did come.
Chorus Repeats
Palmyra too was sacred ground
As Father, Son, Joseph did see.
In modern day, their love abound,
For their new prophet, he would be.
To Kirtland, Christ made holy ground,
In His Temple, he did appear.
Again, that day his glory round,
In open vision, came to His seer.
A holy ground is Nauvoo, too,
As Jesus with His Saints does walk.
His Temple on the hill in view,
Cov’nants with Him their Zion’s walk.
Chorus Repeats
By Kevin V. Hunt – Christmas 2024 – While serving a mission in Nauvoo
Serving on this mission has been a sacred and beautiful experience. We are grateful for this opportunity.
As I prepared this blog article, I felt a desire to share some of my Christmas poems/songs from previous years. Here are a couple of my favorites:
2023: JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF OUR LORD
Joseph, Guardian of our Lord,
Was born in David’s royal line.
The earthly father of our Lord,
A chosen man, and godly, fine.
To Mary he had pledged his heart,
Espoused to take her as his bride.
Then he heard news, ripped him apart,
As he learned Mary was with child.
Then in vision, an angel came,
‘Twas Gabriel who had come from God.
Spoke to Joseph, called his name,
Mary, mother, Son of God!
Joseph believed, and from that day,
Became the guardian, father too.
Mary, now in family way,
As her, protector, helper, too.
Then Joseph got a tax decree,
To go to Judea from Galilee.
Though big with child, his wife, Mary,
On donkey’s back, he led the way.
Joseph was told, “No room the inn”,
Helped Mary lay down on the hay.
He delivered baby, welcomed him,
The first to hold the precious boy.
Joseph welcomed humble shepherds,
And proudly led to mother, child.
He saw the star, their message heard,
With them rejoiced in Holy child.
Joseph took Mary and newborn son,
For circumcision on eighth day,
To Temple to present God’s Son,
“His name is Jesus,” he did say.
He marveled as Simeon praised,
And Anna as a Prophetess,
Both in thanks, their voices raised,
By Spirit, chosen Son did bless.
Joseph amazed, as wise men shared,
Their special gifts for Royal Son.
Then angel’s voice again he heard,
“Go to Egypt, Take thou, my Son.”
In Nazareth, Joseph opened shop,
And there became a carpenter.
Jesus learned art of woods in shop,
Joseph, teacher, and his mentor.
Joseph was pleased as he saw his son,
Grow in wisdom, in God’s grace.
Always he, the obedient one,
Subject to Joseph in his place.
Then to the Temple Jesus “strayed”,
And at twelve, he listened, taught.
Joseph and Mary, worried, prayed,
“On Father’s Business”, Jesus taught.
Joseph, guardian of the Christ,
Stood looking on, but always there.
He heard the angel’s voice for Christ,
And helped His mission to prepare.
Joseph, a holy man of God,
Heard angels, and then heeded voice.
He knew his role for Son of God,
Chosen step-father, he was choice.
2003: THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHONE ‘ROUND
The Glory of the Lord shone ‘round,
As God our Father came to Earth,
And shepherds bowed on holy ground,
And heard the news of Jesus’ birth.
In radiant glory, Father came,
To herald news of His Son’s birth,
To shepherds, not to kings, he came,
Transcendent tidings to the earth.
Chorus:
Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth.
The shepherds saw, with ears they heard,
As God proclaimed the royal birth.
And by the Spirit, their hearts burned,
As Father testified on Earth.
The hosts of heaven, with Him came,
In loud acclaim their voices rang.
“Glory to God! – they praised his name,
“Good will and peace to men,” they sang.
Chorus: Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth.
God’s brightness, glory filled night sky,
With backdrop of a great new star.
And humble shepherds wondered why,
In fear they stood with hearts ajar.
“Fear not!” Said God, “For now behold,
I bring good tidings of great joy.
For born this day, is Christ the Lord,
And to all people, he’ll bring joy.”
(Chorus) Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth
“In David’s City, he is laid,
In swaddling clothes on manger hay.
To men a Savior, Christ the Lord!
Born my Begotten Son today.”
In haste, the shepherds went to see,
And found the babe as God had said.
By Spirit’s whisper, knew ‘twas He,
The Son of God in manger laid.
(Chorus) Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth.
By Father’s love, he sent His Son,
His own Begotten, born that day.
‘Twas sent to die, that death be won,
And sin be gone in Father’s way.
He came, according to God’s plan,
That all mankind might get to choose.
Thus Heavenly Father came to man,
Announcing Jesus – joyful news!
(Chorus) Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth.
–Written by Kevin V. Hunt
Annual Christmas Hymn 2003
(For scriptural background, see LUKE 2: 9-15, Bible Dictionary: “Glory to God”; Topical Guide: “Angel of the Lord”, “God, Presence of”, “God, Glory of”, Ezek. 1:27-28: 10:4, Acts 26:13; D&C 110:3; and Joseph Smith History 1:16-17)
I have often made reference to my “young mission”. For Christmas 1974 (exactly 50 years ago), I found myself serving in the secluded town of Cullman, Alabama. I was serving with Elder Wessman. On that occasion I was pensive about Christmas – away from home – but able to really ponder the meaning of Christmas and what it was to me. I penned the following lines of prose:
WHAT IS CHRISTMAS
Christmas Time is a very special time of the year.
Christmas is different things to different people.
Christmas should have great meaning for all of us.
Christmas – What is it to you?
CHRISTMAS is giving to others as God gave his only Begotten Son to redeem us. (John 3:16)
CHRISTMAS is loving our family and friends as Christ showed his love for all that he met. (John 13:34)
CHRISTMAS is singing beautiful songs and carols and remembering the angels singing and praising God at Christ’s birth. (Luke 2:13)
CHRISTMAS is joy and happiness and realizing that “unto us a child is born; unto us a Son is given.” (Isaiah 9:6)
CHRISTMAS is family togetherness and remembering the togetherness of Mary, Joseph and the babe on that first Christmas night. (Luke 2:16)
CHRISTMAS is keeping secrets and thinking of Mary who “kept all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
CHRISTMAS is kindness to others and living the golden rule which Jesus gave to us. (Matt. 7:12)
CHRISTMAS is a tree with a star on top reminding us of the star long ago which shone above the Bethlehem manger. (3 Nephi 1:21 and Matt. 2:2)
CHRISTMAS is generosity as Christ generously gave His life that we might live. (3 Nephi 11:9-14)
CHRISTMAS is a decorated tree with lights reminding us that Christ created the earth and the heavens for us. (John 1:1-3)
CHRISTMAS is busy people and crowded stores reminding us that “there was no room … in the inn” for the Son of God to be born. (Luke 2:7)
CHRISTMAS is seeing the smiles of parents of children and remembering the smiles of Mary as “she brought forth her firstborn son.” (Luke 2:7)
CHRISTMAS is fancy packages and gifts just as the wisemen gave Christ gifts of “Gold, and frankincense and myrhh.” (Matt. 2:11)
CHRISTMAS is a little girl with a new little doll in a blanket – reminding us of Mary wrapping her child in swaddling clothes lying him in a manager. (Luke 2:7)
CHRISTMAS is special prayers and praising God just as the angel and heavenly hosts praised God for the birth of Jesus. (Luke 2:12-14)
CHRISTMAS is sending cards wishing good cheer and great joy to friends and family as Jesus said to Nephi, “Be of good cheer for … on this night come I into the world.” (3 Nephi 1:13) and angels saying, “for unto you is born … Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10)
CHRISTMAS is traditions as prophets foretold the birth of Jesus for many generations. (3 Nephi 1:18)
CHRISTMAS is giving gifts as Christ gave each of us the gift of eternal life – “The greatest of all the gifts of God.” (D&C 14:7)
CHRISTMAS, then is remembering the Savior – even Jesus the Christ. CHRISTMAS is remembering who Jesus is and all that he has done for us.
CHRISTMAS isremembering Christ’s birth, life and example he set for us.
CHRISTMAS … What is it to you?
Kevin V. Hunt
Mission Christmas 1974
I have published my 30 years of Christmas messages in a book – now published on lulu.com. I invite you to read and enjoy the poems of the past years. Here is the link to the book:
Fall is in the air and everywhere here in Nauvoo, and I can definitely say that I am really falling for Nauvoo this fall. I stand in amazement of all the beautiful things around me/us.
A TIME OF CHANGE EVERYWHERE
We see change everywhere. There is so much of it. Being the newcomers here, we are kind of overwhelmed with all of the change going on all around us but it is great!
FALL LEAVES CHANGING COLORS
It is no secret that I am an Arizona Desert Rat. Yes, I have spent much of my life in the desert. This means that I have led a sheltered life with cactus and the same kind of scenery all year. I have not ever really experienced fall and the changing of the leaves. Now experiencing Fall in Nauvoo is amazing and fabulous. I am loving every minute of it. I am in total awe as I see the many colors of fall all around me.
The maple trees are showing a deep red. Other trees are orange, yellow, and some are just light brown. Altogether they provide a kaleidoscope of radiant color that seems to get better and better (at the moment – until all of the leaves fall for winter).
Everywhere we drive, we have to stop to take more photos. It is all so beautiful. It is a great blessing to be here to experience this new-found wonder. (Spring and new plant growth will probably also be fabulous! And the jury is still out on the winter in between)
MISSIONARIES MAKING THEIR DEPARTURES
With the coming of fall, we saw the departure of the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries. These young entertainers were so fun as they were here. They were bursting with energy and enthusiasm everywhere they went. Now, sadly, they have all gone home – leaving a major void without them. Their departure makes us hopeful already for their return next May. We did go to their final “Sunset on the Mississippi” performance of this season and it was magnificent as ever.
Nauvoo Perfoming Missionaries – Final Performance 2024
We have seen major changes with the 65 young sister missionaries. Half of the group have all now left for their own “outbound” missions elsewhere. The sisters have departed for many missions through the U.S. We found it fun that one missionary went to the Denver North Mission. And it is exciting that our own granddaughter, arrived in the same mission from the MTC just as our Nauvoo friend arrived from a different direction. We have enjoyed photos in which both ladies appear together – with many other missionaries.
Denver Colorado North Mission October 2024
These “outbound” Sisters will serve elsewhere for six months and then they will be back with us in Nauvoo for the summer of ’25.
The rest of the YSM’s (young sister missionaries) have completed their missions and are heading home. We have had a handful of them leaving every week for a couple of months. And now this week, the final batch of 12 has left for home. We will definitely feel the void. They have been great at giving tours and we have enjoyed being at their side. They have had much energy and joy that has brought such a great spirit here.
Departing Young Sister Missionaries – November 14, 2024
And we just learned that our YSM count will rise to 80 next spring! Wow!
And the Senior Missionaries are likewise making their departures. Here in Nauvoo, we are on a cycle – like the Sisters. Half of the missionaries come in the Spring and they stay for 18 months. And this means that they all leave en masse in the fall – a year and a half later. And that time is now. Twenty or thirty of these couples have already made their departures. This leaves the rest of us – the meager group – now left to carry on alone through the projected long winter ahead.
MISSION HELLO AND GOODBYE DINNERS
Each month, we have a mission-wide dinner to welcome new missionaries who are just arriving and to say good-bye to those who are departing. These are always happy/sad moments. It is so fun to welcome new friends, but it is rather sad to see those whom we have grown to love to depart for home or service elsewhere.
At each of the past two dinners, we have sung “Farewell Nauvoo” to twenty or so each time. That is a “heart-string pull”.
THE MISSIONARY “D.I.” GETS INVENTORY MAKING IT BURSTING AT THE SEAMS
As all of the missionaries make their departures, they all try to downsize … to get rid of all of the junk that they have accumulated during the missions (all of that Amazon stuff) – as well as stuff they no longer need. And the logical place in Nauvoo to “dump” such items is our own “D.I. store”. The little room is literally now bursting at the seams – overflowing with all of the stuff waiting to be claimed by some new, happy owner. As I have mentioned in the past, this is a place to find treasured items of all kinds – all for free. You can’t beat the price.
Sister Hunt has always held thrift stores (all of them) as her favorite shopping places. (And that is great for the budget … and I am grateful that this is her thing.) And so now, she is in her element – in “7th Heaven” with so much stuff appearing there. We have to make our daily pilgrimages there to see what is new – and generally, Sister Hunt will find two or three items that meet a specific need or want she has been having. She “puts it out there” and the “universe” responds. I guess that is okay for now. We can reserve more U-Haul space later for the wagon trip back home. We do have some time …!
EXPANDED TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND UNIQUE VISITORS
As ever, we have regular mission training meetings (centered around a monthly study theme) each Tuesday evening. And on most Wednesday nights, we have “site training”. And many weeks, there are such gatherings on Thursday – and even some weekend nights. These are all enjoyable.
Being in Nauvoo also presents another really great opportunity. We often get visitors – General Authorities and other dignitaries – from Salt Lake City. Some of them come from the Church History Department … but others just seem to want an excuse to come. But that is great. We get to hear from them all.
One special group who came recently was the full presidency of the General Relief Society. They created a video presentation in the Red Brick Store – for publication or broadcast next spring. And while they were here, they wanted to see and experience literally everything. It was a special blessing and opportunity to hear them each speak at one of our devotionals. These are powerhouse ladies.
General Relief Society Presidency visit Nauvoo October 10, 2024
Our Daughter, Jenae, met Sister Camille Johnson, Relief Society General President, a couple of years ago when she was able to the be the photographer of the day trailing Sister Johnson through some special event in O’Fallon, Illinois. Sister Hunt went up after the meeting and talked to Sister Johnson about Jenae. Of course, hugs were a big part of the evening activity.
Sister Lou Hunt with General Relief Society President, Camille Johnson
Casey Griffiths Presenting in Nauvoo October 19, 2024
We also got to hear a special program staged by brother Casey Griffiths – a popular LDS podcaster. I loved every word that he shared. We have had a few visits from Brother Joseph Monsen from the Church History Department. He always has great historical material to share with us.
NEW OPPORTUNHITIES FOR SERVICE
With the departure of so many missionaries that means new changes for those of us who remain. It is time for the skeleton crew to come out of the closet! The departing folks have been the seasoned veterans. They are the venerable heroes that we have all looked up to over the past few months as we have been the “greenies” here. They are the folks who have served as the mission leaders. They have been in the mission presidency, as our zone and district leaders – and much more.
This means that the rest of us now have to step up to assume the vacant roles. This means that Sister Hunt and I accepted calls to be the District Leaders for the Brigham District (of the Hyrum zone). In this role, we are to stage a monthly meeting for district members. We are also to administer the ministering assignments by couples within the district.
The Brigham District – October 22, 2024
We have also been called to be the mission historians for the 2025 year. We begin this service on January 1st. The two sisters who have produced the history for this year wore really big shoes. The history that they created has been so fun – full of energy. Photos, and great “dingbats” (a print shop term that we enjoy sharing with others on our tours. We tell people that the definition of a “dingbat” is a “pretty little thing that takes up space”). These historian ladies are great at adding these to pull together a great visual feast for all of us.
This assignment will be an extension from my 8 years as stake historian in the Mesa South Stake (of Zion). Of course, I look forward to this assignment. Sister Hunt wonders how she can be involved in the process. I assure her that she can take great photos as well as be “eyes and ears” to what is happening in the “ministering mission” around us.
We continue to also serve as the Site Coordinators for the Joseph Smith Homestead and Mansion House. This means that we clean the places at least once a week – as well as to be in tune with the needs of the places (maintenance, ordering supplies, etc.)
THE WINTER CONCIERGE SCHEDULE FOR OUR TOURS
In the summer, for the first six months that we were here, we were assigned to specific restored homes each day. And that meant that we were assigned to different homes each day of the week (working 6 days a week). We served in our places from 9 AM to 5 PM.
That all changed in mid-October. With the coming of Fall, we find that our visitor tour counts are down. The kids are all in school, it is starting to get cooler, and there are just not that many folks coming here.
Sample weekly Concierge Schedule (We are HuntKL)
So, we are now on a new “concierge” schedule for the coming six months. This means that we are now in a daily “queue” (along with the remaining 20 or so couples). The scheduler for all of us missionaries have a yeoman job of creating a master schedule – that includes the absence of the 25 or so couples and 65 YSM’s who have departed. He has a unique system of rotating us based upon who has not given tours. And this also adds the number of individual tours to the scheduling mix. So, if we give six tours in a day and some other couple gives only one, they will get preference above us in the queue of the next day. It is all complicated but it seems to work well.
Under this new schedule, all of the restored homes are technically “closed”. And at each place there is a sign directing our guests to either call a phone number to schedule an “appointment” with a senior tour couple – or else they can show up in person at the visitors’ center – where a missionary couple waits to greet them.
And once a guest couple or family is introduced to their missionary couple, we help them figure out what homes they want to visit. And then we lead them there. And once assigned to the family, we are free to be with them for as long and for tours of as many homes as they may desire. So, they can opt for a single home tour – or we can be with to tour five or eight homes as they may wish. We have a key to each place and we can just travel with them – and can get them into all of their desired places.
This really is a fun system – which has proven to be great for us and our visitors. We are able to really connect with our groups and can get to know them much better than we would if we were just there with them- and like many other people on our tours.
The tour hours have also changed. We are now open only from 10 AM to 4 Pm each day.
And with the decrease in guests, the shorter hours, and the whole “queue thing”, this means that we remain in our own home until we are called for a tour. The desk coordinators (stationed at the VC) call us when we are about third down in the queue list. In this way, we can hurry to get into our costumes and to report when needed. We might get a tour call very soon – or the call may not come for another couple of hours. We cannot predict when people will (or will not) arrive.
This means that we might have long periods of time without assignments. We are free to remain at home (unless we have other assignments) and are free to work on our own projects. (This actually works out well for me – since I always have many projects of my own to work on – like these blog articles – to keep me well entertained). Sister Hunt is actually a major “home body” so she can enjoy just being at home – being a wife, talking with her children, tutoring grandkids via video, and other fun stuff.
With the concierge system, I have had the opportunity a few times (with Sister Hunt) to serve as the Scheduling Desk coordinators at the Visitors’ Center. This has been reminiscent of me being at the desk back in 1975. Very fun circle of time …
Above photos: Top: Elder Kevin Hunt at Visitors’ Center Desk – 1975 and below, Elder Kevin Hunt at VC Desk October 2024 (And notice the ties!)
BRICK MAKING
Thanks to the heritage of sister Hunt’s father, Elder Belcher, the mission continues to create the mini souvenir bricks for all who come to Nauvoo and want this grand piece of nostalgia to take home with them. All winter long, the senior missionaries work to create more brick for the coming summer season. Last winter, the missionaries made a stockpile of some 23,000 of the small bricks. We expected many more visitors than actually showed up. This meant that we ended the summer still with 10,000 bricks remaining. That does not stop us, however, from still making more and more of the bricks.
So, Sister Hunt and I have been assigned to work in the brickyard one day a week. This is a great assignment and we enjoy working to maintain the heritage and traditions of Elder Belcher.
Sister Hunt Making Brick at the Belcher Brickyard
LANDSCAPING ASSIGNMENTS
There is a whole cadre of “Facilities Maintenance” (FM) missionaries who carry the main torch of landscape maintenance through the year. But, we have found ourselves helping them one morning a week for most of the last month. We show up to the garden of the day and work with (and at the direction of) the FM missionaries (who are much more knowledgeable and capable).
In the summer, we showed photos of the glorious gardens at many of the homes. These gardens were absolutely gorgeous and wonderful. They were so amazing.
Kevin and Lou Hunt in majestic summer garden at Browning Home
Now, as winter approaches, each of these gardens are “chopped down”.
Sister Hunt helps chop gardens in the fall
We pull many of the plants that will die anyway in the cold weather. And many other plants that will return next year – need to be cut down to the ground. This is almost heart-breaking to see these lush gardens depart. But, I guess that is a cycle of plants and life.
Elder Hunt – Landscaping – looks as if guarding the Berlin Wall
On our recent garden assignments, I have taken on the task of using a hand-held battery-operated saw to chop down many of the plants. This has proven a shock to the system of one who spends little time on such an activity. I have discovered many new muscles that I had not previously known that I had. And I suffer for many days after each such experience. I finally start to recuperate just in time to do it all again. (And I note that my kids are enjoying seeing the old man engaging in such activities. I admit it is kind of a shock to the system.) It is great to contribute to the cause, however, and the overall mission of Old Nauvoo.
Missionary Landscaping Crew – November 13, 2024
There is also a new look on all of the streets. In the summer, Main and Water streets are lined with rail fence sections with large pots of flowers in between. Now, all of those have been removed for the winter. Their absence makes the steets look deserted but there is sure a lot of available parking spots now.
Photos: Above – Main Street in the Summer with fences and flowers and below: Main Street on a November morning.
Photo above: Sister Hunt easily “bucks” the plant urns at season end!
KEEPING THE MTC FIRE BURNING
I have recounted previously how there were 13 of us senior couples who reported together at the MTC on April 1st (no joke). We there developed a great brotherhood among the many couples (Elders and Sisters). And having experienced that great time together, we want to continue that bond. We decided as a group that we would stage an activity, dinner or whatever, generally every three months as we continue to serve here in Nauvoo.
We held the first event on July 3rd (and I think that I probably reported on that already). The second event was scheduled for October. At first, we thought that the three of us Hunt cousins would be in charge of the event, but somehow it ended up being Elder Brad Hunt and wife, us, and Elder and Sister Parker.
From the beginning of our planning, I had the wild hair that it would be great to stage a Dutch-oven dinner event for our group. The other two couples liked this idea and they were kind enough to let me move forward with the dream.
I began to put out feelers about Dutch ovens. I figured that to feed our crowd, we would need four 14” ovens. I learned that there are many men (and women) who have enjoyed Dutch-oven cooking in the past and prowess in the past. However, I learned that few of them had room in their Nauvoo wagons to bring their ovens with them.
Ironically, I knew where many ovens were located but they are all in our historic homes and are now “artifacts” and obviously could not be borrowed. I thought that our Facility Maintenance warehouse might have some in the warehouse (where we can often borrow needed items). Surprisingly, they had none. Wow! Was our request so unique?
I asked a local guy, a church leader (he being also a Facilities Maintenance supervisor) if he might have some ovens. He said that he thought that he could come up with some – “on condition”, he said, “that the ovens come back full!” He never did come up with any ovens for me.
I found that Elder and Sister Ward had a couple of rather small ovens – helpful but not big enough to fit the full need. I was delighted that Elder Reed (also from Arizona) had one 14” oven. Elder Rieske had a very small oven. I, of course, have a multitude of ovens at home, but they do not help me much here in Nauvoo. I decided that if my plan was to go forward, I needed to purchase a 14” oven of my own. I found a super deal on-line – at half of the usual cost for such a beast. I ordered it, and it arrived two days later. With my oven, and all of the others combined, I figured I could pull off the event. (Having the new oven is great – though it will add to the challenge of when we go west in several months!)
The event date was set for October 18th. I found the absolute perfect location in a large ramada in the Nauvoo State Park – located just two blocks east of our own house. This place has six large picnic tables – under cover – and a large grill that I knew would be great for the coals and the cooking.
Our group expanded a bit. Although our MTC group was big and amazing, we realized that many other couples had come around our same time either individually or with just another couple. We felt as if they “needed a group”. So, we invited these folks. And that brought our group to right at 40 people.
With our planning couple trio, we determined that “stew” would be the meal of the day. And I told the others that I would take care of the dessert. They each volunteered to bring five pounds of meat – one to bring sausage and the other to bring hamburger, per my recipe. I decided to cook one of my favorite desserts – a “look-alike” recipe for Raspberry Bread Pudding (thanks to Kneader’s. Never had it? It is fabulous and you really should try it!)
Sister Hunt and I bought all of the ingredients and Sister Hunt and I worked all of the day of the event to pull it all together. She agreed to make her famous dinner rolls. And she got so much into this whole affair that she peeled all of my potatoes and carrots. She cooked the fabulous vanilla sauce for the bread pudding.
The day for the big event came. I had staged the event on our own “p-day” to make sure that I had enough cooking time. Sadly, none of the other Die-hards had P-day the same day. So, this left mostly me doing the cooking. Elder Brad Hunt did come (after his teamster duties) about 45 minutes before the event and he was most helpful.I made two 14” Dutch ovens full of my stew. (Using the 45-year-old recipe I had obtained from Muriel – the cook at Camp Kiesel – located east of Ogden). And I used the other borrowed small ovens for the dessert. I used charcoal and got there early enough to get the charcoal started in order to be of optimum heat for cooking – with the plan to serve at 5:00 PM.
Missionary Dutch Oven Cooking – Elders Reed, Hunt and Hunt
This was one of those rare times when everything came out to absolute perfection. It had been a while since everything turned out to perfectly for me.
Elder Kevin Hunt with Dutch Oven stew October 18, 2024
And then the crowd arrived. They came en masse. We had invited the guests to come with their favorite salad (any kind) and a few more desserts (after we expanded our group). Lou was there with her amazing rolls.
Everyone was totally amazed and pleased with the food. Elder Jones later commented, “Elder Hunt, I guess you know that you rose to pure hero status with that meal.” There was plenty of food – so much so that we made “care packages” of leftovers – to be shared with the young sister missionaries). The whole event was super fun. Everyone present seemed to have a great time.
Now I will have to do some more Dutch oven cooking here in Nauvoo. I need to make my oven investment worth it.
CORN HARVEST
For anyone who has traveled through Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and other surrounding states, you will know that corn fields are everywhere. And where there are no corn fields, there are an equal number of fields planted with soybeans.
Photo: Nauvoo corn fields everywhere present
Here in Nauvoo, we certainly find this is true. For months, we have become accustomed to the very tall corn stalks everywhere. We have had “corny” discussions in all of our travels – wondering who would eat all of that corn, how is it harvested, and more.
Above: The corn fields have been chopped at season end
Then suddenly here in Nauvoo, it was fall and the corn harvesting time. We continued to be intrigued as farmers began to harvest their corn. And we were really interested as we watched the corn building up in a giant outdoor silo here in our town.
The Nauvoo corn harvest in the silo
“BOO-TIFUL NAUVOO”
We suddenly found ourselves immersed here with the community with their annual big festival – entitled, “Boo-Tiful Nauvoo”. We knew nothing about it, but soon learned that this was to be THE MAJOR EVENT that would be staged for the whole world. We learned that the town goes all out for this event – and that the activities surrounding it would extend over a couple of weeks – promising a lot of fun and Halloween excitement and hype. And all of this for my Halloween birthday! Thanks, everyone! This was particularly exciting and wonderful for me. I learned that this event has been the local tradition for twenty or thirty years. (Our daughter, Jackie, was here in Nauvoo back in 2002 and I guess they had the event then. She still says that it was one of the absolute best or funnest activities held while she was here with the BYU Nauvoo Semester experience.) She said, “I love the Halloween spirit and “Boo-tiful Nauvoo.” She lamented that she was not here to enjoy it with us.
SCARECROWS ON MULHOLLAND STREET
The first sign of the coming festivities was the emergence of fifty or more very interesting scarecrow characters. We soon found all of Mulholland Street (the main drag) was to be lined with scarecrows – all sporting their unique personalities and scarecrow “wearing apparel” (an old Nauvoo term for clothes of all kinds).
Above: This poor guy got in an accident and was rear-ended!
Sister Hunt and I took an evening just to stroll the three or four blocks of the downtown area – just to experience the full scarecrow haunt. We thought that the scene would last a few days but here we are almost to Thanksgiving and the scarecrows are still there (even though now the streets are abandoned, devoid of any people, and almost “spooky” with no one here.
Sister Hunt with Nauvoo Scarecrows on Mulholland Street
These scarecrows are fun to see, visit, and to have “photo ops” with us and them. It is apparent from the looks of some of these folks, that they are like Christmas ornaments. They may not be the greatest, but they keep coming out again year after year – and then are stored in some garage until the next year. And yes, these characters (in this scenario) have begun to show their age. They do make for an interesting and fun aura for the city, however.
PUMPKIN CARVING
The next part of the total festivities is the carving of literally hundreds of pumpkins to ultimately line Mulholland Street. I mentioned that this whole pumpkin experience is a “community effort” but the pumpkins really are bought, and the activity is supported and staged by missionaries and the Church. It could not happen without us.
The first step in the process is the acquiring of 200 or more pumpkins for the event. FM brings these in by the wagons full. They are brought to the giant warehouses that are a part of our large FM complex.
Then goes out the plea for anyone and everyone – with any free time – from 8 AM to 8 PM to come to help carve the pumpkins. This activity was actually written into the mission scheduling to make sure that it happened.
Doing our duty – but also wanting to join the fun, Sister Hunt and I showed up to assist in the carving process. As we arrived at the big open warehouse, we thought that it was “party time”. There were stacks and wagons of pumpkins in every available space. There was a table with a gourmet collection of goodies to reward those willing to assist.
We were first given some instruction by the “carving supervisor” (who obviously had been doing this since puberty). We were guided to a collection of a dozen or so notebooks – each one packed to the gills with designs for carved pumpkins. There were 200-300 possible designs that could be carved. I am not known for such creativity, so I had to choose a design that was really basic – just a mere step up from the basic triangle face design that has become traditional for those without greater imagination. Sister Hunt was able to perform on a bit of a higher plane.
We joined about ten other creative people. Each one was intently working to create their chosen pattern masterpiece. We were shown how to use a marker to “create” our chosen design. They also showed us some liquid that would erase “boo-boo’s” if needed.
We were given creative liberty to choose any pumpkin – any look or any size – that would best match our projected pumpkin design. It was like an “Armour Hot Dog Commercial …” (fat ones, skinny ones, … and you get the picture!)
I picked a medium sized pumpkin – not wanting to waste one of the bigger pumpkins on a basic design such as mine would be. We had to draw on the pumpkin what was to remain and what was to be carved away by the future carver. Drawing on one pumpkin stretched me to the ultimate level of my creativity. Sister Hunt was able to pump out two special designs.
And after we finished the job, we were to put a colored check mark on our design – to indicate that this design was already used – and “off-limits: to other pumpkin designers. This system ensured that no two pumpkins would be alike. We added our special uniquely designed pumpkin to the large collection of drawn pumpkins – that was taking up a large part of the FM warehouse. Of course, we could not resist taking photos of the many pumpkins that were everywhere around us. It was quite the scene.
We stoked up on goodies and headed out – feeling that we had at least made a bit of a contribution to the cause.
PUMPKIN GUT SCRAPING AND CARVING
The next steps in the pumpkin creating process was to scrape the guts and to actually carve the pumpkins. A local teenager was very dedicated in cutting the tops out of or into the top of pumpkins. His was a big job.
We reported the next day for more pumpkin duty. There were many tables set up and a plethora of die-hard carvers were meticulously going at their pumpkins. They were really immersed in their carving projects.
Sister Hunt and I both decided that this carving action was way too detailed for us. We noted that one lady who had done her best, got “told” by the carving supervisor (a different lady) that her efforts were not really up to par. She was told of several very small dots or whatever that needed to be better carved. Anyway, we were glad that we did not subject ourselves to that level of scrutiny. We took “the low road”.
Our mission was to scrape out all of the “goodie” from several pumpkins. We were left to pick and choose which of the pumpkins we would take on. This was a case where bigger was not better. We found open spots on the tables to begin our efforts. We were provided with flimsy plastic tools that were obviously not engineered for the right purpose. (Where was Keith, our product-design engineer son when we needed him?). We wished that we had brought some of our large catering spoons which we had brought with us to Nauvoo. Anyway, we got into the action.
I determined that it was less hassle to bring two or three pumpkins to the table – rather than to make multiple trips to the large “to be scraped” section. I determined right away that I would make it my mission to scrape out ten pumpkins. I went after the job. We scraped out the guts – with the wrong utensils or just by hand (yuck!). One lady said, “This is more fun than the time when the pig ate my little brother!”
Sister Hunt is bothered at times (of over-exertion) with arthritis or whatever hand problems. Her hands are often in pain – and there are some things she cannot do (like squeezing open a bottle). She did well on this pumpkin activity but her hands were soon feeling the effects of the actions. She was on pumpkin number three. She thought that this might be her limit. She asked me how many pumpkins I had gutted and she was very surprised when I told her “eight”. She decided that she could push herself to gut five. I continued my quest and finished my ten. We decided that this was our best effort for the day.
We put our pumpkins in the new (but large) stack of “already gutted” pumpkins. And we marveled in awe at the large trailer already filled with the “already carved” pumpkins. Admittedly, it was quite the system evident everywhere around us.
POPCORN POPPING
Another missionary assignment was to assist with the popping and bagging of hundreds of bags of popcorn.
Sister Hunt with bags of bagged popcorn
This was really a “corny” activity. Sadly, however, it was not quite the right season to find “popcorn popping on the apricot tree”. We wanted to return another day to help with this effort but when we called the missionary supervisor (Elder Green), we learned that some super go-getter types had already completed the task. Shucks! We tried again at the actual “Boo-Tiful” event but even there, they had way more staff than they needed. But, the big “kettle corn” process was interesting.
And with the missionary effort, there was a free bag of popcorn for probably everyone who wanted one at the event. We got our own bags and the caramel tasting corn was wonderful. Thanks, folks!
THE PUMPKIN CANNON
For years, our family enjoyed the “potato guns” that Richard Hale used to bring to father and son and neighborhood events. He made these most impressive, But I think Nauvoo has him beat. The first scheduled event of the great “Boo-Tiful Nauvoo” festivities (October 26th) was the expulsion of pumpkins from a “cannon” created just for this purpose. This was scheduled to go from 3-4:00 Pm. This was one of those days that we would have wanted to finish our site tours a bit early. But, it turned out that we got to the scene just barely in time for the final boom of the last couple of pumpkins.
The scene …set at the crest of the hill below the Temple was perfect. There was a truck bed with many pumpkins. And a couple of experienced guys manned the cannon. They had created a cannon and one guy brought over a medium sized pumpkin. And then somehow, the pumpkin was propelled into the air. The pumpkins were shot down hill and they got a lot of boom as they hit the skies. It was challenging to actually see the pumpkin as it took off but all eyes were on it. It was an amazing and fun thing to watch.
This activity made me wish that my sons and sons-in-law could have been here to enjoy these few moments. This was right up the alley for most of them!
“THE NAUVOO PUMPKIN WALK”
Now it was time to get into the main event. Sister Hunt and I had not had time to go home to change out of our pioneer costume clothes – but it was kind of like wearing the Scout uniform. I was comfortable in my skin. It was all good.
The Nauvoo Pumpkin Walk – 2024
It wasn’t quite dark, but we used this time to take the “Pumpkin Walk”. We passed the missionary popcorn operation and they had a lot of folks waiting for their bags. We got bags for each of us.
We then began the walk to check out all of the carved pumpkins – that we had helped with throughout the week. The pumpkins had been lit with candles. It was fun to see each unique carved design. We walked behind the restaurants and hotels that formed the scene of the walk. We then walked down Mulholland Street two or three blocks and then back on the other side.
We were very surprised at the throngs of people who had gathered in this usually remote and quite village. There were people everywhere. I could tell that many of the folks were “imports”. Most of the men were wearing hefty beards (so obviously they were not missionaries). Excitement was high with everyone.
Of course, I was in awe of all of these people who had gathered with me for my Halloween birthday. Such a great activity for the occasion.
THE “BOO-TIFUL NAUVOO” PARADE AND FESTIVITIES
Let’s face it! Halloween is kind of a zany “holiday”. It is fun just to see people kick back and be crazy. It is a time to look bizarre and think that it is okay. And today was no exception. The parade proved to be pretty decent for such a small town. Spooks, goblins and witches seemed to come out of the woodwork – there amidst the scarecrows. People were “stacked” five or six or more people deep all along the parade route. We had been sitting over by the “Fudge Factory” but we pressed our way forward a bit with the hope of some good photos of the action. And this basically worked well for us.
“Boo-Tiful Nauvoo” Parade
Of course, a couple of our favorite parade entries were missionaries. The traditional mission horse drawn wagon was filled with senior missionaries. And they played the “kazoo” and other fun instruments that were fitting for the occasion. We joined the cheering section for them.
Another missionary entry was about 20 of our young sister missionaries. They were all dressed in black. And atop their heads, they had a long and giant dragon. This was very colorful. The Sisters wove back and forth across the street as they pushed their upper skin up and down to the delight of the crowd. We gave the dragon a big cheer.
All too soon, the parade was over but it had been so fun. Then the crowd milled around to check out the food booths and other activities. We joined the crowd. We bought some pie – at just $2.50 a slice – as sold by the local Historical Society. I am definitely hooked on pie – so I could not resist the urge to buy myself two or three slices. And that pumpkin pie was amazing. We were so surprised and pleased that the custard was still warm. Talk about fresh! Wow!
Nauvoo “Wagon Wheel Giant Cinnamon Roll” made by Annies
We also found an outdoor booth manned by folks from the local Annie’s Custard place. We have been to the place previously and have enjoyed visiting with her. She comes from the Mesa, Arizona Ray family so we have known many of the same people. We bought a couple of pulled pork sandwiches that were fabulous. (But fun to eat dessert first, too … it doesn’t get much better than that.)
We would have liked to have seen the carved jack-o-lanterns lit up in the dark, but it wasn’t quite that time. And in our rush to get to the festivities, we had arrived without coats. And the chill and the need for warmth won over the thrill of the lanterns. We headed for home – impressed with the whole celebration. Quite an affair for such a quaint little town.
SINGING AROUND THE CAMPFIRE AMIDST A MARSHMALLOW ROAST
With many missionaries now gone, we have smaller crowds of missionaries. This makes some fun activities doable – and easier to stage.
One such event was held at the “Parley Street Campfire Bowl”. We had not been to the place before – but found it perfect for the occasion. The event had been billed as a marshmallow roast and s’mores event. Who can pass those up? They were as good as ever – enjoyed by all.
And then, after the roast, the entertainment missionary couple staged a little “reader’s theater” reading. This was about missionaries sent out by Brigham Young. And then we gathered around (in medium weight coats) and enjoyed a song fest – by a Sister who once sang with the “Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square”. We sang a multitude of church songs that went well with the guitars of a couple of the brethren.
Being in this setting my mind was drawn naturally to my many Boy Scout campfire programs that I have attended through the years. It brought back much nostalgia and, I admit, some yearning for the “good old days”. Sixty years of Scouting is kind of hard to forget.
BREAD MAKING AT THE FAMILY LIVING CENTER
In our Family Living Center there is a wonderful 1840’s kitchen – complete with a fireplace, cast iron gear of many varieties, and with a “bustle oven” for breadmaking. In the pre-COVID days, missionaries actually created bread and baked it in the brick oven (after heating it with real fire for a couple of hours). Sadly, COVID stopped the experience. But the nostalgia remains as we still “talk” about how bread was made “back then”. Some of the senior sisters decided to give the oven a try. They recruited Elder Ward to man the fire for them.
Breakmaking at the Nauvoo Family Living Center
The Sisters let the young sister missionaries (who will soon depart) help mix up the bread dough. They then put the dough in the large wooden “proffer” box. This box (powered by bowls of steaming water) helps to “raise” the dough. The system worked well.
Elder Ward preparing heat at the Family Living Center Bustle Oven
The fire did not work exactly as the bakers would have hoped but Elder Ward was soon able to supercharge his charcoal with a fire atop of them. This was the boost that was needed and soon the bread entered the oven (minus the wood and coals). And we were all excited to taste the hot bread as it came out of the oven – only about twenty minutes later. Sister Workman had brought some bread of her own “just in case” so there ws plenty of delectable bread for everyone.
And this, of course, brought back many warm memories of my own mother, Alura, who made bread two or three times every week of her married life. Those thoughts of her were most pleasant. I really miss her bread!
PREPARING TO WELCOME A RUSH OF NEW SPRING MISSIONARIES
I have mentioned the “cycle” of outgoing and incoming missionaries here in Nauvoo. And now that the huge contingent of missionaries have departed, it is time to look forward. And our mission has already received notice of missionary couples who have already received their mission calls to enter the MTC next March. (A terribly long time to wait … but it is so worth it).
As district leaders, it is our job to welcome new missionaries, to give them phone or on-line training and to help them get excited about coming to Nauvoo. We have been notified of two new “Teamsters” missionaries who will arrive in March and will be in our Brigham District. I assigned one other couple to “minister” to one of the new couples and Sister Hunt and I assigned ourselves to minister to the other. We called the couple and had a great visit with them. They were so excited about our call. Once a call is received, one cannot hear enough about the coming mission. It was fun to add to their enthusiasm.
VISITORS AND CONTINUING MIRACLES
Just because we are on a new schedule, that doesn’t damper the hope that miracles will still happen. We love the way the Lord connects people – friends we know and some known by people we know.
OUR BOWLES “IN-LAWS” CAME FOR A VISIT
We knew ahead that they were coming, but we were excited with the opportunity to welcome the Bowles (the in-laws of our daughter, Jackie). They did not stay the nights with us, but they spent most other times at night with us. We fed them for a couple of nights. It was kind of fun one night. It was the birthday of their son (our son-in-law). We suggested that the four of us call him. We did so and all sang ‘Happy Birthday” to him. He loved this (and he talked about it for a month afterwards).
SISTER HUNT IS VISITED BY TWO COUSINS
Yes, Sister Hunt was visited by two cousins – one from her mother’s side, and one from her dad’s side. These were both “Nauvoo miracle” connections. Neither cousin knew that we were here and we did not know that either one was coming.
We connected to both cousins in a like manner. Both of them went to participate in the events in the Family Living Center. Both opted to hear the presentation about brick making in Nauvoo. And after the presentations, each one said to the missionary giving the tour, “My uncle started the Nauvoo Brick”. Thankfully, both guides worked to get us together. They said, “That is very interesting. There is a sister missionary here who is the daughter of the guy who started the bricks.”
One guide told Lori Belcher where we were serving for the day. (And we are glad that she did this.) Sister Hunt and I were coming out of the John Taylor home and were returning to the Print Shop. (This tour includes both places.) Sister Hunt was on the brick path and she saw a couple of ladies coming toward her. One was excited and said to Sister Hunt, “Don’t even try to tell me that you don’t know me.” The Spirit whispered to Sister Hunt who the cousin was – even they had not seen each other for some time as she heard her voice. There was great rejoicing and hugs together.
Photo above: Lori Belcher (2nd from right) with her cousin (from her other side of the famiy)
With the other cousin, we were actually on our P-day. Our missionary friend knew that we would want to see the cousin. She called Sister Hunt and said, “There is someone here at the Family Living Center who wants to talk to you.” Sister Hunt was baffled about who it might be. We hurried down there. As we entered the building, the light was not in our favor and it was hard to see who we were supposed to see. There was a couple there. The lady came forward and said, “You may not remember me, but you are my cousin.” (They had not seen each other for decades. They had known each other at the same high school but after that time, they had both gone different directions and had not had an occasion to be together since. Sad there were not greater family connections!)
Anyway, this Cousin JoAnn Perry Madsen and Sister Hunt’s mothers (Verna and June) were Betteridge sisters. Sister Hunt and her cousin had a nice conversation, and of course we got our photo to show that the conversation and the Nauvoo visit happened.
WELCOMING A LONG-TIME SCOUTING BUDDY
I love serving at the Visitors’ Center. This is a place where miracles often come together. This one particular day, it was kind of unique that I was even at the Center. I was over at a side couch – doing my computer thing as I awaited my time to be assigned to take a tour.
A guy entered from the west door. There were other people between us, but out of the corner of my eye, I saw this guy from the back and thought, “That guy looks familiar. I think I know him!” And just then, he turned around … he had had the same experience as I had. We focused on each other and at the same time, realized that we did indeed know each other. It was Chris Wagner from Mesa, Arizona.
Chris and I grew up in the same neighborhood and ward. We were good friends together in the ward and as Scouts in good old Troop 155 (“155 – the best alive!”). We broke into a long hug as long-lost brothers. (This came as a bit of a shock to others who were watching us.) It was great. Chris had recently lost his wife of nearly 50 years and was kind of sad. He had come to Nauvoo with his older sister who lives in Missouri (and whom I also knew)- hoping for an emotional boost. We had a great conversation. So cool that the Lord arranged this meeting for us!
VISITORS FROM CORTEZ, COLORADO
We were serving one day at the Lucy Mack Smith home and some folks came from Cortez, Colorado. I perked up as we have some good friends in this town. We first met the Brocks when we all lived in Santa Paula, California. It has been years since I have been able to contact my friend. Anyway, this guy who came to our tour knew my friend – who was formerly his Aaronic Priesthood leader. This new friend gave me contact information for Andy. I later corresponded with Andy and we had good conversation.
OTHER LONG TIME FRIENDS FROM MESA, ARIZONA
On the same day that Chris came to visit, we were also visited by some other long-time friends, Ben and Nanette Allen. I went to high school (Westwood – “War Eagle) with Ben and later he and his wife were in our Mesa, Arizona Acacia ward for a while. They somehow knew that we are serving in Nauvoo, so they came looking for us. The fact that there were 3 Elders Hunt here led them on a bit of a goose chase.
They did finally corner us at the Visitors’ Center that night just as we had our hands on the door (literally) to depart for the evening. It was a little miracle that we all showed up at the same time. We had a fun visit with them.
We were surprised when we went to the Temple to see our friends, the Ridings – also from Mesa. We connected with them the next day for visiting and a photo.
Sister Hunt and I made a random visit to the local Zion’s Mercantile gift store up on Mulholland Street. We met Joseph Johnstun who is the Director of the “Tomb of Joseph Museum”. (More to come on that subject later. In talking with Joseph, we discovered that he and our son-in-law, Paul, were together on the Church’s 1997 Sesquecentennial Commerative Trek. Paul was then 14 and was a teamster with his grandfather, Robert Lowe.
MORE FUN WITH THREE HUNT COUSINS IN NAUVOO
I have mentioned a few times about how great it is to have three “Hunt Cousins” together here in Nauvoo. We all enjoy this brotherhood … and it is fun to talk to others about our unique situation. Often people come on our tours and say, “We just met your cousins.”
3 Nauvoo Hunt Cousins – (L to R) Lou and Kevin Hunt, Sandy and Jake Hunt, Tammy and Brad Hunt
I guess our fame is spreading. I received a phone message the other day that was fun. This lady wrote to us and said that she is a writer for the “Church News” and wanted to interview us for a possible article. I had to chuckle out of the opening line of the message. It said, “To Elder Hunt, Elder Hunt, and Elder Hunt …” I became the spokesman and wrote back to her. Just to humor her, I said “Greetings! This is Elder Hunt …”
My “Cousins” came to my place and together we participated in a “Face-Time” conference call with the reporter, Mary Richards. This was a fun activity. Earlier in the day we had staged a photo op with the horses – the companions of my Teamster cousins. We submitted the photo to Sister Richards.
The article made its debut on Sunday, November 17th on the “on-line” Church News. Here is the link to the article:
The current mission historian, Sister Walters, suggested that I write a page about what it means to come “full circle” in Nauvoo. She had learned that I served here as a young missionary and noted how unusual it was to be back here in my very same mission 50 years later. I did write her desired article.
And at the same time, another “full circle” event occurred. Sister Hunt and I were serving in the Family Living Center with many other missionaries. It was a rare quiet moment with no visitors for us to help. There were about six young sister missionaries – as well as two or three couples together there. One young sister posed a question to us Seniors. She asked, “Where did you serve on your young missions?” Sister Hunt was pleased to talk about her service in the Australia Melbourn Mission. (I remind her that she got her call from Lorenzo Snow!)
When it was Elder Robert Ward’s turn to talk, he said, “I was in the Florida-Tallahassee Mission.” That got my attention. I said, “Wait a minute …! That was my mission! (That is where I was before Nauvoo.)
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 was limited in my computer resources at the Family Living Center, but 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, but it would not open. We were both dumbfounded over our dommon mission experience.
I also taught Elder Ward how to find his own Nauvoo ancestors on the “Family Tree” application. He was jazzed about this.
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 as a missionary to the Lamanites. (Ammon has long been my favorite missionary hero. I have continued to study him and in Alma Chapters 17 to 27, I have now found 200+ ways to be a great missionary.)
I realized that Elder Ward 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 17, 1975. I learned that we were also in the same district. I was then in the town of Cullman and he 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!
Huntsville, Alabama District – January 17, 1975 – Elder Ward 3rd from Right
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 showed the greenie, Elder Ward and six others. Sadly, I was taking the photo. And everyone to whom I have since showed the photo loved the hair look of Elder Ward. He has lost some of that poof over the years.
I was very excited to find Elder Ward to show him the journal entry and photo. I tracked him down at the horse carriage depot where he was working for the day. We were both excited and dumbfounded. I stand in awe and amazement at how the Lord puts all of these miracles together. It is so great!
Elders Robert Ward and Kevin Hunt – Nauvoo 2024
OUR HANDS ON THE PLOW
On one occasion, Jesus met various people who had varying commitments to Him and His work. It is recorded in Luke 9:61-62: “And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee, but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
That kind of applies to us in our mission service. Most of the time, this is not a problem with us. We miss your children and grandchildren greatly but we know that we are in the right place and time here on the mission. We miss many of the activities that we would typically do with our grandchildren (sports, plays, events, birthdays, and more) but we know that they know that we would be there for them if we could.
We pray for them (generally by name for specific needs) each day and we know that they are all praying for us as missionaries. That is a great thing to have that many grandchildren all praying for us! Wow!
When we came on our mission, we both said that We are going on this mission FOR THE GRANDKIDS … all 43 of them.” And that is really true. We wanted to set an example for each of them so that they would know that missions are a priority and we have hoped that our service might inspire each of them (all of them) to likewise serve.
We think of the family members often. Gratefully, we have Zoom, FaceTime, phones, messages and e-mail messages – and all of the modern technology by which we can communicate with them. Our family “WhatsApp” phone application does much to keep us all connected (as we are spread about in five states).
Occasionally, however, we experience some sadness in not being able to be there in person to enjoy some of the special moments of life with the family members. That has been the case over the past couple of months. We had a new granddaughter, Maylee, born. Sad to think that she will be over a year old when we first meet her.
In October, there were a plethora of family events that tugged at the grandparent heart strings. Two granddaughters – Abby and Katelyn – both went on missions. Abby is serving in the Dallas Texas East Mission and Katelyn is in the Denver Colorado North mission (with a couple of our Nauvoo outbound sisters who arrived at the same time as our Sister Merrill).
Our grandson served a very successful mission in Argentina (down at the southern tip of the continent). He returned home to Arizona (rather than Texas – where he had lived only a short time before his mission. He wanted to return to the welcome of friends and family in Arizona. And our daughter and family made the trek from Texas to Arizona to welcome him home. Many of the local family members were able to be present at the airport for the joyful reunion.
Normally, it would have been Sister Hunt and I who would have welcomed the Stoddards to our home to stay, but this time it was our daughter, Larissa, and family who were gracious enough to host them for several days. (And Larissa is the “perfect mom substitute” in such situations.) Thanks, Laramie Sue!
A couple of days later, Bryson was able to bear his mission testimony in sacrament meeting (though it was fast Sunday – and not a time for the usual talks). In the same sacrament meeting, our little Maylee girl was blessed by her father. Many of the testimonies of the day were from our family members. Thankfully, we were able to join the meeting via Zoom. It was great that we could kind of be there with them. We still felt the joy of the occasion. Most of the “local” family members were present for this grand event.
Later in the day, Larissa and Kaylea staged a little open house for Elder Bryson. Many friends and family came and were able to hear him share memories and testimony from his mission. Bryson and his folks soon headed directly up to Provo, Utah – where he will live near his brother and will attend College in Orem.
That is a lot of family stuff in just one month! Wow!
We talked about it ahead of time, and we could have made the trip home for the major weekend of gatherings. We could have received permission to leave for a few days. We decided, however, that we needed to do our duty and remain at our missionary post in Nauvoo.
In doing so, I was reminded of the quote that we share from Lucius Scovill, the Nauvoo baker, as we give tours in his home. He left a new wife, his five children remaining from the recent death of his first wife, his new wife’s two young children from a previous marriage, and their one child. They were out on the mud flats of Iowa about a month out from Nauvoo when he received a mission call to England. He would be gone for a couple of years. He said,
“It seemed a painful duty for me to perform to leave my family to go into the wilderness and I to turn and go the other way. But inasmuch as I had been appointed to go, I was determined fill my mission if it cost me all that I had on this earth … I thought it best to round up my shoulders like a bold soldier of the corps … and assist in rolling forth the kingdom of God.”
Our mission sacrifice is not nearly so deep as that of Elder Scovil, but we can relate a bit to him. We decided to “keep our hands on the plow”.
A WAGON BREAK-DOWN ALONG THE TRAIL
We had a bit more excitement, recently, than we had planned – or would have liked. We suffered a challenge with our vehicle. One night, we suddenly noticed that the battery light was going on and off. Then the next morning the vehicle started chugging intermittently and powerfuly. We could tell that it was having a power challenge. We were in trouble out here in the middle of nowhere, America.
We learned that one of the FM supervisors moonlights as a mechanic. He diagnosed right away that it was likely the alternator. He agreed to fix it. And by some miracle, a senior couple ended up here with two cars – and they really didn’t need two of them. The counselor in the mission presidency, knowing our plight, called and asked them if we could borrow their vehicle while ours was being repaired. I do not like to borrow or lend cars to anyone. Too often, there are problems. Doing so, never seems to work. But, we were kind of stuck – with really no other option. We could have rented a car out of Carthage – but this really was not a great option. Anyway, we used the loaned Toyota truck from the Hales. And their generousity was a very major blessing – for which we were grateful.
Our three sons-in-law made quite a team a couple of nights before we left on our mission. Together they masterminded a replacement for our alternator. So, the alternator was still under warranty. We went to Keokuk and paid for a new alternator (to save time on the repairs. (And then we got a full refund after the repair when we took the old unit back to them. And the Auto folks could not figure out why the “new” alternator lasted only seven months!)
Kendall took a full two weeks to repair the vehicle. We learned that the guy – though excellent – has way too much going on in his life. He works for the church full time. He moonlights with his auto garage business. He is the lead in the local volunteer fire department (which includes ambulance service), has six kids and is in the Bishopric. We asked him what he does in his free time. Anyway, he did ultimately have time to make the repair and got the new unit into the car. And it now works fantastically. We were grateful for his able assistance.
There were a few miracles in this trauma. I mentioned the use of the Hale vehicle, and Kendall being able to fix the vehicle. Also there was the fact that there was nothing else wrong with the vehicle. It could have been worse.
Sister Hunt realized another miracle in us not going to Arizona for the baby blessing, missionary activities, and the family reunion festivities. She did the math and realized that if we had gone to Arizona and if the alternator would have gone out at the same time that it did, it would have happened as we could have been on the freeway going to St. Louis to the airport. Wow! So, once again, the Lord protected us (like on our way to Nauvoo from the MTC and our tire problems). We are grateful that the Lord is in the details of our lives and that He is protecting us continually in our mission service.
SISTER HUNT AND I CELEBRATED OUR ANNIVERSARY
Kevin and Lou Hunt on 46th Anniversary – September 14, 2024
It was fun, recently, for Sister Hunt and me to celebrate our 46th wedding anniversary here on the mission. (And we’ll celebrate #47 here also!). We went out to eat at a new restaurant – the “Fireside BBQ” here in Nauvoo. We loved the BBQ food and the little place where they hide out with their great food. It was a pleasant evening out together.
I SURVIVED AND LOVED MY 70TH BIRTHDAY LOVE FROM MY FAMILY
I devoted a full blog with reflections about my 70th (Halloween) birthday – which I wrote and posted on the big day. And I note that this blog was totally spur-of-the-moment. I had not planned this blog ahead – as I do for most of the blogs. It never made it to the 3×5” cards! The thought to write a blog was spur of the moment early that day, but I acted on it. Turns out, I really was not alone for the day – though we were 1,400 or more miles away. My family would never let such an occasion pass quietly. They pumped on the energy and excitement for my big day and surprises seemed to keep coming all day.
Special 70th Birthday Computer Generated gift from son, Keith Hunt
One of the great developments of the day was the receipt of 70 cards from the family. Without Sister Hunt and I in the count, we have 61 descendants. Each of the 61 wrote a card and sent it to arrive close to the birthday. And to make it to 70, our own children were tasked with the chore of writing twice. One family used their extra card to send a message from “Mo the dog.” Thanks, Mo! And thanks to all of the family – with Jackie as the master-mind – for making this come together. Seventy cards! Wow! That must be some kind of record.
The mail deluge was a shock to the mailroom lady. In the mailroom, each missionary has his/her/their own mailbox. And this Sister sorts the incoming mail to the boxes each day. I wasn’t really expecting mail (I just don’t) but it was interesting that for several days there was nothing in our box.
Then on the birthday, Sister Hunt was especially anxious for us to go to the mailroom. I should have smelled a rat! Three packages had come earlier in the week – and she returned these (unopened) to the mailroom to make it appear that they had just arrived. She had chatted earlier with the mail lady (and the substitute for the day) to expect 70 letters from our posterity – with instructions to “watch for them”. She went into the room on the big day and was shocked to find our assigned box totally empty. She was totally baffled. She called the mail lady and was told that with the decrease of missionaries, they had just condensed the boxes – so that they only take up a third of the room – rather than the whole room. So, with this clue, Sister Hunt went to our newly assigned box. That is when I saw it too!
Our box was jam-packed with letters. They were there so tightly that I don’t think another one could have been squeezed into the small box. Wow! This was amazing and wonderful!
Then at home, I began to open the cards and letters. I loved each message – all in the personality of the person (no matter how young or old) sending the card. These all made me so happy.
I also received phone calls from each one of our nine children. I felt like Joseph Smith and Moroni: “Our conversations must have taken in most of the day”. Another surprise was that most family members also created a card, drawing, etc., which was posted to our “photo frame” where we receive photos regularly from our family members. Many of the family members sent me gifts. I got several bags of my favorite candies – root beer barrels, Chick-O-stick, Idaho Spuds, and of course the fall favorite of candy corn. (It is not fall unless I get at least one bag of candy corn … and this time I received a year supply of the stuff.)
So, in summary, I didn’t know what was going to happen at any moment, but there was a full day of various excitements and surprises. Wow! This was all so fun. Thanks, family. You are the best! I love you all!
I later posted my thanks on our family WhatsApp site: “Wow! What a great birthday! It was worth turning 70 just so that I could feel the love and attention from all of you. And worth being away just so that I could get a card from all 61 of my posterity! Wow! That was magnificent! I loved each card and message! And thanks for all of the gifts, candy, and more. Definitely a special birthday to remember forever. We truly have a “bootiful” and wonderful family. I love you each collectively and individually! Love Dad!”
And incidentally, I printed out my full birthday posterity message and physically mailed it to each family. I also had this added to my “white box” (“just in case”) instructions – so it may resurface again sometime in the future. I hope that this message will be a special “keeper” for everyone through the years.
WEATHER CHANGING
Being Arizona desert rats, Sister Hunt and I have been somewhat challenged as we look forward to the unknown winter ahead. We are kind of in a panic – not knowing what to expect. We thought that we would be in igloo mode from about the first of October – through April. We have been very grateful for the fabulous weather so far. We really have only had a couple of really cold days. All the other days have been fabulous. And here it is the middle of November and the weather has been amazing. We are so very grateful for this great blessing.
I’M DEFINITELY FALLING FOR NAUVOO!!!
The winter ahead is kind of unpredictable, but for the moment, we are loving it here. We can say that we are truly “falling for Nauvoo”. (And we’ll keep praying in faith for future Nauvoo weather miracles.) It is a great time to be alive, and it is great to be missionaries together, here in Nauvoo. It’s great to be here this fall on the Nauvoo Trail.
When Sister Hunt and I first received our call to serve our “senior couple” mission in Nauvoo, my immediate thought was that I wanted to create a package or document to remind me – and all of my family – about the many ancestors who lived in Nauvoo. I knew that I had many Nauvoo ancestors, but I had not really taken an accurate count of how many there were. I made a note on one of my cards – to make this a future project.
And then, the longer that I was in Nauvoo, the more that I wanted to get to this special project. Being in Nauvoo just naturally draws one to his/her ancestors. Nauvoo just does that to you. You can’t be here without being drawn to your own ancestors. And that was what happened to me.
Of course, Sister Hunt and I are site missionaries. This means that we focus on about 20 families who lived here in Nauvoo. In our tours, we share personal details, stories of commitment and covenant of some great people who were in Old Nauvoo. And giving those tours, has led me to do even more research about those people. And then this research drew me on to my own ancestors.
My first step was to create an expanded pedigree chart to show all of my Nauvoo ancestors. I looked carefully at each person, their birth dates, marriage and their death dates (the basics on the pedigree chart). And if there was any possibility that they might have been here in Nauvoo – or if I wasn’t sure, I checked on my Family Tree and “memories” on FamilySearch. I got excited with each name that I was able to highlight in green – my indication that he or she lived in Nauvoo.
And after this exercise, I was absolutely elated to find that I actually have 32 NAUVOO DIRECT ANCESTORS. Wow! This was so exciting and wonderful.
With my green-highlighted pedigree charts, I went to work. There was much research to complete. I dug into it and had a grand time going for it. And the more information that I found, the more excited I became. I learned of my people and their family events in Nauvoo. I found many special accounts of their conversion stories, their associations with Joseph Smith, how they dealt with mob persecutions and being driven from their homes – even multiple times, how they sacrificed for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, how and when they were baptized, and their participation in the Nauvoo “covenant community”. I found ancestors who came at all ages to Nauvoo. I learned of Nauvoo marriages. I found many young children who were born here. I found some ancestors who died here. I found ancestors who walked the “Trail of Hope” of Parley Street with their faces toward better times in the West.
I love the “collective” story of the Nauvoo period. But, even better, I love the individual stories of faith, dedication and commitment. And together, all of these ancestors build a beautiful tapestry woven together into the bigger story of the Restoration of the Gospel, the First Vision of God and Christ visiting their chosen prophet, Joseph, and calling him to restore the Church of Jesus.
And so now, as the project concludes, I am very excited to share with you the lives and commitment of these great people. I hope that you might each feel the same love for these our pioneer ancestors as I have come to know them. I love them each. I am so grateful to all of our 32 Nauvoo ancestors and their families.
I am also grateful for the many ancestors in lines who did not make it through Nauvoo. These folks are just as marvelous and amazing as those who were here. And who did not make it to Nauvoo?
The Hunt family – John Hunt and Jane Coates and their son, Amos Hunt with two wives joined the church around 1850 in Kentucky where the Hunt clan had lived for 50 years. A great many of the Hunt clan joined the church together in Kentucky and they moved in one great migration toward Utah in the Benjamin Gardner Company in 1852. They settled in Ogden, Utah. In the October 1861 General Conference, their names were read over the pulpit to be colonizing missionaries to the “Dixie (or Muddy) Mission” around St. George.
Samuel Barnhurst was an ancestor who gave up everything – literally – for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His family thought that he was crazy – and even his wife tried to poison him so that he could not join the Church. He escaped with almost no possessions and left to join the Saints in Utah. Upon arrival in Utah, he was brought to the office of Brigham Young – who counseled him to marry a young Danish lady who had arrived about the same time from Denmark. They were obedient even though he did not know Danish, and she knew no English. That should have been interesting marriage – at least from the beginning.
My mom’s Pritchett family was like the Hunts. A large group of Pritchett family members joined the church together in Virginia. They traveled together to Utah under the leadership of William D. Pritchett – in 1855, and began a faithful legacy in Sanpete County in Utah.
And then there are my Danish ancestors. I love my Danes. And I recently had a DNA test (thanks, Keith) which revealed that I literally have 50% Danish blood in me. This is so exciting! I have 5 second great grandparents who came from Denmark. The Danes did not receive the Gospel until the early 1850’s. But having joined, with complete commitment and faith, they immediately wanted to join the Saints in Utah’s “Zion”. They joined handcart companies and made their way west – after getting to St. Louis, Missouri and going west from there.
The project relative to my own ancestors in Nauvoo, naturally leads to a similar future project to feature the Nauvoo ancestors of my wife and her family. I would not be surprised to find that she also has 30 or more such Nauvoo ancestors. I can’t wait to get into that project.
In my Nauvoo research I have found individuals and families of profound faith. I have found people who made special covenants in the Temple. I have found many of my/our own people who were among the first who received their endowments in the Nauvoo Temple – just as soon as it was possible for them to receive their endowments there. I have found my/our people who had strong and continuing testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith – in spite of his challenges and weaknesses. I find my people who were true all of their lives to Joseph and his mission. I found people who were so committed that they were willing to leave their homes again and again in support of God’s Kingdom.
And in my research, I am uplifted as I have seen my/our people continue in their faithful lives in Utah. Even with their challenges and sacrifices, they were true to what they believed. They were true to the Nauvoo covenants that they had made. I hope that you will bask in and love the Nauvoo Spirit as you get to know these special people who were here, who gave their all, and who remained covenant faithful through their lives. And these folks (in the next world) hope that all of their posterity are drawn to them – just as they are drawn to us. Let’s keep the hearts turning and burning!
Here are a couple of ways by which you can access the book.
As ever, I have published the book on lulu.com. The link is not yet cojing up but should within the next couple of days. You can go to lulu.com and then do a search on “Nauvoo” or my name. Contact me for a discount code if you want to order the book.
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.
At this season in Nauvoo, there are plenty of opportunities for patriotic, cultural and country fair good times. And it is so fun to be a part of all of it!
Where to begin?
The 4th of July is exciting and fun – no matter where it is celebrated. And that day back in 1776 is certainly worth celebrating. On that day, the United States was born. It took a while to develop, but that is when it really started. A new nation! A nation of freedom and hope. It all began with 13 Colonies of folks wanting religious and other freedoms not then enjoyed under British rule. We can all be grateful for those gallant men and women who made the decision to make the break from their mother country. It truly is a moment that should be celebrated again and again. Independence Day! Hoorah!
THE BEGINNING OF A FOUNDATION FOR THE GOSPEL RESTORATION
July 4th – our Independence day was a pre-curser to the establishment of the Constitution of the United States that would come later (in 1789) after the ensuing Revolutionary War which cemented the “Spirit of God – the Spirit of Freedom” (Alma 61:15) in the creation of the true land of the free and the home of the brave.
The Doctrine and Covenants speaks frequently of the cause of Freedom. In D&C Section 98 the Lord himself teaches “that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me. Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the Land.” (D&C 98:4,5)
A few verses later, the Lord teaches us to live “according to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles”.
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR AND THE FORMATION OF THE FUTURE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WAS TO LAY THE FOUNDATION FOR THE COMING FORTH OF THE BOOK OF MORMON AND THE GOSPEL RESTORATION
Nephi recorded: ”And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the Gentiles, and they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance … And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord: and the power of the Lord was with them. And I beheld that their mother gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them. And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle. And I Nephi beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations.” (1 Nephi 13:15-19).
I like to remember that it was Moroni (and not Betsey Ross) who created the first American flag: “And it came to pass that he rent his coat: and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it – “In memory of our god, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children – and he fastened it upon the end of a pole…. (And he called it the Title of Liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of /Christians remain to possess the land.” (Alma 46: 12-13). Moroni went throughout the land to establish the “Covenant of Freedom” (Alma 46:15) “And it came to pass also, that he caused the Title of Liberty to be hoisted upon every tower which was in all the land, which was possessed by the Nephites; and thus Moroni planted the standard of liberty among the Nephites”. (Alma 46:36).
And so, with that background, it is appropriate that we gather wherever and however we can, in celebration of the “Covenant of Freedom” that God established for us.
A REUNION OF THE ELDERS AND SISTERS OF OUR MTC GROUP
It had been three months (could that be?) since the 13 couples of us had gathered at the Provo MTC in preparation for our missions to Nauvoo. (April 1st … no joke!) Those were glorious times and we forged friendships that will remain with us forever. And so, naturally, we are drawn again to each other and the bond that continues to pull us together.
The day was July 3rd – and the beginning of our celebrations of freedoms now evident throughout our Nauvoo.
The location for our gathering was a surprise. I had not known that it existed. (There are all kinds of such hidden places here in Nauvoo – and we seem to move from one to the other.) Remember Elder Jones? Well, he and Sister Jones (and another couple) decided that we should stage a regular reunion of our MTC group. Their announcement said that we would meet at “The Kimball Barn”. I thought, … “hmmm … where is that?” I asked Sister Jones and she said that it was behind the Hiram and Sarah Granger Kimball home.
We arrived at the spot and Wow! I could not believe this place. Being a long-time party planner and caterer, this place really caught my attention. It was magnificent. The barn was majestic and beautiful.
Inside, there were at least a dozen tables – with room for three times that many. I marveled at the grand party scene. The food began to roll in as each couple came with their best picnic pot-luck contributions. We set up a large table to hold the goods.
It was kind of a muggy night and the place seemed to capture the mugginess inside. We decided that it might be a bit cooler outside. And Voila! There were another dozen picnic tables out there. We all circled around the food table and we all took more than we needed (at least I know that I did). And talk about great food! It was amazing.
It was also great fun visiting with our MTC friends. We didn’t talk much about the MTC but there was much to talk about otherwise. Eight of the couples are now “Nauvoo Teamsters” and they provided the rest of us with many fun details of the horses and oxen that they drive around Nauvoo. Elder Jones kind of surprised us with his energy and enthusiasm. He was like the “Energizer Bunny” with his joy of the occasion as he kind of took charge and led the laughs.
WE EXPERIENCED THE TRUE 4TH ON TEMPLE HILL
No 4th of July celebration is complete without the traditional overload of fireworks. And this year was no exception – but we actually experienced it on July 3rd – the eve before the 4th). Nauvoo has the perfect and natural place for the best seats for viewing the fireworks. This is on Temple Hill – located just to the west and in front of the Temple. We went directly to the spot from our MTC gathering held earlier that night.
We parked in a nearby Temple parking lot and walked to the Temple and then across the street. In my arms, I carried the new camp chairs given to us for Mothers and Father’s Day by our Lana. (And she never does anything simple or basic. No, these chairs were the greatest and best (and thus, a bit of overload in the carry)! Thanks, Lana!
We joined hundreds of other people on the Temple Hill. Everyone had brought their own camp chairs or blankets on which to enjoy the show. There was plenty of room for everyone – and then some. We found a spot that was good for us. We recognized a lot of our Nauvoo visitors and fellow missionaries around us.
(And I note that tonight I had purposely left my two pocket knives – one a Hunt/Stoddard “Old Timer” and the other my trusty BSA carving knife … on my dresser at home. I thought of a July 4th event 25 or more years ago in Payson, Arizona – when I had my BSA knife in my pants as I sat on the grass and it slipped out onto the grass. We returned later but could not find it. I was so sad! I had carried this knife for some 20 or so years and it meant a great deal to me. After that knife loss, my boys, knowing what it meant to me, bought me another just like it – and I have had it with me almost constantly since. I did not want to lose another knife on this occasion.)
Imagine my joy as I heard the bagpipes piping nearby. This group is so fabulous. I have long belonged to the bagpipe loving society so this was heaven for me. I relished in the music that the group was putting forth. The Nauvoo Brass Band then took a turn and they played many of our traditional patriotic songs. They were great, as always!
I enjoyed watching the crowd around us. Sometimes “people watching” is one of the best aspects of such a gathering. (One of my favorite activities wherever I go.) Anticipation was high with everyone as we all sat in our spots enjoying the wonderful evening. And God did one of his magic tricks for us.
The sunset that evening was spectacular. Wow! This was so amazing. I took photos of each stage of the sunset – over a period of many minutes. I was grateful for this wonder in front of me. A sunset over the Nauvoo Mississippi River, with band accompaniment … it doesn’t get much better than this! I took in and loved every moment of the total scene.
Then came the fireworks! They started off with a bang. We all adjusted our chairs a bit to the southwest and sat back to enjoy the show.
The show was not anything like the one staged annually in Idaho Falls (as we have experienced a couple of times with Lana and family) but for little Nauvoo, it was fairly decent. I know that it was a stretch for the community, and I was grateful for the efforts made for all of us (most of us not even being from the local community). We enjoyed 20 minutes of pop and bang and then the expansion of bright colors. Somehow, all of this made me proud again to be an American (in spite of national challenges going on around us). I was happy to be a part of the grand scene. And how cool to be seeing the show in Nauvoo and right there on the footstool of the Temple! Way too much fun! (Who’da thunk it a year ago …?)
A MISSION-WIDE 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
At least once a month (or maybe every 6 weeks), the mission stages a dinner to welcome new missionaries and to say good-bye to some going home. That is what we experienced on the eve of the 4th of July. The event was held at the local Nauvoo Stake Center – because this place has room for the 200 or so missionaries (including the “YSM’s” (Young Sister Missionaries) as well as the Senior Missionary couples.
Sister Hunt had years before made us some very patriotic matching vests in the best of red, white and blue. And she had added these to our “wagon” when we came to Nauvoo. Luckily, I rediscovered these in a hidden drawer just a couple of days before the event. We really looked the part – and we caught the attention of many as we made our entry to the hall. It was fun to stand out in our personal celebration of the day.
The party organizers were genius in their preparations. They had set up seven round tables and each one accepted food as it arrived. They knew what they wanted on each table – to make sure that everyone would get the same options – no matter what table they went to. Sister Hunt had made some family baked beans (a recipe made famous by her mother – Grandma Verna Belcher). And I had made a plethora of my own famous banana chocolate chip cookies – for the occasion. We were directed to the table needing our goods.
A missionary Elder welcomed the group, and we had a prayer of gratitude for the food before us.
My journal records the details of the event:
The food – including pulled pork – was all fabulous. I loved Lou’s beans. And there were several desserts – which included the cookies that I made. The cookies seemed to be a hit. They were all gone. We came home with quite a big quantity of beans – so this is good.
After the meal, many missionaries staged several musical numbers. Elder and Sister Williams (him on the piano) led us in singing our National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”, and then “America” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. (And Lou and I could hardly refrain from singing the camp song, “I wear my Pink Pajamas” to this tune.)
Two young sisters did a great performance of the song, “Sisters”. We all enjoyed their hilarious song.
A string band played several numbers. With them was a musical group known as “The Hart Family”. The band reminded me of the string band of Enterprise, Utah – that always played at the 24th of July celebrations that we often went to in my youth. I loved the music.
President Daniel Mehr was the final speaker and as ever, he did a great job. He talked of being a General Authority Seventy and eating in the cafeteria in the Church Office Building. He talked of an occasion when then Elder Russell M. Nelson was present. Someone asked him his view of the world trauma of the moment. He replied, “I am not worried about this. This is the Lord’s World and He will take care of it.” He talked of Joseph Smith and how he was a lover and promoter of freedom of religion to all. He surprised me when he referred to the trauma in today’s world. He compared it to the “Kingmen” and “Freemen” in The Book of Mormon. I could understand who is Kingmen and who is the Freemen. The society similarities of then and now are really scary. He said that we should be zealous to defend and protect the family. He said that he is doing his best to prepare his children and grandchildren to be worthy and ready to marry our children and grandchildren (pointing to all of us).
In all, it was a very fun evening.
PREPARING FOR THE COMING PAGEANT
After the above, Lou and I went to the stage where the Nauvoo pageants will be staged. All of the missionaries have a part at the ending of the British Pageant shows – each Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the next three weeks. The Senior Missionaries are to go forward at the finale of the show – and are to “stand resolute” as the show ends. This should be fun.
EVENING PERFORMANCES OF THE NAUVOO BRASS BAND AND THE PRODUCTION OF “SUNSET ON THE MISSISSIPPI”
Most weekday evenings (not on Sundays), we offer some great entertainment for our Nauvoo guests. The excitement begins with a special concert by the Nauvoo Brass Band. It is so fun to sit there in the beauty of the evening – atop of the stage that we knew so long ago when we were in the “City of Joseph” pageant cast. I love the energy – and the sounds – that the Brass Band puts forth. I can’t get enough of them.
Then comes a drama production of song and dance staged by the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries (“NSM”). This production is “Sunset on the Mississippi”.
This is the “modern” version of a program that has been traditional here in Nauvoo for decades. Forty-five years ago my in-laws, Elder and Sister Belcher, were cast (as Senior Missionaries) in the stage production of the “Night on the Prairie” – then held in and around the Cultural Hall. The family cherishes the photo of the folks engaged in the stage fun (though they were not known for dramatic acting before their Nauvoo debut).
Anyway, back to the here and now … The current production is staged by these marvelous young performing missionaries. They are full of energy, and they show it well in their fancy and colorful period costumes. The girls look beautiful in their ruffled dresses and pantaloons. The guys are decked out in colorful shirts and vests – and the traditional Nauvoo caps.
The production is just so fun! It is something that everyone needs to experience when in Nauvoo. And this year, we got to experience it with our granddaughter, Brianna, as she came to Nauvoo with her O’Fallon, Illinois Young Women group.
It just keeps getting better!
EXPERIENCING THE “COUNTRY FAIR” WITH THE NAUVOO PAGEANTS
It’s Pageant Time here in Nauvoo …! It is the time long anticipated by every missionary here in Nauvoo. This is such a grand time – with the Nauvoo spirit and energy everywhere. It is such a great thing to experience. We are all looking forward to it. You can be sure that I will give many more pageant details as we really experience it. I promise to make a full report in a future blog post.
I can speak from experience, however, when I talk about the “Country Fair” that is staged each night between the “Sunset” program and the actual pageant. We got to experience it last summer with Jenae and girls and with the set-up that we have seen on the fields around us, we can be assured that 2024 pageant comers will surely get the same experience this year. And this year, we will get to experience it again as Jackie and her family will be here for several pageant days. They are to arrive soon, and we can’t wait to have them. It will be fun to be a part of the Country Fair activities with them – just as we did last year with Jenae and her girls. It is just so fun. We could not believe that so many great activities could be packed into such a small space and time.
Last year, I wrote of the experience in my personal journal:
“We then went to participate in the “Country Fair”. This was an absolutely fabulous event. There were 20 or 30 different stations – each manned by a cast family (many for the “Gold Cast” who come here for just a week (and then more come in). Some of my favorite events included handcart rides, May Pole dancing, Scottish dances (with bagpipes). I looked on-line for a list of the traditional Nauvoo “Country Fair” events – for future reference. Other events included stickball, stilts, Tug-O-war, Graces and hoops, sack races, log sawing, parlor games, wood branding, rag rugs, round dancing, quilting, stick pull, arm wrestling, a “Cousins” tent (to see who is related to who via Family/search), a puppet show, children’s games, and crafts. It was amazing. They could have handled 1,000 or so people. As it was, there was a small crowd there today – so there was no waiting in long lines.”
MISSIONARIES GOT A SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE COMING “COUNTRY FAIR” EVENTS
There is never a dull moment for missionaries serving (like us) in the Illinois Historic Sites Mission (which included Nauvoo and the Carthage Jail). There is some kind of an activity, training, performance, or devotional going on all of the time. And we look for any and all opportunities to party and celebrate.
The Country Fair will be staged every night for three weeks – as noted above – but many of us missionaries will have other support functions to fulfill as the Fair happens. And so, pageant organizers let us participate in our own such event – ahead of the real thing. But, it became the real thing for us. Again, my journal tells the story:
“This evening we had a fun mission event. Elder Davies, who is over the pageant somehow, staged a “Country Fair” – similar to the fair that they have each night of the pageant. He had a band composed of many missionaries. They played music for folks to dance to. It was mostly female dances – since the young sisters cannot dance with guys as missionaries. They had a lot of refreshments. Lou mixed up two bags of chocolate chip cookies to take.
Elder Davies asked if I would help him (or I volunteered before he asked). I agreed to help run the stick pulling event. This has long been a favorite activity for me. (And Joseph Smith loved doing this!) I was not very busy for the first while but then I called some people over to participate. I pitted Elder Brian Reed against a big Tongan sister.
The sister beat him. He was really embarrassed – saying that “I’ve never been beat before.” I got several sister missionaries out there on the tarp – competing against each other.
The highlight of the evening was getting the Mission President, Mehr, out on the tarp. He took on several of the young sisters. This was a surprise to all. I also got a match between Pres. and Sister Mehr. Everyone got a kick out of the competitions with the President.
PIONEER GAMES AND CRAFTS AT THE FAMILY LIVING CENTER AND AT PIONEER PASTTIMES
About once a week, Sister Hunt and I get the chance to serve at the Family Living Center. This is program area that is housed in a giant timber and wood building (just my style). This is a fun place and everyone who comes there likes the many activities. The place has demonstration centers for the following pioneer activities:
Wool carding
Cooking
Candle Making
Weaving
Bread Making
Packing the Wagon to go West
Rope Making
Barrel Making
Pottery Making
Brick Making
When Elder Belcher saved the badly deteriorated Coolidge home, he set up many of these demonstrations in the building. Thus, this is another area of his ongoing legacy. It is amazing all that he started, and which still is in place today.
We joined another Senior couple and two young sisters. I enjoy helping or inspiring kids to “pack” the wagon for the trip west. I have also volunteered to do bread making – since I did not know anything about any of the rest of the areas (but I am learning. I now know barrel making. The young sisters were able to do most of the demonstrations – since they have been to the place before. I also love doing the rope making demonstration – partly because so many people love the activity – and are so fascinated with the mechanics of the rope making machine.
The other day, a rope making visitor said to me, “How long have you been doing this?” (meaning the rope making function). I said, “I have been a Boy Scout for 60 years”. She and others around her all got a chuckle out of this.
Lou is often privileged to do teaching about her father’s brick yard and brick making. She loves doing this and the people all seem very interested in it. She enjoys sharing with the folks the tale of how her father started the brick yard and designed the small brick that is still given out as souvenirs to visitors. It has been a great blessing and opportunity for her to do this teaching – in honor of her parents.
A ”Sister” station that is staged by the missionaries in the Family Living Center is known as the “Pioneer Pastimes Pavilion”. This large tent ramada is located about a block south of the Family Living Center. It is fun to go there (except when it is really hot) and to enjoy the walk down through the beautiful lanes en route.
On the way, we can often see the Performing Missionaries teaching prairie dances to curious on-lookers. It is fun to see the NPM’s get the visitors up and dancing with them.
The missionary job at the Pavilion is to engage the folks – mainly the young children and teens – in the many pioneer game options. We can offer them dress-up costumes where the kids (and adults too) can dress in authentic pioneer costumes. It is so fun to watch the kids get into this action.
We have hoops, stilts, “climbing monkeys”, various marble games, roping the horse or sheep, playing house, and more. This is the place for families to come after a long day of dragging the kids into the various restored homes. They suddenly lose their tiredness, and they have a great time – even engaging their reluctant parents in the activities with them.
FUN SHOWS AT THE CULTURAL HALL
There are about 30 homes or shops that we give tours in here in Nauvoo. A couple of weeks ago, the scheduler asked us what places we had not been to, and which we would like to “learn”. The Cultural Hall was one of the few places that we had not previously been to. So, it was fun to be assigned recently to the place.
We had actually been to the Cultural Hall for a zone meeting a week or so before. On that occasion, we gathered there with about 20 couples from the “Hyrum Zone”. Elder Hurst (a teamster) is our new Zone Leader – after the recent departure of Elder Thomas. It was fun to be in this Cultural Hall. We thought of Grandma Verna being there and doing acting in the “night on the prairie” program. Elder Hurst had created a great PowerPoint presentation about the contributions of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I enjoyed this program a lot.
The Cultural Hall actually almost feels like a mini Salt Lake Tabernacle – with its oak look benches and pillars.
Anyway, we looked forward to our assignment to the Cultural Hall. On our day of the assignment, we arrived and checked the site book to figure out how to turn on the lights on each of the three floors. This can sometimes be a bit tricky. Remember that the Saints did not have electricity when they were here – though they would have loved it. And now, 180 years later, great effort is expended to try to maintain the original look and feel of the pioneer places. This means that the electrical or light switch is often located down at foot level and the plug is generally painted to match exactly the color of the wood around it. And each place has its own quirks – and every place is different.
We did not know when assigned, but much of the job of the missionaries assigned there is to be host to folks who come to experience the many shows staged there each day by the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries. That is what we did – and it proved to be great fun. It also meant that we were able to view the many programs ourselves. This was so great. These young performing missionaries have energy deluxe. And they have such enthusiasm during their song and dance routines.
In the Cultural Hall, we were privileged to hear several performances of the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries. They performed two different programs – two times each. Each performance was fabulous! The did programs entitled, “Hymns of Zion” and “Nauvoo Singers”. I thoroughly enjoyed each performance. I love the energy of the young people.
The groups performed: “Nearer My God to Thee”, “In Our Lovely Deseret” (which was fabulous). They sang “Laura’s Nauvoo” (supposedly written by a non-member), “Praise to the Man” (by W.W. Phelps), “The Morning Breaks”, (by Parley P Pratt), and O My Father (by Eliza R. Snow). They sang these words to four or so different tunes.
A youth group from Indiana came en masse – a group of about 20 youth and an adult couple. It was fun to interact with this group. They even got up on stage (in a slow period) and did their own song and dance routine. This was their big moment.
In the mid-afternoon, the Performers came to present their last performance of the day. Literally, no one was there to hear their show. They went on with the show and Lou and I sat alone as the audience and enjoyed our personal concert – with just us there to hear them. They were amazing and wonderful.
P-DAY ACTIVIITES FOR ELDER AND SISTER HUNT
Like any missionary serving anywhere in the world, we also look forward to our own P-day each week. Here we are assigned a specific day of the week for a month. And then we switch to a new day for the next month. Sister Hunt and I have just been assigned to Saturdays for the month of July.
On our P-days, we do our weekly laundry (though we have a washer and dryer in our place – so we can do it any time that we get the urge). We clean our place. I also spend several hours each P-day writing blogs and posting photos to them.
We also try to find some unique activities that are new to us. Often, this might include going to a new home or site that we have not yet experienced. And later in the day, we generally drive the 12-mile trip down the river (on the picturesque and wonderful Mississippi Great River Highway). We go to Keokuk – our newest town of any significance.
In Keokuk, we generally go to the Aldi store. We there get fruit, vegetables and snack items for our lunch. We usually have to go to the Dollar Tree Store for cheap incidentals. We then go to Walmart. It is always nice to restock our wagon there. We get gas at a station by Walmart. We are pleased that the gas on the Iowa side of the river is about 75 Cents a gallon cheaper than that on the Illinois side. And our last stop is generally at the Dairy Queen. Several weeks ago, we discovered their “Pecan Mudslide Sundae”. This celestial delicacy is soft ice cream topped with both hot fudge and caramel toppings – as well as toasted pecans. Wow! Talk about fabulous! We now have the car trained to pull over there each week at the appropriate time.
AN UNPLANNED VISIT AND RIDE AT THE OXEN RIDE
Yesterday (July 6th) was our first Saturday P-day. I got up and made computer reservations for us to go on the “wagon ride”. Then I later realized that I should have signed up for the “carriage ride”. We were headed to the rides before I realized that I had made a mistake. We headed toward Main Street and Hotchkiss streets – where the ride was to be. And that is where I realized my mistake.
We kept going on Main Street, and I noticed the ox ride space up ahead. In all of my years of coming to Nauvoo, I have never seen this ride location – nor have we taken the ox ride. We decided to go for the oxen ride.
We pulled in and got out of the car. We were immediately greeted by our former Acacia Ward neighbor from Mesa, Arizona. She and her group somehow knew that Lou and I are in Nauvoo and they were going to go looking for us. We visited for a few minutes and then took a photo. It was interesting to see how the Lord puts these people and our connections with them together – (like today) since going for the oxen ride was definitely not in our plans – and with it being our P-day, we would not have normally been out in the sites. These little “Nauvoo miracles” happen all of the time – and we are grateful for them.
Elder and Sister Doug Mills were there at the ox ride. They took us on the ride and gave us a great story as we did so. Sister Mills said that “This is the most authentic thing here in Nauvoo!”
The oxen were amazing – and huge. I learned a lot of new facts about oxen and how the pioneers walked beside them all of the way. It was all very interesting.
First, … the question of “what is the difference in a cow (steer) and an ox?” My teamster Cousin Brad explained it for me. He said that “an ox is a cow on a mission – with an occupation”.
Oxen are very big and strong. They weigh about 2,000 pounds. And together, they can pull their combined weight – so 4,000 pounds. We learned that oxen on wagons have to have horns. The horns are needed to hold the wooden yoke up. Without horns, the yoke would slip down onto their faces.
Oxen are always “yoked together” in pairs. (Sounds like a good lesson about us and Jesus and us and fellow laborers in the Kingdom!) And often these pairs remain and work together. And in so doing, one becomes the “right ox” and the other the “left ox”. And I guess they get “befuddled” when they are moved to the other side.
Oxen get to know just five commends:
“Step Up” is the command to move forward.
“Gee” means to go to the right.
“Haw” means to go to the left.
“Whoa” means to stop.
And “Back” means to back-up.
We learned that one does not “drive” oxen – as one would with a bridled horse. They are “led” by walking beside them. So, there was not even a seat on the ox driven wagon. We learned that the oxen loved and listened to the children – so the children were good at leading them.
Hearing this, I thought of the old Primary song favorite, “Pioneer Children”:
“Pioneer children sang as they walked and walked and walked, and walked,
“Pioneer children sang as they walked and walked and walked, and walked,
They washed at streams and worked and played
Sundas they camped and read and prayed
Week after week, they sang as they walked and walked and walked and walked and walked”
I guess the pioneer children walked and walked alongside of their family oxen – leading them across the plains – and walking some 1,400 miles.
As we got to the oxen, Elder and Sister Mills introduced us to Dan and Duke. They seemed formidable and scary. But the Mills convinced us that we could “become friends” with the oxen. We posed with them – for the sake of posterity.
After the short ride around the muddy track, I was drawn to the plaques that lined the walkway around the oxen yard. These were informative and interesting
A CARRIAGE RIDE AND A VISIT WITH COUSIN BRAD
We also then went to the “carriage ride” – starting at the station at the northeast corner of the visitors’ center parking lot. We were greeted there by “Cousin” Brad. I like this guy. He and I have a connection. We visited for a while.
I had not heard of the commemoration event, but Elder Brad told me that he had been privileged to be a part of a 180th Anniversary commemoration of the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum as they were viewed by the Saints in the Mansion House (some 10,000 of them). He said that the original pioneer “Nauvoo Brass Band” had played at the original services for Joseph and did again on this commemorative experience. Brad shared with me his feelings that he posted on his Facebook account. I loved it. Another of those “Nauvoo Miracles” that I introduced above.
He wrote, and I quote (with his permission): “180 years ago today on June 29, 1844 Joseph and Hyrum Smith lay in state in the Mansion House. The Nauvoo brass Band played and my great, great grandfather and his family along with 10,000 grieving latter-day Saints filed through to bid their final farewell to the Prophet Joseph and his faithful brother, Hyrum.
“Today I had the privilege of driving the bandwagon and stopping in front of the Mansion House while the Nauvoo Brass Band played in honor of Joseph and Hyrum – just like they did 180 years ago. It was most powerful. They played “Praise to the Man”. They also played another song called, “Emma’s Lullaby”.
“Here is a quote from my Grandpa Dudley Leavitt’s history: “Later as the bodies lay in state, the Leavitt family all passed to take their last look at Joseph smith and his brother Hyrum. I was so impressed by the calm majesty of their faces that even after I was an old man, I of a surety that here was a prophet of the living God.” No hardship could shake the faith of Dudley.”
We did not have reservations for the carriage ride, but Elder Hurst said that he would try to get us on the carriage. He and Elder White were on the carriage and Elder Hurst was voice. He did a great job of storytelling. They took us north of the station – up through “Joseph Creek” and beyond.
We made one stop at the top of the hill to let the horses rest for a few minutes. Elder Hurst showed us a well built in honor of King Follett (that was his real first name). He died in a well accident when rocks fell down upon him as he was digging a well. The Prophet Joseph preached King’s funeral sermon (later named “The King Follett Discourse”.
On our Carriage Ride, we saw pastured horses en route. Elder Hurst pointed out that even in the pasture, the horses stand in pairs – with their partners on the trail. This was very interesting.
We drove near my old “Red Barn” environs (the barn and the white home) where I lived as a young missionary – and this was fun. We really enjoyed this p-day ride out through the beautiful woods and through the river.
THE MORNING HORSE RITUAL
There are many hidden Nauvoo experiences that don’t appear on the schedule or brochures. You just kind of happen to hear about them – and then you go and get a wonderful experience. And then you think, “Too bad everyone doesn’t know about this.”
That is the way the morning horse feeding ritual is … We just happened to hear about it last year when we were in Nauvoo with Jenae and family.
The big event of each day is the feeding of the horses. We wanted to be there for this. At night, the horses are left in a large field. Then in the morning, they let them out and herd them down to feeding stalls for grain. They know where to go and they kind of run down to the feeding area. Each horse has a name, and workers know the horses by name. Some missionaries stand at the gate, and he calls out the name of each horse as it arrives. Then Elders guide them to their selected places for their grain.
The Elders said that there is an “Alpha Male” (“Matt” – the only gray horse) that rules the roost with an iron fist. And if any other horse tries to get ahead of them, he bites them.
There are some 18 missionary Elders who serve with the horses. Their wives serve with them (as tour guides) and some work in other restored homes. These guys all wore plain colored Western shirts. Many of the men here wear the same style of pants with suspenders. It was great to talk to many of the Elders as we watched the horse operation. I told many of them of my youth missionary experience in Nauvoo 48 years ago.
After the horses ate their grain, they put 12 of the horses on “P-Day” (Pasture Day). They use 14 horses each day. They pull the carriage ride, the wagon ride and the carriage that carries the “Nauvoo Brass Band”. They have utilized the ancient “Red Barn” that I knew as a missionary. They have stations or areas for each horse and at these, they have the individual harnesses for each horse.
One Elder says that most of the horses have hand spans (extended horizontally) of 17 to 18” above the withers. Most normal horses have spans of 14 to 15”. The horses are magnificent and beautiful. The whole operation was amazing and interesting to watch.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Well folks, there you have it. Patriotic … we go all out celebrate whenever and wherever we can. Cultural events: They are all around us. The NPM’s (Nauvoo Performing Missionaries) add energy wherever they go. It is so great to hear them – and the Nauvoo Band perform. And with all of this combined, Nauvoo really is a very fun place to hang out. It is very exciting to be a part of all of these experiences.
REMEMBERING JOSEPH
As another P-day activity, we went to the Visitors’ Center. I had also made reservations for us to see the “Remembering Joseph” production staged by the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries. This production was fabulous. I loved it. They quoted many people who had memories of Joseph. Again, I got to hear Elder Smith sing “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief”. He is so wonderful singing this song. The whole production was amazing, and I was touched tenderly by the Spirit.
Well, there you have it … patriotic moments, cultural events and country fair fun … all in week!
Elder and Sister Hunt on the “Nauvoo Trail” … and it just keeps getting better!
In case you haven’t been to Old Nauvoo in a while, maybe it is time you came! I have personally noticed a lot of Restoration going on – especially the Restoration in Nauvoo from 1975 to 2024.
And first, I apologize for the space between the last blog article and this one. Actually, however, I have not been idle. I have actually been working on this blog for 50 years!
I have had the unique opportunity and blessing to experience historic Nauvoo at various times and in several different circumstances through the years.
My first Nauvoo experience happened in 1975 when I was serving on my “young mission”. I served in Nauvoo for the final 6 months of that mission. I loved the experience. It was truly wonderful and exciting in every way. I served then as a site guide in the eight restored homes.
My wife and I brought the nine children to Nauvoo and were cast members two different summers in the “City of Joseph” musical production. We found other opportunities to come to Nauvoo for many other excursions.
Then in 2024, my wife and I were assigned to Nauvoo for an 18-month “Senior Mission” for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And once again, we are historic site guides – just as I was in 1975. This time, there are over 30 restored homes and shops and we rotate through most of them.
During both missionary assignments, I have taken a multitude of photographs of many of the historic restored homes in Old Nauvoo. Being somewhat of a historian, this has been a great adventure! In this book/slide show, I am able to compare the homes as they existed in 1975 – and as they are now in 2024 – 49 years later. (Where did that time go? I couldn’t possibly be that old!)
When in Nauvoo as a young missionary, I maintained daily journal entries for each day of the mission. I also wrote extensive letters home to the folks each week. In an effort to add a bit of variety to the photos, I have included entries from that 1975 era (from the journals and letters) to show actual activities that I participated in at that time.
This has been a major effort and I hope that you will enjoy the PowerePoint presentation. The show really tells the story of Restoration here in Nauvoo.
Here is the link. (And you might want to copy and paste the link into your browser.) Look at the top of the PowerPoint presentation. ) Once you click on the presentation, look for the word “View” at the top. Then click on “Slide Show”. You will probably also want to click on “View” once more and then “Zoom”. Enlarge the view to 100% (or more if you are my age!). And then you are off and running! Sit back and enjoy the ride.
And you know by now, that I don’t let moss grow under my feet. (But in humid Nauvoo, that might be a trick!)
I have already also published the book or slide show on my lulu.com site where I publish my books. With this link, you can order your own full-color book. (Color costs a bit more … but it is truly worth it!) The book will be a very quality book that you can put on your coffee table (without the coffee) and enjoy for years!
If I were to use one word to describe the Missionary Training Center – The MTC, I would just say that it is “MAGNIFICENT”. Words really cannot describe it adequately. Two words that could describe the MTC campus and function would be “TOTALLY AWESOME!”. “GRANDEUR AND MAJESTY” would be three words. And four words would “FULL OF THE SPIRIT” (meaning the Holy Ghost). I could go on and on, but you get the drift.
ARRIVING AT THE MTC – AND IN-PROCESSING
In a recent blog, I took you right up to the door of the MTC with us. We told the family, “We’re going to be hanging up now” as we literally went through the door. It was such fun having many of our family members on-line to share that special moment with us. This was something that we had been hoping and dreaming of for several years. And, as I said before, it was interesting to now to have them be the ones to drop us off at the MTC.
I had brought to my mind the general motto of the Brigham Young University – the campus where the MTC is located. I remembered this motto from years ago when I entered BYU as a student (a hundred years ago). That was, “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve”. That’s what we were doing!
Elder and Sister Hunt at the MTC
We were ushered into the office facility of the MTC. I was in awe that the building is named for Wilford Woodruff – the fourth prophet of the Church and one of the greatest missionaries of all time. There is beautiful painting or photo of him in the center lobby. I have a special love for Wilford Woodruff – since two of my own fourth great grandfathers were the missionaries who tracted out and baptized Wilford (Zera Pulsipher and Elijah Cheney).
President Wilford Woodruff
In a script that we would use later in the week, (preparing us to give historic tours in Nauvoo), we were told that Wilford can be compared to the four royal sons of King Mosiah who taught for 14 years among the Lamanites – and who baptized 1,000’s of their brethren. Those men are some of my own favorite characters in the Book of Mormon. I love to read of their missionary labors (Alma chapters 16 to 26).
We did not have our luggage with us. We knew that we could connect with it later.
We were placed in a holding line – while the MTC personnel determined who we were. This was further complicated by the fact that there were THREE HUNT COUPLES who were all entering the MTC – all on the same day – and all of us going to Nauvoo. Talk about confusing! More on my “cousins” later.
Once the folks determined our identity, we were led into a large room where we saw a multitude of other such “senior couples” We were directed to a table that had four or so ladies waiting for us. Each one had their specific function to perform. And we were put onto a large serpentine function that wove us around to various stops for various tasks.
MTC Name Tags
We were first given the famous missionary black badges – to tell the world who we now are and what our function will be. It was so exciting to put on our badges that tell the world that we are now official representatives of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We were happy to take upon ourselves this sacred designation. They gave us three varieties of badges – to accommodate all kinds of suit coat situations.
We were given an official “Ministerial Certificate” – officially signed by Russell M. Nelson, our current church prophet, and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We were told that we could take these to the MTC copy center to have them laminated – for a longer shelf-life. We later made our way over there and left the cards there for their lamination. And yes, they lost our cards in their process. (They suggested that maybe one of the other Hunt couples got ours by mistake – but not so.)
Sister volunteers asked about our travel plans for getting to the mission. Like most missionary couples serving in the U.S., we brought our own vehicle. We presented our travel plans and when we would plan to get to our Nauvoo mission.
At another table, a sister reviewed the cafeteria scenario and we talked of dietary issues. We had none! Wow! Look at us! We were told about available exercise facilities at the MTC but ultimately, we did not have time to use this equipment. We were just too busy.
We were given fresh fruit and a choice of a variety of finger breads.
And by this time, it was time for us to enter the cafeteria for our first MTC lunch. Wow! What a collection of food options. And seeing that throng of young missionary Elders and Sisters, as well as a large crowd of Senior Couples – all holding on to each other and practicing their “Senior Shuffle” – everyone dressed in white shirts and ties, and suits – and fancy (simple but very beautiful) dresses for the ladies. That is when “magnificent” hit me.
MTC Cafeteria
SENIOR ORIENTATION
Senior Couple In-Processing
After our lunch, we returned to our former orientation room – to find the full place now filled with seats for our auditorium gathering. (They do fast work for such things here).
We were introduced to the couples who serve as the Presidency of the MTC operation. We met President Kevin Calderwood (good name!) and his wife, Sydnee. After an opening song and prayer, we were invited to introduce ourselves. Each couple got a moment to tell who we are, where we are from, where we are going, and the number of children and grandchildren we have. (I think we were the most blessed in that activity!)
It was interesting to note that in that gathering, there were 124 senior missionaries reporting for duty. There were six single sisters, and the rest were couples. We came from all over the United States, and we were leaving to serve all around the world! That is where “Totally Awesome” began to sink in. We found that there were 13 couples who are all heading together to Nauvoo and of those 13, eight of them are going to serve as “Teamsters” – managing oxen and horses and giving historic tours along the routes of the wagon teams. It suddenly became “really cool” to be wagon teamsters. (And that’s a blog for another day … More on them later!) We were told that the MTC presently had over a thousand missionaries – with 240 more scheduled to arrive on Wednesday. We were told that of the crowd, 51% of the group are young “Sister Missionaries” – and that in June, this would reverse – with about 85 per cent to be Young Elders.
And just a note … that was our first time to get a look at the three Hunt cousins. I tried to memorize their faces so that we could connect after the meeting.
We were then given some general instructions. These complete, we were greeted by a young brother – actually employed by the MTC. He had more general stuff for us to know. This gathering event seemed to take most of the afternoon.
It was soon time for dinner. And another look at all of those magnificent missionaries.
ASSOCIATION WITH THE HUNDREDS OF MISSIONARIES
Everywhere we walked, met, or went, we saw hundreds of missionaries – as described above. What a grand missionary force! The cafeteria became the natural “hang-out” place. I don’t know how many folks the place would hold, but I do know that it was a lot.
In the cafeteria, there were a multitude of food stations – each with their food specialty. There was definitely something for everyone! They had a variety of main dish options, a well-stocked salad bar, sandwiches, a fruit bar and more. With my “generations of sweet tooth” things going on with me, of course, I went to the dessert bar first. Yummy. They had new delicacies there every day. Wow.
We were free to eat anywhere we wanted to land ourselves. We tried to sit by new people (young and old) at each meal – in order to make new instant friends. Of course we all asked or answered the three questions: “Who are you, where are you from, and Where are you going to serve?” So easy to start a conversation based upon these questions.
In the MTC (and the cafeteria) we met folks of all sizes and shapes, and people from a multitude of nations and peoples – all appropriately and wonderfully dressed in missionary attire.. This was so exciting and wonderful. That’s where “GRANDEUR AND MAJESTY” became evident. Seeing and being with those hundreds of young people truly was a grand and majestic experience. I thought, “Where else in the world can you find a crowd of young people such as these – all dressed sharp, all committed to serve, and all righteous (having met the very stringent application questions). This truly was a manifestation that the work of the Lord is moving forward! Words cannot describe the image and feeling of being with these men and women of God.
Sister Missionaries at map of the world – Pointing to their Missions
Elders in the hallway
That brings up the four words: “FULL OF THE SPIRIT”. The light and power of Christ – and the presence of the Holy Spirit (the Holy Ghost) was everywhere present – in the cafeteria, in the halls, walking around, in every classroom, and just permeating everywhere. This was such a grand and majestic thing to experience.
And as a side note … we soon found out just “how awesome” it is for us to be going to Nauvoo (and we didn’t even request such an assignment). In every discussion, with folks everywhere on our trail, as we said, “Nauvoo to be site missionaries” we were met with a silent attitude a gasp of awe and wonder. We realized that this is “the ultimate” place that everyone wants to go. We were humbly proud and excited for our special and sacred opportunity to serve in Nauvoo – this “Covenant Community” – the “Cornerstone of Zion.” (Of course, every place is awesome and cool – and people are called to these places by the Lord’s prophet – to accomplish great things according to their own talents and abilities.)
It was fun at the MTC to greet old friends and to make many new friends – both old and young!
Friends from home – Mark and Marlene Ellingson
More Mesa, Arizona Friends – Ray and Sharon Snyder
THE MTC “BOOKSTORE”
We soon discovered that the whole MTC missionary world was drawn to the “bookstore”. We followed the crowd and made our way there. We bought some marking pens and other note-taking necessities. We were anxious to meet Joe Merrill – the Bookstore Manager – since we share four grandchildren with him. It was great visiting with him. Of course, we took several photos with him and us, and sent them pronto to his kids and ours. They used that “Awesome” term when they saw the photos.
NO ROOM AT THE INN
Elder Ronald Rasband, one of our current 12 Apostles, and a great leader in the church, recently gave a talk at the October 2023 General Conference of our Church. In his talk, he invited all senior couples of the Church to review their life situations to see if this might be the time to leave grandkids and to serve a couple mission. He said that couples were greatly needed throughout the world – “and everywhere in between”.
Elder Rasband’s talk must have had a positive effect on many “Elderly” couples. I know that his message had a major effect on Sister Hunt and me.
And because of this enthusiasm to serve the Lord, as he had invited, we arrived at the MTC and were greeted with news that “there was no room in the inn”. They had more couples than they could accommodate. So, we were assigned to stay in the “Residence Inn” (located abut a mile and a half north and west of the MTC) for the full duration of our MTC stay.
Of course, we were not ones to complain … It was really a hard life living in this “apartment” (with cooking equipment, a fridge, dish washer, two TV’s, a couch and chairs, and a king sized bed. Kind of a rough life … but someone has to do it. It was fun coming home to this place each night after the work of the day.
THREE HUNT COUSINS
Of course, the news of three Hunt couples – all here together at the MTC – and going to Nauvoo was interesting to all. I quickly cornered the other two Hunt Elders. We each opened the “Relatives Around Me” app on the FamilySearch program on our phones. We were anxious to find out how we are all related – assuming that we are. As we opened the APP, we learned that we are all (Elder Brad Hunt of Diamond Valley, Utah (by St. George), Elder Jacob Hunt (from Centerville – north of Salt Lake City and me) are all “4th Cousins”. We descend through three different sons of Amos Hunt, our common 3rd Great Grandfather. Amos is probably proud … I hope so! I Took a photo of the Hunt cousins. And we had fun being “cousins” all week long.
Later in the week, we also met a young Elder named Hunt. It was interesting to note that his own first name is Jefferson Hunt (shhhh!). He told us that he comes through the lineage of Jefferson Hunt, Captain of the 1840’s “Mormon Battalion”. We brought him into the family photo with us. And for the record, there is no close connection to our Hunt line with that of Captain Jefferson. As a side note, the other two Elder Hunts are both going to serve in the Teamster group at Nauvoo. They can have their basic ox …!
CLASSES AND TEACHING
The Church recently revised the “old” “Preach My Gospel” study guide for missionaries. The first edition came into Vogue about 20 years ago (as our son was serving his mission in Texas – and he helped to teach this book and its use throughout his mission).
We had training classes each day of our first week at the MTC. We studied the “PMG” book and gleaned some really great insights to the missionary effort and our role in it.
Our AM Study District
Elder and Sister Hunt with other Senior Missionaries – PM Study Group
For our final two days of training – we studied another book – specific to our roles of “Historic Site Missionaries”. This was also excellent training – and was a bit more “hands on”.
For all of these classes, we had different teachers. Two sisters taught in the first week. One taught daily in the morning and the other taught in the afternoon. Both of these sisters had previously served as full-time missionaries. They taught “with the Spirit” (The Holy Ghost”) and they knew their “stuff”. They taught with power and authority. And then in the afternoons, we had another team of equally qualified Sisters. They were all amazing and wonderful
We had Friday night off – after the classes finished at 3 PM. We arranged for the Belcher siblings (seven of the living eight) to get together. We trekked to the Murray, Utah Chuck-A-Rama restaurant and had a great visit together.
Thursday evening was “Temple Night” for everyone. The Provo Temple (adjacent to the MTC) is presently closed for major remodeling. They provided buses for the Young missionaries and the couples found their own rides.
Sister Hunt and I found space for us at the American Fork – Mt. Tiimpanogas Temple.
GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
General Conference in the MTC
Typically, MTC missionaries participate in regular Sunday services – just as they would if at their homes. Ours was a special privilege, however since our stay included the 194th Annual General Conference of the Church. We convalesced at our “Inn” and watched the two morning sessions of the conference there.
Then in the afternoons, we went to the MTC – and viewed the conference with hundreds of missionaries (mostly the young Elders and Sisters). Wow! What a great army. Again, the power of the Holy Ghost radiated everywhere among the majestic crowd. It was fun to view the conference proceedings shoulder to shoulder with these young missionary greats. It was a special blessing and opportunity to hear the inspired words of our Prophets, Apostles, and other General Church authorities. As ever, I took copious notes of the many talks.
Typically, on Tuesday nights at the MTC, missionaries get to hear a talk presented by an Apostle or General Authority of the Church. Because of the General Conference week, we did not have that privilege.
We did have a couple of wonderful evenings of Gospel presentation. One night we learned and basked in the study of the Character of Christ. Then on the other night, we heard messages from the MTC presidency members.
I am a “people watcher” anyway, so I loved looking behind me (behind the seats reserved for us “Seniors”) and seeing the young Elders and Sisters gathered for the events. One Elder in a gold suit wanted to be seen in my photos.
THE FAMOUS MTC MURALS
There are 21 different meeting and residence facilities at the MTC. Throughout all of the buildings, they have on virtually every available wall space, majestic murals of the Life of Christ and His servants – as well as real life missionaries teaching people all over the world. These murals are so awe-inspiring – and they strongly bring the Power of the Holy Ghost to the entire campus.
The “T-4” (teaching building #4) building, is a six-story structure. And throughout this facility they have giant, full-wall murals of Christ and His workers in His kingdom. We were encouraged to go through the facility to view and experience these beautiful murals. Each mural was awe-inspiring, magnificent, and wonderful. These really helped me to feel the Spirit – and the power of the might of Christ, prophets, and others. So magnificent!
Mural of “The Sons of Mosiah” Preaching to the Lamanites
A BIT OF MTC TRIVIA
The MTC was established in the mid-1970’s. My younger brother was one the last Elders to enter the Salt Lake Mission Home. That was September 15, 1978. Today, the MTC trains over 20,000 missionaries each year. And the missionaries are trained in 60 different languages of the world and there are a dozen or more regional MTC facilities located through the world.
I am so old that my “young missionary training (1973) actually precedes the MTC experience. My wife and I actually reported for missionary training and duty at the old Salt Lake City “Mission Home”. Wow! That is really old! This Mission Home was housed in an old school located across the street from 29-story skyscraper of the Church office building. That is an interesting scenario that warrants a study by interested historians. Good stuff. As I was compiling my 20-volume autobiography a couple of years ago, I researched the old Mission Home and included it in one of the volumes. Here is a link for avid historians.
One of my favorite experiences of the MTC was feeling the reverence and awe of the Gospel being taken – with all of these magnificent missionaries – to all countries of the world.
There is a rotunda of flags of the nations to which the Gospel is being taken. They line the sidewalks all around the training buildings. It is so exciting to see these flags. They are rotated daily to include more of the national flags. These flags are a testimony of God’s work spreading over all of the world. Just being here at the MTC is a testimony of God’s work and the truthfulness of the Restoration of the Gospel – wherein God and Christ called Joseph Smith to be their modern prophet and the person through whom their Church was restored for our day.
International Flags at Mission Training Center
In a prior day, I wrote a hymn that expresses my feelings about these flags of the world nations. This is what I wrote:
I look forward to sharing this Gospel and The Restoration with the many visitors who come to experience Nauvoo with us. This should be a grand adventure.
The words of “MAGNIFICENT”, “TOTALLY AWESOME!”, “GRANDEUR AND MAJESTY” and “FULL OF THE SPIRIT” definitely describe our wonderful MTC experience. Ready now for action in Nauvoo.
We take off from the MTC April 10th– though I am “sicker than a dog” at the moment. We go forward in faith! Nauvoo bound! Pray for our safety!
Elder Kevin and Sister Lou Hunt
Nauvoo, Historic Nauvoo, Senior Mission Couple, Historic Sites, Missionary, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintS
On the Nauvoo Trail 