Entry 13 – Come, Come Ye Saints. Council Bluffs, Iowa & Winter Quarters, Omaha, Nebraska. 17th April, 2007.

Council Bluffs and Winter Quarters were our last official stop on our trip. Realising this, we really wanted to savour the last of it for as long as we could. This area was the area I had the least knowledge about. So it came as a surprise to me that Winter Quarters was not just one small area where the saints found refuge over the winter months. But it spanned from the west side of the Missouri River (Winter Quarters) to the east side of the river (Kanesville – or known to day as Council Bluffs), with the bulk of the pioneers concentrated around Kanesville. In fact there were literally 100’s of settlements dotting the countryside.

The Winter Quarter's Settlement. The aspect would be taken from about where the Winter Quarter's Temple stands today.

In the 1840’s everything up to the Missouri River on the east side was American territory, and everything west of the river was Indian Territory – this was literally the frontier! The Indians liked the Mormon’s, so they were able to forge an agreement with them to set up camp on the west side for a period of 3 years. Because of the temporary nature of this agreement the bulk of the pioneers were actually located on the American side in Kanesville and not in Winter Quarters.

It always amazes me how industrious these pioneer’s were. Despite the huge amount of persecution that had been heaped on them, they were able to organise themselves such that there were small houses, farms and businesses established. As each group of pioneers came through they would take these over from the previous group and continue to build, farm and trade until they moved on and the next group arrived.

Arriving at the Kanesville Tabernacle in Council Bluffs.

So the first place we visited was the Kanesville Tabernacle in Council Bluffs. Wayne found this to be a particularly interesting place. It was built by the pioneer’s, under the guidance of Brigham Young. It was here, also, that he was first sustained as the second Prophet of this dispensation. And it was here that he worked with Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards ( his counsellors) on the plan to immigrate to the land of promise.

The children join Brigham and his counsellors in consultation on which would be the best way to go.

Ashleigh is invited to play 'Choose The Right' on the original 1890's organ within the Kanesville Tabernacle

It really hits home just how entrenched the LDS church is within the history of this country. As we drove from Council Bluffs, over the Missouri River, the bridge we took was named ‘The Mormon Bridge’. It was actually built by the Church originally, but later sold back to Iowa and Nebraska for the high sum of $1. This sale benefited the Church down the track when they were looking for land to build the Winter Quarter’s Temple. The State of Nebraska sold a tract of land to the Church (which is right across the road from the Winter Quarter’s Visitor Centre, and which sits next to the Pioneer Cemetery) for the sum of $1.

The 'Mormon Bridge' that crosses the Missouri River and joins Council Bluffs, Iowa with Winter Quarter's, Nebraska.

The Winter Quarter’s Visitor’s Centre was the perfect place to end our Church History tour. The Missionary’s there were wonderful, and even though we arrived there fairly late, they gave us a great run-down of all that occurred in this area. They even had us dress up for the occasion. We were very sad to leave.

The tour could not go on until we were properly dressed for the occasion.

Sister Dahl, the missionary sister who gave us a guided tour of the Winter Quarter's Visitor's Centre. As a thankyou we gave her our last block of Cadbury's Triple-deck chocolate.

This brings us to the end of our big adventure. It was a solemn drive back across Iowa and Illinois to Chicago and a flight or two home. We have learnt so much that we can take back with us and build on for the rest of our lives. We have gained a stronger testimony of the work that has gone on before us and find strength to continue that work. We are so very grateful for the sacrifices that were made by these sacred people, and acknowledge the blessings that have come to us in these latter-day’s because of them. This is our testimony, that their struggles and efforts were not in vain, that they laid the foundation for the Lord’s work to go forth with courage, love and faith. The truth has been established on this earth through a living Prophet and it continues to go forth today through the authority of the Lord’s Priesthood. That the Lord directs this work through a living Prophet and we are blessed to be a part of it.

Entry 12 – Like a Fire is Burning – Far West, Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri. 16th - 17th April, 2007.

We approached Far West early in the evening of Monday the 16th April. The drive was beautiful. Despite the ill feelings I have towards the state of Missouri, I am inclined to think what a beautiful place it is. The soil is dark, rich and fertile, and the landscape is undulating with small patches of trees here and there. I can see why Joseph Smith loved it so much. Far West seems to be in the middle of all this beauty. I am so sad that the saints didn’t get to build the Temple here. It is so picturesque.

The monument at Far West.

We had just enough time to wander around and view the four corner stones that were laid for the Temple before the sun began to set. Each cornerstone represented an office of the priesthood. The sun seemed to set forever, it was a joy to watch. Two other local families, who were enjoying a FHE together at this historic site, joined us. It was very pleasant standing around talking with them about the Church in the area now, and watching the sunset in the distance. It is hard to believe that this place was such a source of pain and suffering for the saints.

One of the cornerstones of the Far West Temple.

This one represents the Lesser Priesthood

Adam-ondi-Ahman stole my heart straight away. It would have to be my favourite place of all the places we visited. I imagined it as a small hill in the middle of nowhere, but to my surprise it was a large tract of land that covered many hills and valleys. To get to all the main areas of it we had to drive. I loved it. We first spent some time on Tower Hill. Wayne and the children went for a bit of a walk and I tried to record some of the bird sounds that surrounded me. If I closed my eyes I could imagine being surrounded by a beautiful garden and oodles of wildlife.

I had to include this picture. It is our Australian link to Adam-ondi-ahman. This road runs through the middle of Spring Hill.

At Spring Hill we spent some time chatting to one of the missionary’s who was responsible for the upkeep of the roads and fences. I could tell that Wayne was envious of him and the work that he did. He would have loved to be doing that kind of missionary service.

Some background information on the area. When we arrived here, we discovered that we could have done a lot more research into Adam-ondi-ahman. Bruce R. McKonkie in his book 'The Millennial Messiah' talks about it (see pages 578-588. Also, D&C 116 has some information on it - especially if you follow the cross-referencing.

The path leading to the Valley of Adam-ondi-ahman.

We then drove down to view the Adam-ondi-Ahman Valley and marvelled at the area that it covered. The Church leases out the land to local farmers, so it was meticulously ploughed, ready for the planting of the spring crop. It was a beautiful and peaceful place.

Wayne checking out the valley - possibly trying to determine what they were growing down there.

The family having a bit of fun.

Wayne and Dallan having a bit of fun.

Entry 11 - Is this a place of Liberty? – Liberty Jail, Missouri. 17th April, 2007

These two paintings hang in the Liberty Jail Visitor's Centre. They highlight the tragic events, on both sides of the wall, that occurred during the time that the Prophet was in Liberty Jail. Emma and children suffering expulsion from Missouri and Joseph suffering cold, illness and iscolation in the jail.

In contrast to my experience in Independence, Liberty was everything I expected. Of all the periods of Church history, this was a place I could visualise the most. It is hard to comprehend what the Prophet and others experienced during their time in Liberty, but I can certainly appreciate it. I expected the worst and was not surprised by what we heard. It must have been the worst of times, because not only were he and four other men suffering in deprivation but the saints, including his own family, were being viciously removed from their homes and forced, in the dead of winter, to leave yet again.

The upstairs room of Liberty Jail.

A view of the lower storey of the jail where the prisoners where held. Only one of the six men could stand up straight. It had only two very small window openings for light and fresh air and a trapdoor and a rope in the roof to get in and out with.

However, through adversity comes blessings and enlightenment. During these trials the Prophet was able to receive some of the most comforting revelations we have in the Doctrine and Covenants. I am grateful for that. I am also grateful that he survived this time and was able to go on to accomplish some of the greatest outcomes of his calling.

The jail is reconstructed, with much of the original brick-work, within the visitor's centre in order to preserve it from the harsh weather.

Entry 10 - Come to Zion – Independence, Missouri. 16th – 17th April, 2007.

This would have to have been the most eye opening time in the trip for me. I really was not prepared for what we experienced here. We arrived late in the afternoon on the Sunday, so once we located the Visitors Centre we determined to come back early the next morning to begin our exploration of the area. I really did not imagine this area accurately. I thought the Temple lot would be in the heart of a flat area within a small town. But we found it difficult to locate when we entered the outskirts of Independence because of the vastness of suburbia. In fact if it had not been for the ‘Community of Christ’s’ temple spire, we would not have located it so readily.

The LDS Church Visitor's Centre. Just southeast of the designated Temple lot. When I questioned the missionary's about where the Temple will be built exactly they explained that the Prophet revealed that there will be as many as 24 Temples built on the original 166 acres of land. So the designated Temple lot is only a small portion of the land that is to house the Temples.

In the morning we set out early so that we could do the walking tour around various LDS sites near to the Temple lot. As we walked around we were amazed at the number of Churches located within 2-3 blocks of the Temple lot. Not just Churches linked to ours, but other’s – ie. Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Mason’s and other’s I have never heard of. Then there were about 4 other breakaway Churches from the LDS. The Community of Christ Church (RLDS) certainly had the largest representation in the area, with their spiralling Temple dominating the landscape for miles around. As we learnt earlier, this is their headquarters. So I assume that the bulk of their money would be invested in their buildings here. I couldn’t help musing that maybe all the different Churches were there just in case this was the place that the Lord first visits when he comes again.

We chose to do guided tours with the other two main LDS breakaways first. The Community of Christ Temple was impressive to say the least. But in terms of a Temple, it was hard to visualise it as that. I guess my idea of a Temple is a place where sacred ordinances are performed. This place was more like a Tabernacle or a Conference Centre. Which is how it was explained to us. They had just had their General Conference there some two weeks ago, where they had ‘delegates’ come from all over the world to participate. It was broadcast to their 250,000 members worldwide. I saw no evidence of sacred ordinances performed there. We enjoyed the tour and appreciated the education on where their Church was heading, but found little resemblance to anything that the Prophet restored in 1830. In fact my impression was that they were a pulling away from doctrinal issues and embracing of more the broad idea of the brotherhood of man through peace and harmony. However, they do have similarities in that they have a prophet and Apostles, but the similarity ends there. Their recent name change, and focus, has also caused a split within their ranks and the splinter group now refer to themselves as 'The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'.

The Community of Christ Temple (formerly RLDS). Located east of the designated Temple lot. Independence is the worldwide headquarters of their church. They have a membership worldwide of around 250,000.

Looking up from inside the auditorium of the temple. It was impressive to say the least, but felt more like a Conference Centre than a temple.

The second tour we did was more like a one on one discussion with the Church of Christ – The Temple Lot. Also known as the Hedrakites. It was a most interesting discussion we had with the gentleman there, but we came away wondering why they would accept some of the revelations given by Joseph Smith, but not all of them. There were many questions that came to mind as their beliefs were being explained to us. But it was clear that it would have been pointless to go down those avenues. In contrast to the Community of Christ their emphasis is purely on the doctrine and the preservation of it. They seem to be fanatical in emphasising this, but unwilling to accept certain revelations from the Prophet after a certain period of time. Not sure why though. They also reject any notion of modern day prophets since the time of Joseph. Again, not sure why they would then accept Joseph as a prophet but none others after him.

The Church of Christ Temple Lot ( commonly known as the Hederakites) building. Located on the designated Temple lot. They own this lot and believe that this is the exact spot that the Temple will be built. They have a very small membership, mostly within the Independence area - none in Australia.

The minute we entered the LDS Visitors Centre we felt a completely different spirit. In fact that is what really differentiated their presentations from ours. The focus was on the influence of the spirit and it was immediately pointed out to us that we were to seek that influence as we went through the tour. I love that we have that opportunity to immediately identify, by the spirit, what is truth and what is not.

Again Independence became a centre for persecution of the Saints. This is the site where the original Gilbert and Whitney store stood. It was here that mobs threw goods into the street and broke down doors and windows on two separate occassions.

Independence was a place for me where I came to understand more the conflicts that occurred at that time and I have also come to appreciate why so many break-off groups had developed after this period of time. I am also grateful for the testimony I have of a Prophet who endured so much and was still able to lead his people through trial and hardship.

Entry 9 - The Story of a River and a Boy – Hannibal, Missouri. 15th April, 2007.

On our drive from Nauvoo to Independence we made a lunch stop at Hannibal, Missouri. This was where Tom Sawyer was born and raised, and was the inspiration for his books ‘Huckelberry Finn’ and ‘Mark Twain’. It was quaint and enjoyable and a much needed change from our usual routine.

The house were Tom Sawyer was born

I even found the most wonderful quilt store there and, even though it was Sunday, I succumbed to buying some lovely fabric that will go well for some projects I plan to get into when I get home. I think I have been inspired by some of the beautiful quilts that have been on display in the different areas we have been visiting.

Wayne and the girls lark around in Hannibal

Entry 8 - Nauvoo ‘The Beautiful’ – Nauvoo, Illinois. 13th –15th April, 2007.

In contrast to Carthage, Nauvoo was beautiful. As we drove along the Mississippi River and then into the green expanse of the Nauvoo area, we were impressed by the cleanliness of it. Each house that has been restored so meticulously was so picturesque with their fences and yards so beautifully maintained. I really felt that this place must have been a haven for the weary saints who had endured so much up to that point. It must have been a real time of renewal for them. The statue of Joseph and Hyrum on their horses as they gazed at the Temple before riding to their deaths at Carthage stated that the Prophets last comment was how beautiful the city was, but oh how the saints are yet to suffer. I guess it was a bit of an oasis in the middle of a huge desert for them. A refuge from what they had endured so far, and then a kick off for what was yet to come.

Nauvoo the beautiful

The Statue of Joseph and Hyrum as they left Nauvoo for the last time.

This records the Prophets words as he and Hyram rode to their deaths in Carthage.

We tried to fit everything into the 2½ days we were there. I am sure there was more for us to do and see, but I really feel we got good value for the time we were there. It was really fun to go into all the different stores, homes and halls and hear about the experiences of each of those who dwelt there.
Everywhere we went we discovered stories of courage and faith. These people were industrious and hardworking. They were intelligent and creative. They were faithful and righteous. But they were set among a community of people who had no understanding of these things. They were on the frontier among people who knew no law and had no understanding of industry and faith. Join this with the few of their ranks who were not pure in heart and sought for there own gain, and the recipe was one of disaster. The opposition came not only from without their numbers, but also from within. What a tragedy that occurred here! I wonder what would have happened in this county if things had been different.

The small fire to the right is known as a bussel oven. From outside the brickwork extends beyond the wall of the building like a bubble in the wall. This was to keep the heat out of the house when cooking. The missionary's bake traditional bread in this oven every day so that we can experience what it would have been like baked in this kind of oven. It was delicious. The wooden box with the lid was used to keep the dough warm for rising - known as a rising box.

Quaint little bakery in Nauvoo. Each house and store had its own story to tell about the people who lived and worked there. Missionary couples dress in traditional costume and relate the stories of those who lived in Nauvoo - be they tragic or triumphant.




This is Sarah Granger Kimball's house. This is where the sisters would come together and work together to take care of the needs of the poor, sick and needy. This was the very beginnings of the Relief Society. It was later organised in the upstairs room of the Red Brick Store owned by Joseph Smith.




The Red Brick Store - owned and run by Joseph and Emma



The upstairs room of the Red Brick Store. This is the room where the Relief Society Organisation came to be.

The Smith home in Nauvoo

The graves of Joseph, Emma and Hyrum Smith - located behind the Smith home.

The Brigham Young home in Nauvoo.

As we drove through the county I observed on the map that there really is no significant town or centre within it. The towns are all small, and there doesn’t seem to be any kind of prosperity or industry within it. The only bright point of the county is Old Nauvoo, the rest is run-down, dull and grey. Is this the result of the opposition and persecution that was heaped upon the saints so many years ago? What would they have gained had they accepted these people and rejoiced in their goodness and faith?

The Nauvoo Temple by day......

...and by night.

While here the girls were able to do some baptisms and Wayne and I did a Temple session together. We were able to catch up with the Mearns’, who were on their last day of their Temple Mission in Nauvoo. They were most excited to see us and took the time to give us a tour of the Temple. Something we would not normally be able to do. It was a real thrill for us to see some places in the Temple that we would not have been able to see without them being there. One of the frames on the wall contained original temple clothing from the 1840’s (Mary Fielding Smith’s) and one holding the original Nauvoo Temple Key. Pity we couldn’t capture them on film. The view from the sealing room window on the top floor was breathtaking. There is also a room on the lower floor, as you enter the Temple that is almost identical to the lower room in the Kirtland Temple. Complete with Aaronic Priesthood and Melchizedek Priesthood seating either end. It is used for Solemn Assemblies and other meetings.

All the windows in the Nauvoo Temple have clear glass with curtains. So you can see the outside world from them wherever you are in it.