18 - Monday, August 18, 2025 -- Peaceful Pastures and Magnificent Meadows

 

A spiral staircase of poured concrete sits in the southwest corner of the temple looping from the basement to the fifth floor.  The first temple had similar stairs made of wood in three of the four corners of the temple.

When the baptistry patrons are finished and if they have never been to the Nauvoo Temple, we always have them stop and look up to the circular staircase, and of course, they do so with awe and wonder.  It is amazing to think about the pioneer builders being able to construct these with the limited tools they had. 

This week as Sharon escorted a group of patrons who had completed their baptisms, they stopped to look at the staircase.  For two members of the group this is their temple, but they had brought family from the west for their first time.  Of course, the visitors were impressed.  Then one of the sisters from Missouri commented, "We brought a Latino sister from our ward to receive her endowment, and when she was finished she looked down at the stairs from the third floor and said, 'Hmm, they look just like they did in the dreams I had over and over as a child.'"

* * * * *

This week we decided to find a new city for our weekly shopping, so we went to Burlington IA.  It's a larger city than Keokuk and has a Kohl's and a Marshalls, but neither yielded any 'fruit.'  We did our shopping at the same two stores as usual--Aldi and Walmart.  But they were bigger and nicer stores--and different.  We found a nice place to eat--Pancheros, a Mexican Grill.  It was great--the best place we're eaten so far!  

And we drove down Snake Alley, a steep, winding road akin to Lombard Street in San Francisco--although not quite as long or as famous.

Snake Alley - Look closely to see the hairpin turns.

As mentioned before, Nauvoo is a very sacred city.  It is also very quiet and peaceful.  Sometimes we are very surprised to see hundreds of people show up at a program when we have not heard or seen them around.  Part of the reason the city seems so peaceful is all the greenspace throughout. Following the original Nauvoo layout, houses are not so close together.  So this week we are just sharing photos of some of these 'peaceful pastures.'

	This one is a sample of prairie grass as it was  in Nauvoo.

Enjoy a peaceful week.

17 - Monday, August 11, 2025 -- Historic Homes

 

These pilasters, ornamented with carved moonstones at the base and the sun and trumpets on the capitals, stand as dramatic columns around the temple.  These features are more than decorations; they symbolize the signs in the heavens.  Joseph Smith saw them in a vision and taught that these symbols indicated the nature of the glorious blessings performed within the temple's walls. "God has made certain decrees which are fixed and immovable; for instance God set the sun, the moon, and the stars in the heavens, and gave them their laws, conditions and bounds, which they cannot pass except by His commandments; they all move in perfect harmony in their sphere and order, and are as lights and wonders, and signs to us." 

"It is intended that this temple on earth reproduce a temple plan or model which exists in heaven. So this implies two things. First, that the temple on earth actually reflect the heavenly sphere in its architecture, namely the presence of the heavenly bodies--stars, sun, moon," explains Dr. John Lundquist. "These are reflected as symbols in the actual architecture of the temple to underlie that this is a meeting place of heaven and earth. Second, all of the great temple building traditions have had the idea of astronomy, namely that the temple has always been like an observatory." 
(Sacred Stone--The Temple at Nauvoo)

* * * * *

This week will be a posting of some of the historic homes and properties in Nauvoo that do not offer public tours.  Most of the homes are used for housing for historic site missionaries. Included are a few highlights of their life and/or time in Nauvoo. 

Chauncey Webb Home Baptized in Kirtland, OH in 1834.  With his brother they were blacksmiths in Nauvoo. Member of Quorum of Seventy. With his brother did much to assist the Saints as they prepared to journey west.  Later a member of the 1856 rescue company for the handcart pioneers.	Hiram and Thankful Clark Home He was born in VT, baptized in 1835, moved to Nauvoo in 1839. Ordained a Seventy, served mission to England, was first lieutenant in Nauvoo Legion, elected steward of Nauvoo Masonic Lodge, ordained High Priest, served a second mission to England.
Jacob Weiler Home Arrived in Nauvoo in 1840. Contractor, worked on the Nauvoo Temple, member of Brigham Young vanguard company arriving in Utah in July 1847, served as bishop for almost 40 years and then as patriarch.	Joseph Coolidge Home Carpenter, miller, merchant.  Born in Maine, baptized in 1838, moved to Far West, than Nauvoo, member of Nauvoo Legion, Council of Fifty, appointed administrator of Joseph Smith estate in 1844.
Newel K. Whitney Home Born in VT, successful merchant in Kirtland. Early convert in Nauvoo, bishop, city alderman, Council of Fifty, "Faithful friend" of Joseph Smith. After death of Joseph, appointed trustee-in-trust for Church and later the first Presiding Bishop.	Sidney and Phoebe Rigdon Home      In Nauvoo Sidney played a prominent role in the Church, acting as Church spokesman, took part in the groundbreaking of the Nauvoo Temple. A fiery orator, served as scribe for Joseph Smith. Served in Liberty Jail with Joseph. However, in Nauvoo Rigdon's relationship with Joseph began to deteriorate.
Simeon Dunn Home After his baptism in 1839, the next year  he left on foot from Michigan for Nauvoo and met the prophet. Still walking he returned and got his family. Purchased land from Joseph Smith and built his home. Home has been restored.	Vinson Knight Home Born in New Hampshire, baptized in 1834. Served as counselor in Kirtland, bishop in Adam-ondi-Ahman and Nauvoo--until his sudden death at age 38. First brick home in Nauvoo. Served on Nauvoo City Council, guard in Nauvoo Legion, member of Masonic Lodge.
William Field Home Born in England. He heard the gospel in 1840 when it was preached to the United Brethren. Was baptized at night because of persecutions. Did not have easy life. Lived in the cabin with 7 people. He and two oldest daughters died within days of each other.	Winslow Farr Home Born in New Hampshire. He and wife baptized in 1832, moved to Kirtland, then MO, then Nauvoo. Their daughter, Diantha, married William Clayton. He left with Brigham Young to the Rocky Mountains.  She stayed in Nauvoo to give birth. When William heard that she and the baby were well, he penned the hymn, "Come, Come Ye Saints."
David and Mary Ann Yearsley Home From PA, joined the Church in 1841.  Well off financially and was known for charitable contributions to church and members.  One of few three-story homes. Is currently a national historic landmark.	Nauvoo Brickyard Representation of the seven brickyards in Nauvoo.  Currently not open to the public, but we are told they use this for the making of the souvenir Nauvoo bricks, which have recently been changed.  They now have the Nauvoo Temple on them.
Nathaniel Ashby and Erastus Snow Home Nathaniel Ashby was born in MA, was baptized in 1842, at age 36. After he was baptized he sent money to Erastus Snow in Nauvoo to build a house. In Nauvoo by 1843, he was a shoemaker, was ordained a Seventy, called as missionary for Joseph Smith's presidential campaign. Died after leaving Nauvoo in Iowa in 1846.  Erastus Snow was born in VT. When 14 missionaries taught his family the gospel.  Several members were baptized. He developed a great love for the gospel and doctrines. He was a missionary to many parts of the US and Europe. Organized and led various groups to the Great Basin. In Salt Lake he was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve.	Hosea Stout Property Farmer, teacher, carpenter, sawmill operator, lawyer. Baptized by Charles C. Rich, 1838. Nauvoo Historical Committee Clerk, Nauvoo Legion, Seventy, elected trustee for Nauvoo Mechanical and Mercantile Association and as their general secretary.
John Taylor Property Born in England, moved to Canada. Met and heard the gospel from Parley P. Pratt in Canada in 1836, Ordained an apostle in 1838. In Nauvoo served as city councilman, chaplain, colonel, newspaper editor, and judge advocate for Nauvoo Legion. He was in Carthage Jail when Joseph was martyred. Served as third president of the Church.	Porter Rockwell Property Childhood friend of Joseph Smith, later his bodyguard, always a close associate. Among first to welcome Joseph to Illinois. Kept his hair long because of a promise made to him by Joseph. Served in Nauvoo Legion and as a US Marshall.  He helped guide the saints to Winter Quarters and to the Salt Lake Valley.

Daniel Butler Property Born in MA, baptized in 1842, moved to Nauvoo in 1843. A merchant, ropemaker, and cobbler,  Rented a room from Joseph Smith in the Red Brick Store with Phillip Lewis. Member of Nauvoo Legion.  When his wife died, he returned to MA. Was excommunicated in 1845.

Samuel Williams Home Born in MA.  Was baptized in 1839.  Moved to MO for a short time and then to Nauvoo.  There he was a stonecutter for the Nauvoo Temple and later for the Salt Lake Temple.

Friday evening the temple missionaries were invited to the monthly welcome/goodbye dinner hosted by the historic site missionaries.  This month it was luau.  Of course it is pot luck, but well organized.  Where there are senior missionaries there is no shortage of delicious food.  Young Pacific Islander sisters taught the young sisters and senior sisters some island dances and some had ukuleles and played familiar island songs.  It was a bit nostalgic for Sharon.  (They asked that no one post pictures of the dancing sisters.)

The stake center cultural hall was filled!  We learned there are 20 couples of historic site missionaries, 20 couples who are teamsters, 74 young single sister missionaries, 5 sisters who serve in the sewing center (some have husbands), several family history missionaries, the historic site presidency, several other assigned couples, and then the 33 temple missionary couples -- all makes for a LARGE and very delightful gathering.  

16 - Monday, August 4, 2025 -- Pioneer Pastimes and Professions

 

The baptistry. The font rests on the backs of twelve oxen, symbols of the twelve tribes of Israel. It is a close replica of the font in the original Nauvoo Temple. 

Following the savior's example of selfless service, we perform baptisms in the temple in behalf of our ancestors who died without having the opportunity to embrace the Savior's gospel. The Apostle Paul referred to this important redemptive work for the dead when he asked, "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"

Deceased individuals for whom baptisms are performed have the freedom in the hereafter to choose whether to accept this ordinance, just as we have that same choice during our mortal lifetime. 
(Nauvoo Illinois Temple brochure)

* * * * *

What a lovely week -- inside and out.  It's always lovely inside the temple.  The beginning of the week we had some mighty hot days.  In fact, Brother Munns, a teamster missionary, told us they didn't even bring the horses out because it was so hot.  Then it dropped in the 70's for the rest of the week.  Some beautiful mornings and evenings to walk and be outside.  The temperature will creep up to 90 degrees again by the end of the week before it goes down again with rain.  Is it possible we've passed the really hot stuff?

This week we learned about the pioneer pastimes, which were really necessities for living:

Brick mold and samples of bricks.  What a process!  Gather the clay, mix and knead it with 

water, put in mold, remove and set brick to dry.  Turn it each day to a new side (6 sides= 6 days). then it must be fired for a day, and then cured for 28 days before using.  A good brickmaker could produce 3,000 bricks in a day.  Wow!

Pottery station.  Heber C. Kimball was a potter.

Showing the potter's wheel driven by the feet.

Rope making.  Start with 6 strands of twine. . .

Turn the wheel and the strands wind together. .

And voila-- we made a 12 foot rope!

The Cooper station where we then learned about barrel making. . .

. . .and actually put together a small barrel.  There's still many steps to go before it is a barrel.

A great display of pioneer tools.

We did not actually pack the wagon, but at the left is the Bill of Particulars--the list of items that each family should take in their wagon(s) for their journey west.

The bread making kitchen--with which we are very familiar.

But this was cool.  It is a "proofing" box--a place for the bread to rise and be protected from insects (and probably fingers).

Handmade brooms.

The weaving station.	The sister missionaries can weave a table runner while serving here.	Samples of weaving.
A rag rug being hand woven.	When finished this triangular woven piece. . .	. . .will become this woolen jacket.

Candle making.  It takes many, many dips to get this thickness.  They are dipped and hung to dry with rocks tied to the bottom for weight which keeps them straight.

A decorative tin container in which to store candles--away from insects and mice because they used beef tallow to make the candles.

Courting Candle It has a small lever that will adjust the length of the candle's burning time--depending how long one wants their daughter to talk with her beau.

The process of spinning

One more vignette, Go Ye Into All the World

Another fabulous presentation about missionary work from early church history.  These young preforming missionaries are amazing!  And they leave tomorrow.  The fall cast has arrived and will be continuing the presentations. . .

Final scene of the final Nauvoo Pageant for 2025

. . .except the big Nauvoo and British pageants ended this week.  

One day on our way back to Nauvoo from grocery shopping we stopped to see this large turbine at the side of the road.  It was part of the large dam nearby that was built in 1913 to harness the Mississippi River. Here are some facts:

Installed in 1913, replaced in 2021

Weight: 180,000 lbs. (90 tons)

Height: 11'4", Diameter: 17'4"

Power: 9MW (12,000 HP)

Water Flow: 30,000 gallons per second