Nauvoo Week 17 (4 - 10 April 2016)

Nauvoo Week 17 (4 – 10 April 2016)

This was another fantastic week in Nauvoo!  Monday, was a good day to relax and prepare for the rest of the week.  On Tuesday, six Temple couples went a tour with Dr./Brother Craig Dunn from Nauvoo to Carthage on “The Martyrdom Trail.”  Actually, the tour described the final 21 days on the Prophet’s life, the “Road to Carthage” and several interesting stops along the way.  All in all, it was a very enlightening tour highlighting the accusations/trials/outcome of the judicial process.  It (the martyrdom) was finally brought about by charges of Joseph and Hyrum “Inciting a riot” on three separate occasions (not only double jeopardy, but triple)!  Initially, they attempted to charge them with breaking “Freedom of the Press” charges – this was later removed.

A few more facts about Joseph.  In 1844, Joseph had the several responsibilities: 1) President of the Church (26,000 members on two continents) 2) Lieutenant General of the Nauvoo Legion (Militia - 3,500 strong) - most other states had approximately 200 members in their state’s Militia - the Federal Government provided 200 guns to each state and three cannons (same with Illinois) the remainder of the Nauvoo Legion used wooden guns for ceremonial parades, etc. 3) Mayor of Nauvoo and 4) Candidate for President of the United States.

Sworn Enemies of the Prophet: 1) William Law (former counselor in the First Presidency) later excommunicated from the Church, his hatred was driven strictly by religious beliefs 2) Robert F. Smith (Head of the Carthage Greys and Assistant Judge), his hatred was driven by political beliefs-Mormons controlled key positions and 3) Thomas Sharp (Editor of the Warsaw Signal), his hatred was driven by economic impact on nearby Warsaw.  There were many others, too numerous to mention here.

Perhaps, the event that affected me most was when Joseph and Hyrum had been rowed across the Mississippi to Iowa allowing the threats to perhaps come down from a fevered pitch to something manageable.  At this point, Emma (convinced that Governor Ford would do what was right) writes a letter to Joseph stating that some of the brethren have “accused him of being a coward and the first to run in the time of trouble.”  Upon reading this Joseph says, “If my life is of no value to my friends, it is none to myself.”  He returns to Nauvoo on Sunday, June 23^rd and spends the evening with his family (knowing his final outcome).  Monday morning (June 24^th) he speaks again to the citizens and begins his ride to Carthage (18 miles).  IT IS SAID THAT JOSEPH WENT TO CARTHAGE TO SAVE NAUVOO AND TO BUY BRIGHAM TIME TO FINISH THE TEMPLE.  They rode, along with several others to the Albert Fellow’s Farm (about 4 miles from Carthage) where they met Captain Dunn (head of Militia from Augusta) who had a letter from Governor Ford that the citizens of Nauvoo were to surrender all their arms (Militia of 3,500). 

At this time Joseph stated, “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter, but I am calm as a summers morning.  I have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward all men.  If they take my life I shall die an innocent man, and my blood shall cry from the ground for vengeance, and it shall be said of me, he was murdered in cold blood.”  Joseph then returned with Captain Dunn to Nauvoo (14 miles) to ensure the citizens surrendered all of their weapons.  They then set out for Carthage again and arrived in Carthage (18 miles) just before midnight – 46 miles one day on a horse, ouch!

  As they rode into town past the courtyard and then on to the Hamilton Hotel many of the Carthage Greys were cursing and swearing saying, “Stand away, you McDonough boys, and let us shoot the da__ed Mormons.  G_d_you, old Joe, we’ve got you now.  Clear the way and let us have a view of Joe Smith, the Prophet of God.  He has seen the last of Nauvoo.  We’ll use him up now, and kill all the da__ed Mormons.”  Not a very heart touching welcome.  Well, more could be said, you all know the story, two days later a mob, with painted faces (which included many high profile city, county, national level citizens, leaders and politicians) charged the jail, overpowering the few guards (who by the way had blanks loaded in their guns) and killed both Joseph and Hyrum.  It is recommended that you read Dallin H. Oaks book “Carthage Conspiracy,” his findings suggest it was a political assassination. 

Wednesday, was a fantastic day in the Temple.  On Thursday, another great day (both shifts) in the Temple.  Also, another lecture by Sister Susan Easton Black Durrant on “Famous Ladder-day Saint Women.”  She asked how women in the Church become famous?  Stated the 7 main reasons that drive this familiarity: 1) Wife of Famous Husband 2) Mother of Famous Son 3) Daughter of Famous Father 4) General Church Calling (RS, YW Primary) 5) “For Such a Time as This - One Time Event 6) First to accomplish something great or 7) Talents.

Friday, Tom had the privilege to perform a live Sealing for a couple that had been married civilly 8 years ago.  Later, that day we went to Quincy to exchange Sharon’s hair coloring and to eat at Texas Roadhouse.

Saturday, Tom had a great experience in another Sealing session.  There he met the Grandparents, Parents and Sister of one of our Marshallese Missionaries (Elder Justin Horan).  It was great to meet them and to reminisce about Justin and the time spent in the Marshall Islands.  They were a great family; grandparents are Nauvoo site missionaries, so we will see them around.

Sunday, we attended Church in Mount Pleasant and lead the singing in Primary singing time.  Later that day, we hosted the “Break the Fast” dinner for 3 other Temple Missionary couples (President/Sister Hansen, Elder/Sister Baker and Elder/Sister Hendricks). 

It was a great time to spend together and to become a little more acquainted.

Sunday, was also our 42^nd Anniversary.  We have been blessed beyond words, with beautiful children and grandchildren.  We are in awe the way they are being blessed by their obedience to our Father in Heaven’s commandments.  We love each of you, we are so grateful for loving parents and other ancestors who paid the price for us to enjoy all that we have today.  We pray the Lord’s blessings to be with each of them and pray that we may always bring honor to their names and history.  Thanks for your constant support, encouragement and love…it means the world to us.

Love,

Mom & Dad/Nana & Papa/Elder & Sister Shaw

Nauvoo Week 16 (28 March - 3 April 2016)

Nauvoo Week 16 (28 March – 3 April 2016)

On Monday, we had a home evening with the community and the site missionaries.  The site missionaries served hot dogs, chips, and kettle corn.  They have an area on the Nauvoo property that has prairie grass that grows quite tall (5’ – 6’).  The sign posted by this property says that about 1/5 of the entire country was covered with this type of grass.  Every year they burn that field to show the power of the fire and how quickly it spreads.  Of course, the fire department was there to ensure safety.  It did go up quickly (it took about 3 and a half minutes to completely burn) and the heat from it was crazy, we had to move back because it was so hot.  As you can imagine we smelt really good afterwards!  Good thing Tom didn’t have on his suit.  We then went to the Elder & Sister Obrien’s house to watch the General Women’s conference as we had missed it.  They came in January from Dallas, Texas and we had fun talking and getting to know them better.

Tuesday evening we served in the Baptistry which was quite busy.  There were still schools that were out for spring break.  We had some more families and we enjoyed talking with them.  Before we went to the Temple we attended a fireside with Susan Easton Black Durrant.  She is now married to George Durrant.  She was a history professor at BYU.   They come to stay in Nauvoo for a couple of months every year and while they are here she gives lectures.  She talked about Emma Smith.  Emma was 5ft. 9in. and large boned.  Christian women did not ever cut their hair; it was considered their crowning glory. They would put their hair in a bun and only let it down for their husbands.  Emma was a school teacher. On June 18^th 1827 they (Joseph & Emma) eloped and got married; her Father did not approve of Joseph.  Her Father reported that she was abducted so the law was looking for them.  They went to Palmyra where Joseph’s family lived.  Their first three children died within hours of birth.  Alvin and twins, Thaddeus and Louisa.  John & Julia Murdock had twins; Joseph Murdock, who died at eleven due to exposure when the mob took Joseph from his house and Julia Murdock, who died at 49 as a Catholic were given to Joseph and Emma who adopted them.  Then Joseph III was born, later he was asked to be the President of the Reorganized LDS Church.  He was asked four times, on the first three offers he did not accept but fourth time he accepted.  Then Frederick was born who died at age 25, Alexander was then born who later became an Apostle in the Reorganized Church, Don Carlos was born but died at age one, then Thomas was born but died within hours of birth and lastly, Hyrum David, Emma was pregnant with him when Joseph was killed.  Emma had 11 children in all, five grew to adulthood and six did not.  Emma went with Joseph to get the plates; she was the first one to know that he had them.  She was baptized by Oliver Cowdery June 28, 1830.  Under revelation, she chose songs for the first hymn book for the church.  She and Joseph lived with several different families during their early married lives; Joseph’s parents, Isaac Morley, and Newel K. Whitney.  She had a patriarchal blessing given her by her father-in-law, Joseph Smith Sr.  There were no “ifs” in the blessing; it also concluded “You will be saved in Celestial Kingdom, Amen.” 

The extermination order from Governor Boggs came while Joseph was in jail.  She was forced to leave Missouri with her four young children.  She crosses the Mississippi, and lives with Sarah Cleveland who took her in.  That was on October 27, 1838.  Finally, in 1839 she came to the Nauvoo Homestead.  On March 17, 1842 she (an elect Lady) becomes the first Relief Society President.  She chose as her counselors; Sarah Cleveland, Elizabeth Whitney and Eliza R. Snow as Secretary.  At that time women did not teach women in Relief Society.  Joseph, Willard Richards and John Taylor taught them.  The sisters would bring baskets to church and asked others to contribute to give them to the poor.  As we know Emma did not go west.  Later she marries a man by the name of Lewis Bidamon.  Emma owns a lot of property as saints that left Nauvoo put many of their parcels of property in her name to take care of.  They want taxes for the properties and they have no money.  So Lewis goes to California for the gold rush and comes back empty handed.  When she dies she was said to be calling Joseph’s name.  She dies April 30, 1879.  Her lot was very difficult but she stood by Joseph till his death.  She is truly elect lady in my eyes.

On Thursday, we had another lecture of Susan Easton Black Durrant.  She spoke on Joseph Smith’s Ancestry; a man by the name of Reverend John Lothrop, later changed to Lathrop when he arrived in America, who was born in England in 1584 and died in 1653 (USA).  In 1601 he enters Cambridge University and in 1605 graduates.  In 1609 he receives a master’s degree.  Ordained a Deacon in Church of England and assigned to a small Parish.  He was a very popular speaker.  In 1623 he wanted to trace his Priesthood Line of Authority; he had difficulty trying to do so.  Some men have died he can’t find others.  He creates a church called the Independent Church.  Meets others and friends who are espousing doctrine other than what the Church of England teaches because they don’t think the Church has the authority of God; they were rounded up and put in New Gate Prison.  He refuses to sign a document stating that the King of England has all power-politically and spiritually.  His children pleaded with officials to have him released from prison.  He is sent to America.  He brings his Bible which is now in a museum in Barnstable, MA.  He would circle passages that had to do with authority and because of the candle wax it burned places in his Bible.  It turns out that this man is Joseph Smith’s 5^th Great Grandfather.  Also, of course related to Hyrum, Joseph F. Smith, and Joseph Fielding Smith.  A story of interest, Joseph F. Smith was a strapping young man who was the Historian for the church.  One day Brigham Young passed by his desk and asked who he was, he told him he was Hyrum’s son.  He (Brigham) asked if he could give him a blessing and said that it would be from his Father Hyrum.  The blessing included a call to the Apostleship and to be a member in the First Presidency; there was no vacancy at the time.  John Lathrop was also the 5^th Great Grandfather to Oliver Cowdery, Orson and Parley Pratt, Frederick G. Williams, and Wilford Woodruff.  More distant Great Grandfather to Harold B. Lee and Marion G. Romney.  All very prominent men in the church.  Another side note: Asael Smith, Joseph’s Grandfather had had a vision that told him that someone in his family would revolutionize religion.  His father, Joseph Smith Sr., had seven visions before Joseph had his first vision, one of which was very similar to Lehi’s dream of the Tree of Life. 

Later that evening we went to another one of her lectures in the Nauvoo Visitor’s Center.  In this one she talked about the days leading up to the Martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum.  Starting with June 12, 1844 the city sheriff (John P. Green) came to arrest him-the charge that he and Hyrum had caused rioting and destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor (Joseph all in all had received 38 warrants for his arrest in his lifetime).  There was a loop hole where he could have a court held in a location of his choice; he contacted Judge Aaron Johnson of Nauvoo (member of High Council in Nauvoo) - he was found not guilty following 14 hours of deliberation and testimony.  June 13^th again they came to arrest them for the exact same reason-Joseph could choose where he wanted his case to be heard.  Judge Daniel Wells holds a court in Nauvoo that day and they are found not guilty again, following 14 hours of deliberation and testimony.  Later that day Joseph calls young men to come to his home and to bring horses.  June 14^th to the 17^th (Days of Communication) the young men rode away on their horses carrying letters explaining the plight of the Church and its leaders.  Their Fathers who were younger than 45 years of age were called on missions to Carthage to try and change public opinion about Joseph and Hyrum.  One hundred men went to Carthage to try and change public opinion.  The men 45 and older were asked to write letters to government officials pleading for help.  On June 18^th distribution of the letters stopped because of degraded conditions in Nauvoo and the men came back from Carthage.  Later, Joseph dresses in his Nauvoo Legion Lieutenant General’s uniform and calls out the Nauvoo legion and declares the city under martial law.  The enemies establish a “line of aggression” on the east side of Nauvoo.  A “line of defense” is also formed by citizens of Nauvoo.  They said they would not break the line of defense unless members of the 12 Apostles or if someone who had direct word from Governor Ford to ease the situation and brings matters into control approached the line (Joseph had sent word for all of the Apostles who were out on missions to come home).  On June 22nd the “line of defense” was broken when men with white flags representing Governor Ford came to town.  These representatives (posse) of men were sent by Governor Ford with an arrest warrant for Joseph and Hyrum (meanwhile, Governor Ford stayed in the Hamilton Inn in Carthage).  The same charges were filed but it stated that they could only be tried in Carthage.  Joseph was hiding upstairs, when the posse left he and Hyrum, in counsel with other brethren, decide to escape to Iowa.  Joseph and Hyrum are rowed across the Mississippi into Iowa where there was no warrant.  Many saints there in Iowa thought that they should go to Carthage and then come back and head for the Rocky Mountains.  Joseph and Hyrum decide to go to the Rocky Mountains and Orrin Porter Rockwell is to accompany them and then Brigham Young would bring the rest of the Saints.  On June 23^rd Porter goes to Emma and tells her that Joseph is not coming back and she writes a letter to Joseph and asks him to give it to him (he cannot read and so he does not know what it says).  In the letter she tells him that many think that he would look like a coward if he did not go to Carthage.  She encourages him to come back, they had gone through many other trials over things he did not do, this would just be one more and things would be alright.  She had confidence that Governor Boggs would take care of him.  It was at this point that he said “If my life is of no value to my friends, it is of none to me.”  He and Hyrum go back on June 24^th.  Joseph and Hyrum head for Carthage with about 40 friends.  Five miles before Carthage Governor Ford had sent a Military escort. They instructed the Smith’s they were to turn around to go and ensure they could take weapons from the citizens in Nauvoo.  She ended there and will tell the rest next week, but we may not get to go. 

It was Ethan’s Birthday on Tuesday March 28^th.  We are so excited for you and for the opportunity you will have of receiving the Priesthood, Sunday April 10^th.  You are becoming a valiant young man and we love you so much.  We hope you will feel us close to you on that day, and wish that we could be there.

On Saturday, we watched General Conference which was great.  We went into Keokuk in between sessions and stopped to see a barge go through the locks on the Mississippi.  We also picked up a deranged man on the side of the road; the wind was blowing so hard that he could not pedal into it.  He asked if we would take him to a gas station so he could buy a drink.  He had a disability and didn’t really know who he was or where he was going.  He had a scratched note that gave some directions, but they were not clear.  We took him to the gas station, bought him a drink and asked the cashier if she knew where there was a home that had llamas?  She said no, but to try near Camp Nauvoo; she gave us directions there.  We came to Camp Nauvoo but he was not sure where to go; we tried a couple of roads with no success.  Finally we saw a man on a riding lawn mower and stopped to ask him if he knew the gentleman, he said “No” and told us to call the cops and let them find out whom he was and where he lived.  We did so, waited for the cop, unloaded his bike from our trunk and left him in the hands of the officer.  We pray he made it home safely.

Today we watched conference again.  Wow as you know it was Awesome.  The talks about Temple work really meant a lot to us.  So grateful that President Monson was able to speak.  We know that he is a true Prophet of God.  Things are starting to green up here and the trees are blossoming.  We are so happy to be serving here.  We love you all, and we hope you have a wonderful week. 

Love,

Mom & Dad/Nana & Papa/Elder & Sister Shaw

Nauvoo Week 15 (21 - 27 March 2016)

Nauvoo Week 15 (21 – 27 March 2016)

Another fantastic week in Nauvoo!  Time is passing so quickly, it seems like we are writing a new blog every other day.  This week began with all of the Temple Missionary sisters attending a special Reenactment of the organization of the Relief Society in the Red Brick Store that was originally formed on March 17, 1842.  All of the “Site” Missionary sisters had participated in the reenactment on the 17^th, but the Temple sisters were serving in the Temple that day.  All of the sisters and brothers portraying Joseph and other Priesthood leaders were dressed in Nauvoo era dresses and suits.  The event was held in the upper room of the store and Sharon said, was very well portrayed with the formation and sustaining of the first Relief Society Presidency; Emma Smith (an Elect Lady)-President, Sarah Cleveland and Elizabeth Whitney as Counselors and Eliza R Snow as Secretary.  Later in the week we attended a lecture by Susan Easton Black Durrant that stated the Relief Society was the formal organization which grew out of the “Straw Hat Association” which later became known as the Benevolent Society (constitution written by Eliza R. Snow) and later was organized through the Priesthood and revelation as the Church’s Relief Society.  The original Straw Hat Association was formed by the Nauvoo sisters out of their desire to be like other ladies organizations throughout the east that gave/performed service in their respective areas.  During the Nauvoo era the Relief Society was not taught by sisters to the sisters but by Priesthood brethren; Joseph, Willard Richards and John Taylor.

During this sister activity, a few of us men played golf at the local golf course in Hamilton.  Later that evening we traveled to Burlington, IA to see the movie “Miracles from Heaven.”  We are sure many of you have seen it and agree that it had a wonderful message; again showing that God is not dead and that He loves His children.

On Tuesday, we served in the Temple in the evening and then were able to catch the last 25 minutes of Sister Durrant giving a lecture on the Business Associations in Nauvoo (1839-1847).  It is surprising to hear that there were so many businesses/occupations in Nauvoo during this time, of course there were many thousands of people living here by now.  The following numbers of shops/businesses were located in Nauvoo: 4-Architects (including William Weeks of the Temple), 20-Shoe/Boot makers, 11-Hotels, 11-Mills, 4-Quarries, 12-Dentists, 12-Midwives, 12-Doctors (usually by name only; not necessarily fully trained), 12-Drug Stores, 38-Dry Goods & Grocery Stores, 9-Steamboats, 24-Tailors, 4 Ports of call (all but one charged a “Port Tax”) and 0 (ZERO) Banks.  Most all the shopping was done by men because they were considered better “Barterers.”  Payment for goods/services was: preferred, but not likely CASH (remember no Banks), 2^nd Traded Services, 3^rd Traded Products, 4^th Short Credit (purchase, pay later), and lastly 5^th Long Credit (purchase…usually never paid).  By the way, this was how much of the land was purchased in Nauvoo by the Saints.

Wednesday was a normal day in the Temple, serving in the evening and was Scott’s and Jeanne’s Birthday.  We spoke with both of them and wished them a Happy Day and Year.

Thursday, again served in the Temple and also attended another lecture by Sister Durrant on Brigham Young.  In 1847, Brigham was 46 years old, was leader of the Church and leading the saints to the Rocky Mountains.  Of course, on 24 July 1847 Brigham arrives in the Valley of the Great Salt Lake.  On 26 July, Brigham and the Apostles hike to Ensign Peak and plant a Banner, Joe Hills Johnson was there and later penned “High on a Mountain Top.”  On 28 July 1847, Brigham puts his cane in the ground on the Temple Spot and states that here we will build a Temple to our God.  Interestingly, many object to this notion and prophecy saying, “Every time we build a Temple (Kirtland, Far West-cornerstone laid, and Nauvoo), persecution rages and soon we are driven out.”  Brigham stated that time would be different, this Temple will have 6 spires (3 Melchizedek and 3 Aaronic Priesthood) and it will last into the millennium.  People still object and are fearful that only bad things will happen if they build this Temple.  Finally, on February 14, 1853 Brigham himself starts to build the Temple, eventually the people rally around him and the foundation is dug from 1853 until 1857; red sandstone is quarried from a nearby quarry and the foundation is being laid.  In July 1857, the saints hear the US Army is coming to find out what is happening…a Council on War is formed by Priesthood leaders to determine what they should do…here is a Temple coming out of the ground.  They decide to cover up the last 4 years of work and plant a garden.  The saints form “prayer circles” in their homes and pray the Army will come and go and that they can build their Temple…saints are now firmly behind Brigham.  When the Army leaves the saints again begin to work on the Temple, when they uncover the foundation they see the foundation is cracked by the weight of the earth…how will it ever support the walls and last into the millennium?  They begin to remove the foundation stones and (later build the City and County Building) begin to quarry granite from the nearby canyons.  The huge stones were transported to the Temple site (with each arrival of a stone there is a big celebration and parade) with much difficulty.  Eventually a railroad spur is built up the canyon and the huge stones are transported in this manner decreasing many, many difficulties with the wagons and oxen.  Stone cutters opened each huge rock if it was good (grain, no cracks) they used it on the Temple; if not as good discarded and later used on the Assembly Hall.

The Temple is progressing slowly; Brigham and John Taylor die and still the Temple is not completed.  Wilford Woodruff is the Prophet when the outside is completed 6 April 1892 (Moroni is placed on top) and they have a huge celebration; they sing “The Spirit of God like a fire is burning” and Wilford prophesied, “If the interior is completed in one year, persecution will end!”  The Temple was dedicated exactly one year later on April 6, 1893 (40 years in construction).  The dedication lasted three weeks.  During the first dedicatory session, Sister Bennett gave birth to a screaming son; he was delivered in a room in the Temple.  She returns 8 days later to bless him, his name was Joseph Temple Bennett.  An interesting note concerning the design and construction of the angel Moroni; Wilford wanted Cyrus Dallen, a sculptor living in Springville to make the angel.  He refused the offer to do so stating “He did not believe in angels,” Wilford even called him into his office to plead with him, his answer again was “No, I don’t believe in angels.”  Wilford wanted an upright angel, not the horizontal one that was placed on the Nauvoo Temple.  In order to get Brother Dallen to do this he (Wilford) had to resort to using Cyrus’ mother to influence him to do so.  She said to him, “Cyrus, do you think I am an angel?” He replied, “Yes,” she then said, “Please build an angel for me.”  He eventually built her an angel and it was given to the Church, not because he believed in them, but because his mother was an angel.

Friday and Saturday provided more special experiences in the Temple; miracles happen here every day.  There is always something that shows us that this is the work of God and that He is in charge.  When things seem impossible; almost immediately there is a solution and things proceed as if there never was a problem.

Sunday was Easter and we along with Elders & Sisters Gammell & O’Brien were in charge of the Temple Missionary dinner.  It was originally scheduled to be in the garage of President & Sister McArthur, at the last hour it was changed to the Arrival Center (where families come to prepare to go to the Temple or single adult groups await their turn to go to the Temple-we believe this is a unique feature of the Nauvoo Temple).  We moved the furniture, brought in the tables and all other couples brought food assignments.  It turned out very nice, the food was excellent and we, as a family of Temple Missionaries, loved being with our family.  Of course, we missed being with our own families, but this was a special one-time experience that we will long remember.  Following dinner President & Sister McArthur spoke briefly about Easter and some of their favorite memories and testimony of the Savior and the Plan of Salvation…it was a very touching evening.

We want each of you to know that we love you with all of our hearts.  We are privileged to be your parents, grandparents and friends.  We depend so much on your love, support and understanding to help us do the things that the Lord would have us do at this time of our lives.  We pray the Lord’s choicest blessings to be with each of you now and forever. 

Love,

Mom & Dad/Nana & Papa/ Elder & Sister Shaw

Nauvoo Week 14 (14 - 20 March 2016)

Nauvoo Week 14 (14-20 March 2016)

We had a great week with a lot to talk about.  Monday we had family home evening with the Temple missionaries.  One of the temple workers, Robert Wright, who lives here in Nauvoo talked to us about symbols of/on the Nauvoo Temple. 

He has actually written a book about it.  William Weeks who was the architect of the temple proposed that the windows should be half round.  Joseph Smith told him that they must be round as he had seen them illuminated in vision.  William told him that they would have to add ten feet to the temple to do that, and Joseph said then do so.  The temple sits in the heart of Nauvoo; 1 mile to the North is the Mississippi, 1 mile to the West is the Mississippi and 1 mile to the South is the Mississippi.  They were also going to build a canvas Tabernacle (tent) on the West side of temple.  It was going to be 225 feet by 150 feet-same size as the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.  The canvas had been ordered but when it came, due to the persecution, it was instead used as covering for the wagons going west.  The cornerstones for the original Nauvoo Temple were laid by the following: Southeast-Joseph Smith, Southwest-High Priests, Northwest-12 Apostles and Northeast-Presiding Bishopric.  The cornerstones for rebuilt Temple were laid by the following: Southeast-President Hinckley, Southwest-Presiding Bishopric, Northwest-Nauvoo Stake President Durrell Nelson and Northeast-12 Apostles.  The Jewish people used the moon to designate when they would have their feasts while many others used the Sun.  They were governed by the full moon.  There are thirty pilasters on the outside of temple. On each pilaster there is a sun, the moon and stars.  The hands holding the trumpets above the sun is spreading the gospel to the world.  The sun’s face personifies us and the gospel going to the world.  The marble stars with the elongated downward pointing ray represent the condescension of God.  The star colored windows with five points with twelve surrounding stones.  Twelve symbolizes perfect government.  The beautiful colored windows have special meaning; the blue signifies water and baptism, the white signifies the Holy Ghost, and the red signifies the Atonement of our Savior. 

These are my favorite windows.  I love to look out of them when I am in the Temple.  They are beautiful and are much bigger than they appear on the outside.  The eight spoke wheel is a symbol for Christ.  I haven’t included everything he talked about but it was really interesting.

On Friday, we had another speaker, Reed Moon.  His parents work at the Temple.  He lives in Provo and was visiting to speak at the Women’s retreat for the reenactment of the organization of the Relief Society.  He has found and collected several very important documents and books throughout his life.  He had “History of Joseph Smith” by Lucy Mack Smith printed in 1853-original copy.  Scriptures of Joseph F. Smith; he had marked 1Cor. 3:18, and 4:6.  He had a Book of Mormon; 1^st Edition, 588 pages which did not have 3^rd and 4^th Nephi designated.  Orson Pratt, in 1879 designated 3^rd & 4^th Nephi. Samuel Smith the 1^st convert and 1^st missionary went on mission and gave Book of Mormon to Phineas Young, who then gave it to Brigham Young, who gave it to Heber C. Kimball.  The Book of Mormon 1st Edition had 5,000 printed.  The testimonies of the witnesses were in the back of the book, it also contained a preface which spoke of the lost 116 pages.  In 1888 the first large edition was printed.  So, from 1830 to 1888 all Book of Mormon’s, 3^rd Edition were pocket size. There was a Nauvoo edition in 1840.  In 1841 the 4^th Edition was a European made copy.  There were several “deluxe bound” copies made of this edition; Joseph, Hyrum, Samuel and some others.  In 1842 the 5^th Edition was printed in Nauvoo, only 600 were printed (most prized of all the editions).

Phebe W. Carter lived with her parents and had joined the church against their will.  They did not want her to go west and she honored there request for a couple of years.  The opportunity arose for her to go and she took it.  She left a letter to her parents expressing her love and thankfulness for their care and told them that she needed to leave.  Brother moon has that letter she wrote to her parents.  She married Wilford Woodruff in 1837.  He served a mission where Phoebe had been raised.  After their marriage he went on another mission to England.  Before he left they had had a child, while he was away the child died.  She was having such a hard time coping so she went back to where her parents lived to spend time with them. 

Wilford and Phebe were writing to one another but of course she was not receiving his because she was not at their home.  She kept asking how he felt about their child and kept asking as she didn’t have his letters.  Before he returns home Phebe becomes very ill and just as he arrives home she has died.  He blessed her and through the Priesthood brought her back to life.  Some had said they did not think that she had died, but she relates of how her spirit left her body and how she could see her body and everyone there.  She was told she had two choices; she could stay or she could come back as long as she would promise to always stand by her husband and take care of him.  She promised she would and that’s when her spirit came back and was brought to life.  She lived forty more years.  All of these experiences are recorded in Wilford Woodruff’s journal which he kept faithfully from 1834 to 1898.  In 1840, he went on a mission to England.  He wanted to buy something for her and he decided upon an earring holder made out of Wedgewood pottery. 

They were to inscribe her name and his on the one side but misspelled them both.  So he asked them to change it but Phebe’s name was still not totally right.  He had no more time, he had to send it.  He wrote a little note explaining what had happened.  Brother Moon has this little jewelry box.  He never did tell us how he acquired these things and when asked how valuable they were he said at least seven digit amounts.  In 1841, the European edition had several deluxe copies made.

He had Joseph’s, Hyrum’s, and Samuel Smith’s original copies.  He had a copy of Joseph’s first vest pocket Bible, which is approximately 1 inch by 2 inches.  He had a copy of D&C section 11; the original revelation written by Hyrum dictated by Joseph.  He had Wilford Woodruff’s scriptures he used as a Prophet; he had 400 scriptures marked.  It was an 1835 1^st Edition of Book of Commandments which was the name until it became Doctrine and Covenants.  He also had a poem taped in the front of his scriptures to remind him to treat Phebe well.  His stories and books and artifacts were fascinating.  He also had Thomas Payne’s original copy of “Common Sense, These are the times that try the souls of men.”  This copy had the greatest saturation of any book sold in the USA.  I hope some of this makes sense. 

I wish you all could have been here to hear and see it. 

We have had a lot of visitors in the Temple this week as many schools were on spring break.  We had the Baptistry on Tuesday evening and we were quite busy.  We had some special families come from Texas and Arizona.  One of the sons in a family was 6 ft. 9 in.  His parents were tall but not that tall and everyone was glad that his Dad was there to baptize him!  We love this work and the experiences we are having here.  We can’t wait to share it with all of you as you come to visit. 

We love you so much,

Mom & Dad/Nana & Papa/Elder & Sister Shaw

P.S.  We want Ashtyn to know how proud we are of her and know she did an outstanding job in the play.  We have seen some sweet pictures, Love you