Indiana Vacation: Day 3 - Thursday

Day 3 started in Nauvoo, IL. We woke up to heavy rain, and some thunder. Michelle and I had planned on attending the temple during the day, but it did not open until 2PM. So, after checking out of the hotel we headed over to Carthage to tour the jail where Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were martyred in 1844. During the drive from Nauvoo to Carthage, Michelle read aloud Section 135 from the Doctrine & Covenants (account of the martydom). After a 30 minute drive from Nauvoo to Carthage along the Mississippi River we arrived and started the tour. The Spirit was strong as we recognized that we were on sacred ground. The tour covers the visitor's center as well as the various rooms and areas of the jail, and concludes in the upper room of the jail where the martyrdom occurred. This was our 2nd time (2000 was the time of the 1st visit) at the jail, and it left a profound impact on us all.

Carthage Jail - Joseph & Hyrum. I love this statue! It depicts Hyrum's devotion
to his brother, the Prophet.

Jail cell where John Taylor was taken
by Willard Richards for protection
from the mob during the attack on the
jail. It is recorded that while being held in
this cell for a short time, the prophet Joseph
prophesied that in a short time
bullets would fly around Bro. Richards like hail,
but that he would escape unscathed. That prophesy
was realized a short time later.

Bullet hole in door to upper room


AGirls in front of Statue

After Carthage we headed back to Nauvoo and took turns doing work in the temple. Michelle felt the spirit in a very powerful way as she ascended the steps to enter the temple. There were some very neat artifacts inside that we were able to see. All in all a very sweet experience! The brothers and sisters serving therein were wonderful, and very excited to serve the patrons. I have had similiar experiences while visiting other temples, and it is always a treat to mingle with these faithful Saints serving in the "mission field". It is a great perspective, as we are so blessed to have so many members, temples, etc. in Utah.

This statue is right across the street from
the temple. It depicts Joseph
and Hyrum on their horses. One of the things
I gained from this visit was the great support and love
the prophet Joseph received from
his brother Hyrum. I really felt that as the story of
Nauvoo and the martyrdom was recounted several times.
The Spirit testified in a
very powerful way while we were here.

Nauvoo Temple at night. Not a great photo;
there was not a lot of light, and
I did not have a tripod so the picture isn't very sharp.
I wish I would have spend a little more time trying to
get a better photo, but it was
very COLD and rainy.