Monday, May 18, 2009

The Last Chapter - Nauvoo, Cathage, & N. Missouri

Carthage is a somber place. Again, the Church has done a nice job of restoring this sad but historic spot in Church history.



I'm not much of a photographer, but this one turned out OK. I took this picture through the bullet hole in the door where the Prophet and others were staying. In the background is the window that Joseph went out of.



Outside the jail by the well where the Prophet laid.



This is the tomb back in Nauvoo where Joseph, Hyrum and Emma are buried. Their old homestead is in the background (now owned by the Community of Christ Church).



On our way back to Kansas City, we spent a night in Jamesport, MO, the largest settlement of Amish west of the Mississippi. We enjoyed visiting with them and seeing their skills with wood, quilting, etc. This picture is of a community phone booth that they use.



The Amish do not like their pictures taken, but we did take one of their mode of transportation.



We stayed in a B&B in Jamesport and really enjoyed ourselves. We stayed in the Blue Room (named for obvious reasons).



Adam-Ondi-Ahman is fairly close to Jamesport. When we went there we were literally the only people around so it was pretty inspirational to think of all that took place and will take place in the future.





I won't bore you with all of the details regarding Spring Hill, Tower Hill, etc., but I encourage you to read the references in the D&C. I did want to see and stand on Preacher's Rock at Tower Hill. The Prophet preached here many times as well as ancient prophets, no doubt. When we got to the turn-off for Tower Hill the gate was still locked. So, being my son's father, I jumped the fence and ran the mile or so up Tower Hill. I was not about to go this far and be denied. My self-timer shot turned out OK. With the birds singing, the flowers coming out and the incredible reverence in the area, it was awesome to be there and ponder.



Our last official tourist act was to visit President Truman's Library and his private residence. Suffice it to say that it was a terrific place to visit. We spent about 3 hours in the library and could have spent twice that. We had our own private tour of his home.

All in all . . . a truly remarkable trip.



Sunday, May 10, 2009

Nauvoo the Beautiful

OK, so we have been home from our trip for a month, but hopefully you all aren't bored. Nauvoo is an amazing place. The Church has done a great job of making this a significant and fun place for the whole family.

This picture is from the first night we were in Nauvoo. The home that we stayed in was a couple miles north of the town. We were coming back at night to see the play "Rendevous at Old Nauvoo" and when we came around the corner the moon was coming up over the temple on a beautiful clear night. My little digital camera wouldn't do it justice, but your older sister, Tammie, was able to get this great shot.



Sunset over the Mississippi river in front of home where we stayed. (picture also taken by Tammie)



We had a great rope swing for the kids to play on (kids of all ages).



The kids waiting to get "shod" at the blacksmith shop.



A great statue of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young depicting the revelation that the saints would be heading to the Rocky Mountains.



The temple is a beautiful sight.



A wonderful statue of Joseph and Hyrum depicting there last chance to see the temple and Nauvoo before they were taken to Carthage.



We all had a great time in the Family Living Center learning about rope making, bread making, candles, etc.



The Springer family by the Mississippi.



Rebecca "dolled" grandpa up. She is so proud that she inherited the Stewart trait of being able to touch her nose with her tongue!

Monday, May 4, 2009

Birthday, Baptism, and other assorted Beauties

Here is cute Rylee in one of her more angelic moments.



Kiara getting smooches from Aunt Elizabeth.



The birthday boy, Bridger T. Bailey, one year old, with his big brother, Thatcher.



You've never seen a boy who likes balls more that Bridger.



A pretty cute cake made by his mom.



Pictures of all the relatives supporting Kailee at her baptism.




Sunday, May 3, 2009

More Missouri (Richmond, Lexington, Far West, Hannibal

Richmond, MO was the town that Joseph Smith and others were taken for their "mock trial" prior to being sent to Liberty. Their counsel, General Doniphan, said of the judge that "a cohort of angels could come down and declare their innocence and it would be the same with this judge".

It was at this jail that the prisoners were so completely offended by the language of the guards that that Prophet stood in chains and declared to their captors, "Silence, ye fiends of the infernal pit. In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still; I will not live another minute and hear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die this instant!" Parley Pratt said that he had seen "dignity and majesty but once, as it stood in chains, at midnight, in a dungeon in an obsure village of Missouri". The funny part is that this village is still pretty obsure. Where the jail was is now a Salvation Army center.



Also in Richmond is a Pioneer Cemetery where Oliver Cowdery and many of the
Whitmers are buried. Ironically, the Church has maintained this small cemetery for the past 50 years.



I couldn't resist taking this photo. We were in the main Richmond Cemetery where Bob Ford is buried. His small headstone reads that he was the person who shot Jesse James. Not much of a tribute in as much as he shot him in the back! I hope I will be known for something more worthwhile.



This is a pretty nice shot of the County Courthouse in Lexington, MO. Not a lot of Church history here, but pretty significant Civil War activity.



A cannonball from the Battle of Lexington is still embedded in the pillar of the Courthouse!



This battlefield is one of the few remaining in which you can still discern the outlines of the trenches. You can see the Missouri River behind me.



Far West! Once the headquarters of the Church and the largest town in MO at the time. There is really not much there now. Just memories of times past. The most significant thing to see is the Temple site with the four original cornerstones. You can envision in your mind's eye what a thriving community of 5000 it was at the time. Many signifcant revelations are now in the D&C even though the Prophet was only there several months.




Our next stop was in Hannibal, MO. This town is pretty much dedicated to Mark Twain's memory. I even got Patty to paint the fence, and enjoy doing it!



Here is Grandpa Jay in front of Mark Twain's boyhood home.



A monument to Tom and Huck. Also, a lighthouse overlooking the Mississippi was erected in Twain's honor some 50 years ago.




Stay tuned until next time for Nauvoo!