One evening in August, we attended a very spiritual musical fireside in the chapel. To our surprise, when we walked outside, we found the sky filled with orange glow. We raced to Temple Hill, and found the enormous bronze statues of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, framed against the sunset of the western skies.
Simply glorious.
Simply glorious.
Sunset at the end of Parley Street. This is the exact place where the pioneers crossed the river in February 1846. They were headed for territory unknown, outside the United States. They left behind their beautiful homes and temple view, because they had to. I have frequently visited this place, trying to imagine their suffering and sorrow, as they turned their faces west and crossed the frozen Mississippi into Iowa territory. |
These young performing missionaries of the Nauvoo Brass Band were extraordinary. Each student went through a rigorous competition before being selected to spend their summer in Nauvoo. While here, they played and performed almost every hour of the day. They performed on the outdoor stage every night in Sunset By The Mississippi. They performed in Carthage several times a week. During the month of July they played in the Nauvoo Pageant every night. (After Sunset). During the day, they rode through the streets of Nauvoo on a large wagon pulled by a team of horses. These were amazing, wonderful, hard working college students from several different states. They came to Nauvoo to share their talents, and make Nauvoo a joyful place to remember.
When the YPM's (young performing missionaries) first came to Nauvoo we were all very busy learning our music. It was difficult to get to know these young students. Somewhere, during the weeks of singing and laughing together, we fell in love with their boundless energy and joy of serving. May, June and July passed so quickly. It was too soon that we had to say goodbye. Some of the YPM's left Nauvoo for a 2-year mission; others got married; still others returned to college. We miss them terribly. Nauvoo is very quiet without them. We may never see these young people again, but we will always remember what joy they brought to this place. (Left to right: Sister High, Sister Young, Sister Dalton and Sister Grounds.)
Sunset By The Mississippi YPM's, Nauvoo Brass Band, and Senior Missionaries perform together every night except Sunday. The Senior Missionaries are in the background on both sides of the band. Together, the three groups make the outdoor stage come alive. It's just plain fun, with music, dancing, clogging, and energy enough to fill the souls of every audience member. Sunset By The Mississippi starts Memorial weekend and runs every night (except Sunday) until mid August.
YPM's do many different programs throughout the week. This venue is along Parley Street on the Trail of Hope. All along the trail are different bronze plaques with quotes from 1846 pioneers. The YPM's performed on the Trail with songs and quotes as you walk along Parley Street towards the Mississippi River.
In 1846 the Mormon exodus began from Nauvoo, leaving behind their homes, a beautiful city, family and friends, they quite possibly would never see again in this life. As they journeyed west, they recorded their feelings and experiences in personal journals.
In 1846 the Mormon exodus began from Nauvoo, leaving behind their homes, a beautiful city, family and friends, they quite possibly would never see again in this life. As they journeyed west, they recorded their feelings and experiences in personal journals.
After the pioneers left Nauvoo, many of the buildings fell into disrepair. Many were eventually torn down. The Cultural Hall, however, was one building that survived. In 1846 the building passed out of ownership of the Latter-day Saints. It was sold again in 1851 for $4.47 for past taxes . Due to neglect and deterioration, the third floor was removed and the Cultural Hall became a private residence and an apartment house. |
Today's view from the third floor of the Cultural Hall. The first corner footings of the Cultural Hall were laid on April 2, 1842 and evidence suggests that William Weeks was the architect of the Cultural Hall. (We know that William Weeks was the architect of the Temple) Originally the Cultural Hall had three front doors - only one remains today. Approximately 550 masons were present at the dedication of the hall on April 5, 1844, including Joseph Smith. | The third floor was described as being exquisitely decorated and furnished. Formal dances and dinners and Masonic meetings were held in the third-floor auditorium. Today, Sister missionaries, like Sister Rollins (left) and Sister Chamberlain and Sister Cluff (above) are anxious to give tours to our guests. |
"I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer's morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God and towards all men. I shall die as innocent, and it shall be said of me - he was murdered in cold blood." Joseph Smith uttered these words on June 24, 1844, in the final moments of what would be his final horse ride from his beloved Nauvoo. He was dead three days later.
Remember, oh remember, the sacrifices made in Nauvoo. We send greetings to all our family and friends. What a privilege it is to serve here in Nauvoo, walking daily in the foot steps of prophets and faithful pioneers.
Remember, oh remember, the sacrifices made in Nauvoo. We send greetings to all our family and friends. What a privilege it is to serve here in Nauvoo, walking daily in the foot steps of prophets and faithful pioneers.