Church History Experience

When the prophet Joseph Smith restored the gospel to the earth under the direction of our loving Heavenly Father, many of the events surrounding this restoration happened in close proximity to Illinois. Living in the heart of Illinois, Isaac and I feel lucky to be able to have the opportunity throughout the following year to visit many of these historic LDS church sites. The legacy of the saints and growing church in this area is a legacy of trials and hardship, but more importantly, a legacy of miracles, and of great faith in God and his Son.

As previously mentioned, on our way to Illinois we were able to spend some time in Independence Missouri. It was a small detour from our mapped route, but a good one. Independence and the the surrounding area (Jackson County Missouri) is important for many reasons:
1. Adam once lived there (Adam-ondi-ahman)
2. The saints eventually moved there and Independence was identified by the Lord in revelation as the center place of Zion.
3. A site was dedicated there for a temple to be built. Unfortunately the Saints were driven from the state 1833 and the temple was never built.
4. An extermination order was given here by Governor Boggs that any Mormon could be shot on the spot without question. This order was not repealed until 1976 when the books were reviewed and a formal apology was given to the LDS church.
5. The prophet Joseph Smith and several others were falsely accused of treason and imprisoned at Liberty Jail near Independence for several months in one of the coldest Missouri winters on record.
6. The area has been identified as as the site where a future great gathering will take place when Jesus Christ comes to meet with Adam and his righteous posterity. (again, Adam-ondi-Ahman)

Isaac and I were first able to stop at Liberty Jail. I could talk about the structure of the jail, I could go into detail about the hardships experienced by the men in the jail, I could even discuss in depth about the revelations received during that experience, but instead I think that for now it will suffice to say that I felt the spirit there in that cold place. It was powerful, and it was sweet. It was as if the Lord was reaching out to me and whispering so quietly to my mind and heart that yes, Jospeh Smith was truly a prophet of the Lord. I also felt a strong feeling of peace about finding a job. I had been feeling so stressed and overwhelmed about it, but listening to the stories of those in Jail, I knew that if I would do my part, I didn't need to worry because the Lord is aware of me and is in control.

For those who are interesting in learning more about the jail, please read this incredible talk entitled Lessons from Liberty Jail by Elder Holland here. You will not regret it. Sections 121-123 of the Doctrine and Covenants were also received while in the Jail.

Our second stop was the visitor's center in Independence. I guess that it isn't a very busy time of year because we were the ONLY people there with more than enough missionaries available to show us around. This was great because it provided us with our own personal tour and experience. We learned all about the conditions of the saints in Missouri at that time, about their excitement over establishing Zion, and their heartbreak at being driven out. We read journal entries of real saints and were able to feel of their testimonies and of their faith. We learned about how a real printing press works, learned the meaning of "mind your P's and Q's", and saw an original Book of Commandments. We marveled at the faith of the two young sisters who ran into the burning printing press during a mob raid and saved the Book of Commandment manuscript pages at the risk of their own lives. Lastly we admired the beauty of the Christus statue representing the second coming of the savior which seemed so fitting for the place in which it stood--a contrast to the creation represented in Salt Lake. It was a wonderful experience and we were there until close, not even realizing how late it had become.

Our last stop in Missouri was a side trip Wednesday morning to visit Adam-ondi-Ahman. We sang the hymn the whole way in the car on the way there, and discussed all that we had read and learned about this area. According to the scriptures, three years before he died, Adam called together his posterity into this valley and gave them his last blessing. (see D & C 107:53) In 1838 this area was settled by a group of Saints who had plans to make it into a large city. It was during this time, that Nephi found remains of an "old Nephite Alter or Tower" on a hill which he later named Tower Hill. the saints were eventually driven from the area, but the church still owns the land. And lastly, before the second coming of the savior, it is prophesied by Daniel the prophet (Daniel 7:9-10) that Adam and his posterity will again gather in the valley to meet with the Savior. This is also referenced to in D and C 116.

Currently, Adam-ondi-Ahman is nothing more that a very big, albeit beautiful field that the church owns which is full of corn in true midwest style. It was still wonderful to visit and ponder on the events which take place here, and will take place in the future.

Missouri was a wonderful experience and we can't wait to see more sites in the surrounding area.