The Good Doctor

Staying in the (Dr.) Willard Richards was truly not only an honor, but a welcome refuge from the packing and cleaning of our Nauvoo apt. We felt a calm and peaceful feeling there, also gained a greater appreciation for Willard Richards. He was a faithful friend and dependable recorder for the prophet. He was assigned many responsibilities for the Church. When Joseph was asked why Bro. Richards had so many callings he said, "I have looked long for a man with feelings like my own heart...Willard Richards is the man!" Willard was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, who was jailed with Joseph and Hyrum Smith and John Taylor in Carthage. Shortly before the martyrdom, the jailer suggested that the prisoners would be safer in an iron-barred cell next to the bedroom. Joseph asked Elder Richards, who was called the "doctor" by his friends..."If we go into the cell, will you go in with us?" The doctor answered, "Brother Joseph, you did not ask me to cross the river with you - you did not ask me to come to Carthage - you did not ask me to come to jail with you - and do you think I would forsake you now? But I will tell you what I will do; if you are condemned to be hung for treason, I will be hung in your stead, and you shall go free."

Signing off - thanks for your viewing

Temple President and Matron

President Wayne and Sister Joan Peterson

In 1846, 14 year old Elvira Stephens left Nauvoo with many of the fleeing Saints. She looked across the river from Montrose and longed to feel the Spirit of the Temple... so, in severe winter conditions she returned to Nauvoo and entered the temple to fortify her soul for the upcoming challenges that befaced her. Then back across the ice to the camp of the Saints. The view of the Temple and the feeling of peace she felt there beckoned her once again and again. She returned not just once, but three consequetive times... so, was her longing to be near the Temple... In her journal, later in life she stated that it was that experience while leaving Nauvoo and returning three times to the Temple...it was that extra effort, that "sustained her for a life time". As JoAnn and I leave Nauvoo after a season of serving in the House of the Lord, we too, have learned as did Elvira, that "returning to the Temple" gives us spiritual and physical strength to endure all of life's trials.

Mission coming to a close soon

Beginnings and endings are a constant in the cycles of our lives. Each season brings its own unique and self-containing set challenges, blessings and opportunities - leaving us forever changed. Whether here or elsewhere, we are all at another beginning.

Fall in love with Nauvoo

Mission-Field, of Dreams

"Build it and they will come"

I think that's what Joseph Smith heard when he was considering building the magnificent Nauvoo Temple! And...they did come, from all over! More than 20,000 people resided in the City of Joseph at one time, prior to be driven out to the West -and now with the reconstruction of the Temple...they come again, from all over the world! We are to have been workers here these past 6 months and will miss it greatly...will make the most of every day in the coming two weeks. There is a special Spirit here and indeed...they (those from the past) have returned to rejoice and experience it all, with us.