 |
| Statue of Joseph and Hyrum on their Last Ride |
We enjoyed the morning in Nauvoo taking a horse and wagon ride through the countryside while listening to inspiring stories. We then visited the home of Jonathan Browning who invented the first repeating rifle and many other guns and stayed faithful to the Church until his death. We saw John Taylor’s home, the Trail of Hope and Hyrum Smith’s home. We rode in an ox cart and learned more of the pioneer hardships.
Then we drove to Carthage and toured the jail where Joseph and Hyrum were martyred. I touched the bullet hole in that remains in the door and through which Hyrum was shot and killed. I lingered alone in that upper room and felt the faith of our deceased loved ones.
 |
| Carthage Jail |
Dad says:
We left Nauvoo today by traveling down Parley Street, reading quotes mounted along the way. President Hinckley suggested that anyone who can should walk down this street in memory of those who took this path on the way to the Mississippi, having been driven from Nauvoo. Thousands left between February and July of 1846, leaving behind their lovely homes, and facing an unknown wilderness.
The most touching experience for me today was visiting Carthage and the very prison where Joseph and Hyrum were gunned down on June 27, 1844. The thought most impressed on me as I sat contemplating this event was the wonderful brotherly love between Hyrum and Joseph. While Joseph was the Prophet, Hyrum was his counselor and strong supporter in all events from the First Vision to the Martyrdom. It is touching to me that Hyrum, six years older than Joseph, was entirely content to play the supporting role. The beautiful twin statues standing now in front of the Carthage Jail show Hyrum slightly behind and taller than Joseph, with his hand on Joseph’s shoulder indicating Hyrum’s total support. The integrity of Hyrum, my great, great grandfather and your great, great great grandfather was stronger than death. As stated in D&C 135:3,6: “In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated . . . . They lived for glory; they died for glory; and glory is their eternal reward. From age to age shall their names go down to posterity as gems for the sanctified.”
 |
| Upper Room where Joseph and Hyrum were Shot |
We have much to live up to, each of us.
 |
| Pondering it All |
 |
| Upper Window from which Joseph fell dead |
 |
| Statue of Joseph and Hyrum |
 |
| Soaking it all in |
No comments:
Post a Comment