February 6, 2016 - Saturday in Nauvoo

On February 6, 1846, the Saints had just begun their exodus from Nauvoo just 2 days prior.  They were being forced out by mob violence and were experiencing the same treatment they had from the Missouri mobs of 1838-1839.  I just can't imagine how they must have felt to be driven out of their warm homes and away from their beautiful gardens and prosperous businesses.  Especially on that very cold month of February 1846, where the Mississippi River froze over on one of the few times in recorded history.  

It turned out to be a blessing to help most of the 10,000 Saints cross that river and get away from the evil treatment from these lawless mobs.  Imagine an entire community moving itself.  This is the only time this has happened in American History!

This morning we held the annual reenactment of the beginning of that exodus.  The date was February 4, 1846, where the first of the Saints crossed the river with barely more than the clothes on their backs and provisions and equipment that they hoped would sustain them until they reached their destination in the Rocky Mountains.  The program was well done and I had the privilege of offering the opening prayer.  My sweetheart caught a picture of that historic moment and I am posting some others that may be of interest;

Mom and I waiting for the program to begin

The attitude of prayer for a sacred occasion

Mom and Sister Skinner - about 500 in attendance!

Three presenters of pioneer stories including Sister Goodman

 We are assembled in the Family Living Center and we had people from all over the United States here to remember their ancestors who were part of the Exodus.  This reenactment is an annual event and is well attended.  The presenters in the bottom picture gave readings on the history of that first week.

Many of the countries represented - and the Nauvoo Temple in the background

Four years of temple building to leave it within weeks of the dedication

Ice on the river and mid 30 degree temperatures today compared to -14 in 1846

President Hall - Keynote address

And a descendant eagle no doubt from his 1846 family!

The pictures pretty much tell the story.  We had tempered weather today compared to the minus 14 degree temperatures they had on February 4, 1846.  And as the month of February progressed the temperatures dropped even more to allow the river to completely freeze over.  One picture shows some ice on the river, but there is no way it could be walked on today!

By the way, after mom and I had our morning devotional and prayers, we had time to take our full walk.  Then we walked back down to the Family Living Center and then down Parley Street to the river's edge.  Then we walked back to our little cottage.  We had dinner and then walked to the temple for the 12 noon session and we were asked to be the witness couple.  

After a much needed nap, after the session, we went to our site assignment at the Visitors Center from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.  Yes, mom went with me!  We were there to host a fireside with a brother who tied the life of Abraham Lincoln with the Mormon's.  He had some interesting stories but it was not quite what people thought it might be.  We were there to help answer questions in the Visitors Center before and after the presentation.  We had 2 other couples there with us.  However, we were not really needed with the group that came.  We were just needed to make sure the building got locked up!

It was a long day but we made it through.  I got to see my friend, Riley, who came with his dad and grandparents.  He was so excited to see his "missionary friend".  We connected and had some fun together and I was able to reinforce some Gospel principles in our activities.  These are wonderful memories for us!