THE

MAY 2005

SPECIAL ISSUE: THE OF The New Era Magazine oseph Volume 35, Number 5 oseph May 2005 Smith . . . Official monthly publication J Jhas done for youth of The Church of Jesus Christ more, save of Latter-day Saints Jesus only, for

The New Era can be found the salvation in the Gospel Library at www.lds.org. of men in this world, than Editorial Offices: any other man New Era any other man 50 E. North Temple St. that ever lived Rm. 2420 , UT in it” (D&C 84150-3220, USA 135:3). E-mail address: cur-editorial-newera In this @ldschurch.org special issue, Please e-mail or send stories, articles, photos, poems, and visit the ideas to the address above. Unsolicited material is wel- places where come. For return, include a self-addressed, stamped the Prophet envelope. Joseph Smith To Subscribe: lived, and feel By phone: Call 1-800-537- 5971 to order using Visa, the spirit of MasterCard, Discover Card, or American Express. Online: all he Go to www.ldscatalog.com. By mail: Send $8 U.S. accomplished check or money order to Distribution Services, as the first P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT President of 84126-0368, USA. The Church of To change address: Jesus Christ of Send old and new address information to Distribution Latter-day Services at the address above. Please allow 60 days Saints. for changes to take effect.

Cover: Young Joseph Smith begins the great work of the . See “Praise to the Man” on p. 4.

Cover painting and photography: The First Vision, by Liz Lemon Swindle (front) and Shanna Butler, Ryan Carr, Janet Thomas, and Paul VanDenBerghe (back)

Treasures of Testimony, p. 44 A Snowy Day in February, p. 26 2 C ONTENTS

The First Presidency: Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust

Quorum of the Twelve: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Words of the Prophet: What’s Up? 34 Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Praise to the Man 4 Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. President Gordon B. Hinckley Nauvoo: Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, Henry B. Eyring, Standing as the 15th in line from On the Banks of the Mississippi 36 Dieter F. Uchtdorf, David A. Joseph Smith, I solemnly declare Janet Thomas Bednar my testimony of him. The lessons learned in beautiful Editor: Jay E. Jensen Advisers: Monte J. Brough, Nauvoo are spreading to the ends Gary J. Coleman Managing Director: The Connection 8 of the earth. David Frischknecht R. Val Johnson Planning and Editorial Director: Victor D. Cave She had the worst attitude ever, Tears for the Prophet 42 Graphics Director: but on Cumorah’s hill, she made SalliJune Anderson Allred Allan R. Loyborg a connection with heaven. I wasn’t acting anymore. Magazines Editorial Director: Richard M. Romney This was real. Managing Editor: Palmyra: R. Val Johnson Editorial Staff: Birthplace of the Restoration 10 Treasures of Testimony 44 Collette Nebeker Aune, Susan Barrett, Shanna Butler, Ryan Carr Elder L. Tom Perry Ryan Carr, Marvin K. Gardner, The Hill Cumorah is only one of the I had a sweet reminder of the value Jenifer L. Greenwood, Carrie Kasten, Sally J. Odekirk, Adam many inspiring historical sites near of my testimony. Do you share your C. Olson, Roger Terry, Janet Palmyra, in western . precious gems of knowledge? Thomas, Paul VanDenBerghe Managing Art Director: M. M. Kawasaki Q&A: Line upon Line: Art Director: Brent Christison Questions and Answers 16 D&C 135:3 47 Senior Designer: Fay P. Andrus , BY DEL PARSON , BY “What do we mean when we say Marketing Manager: Larry Hiller this is the only true church?” Instant Messages 48 Printing Director: A bullet hole in the door; shining Craig K. Sedgwick New Era Distribution Director: Poster: forth and sharing the gospel; grateful Kris T Christensen In One Small Moment 19 for Joseph Smith. © 2005 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Periodicals Postage Kirtland: The Extra Smile 50 Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah, and

THE LORD APPEARS IN THE APPEARS IN THE KIRTLAND THE LORD School of the Saints 20 at additional mailing offices. The New Era (ISSN 0164-5285) Paul VanDenBerghe Poem: is published monthly by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- In Ohio, the Saints were taught and Rejoice 51 day Saints, 50 E. North Temple organized for what lay ahead. Kimberly Webb St., Salt Lake City, UT 84150- 3220, USA. A Snowy Day in February 26 Photo 51 POSTMASTER: Send address McKay Hinckley changes to Distribution Services, Church Magazines, Bad weather was ruining my trip P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, to Nauvoo—at least, that’s what UT 84126-0368, USA. I thought. Canada Post Information: Publication Agreement #40017431. Independence: Text and visual material in the New Era may be copied for Living in 28 incidental, noncommercial church or home use. Visual material Shanna Butler may not be copied if restrictions are indicated in the credit line Independence, , is rich in with the artwork. Copyright questions should be addressed to Intellectual Property Office, 50 E. North Temple St., Salt Lake City, history. It also has a very bright future. UT 84150, USA; e-mail: [email protected].

NEW ERA MAY 2005 3 W ORDS OF THE P ROPHET Praise to theMan

BY PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY

any years ago when at the age of my childhood I had been taught much of 12 I was ordained a deacon, my him in meetings and classes in our ward as Mfather, who was president of our well as in our home; but my experience in stake, took me to my first stake priesthood that stake priesthood meeting was different. meeting. . . . He walked up to the stand, and I knew then, by the power of the Holy I sat on the back row, feeling a little alone Ghost, that Joseph Smith was indeed a and uncomfortable in that hall filled with prophet of God.1 strong men who had been ordained to the priesthood of God. The meeting was called I Have Come to Know Him to order, the opening song was announced, I have not spoken face to face with all of I have come to know and—as was then the custom—we all stood the prophets of this dispensation. I was not the Prophet Joseph— to sing. There were perhaps as many as 400 acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith, at least in some there. Together these men lifted their strong nor did I ever hear him speak. My grand- degree, at least voices, . . . all singing these words with a father, who as a young man lived in Nauvoo, enough that I can great spirit of conviction and testimony: did hear him and testified of his divine testify that he was a Praise to the man who communed with calling as the great prophet of this dispensa- prophet called and Jehovah! tion. But I feel I have come to know the ordained to stand as Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer. Prophet Joseph Smith. God’s instrument in Blessed to open the last dispensation, I have read and believed his testimony of this great work of Kings shall extol him, and nations his great First Vision in which he conversed restoration. revere. with the Father and the Son. I have (“Praise to the Man,” Hymns, no. 27.) pondered the wonder of that as I have stood They were singing of the Prophet Joseph in the grove where he prayed, and in that Smith, and as they did so there came into my environment, by the power of the Spirit, I heart a great surge of love for and belief in have received a witness that it happened as

the mighty Prophet of this dispensation. In he said it happened. DEL PARSON BY IILLUSTRATED

4 NEW ERA MAY 2005 5 have read I have read the , which spoke with him. Their matchless light rested I the Book of he translated by the gift and power of God. upon him, and he was instructed in what he Mormon, which 3 Joseph Smith trans- By the power of the Holy Ghost I have should do. lated by the gift and received a testimony and a witness of the power of God. By the divine origin of this sacred record. Joseph A Polished Shaft power of the Holy Smith did not write it of his own capacity. I am profoundly grateful not only for Ghost I have received I have seen with my own eyes the power Joseph Smith as the prophet who served as a testimony and a of the priesthood that came to him under an instrument in the hands of the Almighty witness of the divine the hands of those who held it anciently. I in restoring this work, but also for all of origin of this sacred record. have studied his life and measured his those who have followed him. A study of words. I have pondered the circumstances of their lives will reveal the manner in which his death, and I have come to know him—at the Lord has chosen them, has refined them, least in some degree, at least enough that I and has molded them to His eternal can testify that he was a prophet called and purposes. ordained to stand as God’s instrument in Joseph Smith declared on one occasion: this great work of restoration.2 “I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; . . . knocking off a In the Grove corner here and a corner there. Thus I will Some years ago I was assigned to the become a smooth and polished shaft in the Rochester New York Stake conference. On quiver of the Almighty.”4 Saturday I said to the brethren who were He was hated and persecuted. He was with me, “Let us get up early in the morning, driven and imprisoned. He was abused and early Sunday morning, and go to the Sacred beaten. And as you read his history, you see Grove before the conference.” They all the evolution of which he spoke. There agreed. Accordingly, very early on that spring developed a power in his life. There came a Sabbath, the president, the stake refinement. There grew a love for others that president, the regional representative, and I even overcame his own love for life. The went out to Palmyra and walked into the corners of that rough stone were knocked grove. No one else was there. It was peaceful off, and he became a polished shaft in the and beautiful. It had rained during the night. hand of the Almighty.5 Tiny new leaves were upon the trees. We do not worship the Prophet. We We spoke quietly one to another. We knelt worship God our Eternal Father, and the upon the damp ground and prayed. We did risen Lord Jesus Christ. But we acknowledge not hear an audible voice. We did not see a him, we proclaim him, we respect him, we vision. But in an indefinable way we were reverence him as an instrument in the hands told in our minds, each of us, that yes, it hap- of the Almighty in restoring to the earth the pened here just as Joseph said it happened. ancient truths of the divine gospel, together It was here that God our Eternal Father and with the priesthood through which the His Beloved Son, the resurrected Lord Jesus authority of God is exercised in the affairs of Christ, appeared to the 14-year-old boy and His Church for the blessing of His people.6

6 My Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Standing as the 15th in line from Joseph Smith and bearing the prophetic mantle that came upon him, I solemnly declare my testimony that the Prophet Joseph’s account of these events is true.7 We declare without equivocation that God the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, appeared in person to the boy Joseph Smith. When I was interviewed by Mike Wallace on the 60 Minutes program, he asked me if I actually believed that. I replied, “Yes, sir. That’s the miracle of it.” That is the way I feel about it. Our whole strength rests on the validity of that vision. It either occurred or it did not occur. If it did not, then this work is a fraud. If it did, then it is the most important and wonderful work under the heavens. . . . The instrument in this work of God was a boy whose mind was not cluttered by the philosophies of men. That mind was fresh and without schooling in the traditions of the day. It is easy to see why people do not accept this account. It is almost beyond comprehension. And yet it is so reasonable. Those familiar with the Old Testament recognize the appearance of Jehovah to the prophets who lived in that comparatively simple time. Can they legiti- mately deny the need for an appearance of the God of heaven and His resurrected Son in this very complex period of the world’s history? That They came, both of Them, that Joseph saw Them in Their resplendent glory, that They spoke to him and that he heard and recorded Their words—of these remarkable things we testify.8 NE

NOTES 1. “Praise to the Man,” Ensign, Aug. 1983, 2. 2. “Believe His Prophets,” Ensign, May 1992, 50–51. 3. “My Redeemer Lives,” Ensign, Feb. 2001, 72. 4. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith (1938), 304. 5. “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,” Ensign, Sept. 1991, 5. 6. “Joseph the Seer,” Ensign, May 1977, 65. 7. “Special Witnesses of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 2001, 20. 8. “The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 80.

NEW ERA MAY 2005 7 RRAAHH CCUUMMOO TThhee

BY R. VAL JOHNSON Church Magazines

She was anything but happy to be at the Hill Cumorah. But then she made some life-changing connections.

rom a stand of trees on the Hill Cumorah, I watched as Anna knelt in the Fmud. She was praying. I was too far away to hear what she said—but I sensed what was in her heart, because we had been working together for a week. I was a missionary, called to serve in what was then the Cumorah Mission. As part of our service, for two weeks every year, we missionaries joined volunteers from the area and elsewhere in preparing for and then pre- senting the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Anna (name has been changed) was one of these volunteers. The day I met Anna was the first day of preparing for the pageant. I was immediately struck by how unhappy she was. I assume she had not vol- unteered for this two-week mission; more likely, her parents had drafted

her. She made it clear she would DILLEEN MARSH BY ILLUSTRATED

8 CCOO NNNNEECCTTIIOONN

rather be anywhere else than here. She was grumpy, One day during pageant week it rained. The water uncooperative, unfriendly—your basic pain in the neck. came down in buckets, and we were afraid the pageant Like the full-time missionaries, the volunteers followed would be cancelled that night. This experience was not a missionary routine. We all rose early and had a morning unusual. New York in July gets rain. When it happens devotional. We read the scriptures. We prayed. We bore during pageant week, the missionaries and members testimony to one another. In addition, since part of our always ask the Lord to intervene. And the rain usually duties during pageant week was to greet visitors at the hill, stops, at least during pageant time. the volunteers were taught how to approach people and That day the rain was so fierce we wondered whether invite them to learn about the Church. prayer would be enough. So we started a fast. We knew Anna was assigned to our work group. At first, she was from experience what a great missionary tool the pageant miserable to be around. But sometime during that week of is, and we didn’t want anyone to miss it. Just before the preparation, she connected with a power greater than pageant was to start, the rain stopped. herself. She received a witness, borne by the power of the That’s when Anna went to her knees in prayer. I Holy Ghost, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that the couldn’t hear what she was saying, but I was sure she was Book of Mormon really is God’s word, and that the church thanking the Lord for His mercy—to her, to all of us. she belonged to truly is the restored Church of Jesus I don’t know what happened to Anna after the pageant Christ. Anna’s heart softened, and her mind opened. was over. I imagine she returned home, finished school, The transformation was amazing. By the time the and married. I have no doubt she remained faithful to the pageant began, Anna was the happiest person there. Our gospel, a beacon of light in a worried world. I can see her group was posted at the Moroni monument at the now in my mind, running down life’s path to greet some top of the Hill Cumorah. We would normally wait for peo- troubled soul seeking an angel—and finding one in Anna. ple to walk up to the statue from below before introduc- Such is the power of the restored gospel. ing ourselves and explaining what the statue represents. It is a power familiar to every Latter-day Saint who has Anna couldn’t wait. She would literally run down the path been touched by the truths of the Restoration. Most have to greet those toiling up the hill. They connected with not visited the places where the gospel was restored. But Anna and her message so quickly that by the time they it doesn’t matter. They have received their own witness, reached us, she had them nearly ready for . She and their lives have been changed—just as Anna’s was, did so much talking that, by the time the pageant started and mine, during those days of light and rain on each night, she was hoarse. Cumorah’s hill. NE

NEW ERA MAY 2005 9 PALMY

BY RYAN CARR Church Magazines

Teens from the ome of the most important events in Smith Family Homes Palmyra stake, (from Church history happened in western Joseph Smith and his family lived for a few left to right) Ted SNew York. The Restoration of the years in a log home like this one (right), two Tuttle, Thane Clark, gospel of Jesus Christ began there. miles south of Palmyra. The home in the Melissa Green, and The Church history sites near Palmyra and photograph is a replica that stands on the Shannon Clawson, Fayette, New York, include: foundation of the original. The Smiths, enjoy visiting the • A replica of the log home where Joseph known for their hard work, cleared the trees places Joseph Smith Smith lived as a teenager. around the home, started an apple orchard, lived as a teenager • The Sacred Grove, site of the First and prepared the land for planting. and young man. Vision. Joseph was living in the log home when • The Hill Cumorah, where Joseph he experienced the First Vision in a nearby received the gold plates. grove of trees. Three years later he was • The E. B. Grandin Building, where the visited by the angel Moroni in the small Book of Mormon was printed. upstairs bedroom (inset, above).

• A replica of the Peter Whitmer home, A short distance down the road from the AND ALAN YORGASON THE AUTHOR BY PHOTOGRAPHY where The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints was organized. Today, youth who live nearby enjoy visiting the Church history sites and feeling the Spirit there, which strengthens their testimonies. But they know that you don’t have to live in Palmyra to have a testimony of Prophet Joseph Smith or the Book of Mormon. They gained their testimonies by study, prayer, and the witness of the Holy Ghost. They feel blessed to live in the birthplace of the Restoration.

10 BIRTHPLACE OF THE RA RESTORATION

oseph Smith lived in a log home Jlike this one (left) when he had the First Vision. He was later visited by the angel Moroni in the upstairs bedroom (inset, left). His family built the frame home (opposite page) down the road from the log home.

NEW ERA MAY 2005 11 1805 1816

Joseph Smith Jr. is The Smith family born in Vermont. moves to Palmyra, New York.

log home, Joseph’s older brother Alvin sweet birds singing, Music ringing thru the planned to build a larger frame home for his grove.” They walk “within the shady wood- parents, but he died before it was com- land,” where “Joseph sought the God of pleted. The Smiths finished this home and love.” moved into it in 1825. Near that home, they These teens—Ted Tuttle, Thane Clark, built a barn and a cooper’s shop, where Melissa Green, and Shannon Clawson—and Joseph’s father built and repaired wooden many others in their stake often visit the tubs and casks. Sacred Grove. They go alone to pray, ponder, Nicholi Ludlow, of the Palmyra stake, likes and read scriptures. They also go with their “This is the Sacred to visit the Smith’s frame home near the friends and families. Grove [opposite Sacred Grove. “I like to walk through the Of the several Church history sites near page]. . . . Here is Sacred Grove and then hear the couple Palmyra, the Sacred Grove is a favorite for where it all began, the missionaries tell where Joseph hid the plates many of the local youth. Shannon says the miracle of this great and hear how much work the Smiths went Sacred Grove is “the most beautiful place on work which has spread through to build the home, and they had to earth. It’s gorgeous in there.” She goes there over the earth. This is leave it,” he says. “I remember feeling the when she is seeking comfort or answers to the scene of the First Spirit in that place the first time I went there questions. “One thing I really like to do is go Vision. It was here that with my family. there to read my patriarchal blessing,” she God, the Eternal “The faith of Joseph Smith is amazing to says. “There’s such a sweet spirit there.” Father, appeared with me—the faith to ask about something as big Thane likes to go to the grove alone. “It’s His Beloved Son, Jesus as which church to join. I try to have the one place where there’s peace and answers Christ, the resurrected faith that Joseph Smith had. I try to pray to the problems of life,” he says. “In the Lord.” about decisions that are important to my life. Sacred Grove I feel the Spirit and have —President Gordon B. Joseph’s story shows how important prayer questions answered. I read my scriptures Hinckley, “Special Witnesses of Christ,” is.” there. Sometimes I pray. I ponder things.” Ensign, Apr. 2001, 20. After Joseph received the gold plates in Those who go to the grove to ponder and LOVELL AND TOM KENNETH RILEY, MANN, PAUL BY ILLUSTRATED 1827, many people began to try to steal them. Joseph had to hide them every day. He often hid them under the bricks of this fireplace (right) and in the cooper’s shop near the home.

Sacred Grove As youth from the Palmyra stake walk through the Sacred Grove, the lyrics of “Joseph Smith’s First Prayer” (Hymns, no. 26) describe the morning of their visit. “Oh, how lovely was the morning! Radiant beamed the sun above. Bees were humming,

12 1820 1823

Fourteen-year-old Moroni visits Joseph four times Joseph prays and sees on September 21–22 (and once Heavenly Father and a year each September for the Jesus Christ. next four years).

pray follow in the Prophet ear Palmyra, Joseph’s footsteps. New York, Fourteen-year-old Joseph Nare the Smith came to this grove of Sacred Grove (left) trees near his home when and the Hill Cumorah he needed answers. He (inset, left). A statue didn’t know which church of the angel Moroni to join, so he decided to stands atop the hill. “ask of God” (James 1:5).

Hill Cumorah From the top of the Hill Cumorah (left), you can see for miles over the green, tree-filled land below. On this hill, on September 22, 1827, Joseph was allowed to take the gold plates from the stone box where Moroni had buried them. The Prophet HILL CUMORAH PAGEANT Joseph translated The Hill Cumorah Pageant is the largest them in 1829 and staged production in the world about the Book of published them as Mormon. Each summer, thousands of people see the Book of the free pageant, which shows 10 scenes from Mormon in 1830. the Book of Mormon and its coming forth. More Sarah Thomas, a than 600 costumed cast members act out the recent convert, scenes, which include real fire and water, on enjoyed visiting seven levels of stages on the Hill Cumorah. the Hill Cumorah Maren Dickens, 17, of the Palmyra stake, has before she was a been in the pageant four times. She says the pag- member of the eant “has affected my testimony tremendously. Church. She often It’s really spiritual.” went to the hill to Visit www.hillcumorah.org for the pageant watch the sunset, schedule or to apply to be a cast or crew mem- and she felt the ber. Cast and crew members pay their own way influence of the and must be at least 18 to participate, but Holy Ghost there, younger Church members are eligible if they without knowing attend with their families.

NEW ERA MAY 2005 13 1827 1829

Joseph takes the gold The Aaronic and Melchizedek plates from the Hill Priesthoods are restored in Cumorah, near Palmyra. Pennsylvania.

what she was feeling. “I loved being there, even though I didn’t know why,” she says. Now as a member of the Church she knows why: “The Spirit there is so great. It’s where Moroni buried the Book of Mormon. I had no idea how incredible and important these Church-history places are. I feel “The Lord brought very blessed to live in an area forth the Book of where I can visit them.” Mormon at a period of time when printing E. B. Grandin Building methods would As you head down Main Street enhance its distribu- in Palmyra, New York, you see tion far and wide. several little restaurants and Modern-day printing bookstores and a red-brick build- presses now enable ing with a sign that says “Book of the Church to print Mormon Historic Publication and distribute millions Site.” In this building the first of copies of the Book copies of the Book of Mormon of Mormon each year. were printed. Joseph Smith paid “. . . It is my per- Egbert B. Grandin U.S. $3,000 to sonal testimony that print 5,000 copies of the Book of the Book of Mormon Mormon, which was a lot of changes human lives. copies in that It is indeed another day. testament of Jesus Step inside Christ.” the three- —President Thomas S. story building. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency, Enthusiastic “Special Witnesses of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 2001, missionaries 19. will show you around. You will see the old book shop, the bindery, and

14 1830 1830

The Book of Mormon is On April 6 the Church is printed at E. B. Grandin’s organized in the log home print shop in Palmyra. of Peter Whitmer Sr. at Fayette, New York.

the black metal printing press, which was Church. All these young men eens from the run by hand. had been baptized and had Palmyra stake Eight men and boys worked 12- seen the gold plates. visit a replica of NEW T hour days, six days a week, for YORK Four important events in the Peter Whitmer

about eight months to print PALMYRA Church history happened at farmhouse (below, those first 5,000 copies of 90 or near the Whitmer’s log left) in Fayette, New the Book of Mormon. home: York, where the Church Rd. Having this press in • Joseph com- Church was Book of Palmyra is a good exam- Mormon pleted the translation organized in 1830.

▼ Palmyra Historic To Rochester New York 21 Publication ple of the Lord preparing Site of the Book of From left to right: 31 Temple 31 the way to move His work Sacred Mormon there in Diana Dickson, Sarah along. Grove 1829. Thomas, Savannah 88 96 Smith 21 Family • The Three Steele, Nicholi Homes Hill Cumorah Fayette Witnesses saw the Ludlow, and Thomas 90 April 6, 1830, was the 90 gold plates near this Cleere. day the Lord designated NYS 96 home (see D&C 17).

Thruway 22 miles to Fayette Chapel ▼ ▼ to Buffalo and Peter Whitmer Farm in revelation as the day (just south of Waterloo) • The Church was the Church should be organized there in organized (see D&C 20). That day as many as 1830 (see D&C 20; 21). 60 people met at the small log home of Peter • In Fayette the Prophet Joseph received Whitmer Sr. in Fayette, New York (below). 20 revelations that are recorded in the New York law required a church to have at Doctrine and Covenants. least six members to be organized. So Thomas Cleere’s Joseph, Hyrum, and Samuel Smith, Oliver favorite Church-history site LDS TEENS IN PALMYRA Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Peter Whitmer in western New York is the What’s it like to be a member of the Church in western New York? Melissa Green, 18, of the

ILLUSTRATED BY KENNETH RILEY, GARY SMITH, AND JOHN FALTER SMITH, GARY KENNETH RILEY, BY ILLUSTRATED Jr. became the first official members of the replica of the Peter Whitmer home. Palmyra stake, explains: “Because of the sites, “Something special members of the Church are recognized more. happened here,” says We’re asked a lot of questions. It’s the biggest Thomas, 16, of the Palmyra missionary opportunity that can be given to us as stake. “As you go inside a stake. It’s easier to talk about the Church.” you can almost picture It may be easier to talk about the Church Joseph Smith. You can because of all the Church history sites there, but read Church history and “it’s not easy to be a member of the Church feel the Spirit when you here,” says Shannon Clawson, 18. “If you’re read that, but you can also going to be a member of the Church, you have to stand where it happened be serious about it. You have to get up at six in and feel the Spirit.” NE the morning to go to early-morning seminary. I’m one of three members my age at school.”

NEW ERA MAY 2005 15 Q UESTIONS & A NSWERS QQ&&AA “What do we mean when we say this is the only true church?”

NEW ERA he Lord Himself said that The Church prophets teach us the fulness of the gospel. ■ The Savior’s Church, of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is They teach us about the Savior, His Atonement, priesthood, and TTthe only true church. When Joseph gospel were lost and the doctrines, ordinances, and covenants Smith prayed to know which church was during the Apostasy we need to return to Heavenly Father. right, the Savior told Joseph that he “must but were restored The priesthood. This authority to act in through the Prophet join none of them, for they were all wrong” God’s name comes from the Lord. It is only Joseph Smith. (Joseph Smith—History 1:19). Eleven years given to worthy men in the Church by the later, after the Church was organized, the ■ Ordinances must be laying on of hands by those who hold the Lord testified that the Church is “the only performed by the priesthood. Ordinances, such as baptism proper priesthood true and living church upon the face of the authority for and marriage, are valid in this life whole earth” (D&C 1:30). Heavenly Father and in eternity only when performed by the The Church is true because it is the to accept them. priesthood. restored Church. The Lord taught His gospel, Church organization. Today we have the ■ The Church is a true delegated His priesthood authority, and and living church same Church organization that the Lord set up organized His Church when He was on the because the Lord in His day with apostles, prophets, patriarchs, earth. But these blessings were lost through guides us through missionaries, and so on (see Articles of Faith living prophets and apostasy. The Apostles were killed, early 1:6). The prophet has the authority to lead the apostles. Church members fell away from the truth, kingdom of God on earth. and doctrines and ordinances were changed. Only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Fortunately, the gospel, priesthood, and cor- day Saints can we receive the true teachings, rect Church organization were restored essential ordinances, and opportunities to through Joseph Smith. serve that help us return to Heavenly Father. The gospel. The scriptures and latter-day Because Heavenly Father loves His children

16 BY DEL PARSON BY THE RESTORATION OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD, THE RESTORATION

READERS

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN LUKE; JOHN LUKE; BY PHOTOGRAPH wherever they are, He inspires them This topic is brought up We mean that this Church is the church as well. Other churches have some, often in the mission field. that has the fulness of the gospel. Other but not all, truth. But the Lord has Our statements shouldn’t churches have some correct principles only one true and living church. be offensive but need to but lack others that we have. We do not One reason The Church of Jesus be bold. I like to mention believe that we are better than members Christ of Latter-day Saints is a “living that churches in general are beneficial. of other churches, but we do believe church” is that the living God reveals Being continually led by Jesus Christ is we have received all the truthfulness of His will to living prophets and apostles. what sets our church apart. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ. They give us guidance suited to our the fulness of His gospel. This Church Kristi Dow, 16, La Verne First Ward, times. Think of general conference or has the authority, doctrine, and La Verne California Stake the proclamation on the family. These ordinances necessary for us to return inspired messages from the prophets to Heavenly Father. remind us that we are members of a Elder Nathan Le, 19, Colorado true and living church. NE Colorado Springs Mission

NEW ERA MAY 2005 17 Over time the pure teachings of Although other churches might have Christ were changed in other parts of the truth scattered through- churches to fit the desires of men. out them, our church is the only Although some truths remain, others church on the earth that contains the have been lost. Ours is the only full truth. We are also the only church church that truly and fully reflects the will of the that has the right to officiate in the roles of the Lord as revealed to living latter-day prophets. priesthood. Michael Arnell, 16, Chesterfield First Ward, Dianna Boren, 16, Westchester First Ward, St. Louis Missouri Stake Westchester New York Stake his work is true. We mean that The Church of Jesus T Never doubt it. When I share with people that I know that this is Christ of Latter-day Saints is the T the only true church, I am letting them know that God our Eternal only church that Jesus Christ gave Father lives. Jesus religion is not just a matter of preference—it is authority to. We are the only church is our Redeemer, a matter of truth. The Lord Jesus Christ organized that has the authority to baptize, our Lord, the Son His Church when He was on the earth, and that bless, and receive doctrine from the Lord. No of the living God. same Church has been restored. This true Church other church has the authority ours does. Joseph was a holds the authority of God and is directed by Carrie Davis, 15, Draper Sixth Ward, prophet, the Book revelation from Jesus Christ Himself. Sandy Utah Hidden Valley Stake of Mormon is of Sister Kristine Joy Iwamoto, 23, divine origin, Philippines Quezon City Mission The Church is the same as it was in ancient times. and this is God’s It is the Church the Savior established in Bible and holy work in the We have things other religions don’t, Book of Mormon times. It was established in these earth.” such as the priesthood and Book of latter days by the Savior Himself through Joseph — President Gordon B. Mormon. We hold priesthood keys Hinckley, “Closing Smith. We also have the fulness of the gospel, Remarks,” Ensign, Nov. and have the only true prophet. We 2004, 105. and prophets are continually receiving revelation have been blessed to receive other pertaining to the Church’s organization and the doctrines through Joseph Smith. truths of the gospel, for the Lord has said He “will Ben Smith, 14, Vista Peaks Ward, Mesa Arizona Alta Mesa Stake

do nothing, until he revealeth his secret unto his Responses are intended for help and perspective, servants the prophets” (JST Amos 3:7). not as pronouncements of Church doctrine. Michael Holman, 17, Covina Ward, Walnut California Stake WHAT DO YOU THINK?

When we say that we are the only Send your answer to the question below, along true church, it does not mean we are with your name, birth date, ward and stake the only church with truth. Most reli- (or branch and district), and a photograph to: gions around the world have part Q&A, New Era of the truth. The Jews, Christians, and 50 E. North Temple St., Rm. 2420 Muslims accept parts of the Old Testament. Some Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3220, USA Christian churches have some of the organization Or e-mail: of the primitive Church. Most members of other [email protected] churches are good people, and we should respect Please respond by June 15, 2005. them and their choice of religion. Seth Lloyd, 18, Broomfield First Ward, QUESTION Boulder Colorado Stake “How do I prepare for the Second Coming?”

18 PHOTOGRAPH BY DYNAMIC GRAPHICS; JOSEPH SMITH’S FIRST VISION, BY GREG OLSEN, MAY NOT BE COPIED MOMENT IN ONE SMALL SMALL . AGREAT A MARVELOUS (See 1Nephi14:7.) BEGAN. WORK AND NEW ERA MAY 2005 19 KIRTLA KIRBY PAUL VANDENBERGHE TLA Church Magazines

f New York was the birthplace of the do you want of me?’ The Prophet, it is said, Church, Kirtland was its schoolhouse. while in the East had seen the Whitneys, in IFor eight years Kirtland, Ohio, was the vision, praying for his coming to Kirtland” primary headquarters of the Church and a (History of the Church, 1:146). gathering place for the Saints where they were schooled and organized. Kirtland was a N. K. Whitney and Company Store “You’ve prayed me place of persecution but also a place of great The Prophet Joseph Smith and his wife here, now what do blessings. Emma lived in the Whitney store for about you want of me?” In February 1831 the Prophet Joseph 18 months. And it was there that Joseph Joseph Smith said to Smith first arrived in Kirtland and met Newel worked on translating the Bible. The Prophet Newel K. Whitney K. Whitney in an impressive manner. One also received numerous revelations in what upon Joseph’s account tells it this way: is known as the Revelation Room above the arrival in Kirtland, “A sleigh containing four persons drove store. Ohio. Their meeting through the streets of Kirtland and drew up Next to the Revelation Room is the room took place in in front of the store of Gilbert and Whitney. where the School of the Prophets was held; Whitney’s store, One of the men, a young and stalwart per- it’s Adam Jones’s favorite place in Kirtland. where items such as sonage alighted, and springing up the steps Adam, 17, from the Stow Branch in Akron, brooms, tools, shoes, walked into the store and to where the Ohio, lives about an hour’s drive from and grain were sold. junior partner was stand- Kirtland. “I really like the ing. ‘Newel K. Whitney! School of the Prophets Thou art the man!’ he Room,” he says. “I like the exclaimed, extending his spirit there. There’s a hand cordially, as if to an peacefulness that testifies old and familiar acquain- of what the Saints went tance. ‘You have the through and what they advantage of me,’ replied accomplished in Kirtland the merchant, as he to help the gospel go mechanically took the proffered hand, ‘I forward.” could not call you by name as you have me.’ Visiting the rooms where the Prophet ‘I am Joseph the Prophet,’ said the stranger taught the early missionaries and where he smiling. ‘You’ve prayed me here, now what received so many important revelations— ILLUSTRATED BY PAUL MANN AND ROBERT T. BARRETT; PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE AUTHOR BY PHOTOGRAPHY BARRETT; MANN AND ROBERT T. PAUL BY ILLUSTRATED 20 SCHOOLSCHOOL OFOF NN THETHE SAINTSSAINTS

NEW ERA MAY 2005 21 dam Jones, such as the oath and Schoolhouse shown above covenant of the priest- Another revelation given to the Prophet AAin the ashery, hood (see D&C 84) and Joseph above the Whitney store was loves to feel the spirit the Word of Wisdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 88. In verse 118 the that permeates the D&C 89)—has strengthened Adam’s testi- Lord made clear the importance of educa- School of the mony of the Restoration. “Being here helps tion, saying, “Seek ye diligently and teach Prophets Room (top, your faith and helps you understand about one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye right). In this room the history of the Church.” out of the best books words of wisdom; seek above the Whitney Clark Haymond, 17, of the Solon Ward in learning, even by study and also by faith.” store, the Prophet Kirtland has a personal connection to the Along with the School of the Prophets, met with other School of the Prophets Room. “I was able to there were other schools established in priesthood leaders to be ordained to the priesthood there above Kirtland in response study the gospel. Also the Whitney store,” he says. “It was really to this and other upstairs is the special because prophets studied there. It revelations from the Revelation Room was a very spiritual and Lord. (inset), where 17 touching experience.” revelations were received.

22 A HOME TEACHER TO THE PROPHET

ould you be a little nervous if you were called to be a “Then I said, ‘Do you pray in your family?’ home teacher to the prophet and his family? This is just “He said, ‘Yes.’ W what happened to William Cahoon, a young man who lived “ ‘Do you teach your family the principles of the gospel?’ in Kirtland; and he was, in fact, a bit anxious about this responsibility. “He replied, ‘Yes, I am trying to do it.’ “I was called and ordained to act as a teacher to visit the fami- “ ‘Do you ask a blessing on your food?’ lies of the Saints,” he said. “I got along very well till I found that I “He answered, ‘Yes.’ was obliged to call and pay a visit to the Prophet. Being young, . . . I “ ‘Are you trying to live in peace and harmony with all your family?’ felt my weakness in visiting the Prophet and his family in the capac- “He said that he was. ity of a teacher. I almost felt like shrinking from duty. Finally I went “I turned to Sister Emma, his wife, and said ‘Sister Emma, are to his door and knocked, and in a minute the Prophet came to the you trying to live your religion? Do you teach your children to obey door. I stood there trembling, and said to him: their parents? Do you try to teach them to pray?’ “ ‘Brother Joseph, I have come to visit you in the capacity of a “To all these questions, she answered, ‘Yes, I am trying to do so.’ teacher, if it is convenient for you.’ “I then turned to Joseph and said, ‘I am now through with my “He said ‘Brother William, come right in, I am glad to see you; questions as a teacher; and now if you have any instructions to sit down in that chair there and I will go and call my family in.’ give, I shall be happy to receive them.’ “They soon came in and took seats. He then said, ‘Brother “He said, ‘God bless you, Brother William; and if you are hum- William, I submit myself and family into your hands,’ and then took ble and faithful, you shall have power to settle all difficulties that his seat. ‘Now Brother William,’ said he ‘ask all the questions you may come before you in the capacity of a teacher.’ feel like.’ “I then left my parting blessing upon him and his family, as a “By this time all my fears and trembling had ceased, and I said, teacher, and took my departure” (quoted in Marion G. Romney, ‘Brother Joseph, are you trying to live your religion?’ “The Responsibilities of Home Teachers,” Ensign, Mar. 1973,

ILLUSTRATED BY ROBERT T. BARRETT ROBERT T. BY ILLUSTRATED “He answered ‘Yes.’ 14–15).

NEW ERA MAY 2005 23 There were a school of the elders, a grammar school, and various private schools where adults and youth studied not only the gospel but also subjects like math, gram- mar, philosophy, government, literature, n March of 1832, history, geography, and languages. a mob dragged Near the Whitney store is the restored IIthe Prophet Joseph Kirtland schoolhouse, a replica of the origi- from his bedroom in nal from the early 1800s. This building the John Johnson served not only as a schoolhouse but also as home (opposite page, a gathering place for the Saints to worship were to gather in Ohio. The Lord told the bottom). He was through prayer, music, sermons, and Prophet, “There I will give unto you the law; tarred and partaking of the sacrament. and there you shall be endowed with power feathered but still from on high” (D&C 38:32). had the strength to Ashery and Sawmill A short time later the Lord revealed the preach the next Also restored in historic Kirtland are the exact architecture, design, and measure- morning. Right: ashery and sawmill. The ashery was an ments of the Kirtland Temple (opposite Sisters Robbins and important industry that helped the Saints page, top). Construction on this, the first Anderson, in the raise funds to build the temple and other latter-day temple, started in 1833 and was restored Church buildings. The sawmill (below) finished after much work and sacrifice three schoolhouse, feel was built to cut lumber for the temple’s years later. blessed to serve in construction. “I love the story of how the Saints worked the Kirtland area. Consecrated to the Church by Newel so hard to get that temple built,” says Andrea Whitney, the ashery is where potash and Mann, 18, of the Solon Ward. “Every time I pearlash were made. Both of these ingredi- pass it, it’s a good feeling. That’s where so

90 ents were used in making items such as many important things happened.” soap, paper, gunpowder, cloth, and glass. One of the greatest occurrences in the

Chillicothe Road Today the Kirtland sawmill is one of the Kirtland Temple was when the Savior, Newell K. Whitney few functioning sawmills from the 1830s. Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared to the Store 306 During construction of the Kirtland Temple, Prophet Joseph Smith and

Kirtland Schoolhouse Temple the workers would meet at to restore important Ashery Sawmill the sawmill for a prayer to priesthood keys (see D&C

422 422 begin the day. Those work- 110). ing on the temple then Tamara Dame of the Aurora walked up the hill to the Highland Ward in Ogden, temple site, while the Utah, tells about visiting

John carpentry workers went to the temple last summer: Johnson Home work at the sawmill. “It was amazing to be in the room where Jesus Kirtland Hiram OHIO Kirtland Temple Christ, Moses, and other 70 While still in New York, prophets appeared to

71 the Prophet Joseph Joseph Smith. There aren’t received a revelation from words to explain how I felt the Lord that the Saints in that room. I was 10 or

24 so feet from where all these 1831 In February Joseph Smith arrives righteous leaders stood. It was in Kirtland, Ohio. the most awesome experience.” In February (right) is ordained as the first John Johnson Home bishop of the Church. About 30 miles (48 km) In June the first high priests are south of Kirtland is the restored ordained at general conference. John Johnson home in Hiram, 1832 In February the revelation on the kingdoms of Ohio. The Prophet Joseph and his family lived here with glory (see D&C 76) is received. the Johnsons in 1831 for a year. During that time, Joseph In December “the Olive continued translating the Bible and received one of the Leaf” revelation (see D&C 88) greatest revelations ever given: section 76 of the Doctrine is received, calling for the and Covenants describes how the Lord appeared to construction of a temple in Joseph Smith and and taught them about Kirtland (right) and the estab- the kingdoms of glory. lishment of the School of the “I love the John Johnson home,” says Lizz Harris, 18, of Prophets. the Solon Ward. “I remember going there for the first time 1833 In February the Word of and having a strong spiritual feeling overcome me. The Wisdom (see D&C 89) is Spirit is there.” received. The Johnson home is also a favorite of Chris Anthony, In July Joseph Smith 16, of the Stow Branch. As Chris talks about the glorious concludes the first draft of vision shared by Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in the his translation of the Bible upstairs room of the Johnson home, he says: “I now have (JST). an actual visual perspective of where the vision happened. In December Joseph It’s not just words on paper that we read every day. It’s Smith Sr. (left) is ordained something that I’ve seen and felt.” as the first Church patriarch. “I think it’s amazing what Joseph was able to do,” Chris 1835 In February the Quorum of the Twelve adds. “I don’t think there’s any better example other than Apostles is organized (see D&C 107:23–24). Jesus Christ. Next to Him, Joseph Smith is such a great In July Egyptian mummies and papyruses are example for modern-day youth.” exhibited in Kirtland, Ohio; Joseph Smith For the young men and women who visited these purchases them, and from the writings on the restored historic sites in Kirtland, the feelings and experi- papyruses, translates the Book of Abraham. ences are written deeply in their hearts. They talk rever- The Doctrine and Covenants is accepted as ently of the strong Spirit they felt in places where the scripture. Savior appeared and where prophets, both ancient and 1836 On March 27 the Kirtland Temple is dedicated modern, have brought to pass a wonderful work. NE (see D&C 109). On April 3 Jesus Christ appears to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple (right). Moses, Elias, and Elijah appear and give priesthood keys (see D&C 110). 1838 In January Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and

ILLUSTRATED BY SAM LAWLOR, DAVID LINDSLEY, WILLIAM F. WHITAKER, AND DEL PARSON WHITAKER, WILLIAM F. LINDSLEY, DAVID SAM LAWLOR, BY ILLUSTRATED other leaders are forced to flee Kirtland, Ohio.

NEW ERA MAY 2005 25 BY MCKAY HINCKLEY ASNOWYASNOWY DAYDAYININ FEBRUARYFEBRUARY

hortly before leaving for my mission in February 2003, my father took me on a Strip to a place I had always wanted to see— Nauvoo, . I was eager to see the newly dedicated else to teach me. temple, the Smith’s mansion, and all the other places that We gazed across a barren Parley remain in the city the early Saints had built. Perhaps we Street, where more than 150 years before, hundreds of would also be able to tour . wagons were lined up to leave the beautiful city. As we made our way farther north, snow began to fall, I realized that we were there the very weekend the and by the time we reached Nauvoo, we found ourselves in Saints would have begun leaving. On that bitterly cold the middle of a blizzard. The temple was open that night, morning with the wind howling and snow falling so hard, allowing us to go in and feel the wonderful Spirit there. I developed a great respect for the early Saints and the We checked into a hotel, and by morning our car was sacrifices they made. How grateful I am to them for

BY FRANK THOMAS BY half buried in snow. The world had all but shut down enduring trials so we can enjoy the blessings of the gospel from the blizzard the night before. My heart sank as I today. Since that day I have decided I would not take back knew I would not get to see the rest of the city. Digging the lessons I learned there for anything I would have our car out of the snow, we made our way back to enjoyed in better weather. Nauvoo to see all we could. I love this gospel and pray that we may all press As we suspected, all was shut down, and no tours forward as did the early pioneers. NE

NAUVOO FAREWELL: THE EXODUS BEGINS, THE EXODUS FAREWELL: NAUVOO would be available. However, the Lord had something McKay Hinckley is a member of the Plano First Ward, Plano Stake.

26 NEW ERA MAY 2005 27 INDEPENINDEPEN

28 LIVING IN DENCE ZION DENCEBY SHANNA BUTLER Church Magazines

issouri has been and will be the Maika Tuala (bottom, right) is a priest in site of many key events in Church the Independence Second Ward. He is MMhistory. It was the location of the preparing for a mission and has even brought and Adam-ondi-Ahman, an interested visitor to meet the missionaries where Adam gathered his posterity for a final at the center. blessing (see D&C 107:53–57). It was the “It’s a privilege to live here,” Maika says. place the Saints in Joseph Smith’s day He says the modern-day Church members in started to build Zion but were violently Independence have a mission to spread the driven out before their dreams could be gospel and build up Zion. realized. It is the place where the Lord Jesus “There are people who are looking for Christ will return again to a the gospel,” says Anita Walker (opposite (see D&C 57:2–3; Articles of Faith 1:10). page), a Laurel in the Independence Fourth And, right now, Missouri is a place where Ward. “We just have to find them.” the youth of the Church are building firm The early Saints foundations for the future while looking to worked to build the past for guidance. homes, schools, and settlements in The Temple Lot Missouri. However,

BY CLARK KELLEY PRICE BY In 1831, the Lord told the Prophet Joseph by the end of 1832, Smith and others to go to Missouri, where some Missourians they would receive an inheritance of land were beginning to (see D&C 52:5). The Prophet dedicated the fear growing num- temple lot in Independence, Missouri, on bers of August 3, 1831. Today the Church owns only moving in. a portion of that original lot. The rest is Starting on July 20, mobs destroyed the SAVING THE , SAVING owned by other churches. Latter-day Saints’ businesses (above) and On the Church’s portion of the lot is the property and eventually drove them out of Independence Visitors’ Center (top, right). Jackson County in the middle of winter. The As you enter the center you are greeted by Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that they a large mural of Christ’s Second Coming. A had been driven out because they were quiet reverence fills the building, punctuated not following His com- only by the buzz of missionaries bearing their mandments (see

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE AUTHOR, EXCEPT AS NOTED; AS NOTED; EXCEPT THE AUTHOR, BY PHOTOGRAPHY testimonies and giving tours to visitors. D&C 101:2–6).

NEW ERA MAY 2005 29 Adam-ondi-Ahman Spring Hill and Tower Hill. “Preacher Rock,” BY DALE Church members exiled from Independence where the Prophet is said to have stood and later moved to northern Missouri. In 1838, while taught, is a short walk off the main trail at visiting them in Daviess County, the Prophet Tower Hill. There is even a marker to show the declared by revelation the location of Adam- spot where Lyman Wight’s cabin once stood. ondi-Ahman (see Church History in the Fulness of Times [2000], 188). BE COPIED NOT CLARK KELLEY PRICE, MAY BY Lyman Wight, one of the original mission- aries to Missouri, was an early settler in Adam-ondi-Ahman (left). “He is the one that DEDICATING THE TEMPLE LOT IN INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI, THE TEMPLE LOT DEDICATING brought our family into the Church,” says Daniel Burgon, 17, of the Shoal Creek Ward. Daniel and his sisters Angela, 14, and Natalie, 12 (below), are descendants of Sanford Porter, JOSEPH HELPS PULL A WAGON OUT OF THE SWAMPS, JOSEPH HELPS PULL A WAGON whom Lyman Wight introduced to the gospel. Latter-day Saint settlements in northern The Burgons like to go to Adam-ondi- Missouri, like Far West, continued to prosper Ahman to feel its peace and enjoy its beauty. in 1838, but dissension again crept into the BY C. C. A. CHRISTENSEN; MAP BY TOM CHILD; TOM C. A. MAP BY BY CHRISTENSEN; BY JERRY HARSTON; HARSTON; JERRY BY The valley floor is now used for farmland, and lives of the members. A battle with the the surrounding hills are deeply wooded. On Missourians at Crooked River (above) marked the site are a few scenic overlooks, including the beginning of an all-out war. The Governor JOSEPH SMITH, JR., JOSEPH SMITH, of Missouri, Lilburn W. Boggs, gave an extermi- KILBOURN; KILBOURN; nation order against the Latter-day Saints. OF CROOKED RIVER, THE BATTLE

aniel, Angela, DDand Natalie Burgon like to go to Adam-ondi- Ahman to feel its quiet beauty. Adam-ondi-Ahman was the place where Adam gathered and blessed his righteous posterity, and it is the future site of an important millenial gathering.

30 Far West MISSOURI Haun’s Mill 29 Haun’s Mill

35 At Haun’s Mill, a few miles east of Far West, the violent removal of the Saints began with Visitors’ Center full force. Jacob Haun, leader of the settlement at Haun’s Mill, had disregarded the Prophet’s 70 Independence Visitors’ Center 70 advice to move his people out of the small settlement. On October 30, a mob came to Adam-ondi-Ahman 35 Haun’s Mill. The men living there sought protection in the blacksmith shop, but the Independence mob shot into the shop and at everyone in Missouri sight, including women and children who were fleeing into the woods. At least 17 Saints 1831 were killed, and more than 13 were wounded. In July the Lord One of the wounded was Alma Smith, age reveals to Joseph seven, whose hip had been shot out by a Smith that Zion, with its center musket ball. His mother, Amanda Smith, in Independence, found him in the blacksmith shop. Nearby Missouri, should were her husband and another son, both bove: Slade, Ashley, and be the gathering dead. She pleaded with the Lord to preserve Whitney Thackeray place of the AA Alma’s life, and she heard a voice directing walk down the long, Saints. her how to heal him. He took a few weeks lonely road to Haun’s Mill. to recover, but Alma’s hip was healed. Below: They sit on a fallen In August the Prophet dedicates Today, Haun’s Mill is an abandoned field, tree on a long-abandoned the temple site overgrown with weeds. The slow-flowing river bank where Haun’s in Independence, river and waist-high grass give no indication Mill used to be and Missouri. that anyone ever lived or died there. remember their ancestor But Slade, Ashley, and Whitney whose life was spared 1832 Thackeray (right) have there. In April Joseph a special feeling for this Smith and Sidney Church history site. Rigdon (right) They are descendants visit the members of Alma Smith. in Missouri a second time. 1834 In May the Prophet and the men who form Zion’s Camp leave Kirtland, Ohio, to come to the aid of the members who had been chased out of Jackson County. They are disbanded before they enter NEW ERA MAY 2005 31 Jackson County. Slade and his sisters know miracles are not the colonel who led the Latter-day Saints’ just a thing of the past. They have seen them forces: he turned them over to the militia. in their own lifetimes as well. The Church leaders were illegally court- The first time Slade, 16, heard Alma Smith’s martialed and sentenced to be executed. story was in family home evening. “It changes Their lives were saved the next day when a the way I look at my family. It changes the way Missouri general, Alexander Doniphan, bove: Joseph Smith I pray. It has strengthened my testimony.” Slade refused to obey the order. was in Liberty Jail nods his head and smiles, remembering when The Prophet and five other men, including AA KILBOURN DALE BY for four months. he was very ill and was hospitalized a few the Prophet’s brother Hyrum, were sent to Below: Today, the months ago. “If it wasn’t for prayer and priest- Liberty Jail in Clay County to await another Liberty Jail Visitors’ hood blessings, I don’t know where I’d be.” trial. The lower level of the jail, where the Center allows visitors, prisoners were kept, was small, dirty, and BY GREG OLSEN; PHOTOGRAPH OF FARR WEST, MISSOURI, BY MATT REIER; MATT MISSOURI, BY WEST, OF FARR PHOTOGRAPH GREG OLSEN; BY like Becky, Joseph, Liberty Jail had such a low ceiling that they could and Jacob Tracy, to see Before Far West was taken by not stand up straight. The guards what conditions in the mob militia, Joseph Smith were on the floor above the jail were like. and other Church leaders and lowered what LAYING THE CORNERSTONE FOR THE TEMPLE AT FAR WEST, WEST, FAR FOR THE TEMPLE AT THE CORNERSTONE LAYING were betrayed by little food they JAIL, JOSEPH SMITH IN LIBERTY

32 1838 gave the prisoners through a trap door in the In March the Prophet arrives in Far West floor (below). The dungeon was cold, and and establishes Church headquarters there almost no light came in through the tiny barred for a few months. cell windows. They were there for four months. In April the Prophet receives the revelation in D&C 115 commanding the Zion—The Pure in Heart Church to build a temple at Far West. The Lord also reveals that the name of His Inside the Liberty Jail Historic Site in Church should be The Church of Jesus present-day Liberty, Missouri, is a rotunda Christ of Latter-day Saints. containing a replica of the jail. In the replica are mannequins representing the Prophet and his In May Joseph associates who were held there. Visitors can Smith identifies now come, sit in a semicircle around the jail, Adam-ondi-Ahman and listen to a history of what happened there. (see D&C 116:1). Jacob Tracy, a priest in the Harrisonville Ward, looks down into the dungeon of the jail. In October At 5’11” he wouldn’t be able to stand up straight the Prophet if he were down there. He’s looking at a replica istoric sites in and other Church of Hyrum Smith, his fifth-great-grandfather. Missouri, like leaders are HH arrested and He likes to come here with his brother, Liberty Jail and put on trial. Joseph, 12, and his sister, Becky, 18, (opposite Far West (above), page) and think about the sacrifices early are good places to Church members made. Plus, Jacob says, remember the sacrifices “Knowing the history of what happened to of the Latter-day Saints them can help us. We have so much to look in Joseph Smith’s day, On December 1 forward to here in Zion.” but you can remember Joseph Smith, Of course, these three know that Zion is just as well in your own with five other not only a place in Missouri: “Thus saith the home and heart. brethren, including Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—The his brother Hyrum, are put pure in heart” (D&C 97:21). in Liberty Jail. “You can live anywhere,” Joseph Tracy says. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from.” In other words, you don’t have to live in Jackson County, Missouri, to be in Zion. No matter where they live, youth of the Church can live a little closer to Zion when they build the Lord’s kingdom through righteous living and 1839 giving all they have to Him (see Moses 7:18). NE On April 16 Joseph Smith and the other prisoners are allowed to escape and rejoin the Church mem- bers who are, by now, in Illinois.

NEW ERA MAY 2005 33 THEY SPOKE TO US ast month’s general Elder M. Russell Ballard LLconference had gives some suggestions in messages for you. “One More.” See “They Spoke to Us” in ❖ Find out what it means the May Ensign and to be a good friend in Liahona for talks like Kathleen H. Hughes’s talk, these: “What Greater Goodness ❖ See what President Can We Know: Christlike Gordon B. Hinckley says Friends.” about poker, lotteries, ❖ Why is Joseph Smith and slot machines in so important? President “Gambling.” Hinckley explains why in ❖ How can you prepare “The Great Things Which “THE after the Kirtland now for missionary service? God Has Revealed.” SPIRIT Temple’s dedica- OF GOD” tory prayer. IT HAPPENED IN MAY (Doctrine and his hymn of praise was Covenants 109 is the dedica- May 1, 1846: The the Church Board of TTwritten by William W. tory prayer.) We don’t know was pub- Education. It was built near Phelps (above) for the who wrote the tune to which licly dedicated, with Elders Granite High School in Salt dedication of the Kirtland we now sing “The Spirit of Oson Hyde and Wilford Lake City, Utah. Temple in 1836 and has been God,” but we do know the Woodruff presiding. May 15, 1988: The first sung at every temple dedica- tune was first published in stake in tion since. It was sung to the 1844 in a hymnal used by West Africa, tune of “Now Let Us Rejoice” Latter-day Saint missionaries. the Aba (Hymns, no. 3) immediately (See Hymns, no. 2.) Nigeria Stake, was HIGH-TECH HISTORY organized. May 16, ant to know more the Church History link on the 1989: WW about Church home page. You will find history? The information on Church The BYU answers are just a click away. historic sites, complete with Jerusalem Visit www.lds.org to tap into maps, photos, driving Center for amazing Church history directions, and information on May 12, 1912: The first Near Eastern Studies was resources and get the facts in what there is to see and learn seminary of the Church dedicated by President a matter of minutes. Just click at these locations. (above) was approved by Howard W. Hunter (1907–95).

34 BUILDING THE KIRTLAND TEMPLE, BY WALTER RANE, MAY NOT BE COPIED What’sUp?

B A testi- ““mony begins with the acceptance by faith of the divine mission of Jesus TEST YOUR LDS I.Q. he Doctrine and Covenants is full of wonderful revelations that direct how TTthe Church functions and offer us greater insights into the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Christ. See if you can match some of these well-known revelations with the head of this sections where they are found. 1. John Taylor’s account of the martyrdom A. D&C 4 2. Eternal marriage B. D&C 20 Church; and 3. Oath and covenant of the priesthood C. D&C 25 4. Qualifications for missionary work D. D&C 76 5. Sacrament prayers E. D&C 84 the prophet 6. Call to to compile a hymnal F. D&C 109 7. Three degrees of glory G. D&C 132

8. The dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple H. D&C 135

1H; 2G; 3E; 4A; 5B; 6C; 7D; 8F. 7D; 6C; 5B; 4A; 3E; 2G; 1H; of the Answers: Restoration, WRITE AWAY! Joseph f you have a story, quiz, tip, or activity New Era, What’s Up? IIyou think would look great on the 50 E. North Temple St. Rm. 2420 Smith. What’s Up? pages, why not send it to Salt Lake City, UT us? Other youth in the Church are always 84150-3220, USA

—President James E. Faust, Second looking for fun ideas. And remember to send Counselor in the First Presidency, “Lord, I Believe; Help Thou Mine Unbelief,” photos too, if you have some, to go with Or e-mail us at: cur-editorial-newera@ Ensign, Nov. 2003,”” 19. your article. You can submit your item to: ldschurch.org MARTYRDOM OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM, BY GARY SMITH, MAY NOT BE COPIED NEW ERA MAY 2005 35 NAUVONAUVO ONON THE THE BANKSBANKS OF OF THETHE MISSISSIPPIMISSISSIPPI

BY JANET THOMAS Church Magazines ore than 165 years ago, in the state of Illinois, a beautiful M new town was growing up on establish a settlement, a city that the banks of the wide Mississippi River. would be called Nauvoo. , This new place became bigger than any For nearly seven years, the city other city in the state at the time, even Teens from the Quincy Ward in grew and became one of the most more populated than Chicago. Its build- Illinois (above). Geoff Bokish and pleasant in the area. But mobs ings glowed in the late afternoon sun Rachael Hills (opposite page) harassed the Saints, making it impos-

because of the distinctive red color of down the hill from the rebuilt sible to continue living in Nauvoo. NAUVOO END LANDING, NORTH the brick. Grass grew green and lush Nauvoo Illinois Temple. On a freezing day in February 1846, because the land had once been families packed their wagons, lined up swampy. And high on the hill, a spectacular white temple along Parley Street, and prepared to cross the river on the was lovingly built by the dedicated members of this remark- ice or by barge, leaving behind their homes and temple. able community. They called themselves Latter-day Saints. This exodus continued until the Saints were driven out of How the city came to be is a story of faith and sacrifice. Nauvoo in September. They were determined to find a In 1839, the Saints were forced out of Missouri and fol- place where they could worship as they pleased. lowed the Prophet Joseph Smith and his family to the little After the Church members left to go west, Nauvoo BY GREGORY SIEVERS; PHOTOGRAPH OF NAUVOO TEMPLE BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN TEMPLE BY OF NAUVOO SIEVERS; PHOTOGRAPH GREGORY BY town of Commerce, Illinois. Here Joseph bought land to faded into a small farming community, yet its place in the NOTED; UNLESS OTHERWISE THE AUTHOR BY PHOTOGRAPHY

36 OO history of the Church was set. Now much of the city is being rebuilt. The Church is restoring old buildings. The temple again stands on the hill. And Church members and others are learning more of the history of what happened here.

The Nauvoo Temple After many members of the early Church gathered to Nauvoo, they set about building a temple. In just six months, from October 1840 to center where the font had been. It April 1841, the foundation stones were doesn’t seem like so long ago, but

set and the cornerstones were laid. The the temple is here today.” JOSEPH SMITH, baptismal font was finished, dedicated, The teens in Quincy love having a temple so close and put to use while the rest of the build- to where they live. They take frequent trips to perform bap- ing continued to be worked on. In those days the font and tisms for the dead. Austin Rodenberg says, “I thought it was , BY NADINE BARTON; NADINE BARTON; , BY the oxen were made from wood. great to have a temple rebuilt that was destroyed over 100 The temple was dedicated just as the Saints were being years ago. And to actually go in it was the awesome part.” , BY GARY SMITH GARY , BY forced out of the city. The beautiful temple that they had worked so hard to erect was soon desecrated by mobs and Parley Street set on fire by arsonists, almost totally destroying it. This long, straight street runs through old Nauvoo and

Eighteen months later, a tornado struck the structure and directly into the Mississippi River where a ferry used to OF THE ORGANIZATION toppled the remaining walls. operate. It is easy to imagine the Saints lining up, waiting

Many teens who live close to Nauvoo remember what it for their turn to cross the river heading west. Stephanie TEMPLE THE NAUVOO JOSEPH SMITH AT was like before the new Nauvoo Illinois Temple was built. Hills says, “When I go to Nauvoo, I go to Parley Street.

Brianne Bokish of the Quincy Ward says, “I remember when There’s a big rock by the river where I go, and I sit and GLEN HOPKINSON; , BY the temple wasn’t there. There were stones marking where think about everything. I look back and see the temple. the corners and walls had been. My brother and I would I cry just thinking how it must have felt to leave it.” run around, stepping on all the rocks around the whole Reed Cox also imagines what it must have been like to thing. My parents took pictures of us standing in the very leave. “They had to leave their homes when they thought BUILDING OF THE NAUVOO TEMPLE BUILDING OF THE NAUVOO , BY DAVID LINDSLEY; DAVID , BY BY ALVIN GITTINS; PATRIOTIC BANNER, © 1995 NOVA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION; DEVELOPMENT BANNER, © 1995 NOVA GITTINS; PATRIOTIC ALVIN BY BROTHER JOSEPH BROTHER

1839 1840 1842 1844 Joseph Smith establishes the Construction of the The Prophet Joseph Smith The Prophet is nominated to city of Nauvoo, Illinois, for Nauvoo Temple begins. organizes the Relief Society. run for president of the the gathering of the Saints. United States.

38 they finally had a place they could stay for Visiting the kiln good. They left everything they had. Some (opposite page) helps people couldn’t even sell their houses. They these young men just went, and they didn’t even know where learn how Nauvoo they were going,” he says. bricks were made. Below: The Nauvoo The Brickyard Temple was rebuilt Most of the early members of the Church using the original built log cabins to live in when they first plans. It is Rachael moved to Nauvoo. But soon, they were saving Davis’s favorite their money to buy bricks from one of the spot in Nauvoo. seven brick-making businesses in town. Local Bottom, inset: clay was used to make the red bricks Stephanie Hills at used to build the homes in the the end of area. Restored and rebuilt Parley Street. homes and buildings use the same color of bricks. Today, a small kiln, using the same clay, is operated to produce souvenir bricks. Below: Looking out Carthage Jail Hyrum are buried in Nauvoo along with a window at Carthage A little more than 20 miles (32 km) other family members in the Smith family Jail. Brianne Bokish from Nauvoo is the small community of cemetery. The cemetery is a lovely spot stands on the porch of Carthage. Carthage Jail, where Joseph Smith with trees surrounding substantial granite the Heber C. Kimball and his brother Hyrum were martyred, still monuments marking the graves. home. Rebekah Davis stands not significantly changed in 160 tries to wind yarn at years. Visitors to this place are reverent and The Family Living Center the Family Living respectful as they tour the rooms and walk What was life like in Nauvoo? The Family Center in old Nauvoo. up the stairs and into the small room where Living Center is a place where Church mem- the Prophet, his brother, and two others bers preserve the old ways of doing things. It were held prisoner. is one of Quintin Hansen’s favorite places to Looking from the windows and imagining visit when he and his family go to Nauvoo. the crush of an angry mob on the narrow “They make bread in an oven in the fire- stairs, visiting teens become lost in thought place,” he says. “They show you how to make as they sit for a moment in the room where candles and rope and barrels.” the beloved Prophet of the Casandra Stewart says, “I like this place Restoration became a because you get to do what our ancestors did. martyr. You get to feel how they felt. I’ve made can- The Prophet dles. You have to dip a wick into wax, then Joseph Smith and wait, then dip it again.”

40 the Heber C. Kimball home. Heber, his wife Vilate, and their three children came to Nauvoo with virtually noth- ing, having lost everything they owned in Missouri. Heber built two log homes before finally completing this brick JOSEPH BIDS FAREWELL home. The Kimball family lived here only four months and When Joseph Smith was leaving Nauvoo for the last time five days before joining the exodus from Nauvoo. on his way to Carthage Jail, one of the men with him recorded what the Prophet said as he turned to look at the city: “Joseph Beautiful Nauvoo is being rebuilt. Some original paused when they got to the Temple, and looked with admira- buildings are restored, and others have been recon- tion first on that, and then on the city, and remarked, ‘This is structed. Nauvoo is a precious part of the Church’s the loveliest place and the best people under the heavens; little history, but it was just one of the starting places. The do they know the trials that await them’ ” (History of the Church and gospel have spread across the land and Church, 6:554). across the world. Nauvoo had the first temple where for the dead, endowments, and family sealings Homemaking skills and self-sufficiency are still could be performed. Now temples are being built important in the Church. wherever the members can fill them. Nauvoo was a gathering place for church-loving, righteous people. But The Cultural Hall now, many cities in many lands are being influenced for The Cultural Hall, one of the few buildings that survived good by members of the Church. from the original Nauvoo, was used for plays and concerts, Nauvoo is a beloved historic city, and the lessons , BY GLEN HOPKINSON , BY church and business meetings, funerals and court sessions. learned and taught here have since traveled beyond this performed in the first play there. farming community on the banks of the

LEAVING NAUVOO LEAVING NE

THE PROPHET REINED HIS HORSE, JUST ONE LAST LOOK Rachael Hills says, “My favorite place is the Cultural Mississippi to the ends of the earth. Hall. When we took a tour, they showed us the origi- Nauvoo Carthage nal floor. It was a place Joseph Smith would have walked. They let you dance there because that was ILLINOIS

, BY WILLIAM MAUGHAN; WILLIAM MAUGHAN; , BY what the floor was used for originally.” , © 1990 STUDIO EDITIONS; BAIN STREET GRANGER STREET MAIN STREET HYDE STREET STREET PARTRIDGE DURPHY STREET WELLS STREET BLUFF STREET STREET PAGE BARNET STREET Heber C. Kimball Home One of the first homes in Nauvoo to be restored was MOB AT CARTHAGE JAIL CARTHAGE MOB AT KNIGHT STREET WEAVING EQUIPMENT WEAVING

MULHOLLAND STREET The Nauvoo Temple

RIPLEY STREET M WHITE STREET The Cultural Hall

I , BY HAROLD HOPKINSON; , BY S The Family Living HOTCHKISS STREET S

I Center Heber C. Kimball

, © HART PUBLISHING COMPANY; , © HART PUBLISHING COMPANY; MUNSON STREET S Home S I KIMBALL STREET The Brickyard AT FAIR NAUVOO FAIR AT WEAVER P P PARLEY STREET I SIDNEY STREET 1844 1846 R I V WATER STREET On June 27 Joseph Smith The Latter-day Saints are E R is martyred at Carthage driven out of Nauvoo. with his brother Hyrum.

NEW ERA MAY 2005 41 TearsTears FORFOR THETHE PROPHETPROPHET

BY SALLIJUNE ANDERSON ALLRED

hen you uring the summer of 2001, I had the Some days I cried for the desire to do what reenact the opportunity to serve as a young was right. I cried because I know the truth WWmartyrdom DDperforming missionary in Nauvoo, and feel so selfish at times. I cried for spend- of Joseph Smith once Illinois. That summer I learned that when ing more time in front of the mirror than and sometimes twice you devote your time to the Lord, you can studying the scriptures sometimes. I cried to a day, six days a have amazing experiences. say I was sorry. I cried out of sheer joy. week for over three Every day the young missionaries per- Day by day I became less ashamed of my months, something formed in the “Nauvoo Adventure”—a musi- tears. Toward the end of the summer, I no happens to you. cal depicting the pioneers’ life from Quincy, longer wanted to hide under a bushel, or Illinois, through their journey west. After under my bed. I wanted everyone to know performances people would often tell me, the peace I felt, to know the peace that “It looked like you were really crying up comes from having the Holy Ghost confirm there. You should go into acting as a career.” the gospel is true. I never really knew how to respond to I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet this statement. I was crying—but I definitely of God. He still is. I felt his humble spirit wasn’t acting. When you reenact the martyr- pervade Nauvoo and know that he could dom of Joseph Smith once and sometimes have only done what he did by a power twice a day, six days a week for over three larger than what mortal man can muster. I months, something happens to you. know the Book of Mormon is true. I know I remember the first time I cried on stage. Jesus Christ is the Savior of all mankind. There I was on the ground, at the foot of a One time a little boy said to me, “Why coffin made to look like Joseph Smith’s, and were you so sad?” I treasured telling this little my body started to shake. I was no longer boy that sometimes it’s possible to feel so acting the part of a missionary. I was a happy that you think you’re going to burst missionary. I loved this man, Joseph Smith, with joy. When this happens, you cry. You cry with whom I had never talked. because you have found the thing you love. A missionary once asked me what I You can’t explain it. You just know it. NE thought about to get the tears to flow. I told SalliJune Anderson Allred is a member of the 11th

him that some days I cried for the widows. Ward, Salt Lake Central Stake. KEITH LARSON BY ILLUSTRATED

42 NEW ERA MAY 2005 43 TTRREEAASSUURESRES OFOF TESTIMONYTESTIMONY BY ELDER L. TOM PERRY Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Sometimes we attach less value to familiar things because they are so common to us. I challenge you to stand tall and proclaim loudly the treasured teachings of our common heritage.

hen I was in junior high, I was but, of course, not in thickness. I was embar- honored by the school adminis- rassed to take just a sweet roll for lunch WWtration when I was asked to when I imagined what the other patrol mem- become a member of the student hall patrol. bers would have, but I decided it was better On the days we were assigned to be on hall to go with the sweet roll than go without patrol, we were instructed to bring our lunch lunch. to school and eat it together. It was always a When it came time to eat lunch, I went to special treat, and there was always a lot of a far-off corner so I wouldn’t be noticed. competition to see whose mother had When the trading of lunches started, my prepared the most desirable lunch. Often friends wanted to know what I had. I thought my lunch we traded lunch items among ourselves. explained what had happened that morning, was embarrassing, One day when I was assigned to be on and to my dismay, everyone wanted to see IIbut my friends hall patrol, I forgot to tell Mother I needed a the sweet roll. But my friends surprised surprised me. It lunch until I was almost ready to leave for me—instead of making fun of me, they all turned out to be my school. An expression of concern came over wanted to have a piece of the sweet roll! It best lunch-trading Mother’s face when I requested a lunch. She turned out to be my best lunch trading day day of the entire told me she had just used up her last loaf of of the entire year! The sweet roll I thought year! bread for breakfast and would not be baking would be an embarrassment to me turned until that afternoon. All she had in the house out to be the hit of our lunch hour. to make a lunch was a large sweet roll left As I have reflected on this experience, it over from the previous night’s supper. has occurred to me that it is often part of Mother made delicious sweet rolls. She human nature to attach less value to familiar always arranged them in a pan so there was things simply because they are so common one large one across the top of the pan and to us. One of these familiar things could be then rows of smaller ones down the length our membership in the restored Church. of the pan. Only the large one remained. It What the members of the Church possess

was about the size of a loaf of bread in length is a “pearl of great price” (Matthew 13:46), SNOW SCOTT BY ILLUSTRATED ELDON K. LINSCHOTEN; BY PHOTOGRAPH

44 NEW ERA MAY 2005 45 e are blessed with WWa great and noble heritage that offers a pathway to truth that veers dramatically from the so-called ways of the world. We need to remind ourselves of the value of our heritage so we do not underestimate its worth.

yet sometimes this priceless gem is so famil- complacent about our Church membership iar to us that we do not appreciate its true and are less valiant contributors to building a value. While it is true we should not cast our community of Saints. pearls before swine, this does not mean we We are blessed with a great and noble should not share them with people who will heritage that offers a pathway to truth that appreciate their value. One of the side bene- veers dramatically from the so-called ways of fits of missionary work is watching the value the world. We need to remind ourselves that others who have not previously heard about the value of our heritage so we do not about our beliefs attach to them. There is a underestimate its worth. I challenge the great benefit in seeing one’s treasures Saints to stand tall and proclaim loudly the through someone else’s eyes. treasured teachings of our common My concern is that we often take for heritage, not with a spirit of pride or granted the unique and valuable blessings boasting but with a spirit of confidence that we have of membership in the Lord’s and conviction. NE Church, and in such a state of under- appreciation we are more likely to be From an April 2001 general conference address.

46 L INE U PON L INE D&CD&C 113535::33 Joseph Smith restored the Church and gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. The effects of his faithfulness are still rolling forth today. John Taylor, who became the third President of the Church, wrote this description of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Read the Bible Dictionary entries for “prophet” and “seer,” and then study Joseph Smith—History. As you “Jesus is the Christ, the read his history, write down all the evidences you find Only Begotten of the Father in that Joseph Smith was a prophet and seer. Bear your the flesh. He is our Savior, our testimony of what you learn. Redeemer. He is our advocate with the Father. It took the Prophet Joseph Smith He is the one only about 65 working days to who died and suffered great agony, translate the Book of Mormon, during great humiliation, and great pain for the time he had the gold plates (see us. The Restoration of the gospel is Neal A. Maxwell, “By the Gift and true. Someday we’ll know of the Power of God,” Ensign, Jan. 1997, 39.) greatness of the Prophet Joseph For a Duty to God or Personal Smith. All this work is true.”

Progress goal, commit to reading the —Elder David B. Haight (1906–2004), “This Book of Mormon in as many days as it Work Is True,” Ensign, May 1996, 23. took the Prophet to translate it. You can do it if you read about nine pages a day. The Church now has more than 51,000 full-time missionaries and has members in President Taylor (1808–87) was most countries. referring to North America and Europe. The Book of Mormon is now Nauvoo, Illinois available in more than 100 languages all over the world. Hyrum was the first to be killed in Carthage Jail. He was nearly six years older than Joseph, and the brothers loved Read these scriptures to each other dearly. President Heber J. Grant (1856–1945) find out about others who said of Hyrum: “No mortal man could have been more sealed their testimonies loyal, more true, more faithful in life or in death than was with their deaths: Hyrum Smith to the Prophet of the living God” (in James Stephen—Acts 7:51–60 E. Faust, “Some Great Thing,” Ensign, Nov. 2001, 47). —Mosiah 17:7–20 Editors’ note: This page is not meant to be a comprehensive Zenos—Helaman 8:19 explanation of the selected scripture verses, only a starting point for your own study. BUST OF JOSEPH SMITH BY DEE JAY BAWDEN DEE JAY BUST OF JOSEPH SMITH BY NEW ERA MAY 2005 47 I NSTANT M ESSAGES

IN HIS DEBT BY LIZZIE MILLS

he most amazing part of my trip to visit Church history sites was TTwhen my family and I went to the Smith family homestead. As I sat on the bed in a replica of the room where the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith, I felt the pure love of God. I knew at that moment that what is

48 written in the scriptures is true. That afternoon we were led through the Sacred Grove. Everything in the Sacred Grove seems spiritual, even the birds and animals. I think they must know why we come, so they sing for us as we sit and pray. I am in awe every time I think about the amazing sacrifices of our first latter-day prophet. All of the pain and suffering must have been overwhelming, physically and spiritually: getting tarred and feathered while at the John Johnson home, losing his son Joseph because IN CARTHAGE JAIL of the mobs, and being mocked BY KELLIEANN BURTON and scorned almost daily. His strength seems beyond anything ne of my greatest experiences two great men of God, had stood except for the suffering and agony with Church history was in that room overwhelmed me. endured by Jesus Christ. OOat Carthage Jail. We had a Now I have a better appreciation I am so incredibly grateful for all tour of the jail and learned what and understanding about what Joseph Smith did. I am forever in his happened there. As I saw the bullet Joseph and others went through so debt. I know he restored the gospel hole in the door of the room where we can have the true gospel and, of Jesus Christ and translated the Hyrum Smith was killed and the if we are righteous, live with God Book of Mormon. NE window that Joseph Smith fell from, again. NE Lizzie Mills is a member of the Gladstone tears came to my eyes. Just thinking Ward, Milwaukie Oregon Stake. Kellieann Burton is a member of the that Joseph and his brother, Hyrum, Muscatine Ward, Iowa City Iowa Stake. AN EXAMPLE to my friends but to the world. about my religion. I want to live my TO THE People are always watching to see life in such a way that I can “shine what I do as a member of The forth” and share the gospel with WORLD Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day others. This verse has become my BY JANICE TREASURE Saints. motto scripture, and each day I try By living the teachings of the to be an example of the Savior’s ’ve always tried to be a good gospel and striving to maintain high love. NE example to others, but it wasn’t values, I can “be a standard for the until I read D&C 115:5 that I nations” so that people who know Janice Treasure is a member of the BYU I 180th Ward, I First Stake. ILLUSTRATED BY SAM LAWLOR; PHOTOGRAPH BY CRAIG DIMOND BY PHOTOGRAPH SAM LAWLOR; BY ILLUSTRATED realized I am an example not only me will want to know why I care

NEW ERA MAY 2005 49 T HE E XTRA S MILE “I know you don’t want to be seen at the mall with your parents, but this is ridiculous!” “I doubt I did this homework right. Quick! Eat it!”

“Is that really necessary?” RYAN STOKER RYAN STOKER “She feels like a failure because she came back from the pioneer trek without a single blister.”

ERIC LEACH

VAL CHADWICK BAGLEY

50 REJOICE BY KIMBERLY WEBB

A house of faith, the Kirtland Temple, shined with teardrop shards of light. Broken glass, china crushed, revealed Saints’ sacrifice.

A house of glory blazed like fire, gold, pure snow, the noonday sun. He showed His face to humble men, His voice like mighty oceans— “Lift up your heads and rejoice.”

A house of God, bathed in light, grandeur beneath a star-splashed sky, teaches of eternities— reveals His sacrifice.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHURCH PHOTO SERVICES NEW ERA MAY 2005 51 “We do not worship do not “We him, we respect him, we our Eternal Father, and the our Eternal Father, the Prophet. We worship God the Prophet. We in the hands of the Almighty.” risen Lord Jesus Christ. But we risen Lord See “Praise to the Man” on p. 4. acknowledge him, we proclaim reverence him as an instrument SEE US IN THE GOSPEL LIBRARY AT WWW.LDS.ORG. AT SEE US IN THE GOSPEL LIBRARY

4 02259 45000 9 25945 May 05 THE SACRED GROVE PHOTOGRAPH BY CRAIG DIMOND BY PHOTOGRAPH

WHAT HAPPENED HERE CHANGED THE WORLD. LET IT CHANGE YOUR LIFE.