Related Resources • Temples • Church History • Church Leaders • Lesson and Talk Index

Elsewhere on the Web • Nauvoo Illinois Temple • Nauvoo A Temple Reborn

What a joyous experience it was for my family and me to witness the dedication of the Nauvoo Temple.

The temple in Nauvoo, Illinois was first built by the early Latter-day Saints who were persecuted and driven from their homes. It took them over five years (from Oct. 1840 - Nov. 1845) to plan, build, and prepare the Nauvoo Temple for its first dedication. The temple was built after much sacrifice of money, time, food, and possessions of the early saints.

After the saints were cast out of Illinois, the temple was desecrated and destroyed by mobs who set it on fire. Later a tornado struck, removing most of what was left.

Now, over 150 years later the Nauvoo Temple has been rebuilt through the guidance and instruction of the Church's Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley. This time it only took a little over 2 years to build the temple. The new temple was dedicated in 13 sessions, all presided over by President Hinckley. In the last session he announced that 17,843 people had attended the dedications, and that the world wide broadcasts of these sessions had been sent to 2,983 locations and in 37 different languages. What an amazing feat! I'm sure the early saints would be astounded to hear such a report. This temple was rebuilt not only for those early saints but as a symbol of the sacrifices and persecutions they suffered.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir raised $75,000 which was given as a thank-you to the people of Quincy, Illinois whose forefathers had accepted the early saints when they had been driven out of Missouri.

Elder James E. Faust shared incredible experiences of his ancestors who had worked on the Nauvoo Temple, and who had been persecuted and driven from town to town. He shared the touching story of one ancestor who had been tarred and feathered by mobs and died because of the burns. He also explained how Joseph Smith spoke of this man and the great work he had done.

I know the work of the Lord is moving forward. The building of this temple and the many more that have been built, are being built, and will be built is part of the great vision of the future of this Church. I know the work is true. I love the temple and the ordinances performed there which make it possible for us to be sealed to our families for all time and eternity. I pray that you may come to know the truth of this as well. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Previous Articles