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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.
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