Emmie McQuay is our newest NDP YSA Blog Writer. Welcome Emmie!
Here is her first blog post. Enjoy~
Carthage Jail
As I went with the Nauvoo Discovery Program students to visit Carthage Jail, I felt the Spirit very strongly. I admire the Prophet Joseph Smith’s great faith. No matter how many times he was shouted at, and even though he was hated by some, he stayed strong in the faith. He died defending the gospel. He was fatally shot while leaping from a second-story window, and as he fell, he exclaimed, “O Lord my God.”
His example has taught me that no matter what happens, we should never deny Christ, and we should always protect the gospel. Like Joseph, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are going to be questioned and perhaps even hated.
After our tour, the question came to my mind, “If you had the choice to protect the gospel or get killed, what would you choose?” I hope members of the Church will always choose to protect the gospel because there will be consequences if we deny Christ. If we protect the gospel and stay strong in the faith, we will be given countless blessings and have eternal happiness. Heavenly Father will be pleased with our work and faith.
Doctrine and Covenants, Section 135 talks about what happened in Carthage Jail.
Fun Fact: The walls of Carthage Jail are made of red limestone, and they are two feet thick!
NDP, YSA, and Volunteers Tour Carthage Jail
NDP, YSA Reflections on Carthage Jail
“We had a beautiful unique experience during the Carthage Jail tour today. When we reached the room where Hyrum and Joseph were shot, the tour guides were preparing to play the hymn, “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” but the Bluetooth device they had wasn't working, so we sang the verses ourselves. That has to be one of my favorite experiences since moving to Nauvoo, singing the same hymn that was sung to comfort the faithful men in that jail almost 200 years ago. There was such reverence and power in our singing, and the Spirit was very strong. I couldn't stop smiling afterward. After we finished the tour, Caden had us sing “Praise to the Man” as we stood by the statue of Joseph and Hyrum. It was a wonderful way to end the tour; I didn't even feel the cold.” - Myra Pankratz
“I always love going to Carthage Jail; it's always very powerful, especially this last time because we all got to sing the song, “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.” That was really cool. I’ve always thought that there’s a special spirit at Carthage Jail. It's really sad when you think about what happened there; it's kind of depressing. However, I love learning about how Joseph Smith was so strong in his faith and his testimony, and he didn't give up his testimony to save his life. Instead, he sacrificed his life for the gospel, and I think that's really cool. It makes me want to strengthen my own testimony.” -Jamie Dawdy
“My experience at Carthage Jail was so awesome. The Spirit was so strong, especially in the room where Joseph and all the other brethren were when they got shot. The Spirit was so amazing. There was a sense of reverence and peace; it felt like I was in the temple, I just felt so much love. When we sang the song, it felt like those men were there with us. I love that we have historical sites so that we can always remember where we come from, and how everyone did what they needed to do. I’m so grateful for Carthage Jail and all the learning opportunities we are able to have. I can definitely say that Carthage is one of my favorite sites because you feel peace, and you feel how sacred the historical sites are.” -Melenaite Iongi
“The Carthage trip was wonderful. It started at “The Place” (NDP, YSA Gathering Place in Nauvoo, Illinois) where we had chocolate milk. We then visited Carthage and did the missionary tour. It was insightful to learn about the jail and what exactly happened there. There is a sweet spirit there. We sang multiple songs while honoring Joseph and Hyrum. I would highly recommend it.” -Caden Smith
The Nauvoo Discovery Program and The Homes of The Apostles Tour
Orson Hyde
Orson Hyde was born just a few months before the Prophet Joseph Smith, in 1805. After being baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Orson was given high-profile speaking assignments, as well as special assignments with dignitaries. He was a clerk for the First Presidency and was called on several missions, as well as serving as an apostle.
Because the brethren had to leave their wives and children to do work for the Lord, the Lord gave them a promise in D&C 118:3.
I like this scripture because it shows the love our Lord had for them and us.
“Let the residue continue to preach from that hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, in meekness and humility, and longsuffering, I the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families; and an effectual door will be opened unto them, from henceforth.”-Doctrine and Covenants 118:3
Herber C Kimball
Heber C. Kimball was born in Vermont, in 1801. As one of the original twelve apostles, Heber served numerous missions. The most remarkable was the first, as he went with other members of the Quorum of the Twelve to England, where more than two thousand people were converted in eight months' time. This mission included such manifestations as the casting out of devils, healing of the sick, and speaking in tongues. Heber converted about fifteen hundred people.
Heber’s gift of prophecy was demonstrated when he looked upon the splendid city of Nauvoo, and said, “This is a beautiful place, but not long a resting place for the Saints.”
His house in Nauvoo is beautiful but he was only able to live there for three months before the Saints were forced to flee their homes because of mob violence.
Wilford Woodruff
Born March 1, 1807, and raised in Connecticut, Wilford Woodruff was a miller. He joined the Church in 1833 and served two missions before being ordained an apostle in 1839. As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, he completed four additional missions. After going West, he would preside over the St. George Temple and serve six years as Church Historian before becoming the fourth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved journaling. When you visit his home site in Nauvoo you may notice it has different-looking bricks. The reason is he didn't like the orange color most people were using, so his home is made with more red bricks. He also has fireplaces in every room in his house.
“Visiting these sites was a great spiritual experience. I could feel the Spirit really strongly. I love visiting the historical sites and learning about the early Saints’ strong testimonies, during the great times and the rough times. I have this feeling that they want to be heard and remembered. The Church's history is very interesting." -Emmie McQuay
YSA SAY
What have you learned from the Nauvoo Historical Tours?
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