The Exodus commemorates the sorrowful expulsion of the Saints from their beloved Nauvoo. The eviction began in the bitter winter month of February of 1846. The Nauvoo Discovery Program participants joined the Annual Nauvoo Exodus Commemoration, walking the approximate mile from the Cultural Hall on Main Street to the Mississippi River at the end of Parley Street. Some people at the event carried names of pioneers who had made the trek over 170 years before. The group stopped near the Joseph and Brigham statues and at the Pioneer Memorial rotunda, which lists the names of the pioneers who lost their lives along the journey westward. Songs were sung and speeches were given during the program. Hearts were touched and the experience was "Poignant" as one of NDP's volunteers Terra Winder described it. A Trail of Hope lines Parley Street toward the Mississippi and displays plaques with quotes from pioneers who experienced this difficult journey.
~Sandra S. Marler, editor/designer
The Trail of Hope
The Pioneer Memorial
Emmie's Impressions
During the commemoration, As people were gathering in front of the Cultural Hall, the spirit was so strong. Seeing the flag and rifle holders line up you could feel the presence of the Saints that day. And as we walked to the end of Parley Street I did my best to picture how the Saints felt and what they were thinking. I imagine that it would have been so hard for the pioneers to leave their homes. Leaving a beautiful place with an unsure journey ahead I’m sure they were frightened. But they were brave walking on the ice of the Mississippi River. I walked on the edge of the River and I was scared. They had amazing faith to follow what Our Lord told them to do. At the event we sang the hymn “Come, Come, Ye saints “and the spirit was so strong it made me emotional. It helped me know that even if we are afraid, God is with us and is aware, and if you Honor God He will Honor you!” Filled with hope, that they would find peace in Zion, they walked down Parley Street and crossed the Mississippi River. Our Lord prepares the way for us, and though we may have fears and trials He will bless us as we remain strong in the gospel. It is as the pioneer hymn reads,
“Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear; but with joy wend your way. Though hard to you this journey may appear, grace shall be as your day. ’Tis better far for us to strive, our useless cares from us to drive; Do this, and joy, your hearts will swell, All is well! All is well!” “We’ll find the place which God for us prepared, far away in the West, Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid; there the Saints will be blessed. We’ll make the air with music ring, shout praises to our God and King; Above the rest, these words we’ll tell— All is well! All is well!” -Clayton,Willian, 1846, "All is Well"
Some of The Nauvoo Discovery Program Participants carry flags for
The Exodus Commemoration 2025
Anika Smith an NDP Participant relays her experience, "Participating in the Exodus Commemoration brought the pioneers to life, watching a mother hold her young ones close sunk in the depth of sacrifice and hardship the pioneers were willing to go through to make it to Zion. They walked across the frozen river, turning back to glance at the temple they had sacrificed so much to build knowing that it would all be worth it if they followed the prophet of God. And so they went, facing every unknown they could imagine. And they went believing."
Mississippi Sunset
One of the greatest places to watch a sunset in Nauvoo is by the Mississippi River. There is a peaceful spirit as you admire nature and all that our Father in Heaven has created. This picture was taken at the end of Parley Street, the spot from where the pioneers started their westward trek as they crossed a frozen river.
Contributing Editor: Terra Winder
Contributing Photography: Sandra S. Marler, Terra Winder, Emmie McQuay
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