Exodus Commemoration - February 4, 2010

Ever since we arrived in Nauvoo we have heard about the Exodus Commemoration. This is an annual event honoring the Nauvoo Saints who left Nauvoo on Feb. 4, 1846 on short notice and in extremely cold winter weather. The day was all it was built up to be. As we walked down Parley Street I fought back the tears thinking about all that was left behind by the Saints and especially the temple that they had worked so hard to complete. They faced such difficulties as they camped across the Mississippi River in snowy, frigid weather with very little food. They could look across the river and see their homes which were not fancy but kept them dry and warm. So close and yet so far.

Their struggles continued as they crossed Iowa and finally reached Winter Quarters.
More lives were lost on the journey from Nauvoo to Winter Quarters than those lives lost the rest of the way to Salt Lake. (Other than the lives lost in the handcart companies.)

One of the great blessings of serving a mission in Nauvoo is the love and appreciation we have gained for the early members of the church who lived in Nauvoo and the surrounding areas. I am so grateful and appreciative of their great sacrifices to help the church become established. Both Glenn and I have ancestors who lived in Nauvoo and crossed the plains to the Salt Lake Valley. The only way we know to show our appreciation is to stay faithful and to help others gain that same appreciation.

Here is a picture story of the Exodus.

The morning began with pastries & juice at the Family Living Center. It was estimated that approx. 300 people participated in the Exodus event. Elder & Sister Sweat are dressed as Brigham & MaryAnn Young.

Brigham & Mary Ann Young (E/S Sweat) got in the carriage.

Site missionaries, temple missionaries and local people were involved in the Exodus Commemoration. There was a group of 8 ladies who came here from out West to be a part of the Commemoration. They have an annual tradition of coming - this was their 7th year.

Gathering in front of the Cultural Hall to begin the Exodus Walk. The national flags in the back ground were carried by people who had ancestors who came from the country represented by the flag. We each had an opportunity to wear the name of an ancestor who left Nauvoo to go West. It was a privilege to represent Syvlanus Hulet, my great grandfather. Glenn wore the name of Lyman Wight, his g g grandfather.

Turning the corner onto Parley Street. It was a very comfortable morning, about 32*.

Missionaries representing the Nauvoo Legion.

There is a statue of Brigham and Joseph at the end of Parley St. The lady in the middle and the young man to the right are direct descendants of Joseph Smith. Kim & Brian Smith - they gave a fireside this winter at the Chubbuck Stake in Pocatello.

There was a brief program at the end of Parley St. Missionaries who had family that died enroute to the Salt Lake Valley read their names, followed by a moment of silence. We then sang Come, Come Ye Saints.

The horses used to pull the wagons are big, beautiul horses.