As the original Nauvoo Temple was abandoned in 1846, the Smith family was split. With the completion of the new Nauvoo Temple the family came together to tour the rebuilt temple and meet at the new headstones of Father and Mother Smith in the family cemetery. The family met at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22 to enjoy the beauty and peace of the temple. Entry brought us into the basement site of the baptismal font sitting on the back of twelve oxen. After spending so many years looking at the hole in the ground that was the site of the original font the presence of the new font brought deep emotion to many of us. Though we couldn’t all be together to share the beauty of spiral staircases, circular windows, muraled walls, ornate rooms all built as closely to the details revealed to our first Smiths, the breakfast gathering following the tours allowed us to meet and eat. Our own Robert Smith family (Samuel) and friends prepared waffles and fresh fruit. After sharing with many Smiths that we had never met before, we gathered at the family cemetery for pictures and conversation at the new headstones of Father and Mother Smith. Emma had requested that posterity care for and preserve the graves. Their location was, however, lost to living memory. Several individuals consequently, spent years of historical research and finally ground x-ray to determine the location of this new family gathering place. The foundation is now working to replace outdated signs and prepare the tour guides in Nauvoo to represent this sacred family location.
The cemetery has been very well cared for, and those involved deserve special thanks for all their hard work. With the new head stones it really seems to be developing into a beautiful and special place. After this experience we plan to go back each year and spend some more time.â€
Sincerely,
Peter and Mary Larsen