Author: Frances Orton

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Reunion News – March 31, 2018

Dreaming of a Heavenly Home

Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Reunion
August 2-5, 2018

From LDS History Sites

The Smith family home in 1818 which is their second home in Palmyra.

  • The reconstruction is located on the site of the original.
  • The eight witnesses saw the golden plates in a grove near the log home.
  • Joseph’s first visit from Angel Moroni was here.
  • Joseph lived here at the time of the First Vision which occurred in the woods behind the home.

We are looking forward to our upcoming reunion. Registration will open in April but you can start planning now.

You can look forward to:

  • Thursday night registration will be held in the lobby of the Church Office Building.
  • Friday morning, we will have a family gathering at the Conference Center’s Little Theater. The afternoon will be open for individual family groups to take tours and enjoy time together. In the evening we will have a family dinner in the lobby of the Conference Center. This is a unique opportunity to sit down and enjoy a meal together as one large happy family group. A devotional will be held afterward the dinner in the Conference Center’s Little Theater.
  • Saturday will with have our service project, family memorial and photo, and a picnic lunch at This Is The Place Heritage Park at 2601 East Sunnyside Ave. There will be free time in the afternoon to enjoy This Is The Place Heritage Park. Saturday evening, we have a family meeting downtown Salt Lake at the Assembly Hall.
  • Then of course we will have our last gathering attending Music and the Spoken Word on Sunday.

Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Association is Working with Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Sleep in Heavenly Peace
The Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Association is working with Sleep In Heavenly Peace for our summer’s service project. Sleep In Heavenly Peace was featured this month on a program called Returning The Favor. Please watch this clip https://www.facebook.com/ReturningTheFavor/videos/2020109721593621/ and see why their team stopped by Twin Falls, Idaho to meet Luke Mickelson who started Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization whose mission is to ensure that no child in their town ever has to sleep on the floor.

Click to donate toward our service project.
Or contribute by Mail with Checks or Money Orders to:
Joseph Smith Sr. Family Association
c/o Frances Orton
381 W 3700 N
Provo, UT 84604
Make a notation on the check: Sleep In Heavenly Peace.

Join host Mike Rowe as he travels the country in search of remarkable people making a difference in their communities. Returning the Favor gives back to those who pay it forward with humor, heart and surprise. Because one good turn deserves another.

Mike Rowe is an American actor primarily known as a television host and narrator. He is known for his work on the Discovery Channel Series Dirty Jobs and the CNN series Somebody’s Gotta Do It.

2013 – This Is The Place Heritage Park
2014-Independence Temple Lot
2016 – Nauvoo Smith Family Cemetery

Steve & Frances Orton
Steve: steve.ortonio@gmail.com
Frances: ortonfrances@gmail.com
c/o Steve and Frances Orton
381 West 3700 North
Provo UT 84604

Posted on

Reunion News – February 27, 2018

“Dreaming of a Heavenly Home”
Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Reunion
August 2-5, 2018

From LDS History Sites

The Smith family home in 1818 which is their second home in Palmyra.

  • The reconstruction is located on the site of the original.
  • The eight witnesses saw the golden plates in a grove near the log home.
  • Joseph’s first visit from Angel Moroni was here.
  • Joseph lived here at the time of the First Vision which occurred in the woods behind the home.
Dreaming of a Heavenly Home — 2018 Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Reunion Theme

By Daniel Adams

Father and Mother Smith knew better than anyone what it meant to be refugees. But their trials had also allowed them to glimpse eternity. They saw their heavenly home and what their family could be, and this knowledge, like that of the saints before, gave them the strength to endure, to continue to dream of their heavenly home.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Father and Mother Smith being driven from their home and having to rebuild once again, in a tiny log cabin in Palmyra, New York. Here, they would find a short refuge until they would be forced again to leave. Here, Father and Mother Smith would read the Bible to their children and plead for divine protection. Here, Joseph Sr. told his children of his remarkable dreams of the restoration. Here, Lucy would tell her children how God answered her desperate prayers in a grove of trees.  Here, Joseph would read the invitation of the Apostle James and determine to ask of God what he should do. Here, the heavens would rend and the Angel Moroni would descend to reveal a mighty work and a wonder. Here, the family gathered nightly to hear Joseph recount his remarkable visions of the ancient inhabitants of this continent. Here, the Smith boys and girls grew strong in faith and work, believing that God was watching over their family. This place, more than any other, symbolized what can be ours — no matter the coming persecution, trials and difficulties — when we dream of our heavenly home.

On this 200th anniversary, the Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith descendants have the opportunity to gather in Salt Lake and help current refugees that have been driven from their homes and lost all of their worldly possessions. We will be building bunk beds for refugee children and their families. We would like to give each family a history of the Smith Family and Smith embroidered blanket for each bed, so they might know that God is aware of them, that our family understands to some degree what it means to be refugees, and now with this gift, perhaps they too can dream of a heavenly home.

Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Association is Working with Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

The Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Association is working with Sleep In Heavenly Peace for our summer’s service project. Sleep In Heavenly Peace was featured this month on a program called Returning The Favor. Please watch this clip https://www.facebook.com/ReturningTheFavor/videos/2020109721593621/ and see why their team stopped by Twin Falls, Idaho to meet Luke Mickelson who started Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization whose mission is to ensure that no child in their town ever has to sleep on the floor.

Click to donate toward our service project.

Or contribute by Mail with Checks or Money Orders to:

Joseph Smith Sr. Family Association
c/o Frances Orton
381 W 3700 N
Provo, UT 84604
Make a notation on the check: Sleep In Heavenly Peace.

Join host Mike Rowe as he travels the country in search of remarkable people making a difference in their communities. Returning the Favor gives back to those who pay it forward with humor, heart and surprise. Because one good turn deserves another.

Mike Rowe is an American actor primarily known as a television host and narrator. He is known for his work on the Discovery Channel Series Dirty Jobs and the CNN series Somebody’s Gotta Do It.

Returning the Favor

2013 – This Is The Place Heritage Park
2014-Independence Temple Lot
2016 – Nauvoo Smith Family Cemetery

Steve & Frances Orton
Steve: steve.ortonio@gmail.com
Frances: ortonfrances@gmail.com
c/o Steve and Frances Orton
381 West 3700 North
Provo UT 84604

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Reunion News – January 28, 2018

  • Mark Your Calendars
  • The Family Gathered in Honor of the 25th Anniversary of the Smith Family Cemetery Dedication

Mark Your Calendars

Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Reunion

August 2-5, 2018

From LDS History Sites
  • The second home the Smith family lived in after moving to Palmyra.
  • The reconstruction is located on the site of the original.
  • The eight witnesses saw the golden plates in a grove near the log home.
  • Joseph’s first visit from Angel Moroni was here.
  • Joseph lived here at the time of the First Vision.

Two hundred years ago, the Smith Family had been driven from their home and had to relocate and rebuild in a new place. More than anyone, the Smiths knew what it meant to be homeless and refugees. We are helping build bunk beds for those down on their luck and refugees so they can sleep with more comfort, in memory of Joseph Sr. and Lucy pulling and building together in 1818.

What would you have given for our Father and Mother Smith to be able to sleep with a roof over their heads?

Today, 200 years later, we have an opportunity to help others with similar difficulty and have Joseph’s family and name known for good. In 2018, in conjunction with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, the Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Association is honoring their sacrifice and endurance, by building beds for refugee families in the Salt Lake City, Utah area.

At this 200th Anniversary gathering, we will be donating and building bunk beds for refugee children.

Won’t you join us for this seminal event? With your family’s donation for a bunk bed, we can make a difference for hundreds of children, and just as our past gatherings, your good works and Joseph’s name will be broadcast to thousands.

You can learn more about Sleep in Heavenly Peace by watching these links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jkm2mSKi09Q

Provo group donating beds to help others KSLcom

Watch for additional Family Association and Reunion details that will be coming soon.

Click to donate toward our service project.

The family in from of the Smith Family Cemetery during the 2016 reunion.
(Photo: Lindsey Orton)

The Family Gathered in Honor of the 25th Anniversary of the Smith Family Cemetery Dedication

August 6, 2016

You can read more about the 2016 Nauvoo Reunion activities by going to http://josephsmithsr.org/2017/02/12/2016-nauvoo-memories/

During the program held at the cemetery, Elder Ballard said, “There is no one who has ever lived in my judgement, with the exception of the Savior, who is more entitled to rise up on the day of resurrection in a glorious and beautiful garden. I have always felt deeply that Joseph, Hyrum, Emma, and Father and Mother Smith, Samuel, Don Carlos and other family members will rejoice together on the day of resurrection. They all played important roles at an important time in our history.” Elder Ballard’s full address.

Lachlan Mackay is a member of Community of Christ Council of Twelve and a Trustee of the Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Foundation. He shared some stories about Lewis C. Bidamon and how Emma met him during the time Lewis was fighting to protect the remaining Latter Day Saints in Nauvoo.

Lach said, “Here is what I appreciate most about Lewis. He was father and parent to the children of the prophet. For David he was the only father he ever knew. Of course, Emma was pregnant when Joseph was killed and David was born 5 ½ months after his father’s death. For raising those children, I will be eternally grateful.” Read more about finally marking Lewis’ grave.

Steve & Frances Orton
Steve: steve.ortonio@gmail.com
Frances: ortonfrances@gmail.com
Checks made out to: Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Organization
c/o Steve and Frances Orton
381 West 3700 North
Provo UT 84604

Website: http://josephsmithsr.org/reunion/

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2016 Nauvoo Memories

25th Anniversary of the Nauvoo Smith Family Cemetery Dedication. (Photo: Lindsey Orton)
25th Anniversary of the Smith Family Cemetery Dedication. (Photo: Lindsey Orton)
Community of Christ Council of Twelve, Lachlan Mackay, shakes hands with Elder M. Russell Ballard, Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.(Photo: Lindsey Orton)
Community of Christ Council of Twelve, Lachlan Mackay shakes hands with Elder M. Russell Ballard, Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (Photo: Lindsey Orton)

2016 Online Reunion 8.2.16

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Thursday Reunion Activities

Bertha Madison Smith by Anina Luff

Smith’s in Rose Hill Cemetery

Sr. Family Report by Daniel Adams

Joseph for President by Susan Easton Black

Scholar discusses Joseph Smith – Church News – Susan Easton Black

Friday, August 5, 2016

Friday Morning Cemetery Service Project

Don Carlos Smith by Gracia Jones

Lewis C. Bidamon highlights by Gracia Jones

Saturday, August 6. 2016

Carthage Jail Morningside Photos

Carthage Jail – Program – Susan Easton Black

Death on a Thursday Afternoon by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel

Elder Ballard – Carthage Jail – Program

Cemetery 25th Anniversary Remembrance

8_6_16_Cemetery_Photos

Lachlan Mackay – Cemetery Talk

Elder Ballard – Cemetery Talk

Family Devotional

Karl Anderson – Smith Family Devotional

Elder Ballard’s talk at the Smith Family Devotional

Saturday Afternoon Photo Memories

History of Foundation and Association by Karl Anderson and Daniel Larsen

Lach Mackay’s presentation on A Brief History of the Smith Family Cemetery

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Winter Quarters Fireside Photos

The Story of John Pidding Jones Missing the Boat by Ivor Jones

Smith Reunion Talk by Mary Ellen Elggren

Smith Sr Reunion History by Gracia Jones

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Reunion News – July 24, 2016

Make sure you attend the kickoff meeting on Thursday evening and the rest of the activities on Friday and Saturday. Press this link for: Online Reunion Agenda

Reunion Registration
Registration for the Nauvoo Reunion is still online. The cost is $35 per person. Go to: Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Reunion Registration.

Continue reading “Reunion News – July 24, 2016”

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Reunion News – July 8, 2016

View this post in PDF

Reunion Pre-Registration and T-shirt Orders due July 18

Happy 241 Birthday to Lucy Mack Smith today!

(July 8, 1775 – May 14, 1856)

Lucy Mack Smith: Woman of Great Faith

Reunion Agenda

Make sure you attend the kickoff meeting on Thursday evening and the rest of the activities on Friday and Saturday. Press this link for: Tentative Reunion Agenda.

Continue reading “Reunion News – July 8, 2016”

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Reunion Registration Request

Name tags this year will be printed on July 20 and shipped with reunion supplies to Nauvoo. If you are unable to register before this date you might have to hand write your name with a sharpie on the reunion name-tag card stock. This is going to streamline the onsite registration process.

Registration for the Nauvoo Reunion is now online. The cost is $35 per person.

1. Go to the registration page.
2. Click the “Buy tickets / Join the Guestlist” button.
3. Enter the number in your group in the dropdown box “QUANTITY.”
4. Complete the form for you and those in your group. The person registering will be the main contact but will have to include your information again for the nametag section. Make sure to scroll down to enter each person you attending with you.

Continue reading “Reunion Registration Request”

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Reunion News – June 22, 2016

View Post in PDF

It Is Time to Register

Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Reunion

We are excited about this 25th Anniversary of the Smith Family Cemetery Dedication.

Registration for the August 4-7 Nauvoo Reunion is now open to everyone. The cost is $35 per person. Those on the train/bus tour have already paid their reunion fees. We now need those of you that are headed to the beautiful city of Nauvoo for the reunion to register. As a reminder – we keep costs as low as we can. The plan with the reunion is to not make money but not to lose money either. There are no administrative fees and there are no free entries. We are expecting a large group this year. Space may become limited and it is very important you register early. Here are the steps to register:

  1. Go to http://reunion.josephsmithsr.org/?page_id=459 .
  2. Click the “Buy tickets / Join the Guestlist” button.
  3. Enter the number in your group in the dropdown box “QUANTITY.”
  4. Complete the form for you and those in your group. The person registering will be the main contact but will have to include your information again for the nametag section. Make sure to scroll down to enter each person that is attending with you.

Please read more about Emma’s fond wish for the cemetery.
Continue reading “Reunion News – June 22, 2016”

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Reunion News – May 28, 2016

All Aboard– 25th Anniversary of the Smith Family Cemetery Dedication

We have filled all of our original reserved spots on the train, but we have secured a second contract with Amtrak. We are very excited about the number of reservations we have received. There’s still time to join us on the Train/Bus trip to Nauvoo. We will take reservations until it fills. We have only 14 more spots available.

Here are the dates for traveling by train for the family reunion:

Train seating is more spacious and more comfortable than airline seating. You will spend a night on the train each direction. Consider these tips for traveling in coach class on the train and these tips for first-time train-travelers. Continue reading “Reunion News – May 28, 2016”