Oct. 24, 1999
It was a great day, an historic day. Those words from LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, in Nauvoo for a ground breaking on Sunday.
Last spring, President Hinckley announced the church would rebuild the temple the Saints were forced to leave in the 1840's. Religion Specialist Carole Mikita is in Nauvoo, and files this report.
In the mid 1800's, the thriving community of Nauvoo sat on a bend in the Mississippi River. Religious persecution drove the Latter-day Saints out. They left behind their homes, community, and their beautiful temple. It was eventually destroyed.
At the end of the 20th century, preparations are underway to rebuild the temple. The groundbreaking was Sunday. That day, Nauvoo residents prepared to attend church. Their normal 600 became 4,000.
Chris Frogley is a descendant of Hyrum Smith, Joseph's brother. "To see this happening is something we've dreamed about forever and never thought we'd live to see. So there aren't words to describe what's in the heart."
So many people who came for the groundbreaking have ties to Nauvoo, including the architect, from Salt Lake City-- Roger Jackson. "My great-great-grandfather lived here in Nauvoo and worked in the quarry and on the building. And he had a temple ceremony for him, then he walked away and left. Like so many other people with history in the church."
Jackson is taking his great-great-grandfather's place to make the new temple look as much like the original as he can.
This was originally supposed to be a rather small event. A few dignitaries, a couple of shovels, and the members of the church here in Nauvoo. And then, all of a sudden, the word got out.
Elder Donald Staheli, of the LDS Church area presidency, said besides thinking about the past, church members need to concentrate on being good neighbors of the future.
"As the new temple is built here, we hope you will be just as proud of it as we, and just as excited about the blessings it will bring to the members and non-members alike," he said.
President Hinckley said it was his father's wish to have the temple rebuilt in 1939, but the church couldn't afford it.
"But I count it something of a starange and wonderful coincidence that I've had a part in the determination to rebuild this temple." President Hinckley also said thousands and thousands will attend this temple. Then he turned to address Nauvoo's mayor.
"And that's become a great worry to you. Don't worry! We'll work it out," President Hinckley said.
While turning the first shovels of dirt, President Hinckley said, "I didn't know there was grass under the sand. Now, I'd like some little boys and girls to come." And they did help turn shovelfulls of dirt.
"A wonderful day, historic day, tremendous, and a beautiful day on which to break ground," President Hinckley added. He said construction will begin on Monday. He plans to return for the dedication.
Construction on the new Nauvoo temple will take about two years.
