“Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven”: Understanding the Nauvoo Temple – a new exhibit

The following is a blurb on a new exhibit showing in Special Collections, curated by Annie Kirkpatrick, an intern who worked for Ryan Lee this past Winter Semester:

Nauvoo Temple daguerreotype, circa 1846

“In this era of the Church, temples dot the land, with the number of dedicated temples around the globe nearing 150. Locally we are witnessing the open house and dedication of the Payson Utah Temple, and anticipate the completion of the Provo City Center Temple soon. While we revel in these new modern marvels, may we take a step back in time and be reminded of the experiences of our forefathers and the sacrifices they endured to build temples in the early years of the Restoration.

“This exhibit showcases documents and images housed in L. Tom Perry Special Collections related to the Nauvoo Temple, the second temple built in this dispensation, and one that would only be used for a few short months. From construction, to introducing new ordinances, to eventual abandonment and destruction, this exhibit examines the sacrifices made by those who gave their time, talents, and substance to the building of this glorious edifice, and the eventual blessings of ordinances of eternal significance. Also shown are items that reflect on how the temple was viewed by others around the nation, and witnesses to its eventual demise at the hands of mobs. May this exhibit give one a better understanding of what it took to build, and then abandon, the Nauvoo Temple, and help us reflect on our own sacrifices for the temples that we are so privileged to have in our midst.”

The exhibit will be showing in the Special Collections lobby on the 1st floor of the HBLL from now until August 14. Please come see us and checked it out!