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Far West temple lot. Granite monoliths with D&C verses
declaring it a holy and consecrated land,
give the law of tithing and proclaim the correct name of The Church. Far West is
perhaps the site of the greatest sorrows for the early saints. It was here that Joseph
Smith and other leaders were arrested and taken to the Liberty Jail. It was from here,
with much of their equipment and food stolen by the Missouri militias, they were driven
from their homes in February of 1839 by the extermination order of Governor Boggs. It was
also here that important church leaders, including two of the three witnesses betrayed
Joseph Smith and were excommunicated. And yet there is a wonderful spirit of peace and
hope at Far West. Some say they feel like they are in a temple just walking on the
grounds. Its future is certain to be glorious. |
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Far
West Temple lot, S.E. corner stone. Tour members ponder
as Linda Dekker recounts the miraculous departure of the twelve
apostles on their missions to England from that spot.
Section 118 mandated an April 26, 1839 departure date.
Mobs, having driven the saints out of Missouri two
months prior, swore they would now prove that Joseph
Smith was a false prophet. Bragged they waited with guns
loaded to prevent any possibility of that revelation
being fulfilled. The quorum of the twelve, under Brigham
Young entered Missouri in disguises,
traveled separate routes, and arrived here April 26th at 1 minute past midnight, held
their meeting, excommunicated 31 apostates, ordained new apostles Wilford Woodruff and
George A. Smith, laid corner stones for the temple and departed for their missions at
daybreak. Thus the directive from the Lord was accomplished in every detail while the mobs
slept unaware. |
