Posted by administrator on Nov 22, 2010 in Site of the Week - LDS Church History Tour |

HAIFA Located on the Mediterranean Sea where Mt Carmel juts into the water forming a bay, Haifa is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world.  From atop the mount, panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea are similar to those of San Francisco.  Little existed here until 1933 when the British built a modern harbor which is now the main port of Israel.  The city now has the nation’s largest heavy industries.  Historically, Haifa was destroyed by Muslim conquerors in the seventh century, conquered by Crusaders in 1100, and destroyed in 1761 by Taher el Amar.  Today, Haifa is Israel’s ship-building center and third largest city.  There’s an Israeli saying: “Jerusalem prays, Tel Aviv plays, Haifa works.”  Thousands have come “home” to the promised land through the port of Haifa. For more Israel Sites – See our Israel Tour...

Posted by administrator on Nov 15, 2010 in Site of the Week - LDS Church History Tour |

CAESAREA, Israel On the main road from Tyre to Egypt.  About 20 B.C., King Herod the Great built it into a magnificent city employing the best of the Roman architects.  A priority was the excellent deep water port with protective water breaks, etc.  He chose the name Caesarea to please his friend Augusts Caesar.  It was “the place to be” for Romans during the occupation of Israel.  The ocean moderated the harsh climate, good water was provided via an impressive Roman aqueduct, also built by Herod, as was a coliseum for gladiators and an hypodrome for chariot racing.  Caesarea was also the site of some of the most horrific crusader battles with the Muslims.  The moat and some ruins of what was once a huge Crusader fortress still remain. Paul the Apostle was a prisoner here for two years awaiting his right to go to Rome to be tried by Caesar for supposed crimes charged by the Jewish priests.  They would have tried and executed him in Jerusalem but Paul was a Roman citizen and was able to insist on being tried in Rome, thus saving his life.  Cornelius lived here too as did Phillip, one of the apostles. Caesarea’s incredible harbor was reportedly one of the most modern in its day, but the entire place had the misfortune of being built atop two geological fault lines.  An earthquake sank the entire structure some time before the 3rd century AD.  After centuries of being sacked by various invaders, Caesarea was left abandoned until the mid 1940s when archaeologists moved in and began digging.  The results are a magnificent collection of preserved ruins from both the Crusader and early Roman eras. For more Israel Sites – See our Israel Tour...

Posted by administrator on Nov 4, 2010 in Site of the Week - LDS Church History Tour |

MAGDALA (Tower of Greatness) Located 4 miles north of Tiberias, Magdala was one of the sites which Josephus fortified when he was governor of Galilee – before his defection to the Romans.  When the city fell to Titus in the struggle of the Jews against the Romans, 6,700 Jews were killed; thousands of the strongest were sent to Nero to dig the Corinthian canal (which was not actually accomplished until the 19th century) and 30,400 were auctioned off as slaves. •    This was the home of Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2; Mark 16:9) •    Jesus came here after feeding the 4,000 (Matt 15:39, Mark 8:10) •    The Pharisees and Sadducees sought a sign and Jesus told them of the sign of the prophet Jonas (Matt. 15:39-16:4, Mark 8:11-21) For more Israel Sites – See our Israel Tour...

Posted by administrator on Oct 25, 2010 in Site of the Week - LDS Church History Tour |

NETANYA Netanya is home to many immigrants from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.  It is a modern Israeli city founded by settlers in 1929.  Although early settlers were dependent on citrus growing, it was not long before the potential for tourism was recognized.  There is a strong high-tech industrial presence in Netanya today.  Resorts and tourism continue to be an important contributor to the economy.  The Netanya Academic College, established in 1994, has a history of association with members of the LDS Church.  The college houses the Center for Strategic Dialogue, which sponsors the House of Joseph/House of Judah Dialogue Center.  The late Dr. Joseph Ginat, a former University of Utah professor and Israeli architect, was on the faculty at the college and facilitated many conversations between Jewish and Mormon scholars.  During his time at the University of Utah, Dr. Ginat learned of Orson Hyde’s visit to the Holy Land in 1841 and his dedication of the land for the return of the Jews.  Dr. Ginat, an advisor to Golda Meir and many other Israeli Prime Ministers, worked hard to ensure that the story of Orson Hyde was told in Israel’s schools’ history books.  Dr. Ginat headed the effort to develop the Orson Hyde Square at Netanya Academic College.  The Square features an olive tree planted to honor each of the modern prophets of the LDS Church.   ~ by Ken Wallentine For more Israel Sites – See our Israel Tour...

Posted by administrator on Oct 13, 2010 in Site of the Week - LDS Church History Tour |

Merthyr Tydfil, Wales Merthyr Tydfil – and the area around it – mark the greatest growth area for the Church in Wales, particularly the work there of Elders William Henshaw and Dan Jones in the 1840s and 1850s. About twenty converts joined the Church each month in Wales in 1845, but in 1846 about 40 were baptised each month and in 1847 nearly seventy were converted each month. This extraordinary Church growth was due in large measure to the spiritual and rhetorical power of Dan Jones, and the numerous pamphlets and newspapers he published in his native Welsh.  Among those converted through Dan Jones’ efforts was John Parry, who emigrated to America and began the chorus that eventually became the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Pres. McKay came to this area in search of the birth place of his mother, Jennette Evans McKay.  When he finally found the small cottage, he toured the home & stood weeping at being able to be at this beloved place.  A memorial plaque was placed at the cottage which made his trip to this area extra special to him. Prior to coming to Merthyr Tydfil, President McKay was given a dinner in his honor.  He was presented with a beautiful organ and plaque in honor of his mother to be placed at the Merthyr Tydfil chapel which was soon to start construction.  The chapel went from the footing stage to its completion in less than eight months.  On August 25, 1963, the dedication of the new chapel at Merthyr Tydfil, Wales took place.  At that time Pres. McKay officially accepted and honored the gift of the organ that was given in memory of his mother. For more England and Wales Sites – See our Tour...