Carthage Assignment and Artic Cold

Flowing water frozen in creek by handcart trail

Yesterday, Ann and I were assigned to serve at the Carthage Visitor Center for the day. It was a very cold and wind blown snowy day. We had about six inches of snow where the wind hadn't blown it away or into drifts across the highway. The temperature was 15 degrees below zero and with the wind chill, it was 30 to 35 below zero. However, following our Sunday block meetings, we drove to Carthage. For about the first hour, we spent the time digging pathways through the snow.

Ann and Fred standing by paintings of
Joseph and Hyrum Smith

Inside the Carthage Visitor Center, there are paintings of Joseph Smith Jr. and his brother Hyrum hanging in the room where you enter the visitor center. There is an interesting phenomenon related to the paintings. On heavy overcast days, when you look out the window of the visitor center toward the jail, you can see what appears to be Joseph standing (life size) inside the jail looking out the window of the "debtor's cell." Hyrum appears to be standing in the doorway of the kitchen of the jail. I took a picture of the jail window with Joseph in the window. However since no visitors came and the wind and snow were blowing, the kitchen door was left closed so I couldn't get a picture of Hyrum standing in the door way.

Reflection of painting of Joseph in
window of Carthage Jail

The Carthage Jail is a very special place where the spirit is very strong. It touches many who come there. Just since we came to Nauvoo on our mission, there was a non member who stopped at the Carthage Visitor Center to see the jail and what it was about. After the tour and sitting in the martyrdom room listening to the recording, she had been touched by the spirit. She had tears in her eyes and said that she knew Joseph Smith was a true prophet and wanted to be baptized.

The Lord has prepared the hearts of many who come to Nauvoo and Carthage. Many, both member and non member, who come aren't sure why they are drawn here. They just feel that they need to come and their hearts are touched. Members have their testimonies strengthened and many non members end up wanting to learn more about the church.