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TEMPLES, 1848.
1848: 17 Jan.: Only place for dancing is in temples.
“The fore part of the day was taken up in business & teaching & council. The spirit of the Lord was with the people. Among other subjects President Young spoke upon the subject of danceing & said that danceing was not an ordinance of the gospel or of the House of the Lord. But the organization of man is such that it requires A variety. Singing stimulates the whole system & the mental mind to such a degree that they want to dance. This is well enough in its place. Every thing that is calculated to fill the soul with Joy is ordained of God & is proper for the Saints if they acknowledge God in all things & do not sin. But dont mingle with the wicked world & sin but serve the Lord with it. And the ownly lawful place to dance is in a temple or a place of endowments. You will never see any music or danceing in Hell neither Joy or gladness will be there but these things will be in Heaven. Many other interesting remarks were made.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 17 Jan., 1848)
20 Jan.: SL Valley revealed during Nauvoo endowment.
“While at the Jubilee I sent a letter to my friends in Hancock County, Illinois, the following being a copy of it:
Winter Quarters
Camp of Israel
January 20, 1848
. . . .
Last spring I went with the pioneers, led by the Twelve to seek the hiding place (an asylum of rest for all who are weary, borne down, and oppressed with the corruption, abomination, and wickedness of this generation) until the indignation of the Lord shall pass over the nations. After journeying 2-1/2 months in the wilderness and among the mountains, the Lord led us to a beautiful spot in a secluded valley–recognized by us to be the identical spot as described by Joseph the Martyr, shown by the Lord to him and to others during the endowments in the Temple at Nauvoo–where they will establish a stake of Zion and cause the ensign of freedom to be reared; where the honest in heart, and the oppressed of all nations, kingdoms and countries may flee for refuge when the overflowing scourge shall pass through.” (C. Edward Jacob, ed., The Record of Norton Jacob, 1949; 20 Jan., 1848)
23 Jan.: Twelve had all the keys.
“Joseph told the Twelve, the year before he died, ‘there is not one key or power to be bestowed on this church to lead the people into the celestial gate but I have given you, showed you, and talked it over to you; the kingdom is set up, and you have the perfect pattern, and you can go and build up the kingdom, and go in at the celestial gate, taking your rein with you.” (Brigham Young to Orson Spencer, 23 Jan., 1848, in Millennial Star 10:115)
25 Jan.: Brigham doesn’t want to sell Nauvoo Temple.
“We met in Council with the Twelve & High Council A. Babit, H. Kimball, & John Snider. They made A report of Affairs at Nauvoo & recieved some coundil. President Young did not wish the temple to be sold And A number of other things were spoken of.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 25 Jan., 1848)
13 Feb.: 4 couples sealed.
“Meeting was dismissed After which in company with Mrs Woodruff I went to Br Pulsiphers And soon Presidents Young & Kimball came & attended to sealing four couple in matrimony.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 13 Feb., 1848)
15 Mar.: Wife taken and sealed to another man.
“There is now in this city, a man about fifty years old, a cabinet maker by trade, who came here about two months ago, from Council Bluffs. His name is Beer. He left his wife and seven children there, in the hands of the Mormons, under the following circumstances: According to one of the laws of the ‘Celestial Kingdom,’ it is held that whenever a man is not strong enough in the faith to save his wife, she must be taken from him and given to another, by the sealing power of the priesthood. Mr. Beer having been found wanting in this respect, his wife and children were taken from him by a decree of Brigham Young, the great Prophet. Mrs. Beer was given over to a man named P. P. Pratt, one of the chosen twelve, who afterwards gave her to a man named Siddwell, whose wife she now is, according to this base faith. The old man, Mr. Beer, has since learned that Pratt, in exchange for his wife so surrendered to Siddwell, received Mrs. Beer’s daughter, a young woman about twenty years old.
In consequence of mental distress, old Mr. Beer has been sick two months in this city. Recovered, he began to work, and got a small sum of money put up, to take him home to New York. He was about to leave on Wednesday, from the Frederick House, where he has been boarding. During the night, he was robbed of $14, all he had in the world.” (The Oquawka [Ill.] Spectator 1(6):2, 15 Mar., 1848; Snider Collection)
18 Mar.: Polygamous sealings widespread w/o temple.
“After two years at the Bluffs, the practice of plural marriage had gone beyond specific families and become more widespread. By the spring of 1848, William Snow, a counselor in the Pottawattamie High Council, indicated that ‘it {plural marriage} had become a common thing.’ [Footnote 38: “Pottawattamie High Council Minutes, 18 March 1848. Snow was condemning the practice of men taking wives and then not supporting them adequately.”]” (Richard E. Bennett, Mormons at the Missouri, 1846-1852, pp. 195, 302)
25 Mar.: Methodist attempt to purchase Temple.
“We see it stated that the Rock River Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church has appointed a committee to enquire into the expediency of purchasing the Temple at Nauvoo for literary purposes–a move which we hope may be successful.” (Warsaw Signal 4(45):2, 25 Mar., 1848; Snider Collection)
4 Apr.: Baptism for dead in river.
“I went over the river [in Iowa] And Baptized Sister Peck for the remission of sins And also for her daughter who was dead.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 4 Apr., 1848)
4 Apr.: John D. Lee forced to release adopted children.
“Now on the 4th day of April, 1848, I understood that John D. Lee was oblidged to Relees all his Adopted [children] that wish[ed] to be free, so I demanded my freedom which he promised I should have. This I spoke to President Young about and Mr. Bullock Promised to put it on Record at my request.” (George Laub diary, quoted in A Mormon Chronicle, Vol. II, p. 247)
26 Apr.: Decision to sell Jackson Co. Temple Lot.
“At council meeting held in the Recorder’s Office, Winter Quarters, Neb., April 26, 1848, President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt and Wilford Woodruff being present, the propriety of selling the Temple lot in Jackson County, Mo., was discussed. The lot had been deeded to Martin Harris, but he had neglected getting the deed recorded; the title was now in the hands of the heirs of the late Bishop Edward Partridge, and a certain party was offering $300 for a quit claim deed to the same. After a lively discussion, the brethren decided to advise the Partridge heirs to make the transfer, and thus to obtain means to emigrate to the Valley.
Following are the minutes of a council meeting held in the Recorder’s Office, Winter Quarters. Present Brigham Young, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, J. A. Kelting, Thomas Bullock.
B.Y.: The Temple lot in Jackson Co. is in the care of heirs of Bro. Partridge. A man offers 300 for Quit Claim Deed. Bro. Kelting will turn out the 300. The land was deeded to Martin Harris. He has not put the deed on record. Shall we advise Sis. Partridge to go over the mountains.
Kelting: Pearson will turn it out for me. I’ll do this–you can take the cattle & wagons, 5 yoke of cattle–6 horses.
B.Y.: My object is to get the old Lady over the mountains. She wants 1 w[agon]. 2 yoke of cattle, groceries & provisions. What shall we do. I want council. I wonder if we care any more for the records than they did in Hancock Co.
Kelting: Pearson is determined to have it–either from the heirs or Martin Harris.
B.Y.: Kelting can settle his family here–Go there & take the money–& so help Sis. Partridge over the mountains. Let all the heirs sign it.
K.: P. says he will have it, if it costs $1000. He was settled near us, was our friend, and is now determined to have it. It is said to be worth 600 without law.
B.Y.: I want you to start right strait & send the teams up–the ex teams at Sr. P.–Send a man there with an order to bring the teams up–then the women go down sign the deed & you go strait on.
K.: That would ans. I could have sold the cattle at Linden.
W.W.: I am satisfied myself.
O.P.: I don’t think it makes any particular difference.
B.Y.: There’s nothing against the girls getting a good bit out & going over the mountains–It does not make a particle of difference.
O.P.: I give my council for it to be done.
W.W.: Well it would be mine under those circumstances.
K.: There were 60 acres in the 1st place–sold to M. Harris. He wrote to Independence that he had sold that land–but there are no deeds, or ever made their appearance.
H. C. K. came in.
B.Y.: What is your feelings about the Partridge heirs, &c.
H.C.K.: I see no more impropriety than in selling Church Lands–Its been done in Jackson Co., & Nauvoo. Its under a broken contract any way–the Lord won’t consider it valid. I don’t any way–In council it was decided not to dispose of it–from some statement made–don’t you remember it?
B.Y.: Yes, sir.
K.: Perhaps that Pearson did not remember the situation of the land–Did they know Mr. Harris held the Warrantee Deed. I know it. It was turned over to Martin Harris for money’s advanced to print the Book of Mormon–If the Warrantee Deed is recorded now it is not good for any thing–the heirs have so many years to redeem it–it is out next August.
H.C.K.: I see no impropriety myself–That man may as well hold it as any body else.
B.Y.: That’s the way I look at it. I hate to leave the old Lady behind.
K.: Pearson is going to Pottawattamie Nation.
H.C.K.: I motion you go ahead.
W. W.: I second it.
B.Y.: You’ve given your vote–he gives his now–I am willing they should help themselves–All who are willing they should help themselves say yes.
All said yes.
Minutes read to W. Richards 20 April. He approved of the doings.” (JH 26 Apr., 1848)
1 May: Some men may inculcate principles of adoption.
“Let the Saints keep a cautious eye upon teachers that promulgate marvellous things beyond the first principles of the gospel. If a preacher cannot find hearers enough in Great Britain that might be profited by the first principles of salvation, he had better take a mission to some other nation, or chant a jubilee of universal redemption. We would suggest to Elders, whether endued or not, that they do not be too liberal in the use of the ordinance of ‘blessing.’ This ordinance legitimately belongs to an office set apart for the purpose; where others bestow it without the most manifest promptings of wisdom, the tendency is sometimes pernicious. We have often denied ourselves in this matter, when solicited by some of the best men of our acquaintance. An undue proneness to be esteemed great sometimes insensibly inflates the minds of very good men. Again some men, in their cupidity to get a name, or build up a family, may inculcate principles of adoption, (principles which may not be altogether false in the abstract), but being ill-timed and uncalled-for in the present state of the British Churches, defeat the object for which they are used, and actually peril indirectly the salvation of those who are taught thereby.” (Editorial [Orson Spencer, editor], MS 10(9):138, 1 May, 1848)
18 Jun.: Law of adoption into God’s kingdom.
“The visiting presidents, above notified, addressed the evening audience on the principles of election, God’s foreknowledge and free salvation; highly illustrative of man’s free agency to receive or reject the gospel law of adoption into the kingdom of God, and iexhibited it in a manner so convincing, that even sceptics had no room to gainsay nor reject.” (Edinburgh Conference Minutes, 18 Jun., 1848; MS 10(19):294, 1 Oct., 1848)
10 Jul.: Plan to build SL Temple.
“You are aware that those Saints who had been diligent in accumulating means for their removal from the sound of those who had been their oppressors, and who had driven them from their homes, their city, their temple, their all, had commenced a gathering on the west bank of the Elk Horn, 27 miles from Winter Quarters; to organize, preparatory to their journey into the wilderness, over those immense prairies, barren sage plains, sterile lands, and Rocky Mountains: that they might gather into that valley, which is hidden up in the bosom of the mountains, on the tops of the everlasting hills, and rear a temple to the Lord God of Israel, where they may hear the word of the Lord, and know His will concerning us.” (Thomas Bullock [Camp of Israel, 400 miles from Winter Quarters] to “Brother Levi” [England], 10 Jul., 1848; MS 10(20):313, 15 Oct., 1848)
13 Jul.: Bring tithing money to buy supplies for Temple.
“But while you tarry in England, I wish you would exert yourself to gather up as much tithing as you possiblyi can, and bring it with you, in order to prepare for glass, nails, paints, and such other articles as will be needed to bring from the States to assist in build up the Temple of the Lord in the valley of the Great Salt Lake.” (Brigham Young [Ancient Ruins, Bluffs, 419 Miles from Winter Quarters] to Orson Spencer [England], 13 Jul., 1848; MS 10(20):315-316, 15 Oct., 1848)
19 Jul.: Ordinances for living and dead in SL Temple.
“. . . they were hastening to the place where the pure in heart will see eye to eye, where the house of God will be erected in the tops of the mountains, where the servants of God will receive the ordinances for the living and the dead, where they can worship God according to the dicatates of their own consciences, and none to molest them or make them afraid.” (Lucius N. Scovil [Winter Quarters] to Elder Dunn [England], 19 Jul., 1848; MS 10(19):300, 1 Oct., 1848)
1 Aug.: Man’s final destiny is to be like God.
“THE MORMON CREED . . .
How many states of existence has man? He has three.
What is the first? It is spiritual.
What is the second? It is temporal.
What is the third? It is immortal and eternal.
How did he begin to exist in the first? He was begotten and born of God.
How did he begin to exist in the second? He was begotten and born of the flesh.
How did he begin to exist in the third? By the resurrection of the dead.
What is is final destiny? To be like God.
What has God been? Like man.”
(MS 10(15):238, 1 Aug., 1848)
13 Aug.: SL Temple is in the “tops of the mountains.”
[Orson Pratt speaking, Manchester General Conference] “If ever a city was low in a low place, when compared with the mountains in the immediate neighbourhood, it is the ‘Great Salt Lake City.’ Or if ever a city was high in a high place, when compared with the general surface of the earth or with the sea level, it is the Salt Lake City. Well might the ancient prophets speak of Zion going up into the high mountain, and of the house of the God of Jacob being built in the mountains, when it is ascertained that the ‘TEMPLE BLOCK’ is 4300 feet above the level of the ocean. It cannot, for a moment, be supposed that Zion would go up to the top of some mountain peak, and undertake to build a city and a Temple upon its snowy summit. But the word mountain, in those passages, doubtless means some high elevated portions of the earth, and yet not so high as to be rendered sterile by eternal frosts and snows, for this would unfit it for the residence of man.” (Manchester General Conference Minutes, MS 10(17):266, 1 Sep., 1848)
15 Aug.: The mysteries will be taught in the temple.
“Let the servants of God continue to preach repentance and remission of sins by baptism, and let alone the mysteries of the kingdom, for the world is not worthy to receive them, neither can they understand them, for they are only to be understood by the Holy Spirit, and duly appreciated by the children of the kingdom. If the Saints would understand them, let them go up to the mountain of the Lord, and build a house unto the God of Jacob. Then you shall be taught in his ways, and instructed in his paths more fully; then your hearts shall rejoice, and your understandings shall be opened; then the glory of the Lord shall be upon you, and the mysteries of ages past, and of ages to come, shall be revealed; then you shall be taught by the Holy Spirit the right things, in the right time, in the right place, and in the right order; then will be the time to teach and learn mysteries. But now cry aloud to the people in their cities, in their towns, in their country places, and wherever a door shall be opened.” (“President Orson Pratt’s First General Epistle to the Saints Throughout England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Adjacent Countries,” 15 Aug., 1848; MS 10(16):244, 15 Aug., 1848)
31 Aug.: 14 year lease on Temple to Mr. Brower.
“COMMUNICATION. From the Hancock Patriot.
. . .
But it may not be known to many that a short time since, a Mr. Brower, from the city of New York, has taken a lease of the Temple for 14 years, and bought the entire Mormon property, on certain conditions for the purpose of converting the Temple to a college, under the control of the American Home Missionary Association. This no doubt is a very important undertaking to the people of the county, and if carried on with success of which we have no doubt, cannot fail to make a pleasant and delightful location, one of the most important on the upper Mississippi.” (Wm. M’Lennan, Warsaw Signal 5(15):2, 7 Sep., 1848; Snider Collection)
6 Sep.: Temple to be used as College.
“THE TEMPLE AT NAUVOO.–We are pleased to learn, that an arrangement has been made with the Trustees, or those having charge of the Mormon Temple at Nauvoo, by which that splendid edifice is to be devoted to a useful purpose. It has been leased for a term of fifteen years, and is to be at once converted into a college building and to be occupied for that purpose. The institution is to be under the patronage of the Home Mission Society, and immediate steps will be taken to put it into operation. A better location cannot be found in the western country for such an institution, and it will, if properly conducted, receive the patronage of all the States bordering upon the Mississippi.–Missouri Rep.” (Beardstown [Ill.] Gazette 3(52):1, 6 Sep., 1848; Snider Collection)
“It is stated that a contract has been entered into between the authorities of the Mormon Church and a Mr. Brower, of New York, for the purchase of this edifice, which will pass into hands of the latter, and be converted into a College for the American Home Mission Society. Contract to be closed by the 1st day of October.” (The Oquawka [Ill.] Spectator 1(34):2, 27 Sep., 1848; Snider Collection)
10 Sep.: But few will attain to Godhead.
“Elder Kimball rose and spoke some time upon the principles of receiving an exaltation in the Kingdom of God, showing that it was a progressive work in Eternity before we could attain to the fulness of the Godhead, and that but few would gain that point.” (William Burton Journal, Heber C. Kimball company, 10 Sep., 1848; JH 24 Sep., 1848)
1 Oct.: Resolution to build Council House.
“Went down to the city to meeting. A resolution was pass[ed] to build a Council House by tithing and to commence now to tithe ourselves of our time.” (C. Edward Jacob, ed., The Record of Norton Jacob, 1949; 1 Oct., 1848)
11 Oct.: Destruction of Nauvoo Temple.
“We learn from Rev. Mr. Fisk, Editor of the Know Intelligencer, that the famous MORMON TEMPLE, at Nauvoo, was burned to the bare walls, on Monday morning last. The fire was discovered about half past three o’clock, but not until it was beyond the power of the citizens to arrest its progress. There is no doubt but it was the work of a black hearted incendiary, as the Temple stood alone in the middle of a square. Mr. Fisk, says that the walls are very much injured–the heat of the fire being so intense as to cause them to crumble in some places. The conflagration must have presented a splendid spectacle, viewed from the prairie on the east, or the range of bluffs on the opposite side of the river in Lee county, Iowa. The light was seen distinctly by a person connected with this office, (a distance of fifty miles,) who informs us that it presented the appearance of a solid column of flame extending far up into the heavens. Thus has fallen this remarkable specimen of architecture, which was not only an ornament to the State, but a monument of the folly of the fanatics whose toil erected it.” (The Oquawka [Ill.] Spectator 1(36):2, 11 Oct., 1848; Snider Collection)
12 Oct.: Destruction of Nauvoo Temple.
“THE MORMON TEMPLE.
At Nauvoo, was destroyed by fire on Sunday night last, the 8th instant, about 3 o’clock. We learn that the people of the city are strongly of the opinion that it was the work of an incendiary; but what ground there is for that opinion, we do not know. It is stated that a religious meeting had been held in it in the evening, called by a Universalist preacher–and that this meeting did not adjourn until between 10 and 11 o’clock. There is a report, also, that when the fire was first discovered by the citizens, a window was found open; leading to the conviction that it had been fired by some one who entered for that purpose. We have not heard the suspicion rests upon any individual; but whether it may have been by accident or design–or be the perpetrator friend or foe–Strangite, Brighamite, or Rigdonite–the body of the Anti-Mormons, of Hancock County, will have to bear the blame.
The fire was seen in various parts of the county, at a distance of some 15 miles–and, had it not been a moonlight night, might have been seen much further. The four blackened walls of stone still stand, a monument of the rise, progress and downfall of one of the boldest and most nefarious systems of imposture of modern times.” (Warsaw Signal Clipping, 12 Oct., 1848; Snider Collection)
“THE MORMON TEMPLE IN RUINS.
By an extra Statesman, which was brought to us last evening by the editor of the Davenport Gazette, we have the astounding intelligence that that magnificent specimen of architecture, the Mormon Temple at Nauvoo, was entirely consumed by fire on yesterday morning at 4 o’clock. Mr. Saunders informed us that as he came by, it was a heap of ruins. The walls were standing but were completely calcined and rendered usless. Even the mystical oxen, with the baptismal font in the basement, had shared the same fate.
The fire was first discovered issuing from the elegant and towering cupola, and was no doubt the work of some nefarious incendiary. This edifice was the wonder of Illinois. It was beautifully situated on an eminence in Nauvoo, and could be seen from a great distance from all points of the compass. Its cost was over a million of dollars. As a work of art and a memorial of Mormon delusion, it should have stood for ages. None but the most depraved heart could have applied the torch to effect its destruction. It was still in possession of the Mormons. Their inability to give a clear and undisputed title has hitherto prevented them from disposing of it to the Catholics.–Hawkeye Daily of Tuesday.” (Burlington Hawkeye 10(21):2, 12 Oct., 1848; Snider Collection)
“The Mormon Temple, at Nauvoo, Ill., was entirely consumed by fire, on the morning of Monday last. At about four o’clocl, the citizens of Montrose, on the opposite side of the river, discovered the fire, just as it was issuing from the dome, and they speak of the sight as one of the most brilliant ever beheld. Its extreme height, its thick and substantial walls, confining the heat to its centre, and the vast amount of combustible matter composing its inside, all on fire at once, shot up the flames something like two hundred feet, in one solid column, above the square of the building. The walls being thick, and well put up, are still standing, but to what extent damaged we know not, as we have not yet seen a person who has viewed the ruins.
This is, without question, the work of an incendiary, but who the vile scamp is, or for what purpose it was done, we believe principally all of the citizens are without conjecture. It is said the threats were made by some that if the trustees of the church did not make a disposition of it to their notion, the Temple should be reduced to ashes. Others say that it has been threatened by some of the old Anti-Mormons, that if Mormons were again permitted to preach in it [it] should be reduced to ashes, and that on the Sunday proceding a Mormon preacher held forth in it. However, as to the true cause of its destruction we are entirely ignorant, and, therefore can only speculate on probabilities. It may be that time will develope the whole story.
Now that all but a remnant of that deluded sect of fanatics have ceased to annoy the people of Hancock, and the greater portion of them travelled to a foreign country, leaving behind them a splendid monument of their folly, it is sacrilege thus to destroy their property. Had it been done in the heat of excitement, when the people of both sides of the river were daily molested by their most daring outrages, there would have been some palliation for the crime, but as it is there is none, so the individual or individuals who planned and executed this horrid outrage deserve to have the law, in all its rigor, enforced against them–aye, they deserve to have been confined within its walls while the conflagragion was going on. We hope that the incendiaries may be found out and punished, but we fear that the prospect is a slender one.
The destruction of the Temple will prove a heavy blow to the prospects of Nauvoo, as, hitherto, thousands of strangers from a distance have been attracted to that point for the purpose of viewing the Temple, all of whom contributed more or less, to the circulating medium of the city. But, alas, the charm is gone. Instead of the once proud and towering Temple, thronged with the deluded followers of Jo. Smith, we now find but a pile of scorched stone, with but few around it to behold its ruins! What a pity. Many there are who have thought in their heart that they would yet visit that once stupendous tower, are doomed to disappointment, and thousands will lament tht their long delay. ‘Twas a sight well worth a trip to it.” (Keokuk [Iowa] Dispatch 1(21):2, 12 Oct., 1848; Snider Collection)
“We give place to-day to the following from the Keokuk Dispatch, descriptive of the burning of the Mormon Temple at Nauvoo.
That stately edifice is now in ruins. The events connected with its erection, and the peculiarity of the worship to which it was dedicated, has given to it an interest far greater than its own magnificence or splendor would entitle it.
It was truly a noble structure,–but as a monument of the most remarkable instance of fanaticism, that has ever disgraced the ecclesiastic history of our country, it had become one of the wonders of this western world.
Situated upon a most magnificent elevation, perfect and imposing in its architectural proportions, wanting only an elaborate finish to constitute it a model in the art of Temple building, it stood a monument of the dark and hellish designs which man may conceive against his fellow man;–of the frailty of human nature in yielding itself the victim of those designs, and of the soul withering grasp with which bigotry and religious fanaticism fasten themselves upon their unfortunate subjects. [Then quotes the entire article from the Keokuk Dispatch of 12 Oct.]” (Weekly Miners’ Express [Iowa] 8(8):5, 24 Oct., 1848; Snider Collection)
“We regret to state, that on the morning of the 9th inst., the Temple of the Mormons at Nauvoo was destroyed by fire. However much the religion of the Mormons may be condemned, every good citizen will condemn this act of the incendiary as one of the grossest barbarism. Situated on the bluff of the river, it commanded a prospect as far as the eye could reach and as lovely as the eye ever rested upon. Strangers from all parts of the country were attracted to the place, to see this monument of misdirected labor and religious error. A few years would in all probability have converted it into a temple of science. Its destruction has inflicted a material injury on the Mormons,–to the surrounding country, it will be a serious loss. The citizens on both sides of the river reporbate [sic] the act as wanton and malicious in the extreme.
The fire presented a most sublime spectacle. It commenced in the cupola, and as the flames shot up to the sky, they threw a lurid glare into the surrounding darkness. Great volumes of smoke and flame, burst from the windows, and the crash of the falling timbers was distinctly heard on the opposite side of the river. The interior of the building was like a furnace; the walls of solid masonry were heated throughout and cracked by the intense heat. The melted zinc and lead was dropping from its huge block during the day. On Tuesday morning the walls were too hot to be touched. The naked walls still stand, and if not demolished by the hand of man, for centuries may stand, a monument of the enthusiasm of its misguided worshippers.–Its destruction a striking comment on the spirit of the nineteenth century.” (Keokuk [Iowa] Register 2(21):2, 12 Oct., 1848; Snider Collection)
“The Mormon Temple at Nauvoo was burned on the morning of the 9th inst. and nothing now remains of it but the naked walls. It is thought to have been the work of an incendiary.–Vengeance has been strangely wreaked on this devoted people, and now that the monument of their fanaticism is destroyed, in this State, we hope it will cease.” (Weekly Miners’ Express [Iowa] 8(7):4, 17 Oct., 1848; Snider Collection)
13 Oct.: Destruction of Nauvoo Temple.
“NAUVOO TEMPLE
This stupendous superstructure, which we had hoped would have stood until hewn down by the corroding hand a Time, was destroyed by fire on Monday morning last, supposed to have been the work of an incendiary. Both–the leader and ‘Prophet’ of this strange sect, and the Temple erected as a monument to perpetrate his memory while time shall last–have crumbled to dust and ashes: and in a few years, the place which was the bery center and attracting point of thousands of deluded followers, will know them no longer. The very names of those who have ignominously imposed upon their fellow man, will become a hiss and a byword. Such is the spirit of man, whether just or not, that intolerance and oppression, when coming from his fellow man, will not always be borne.
The Temple, the naked walls of which only now stand, must have been seen to form an adequate idea of its grandeur and beauty. We had the pleasure of examining both its exterior and interior on the day after the great battle between the Mormons and the Anti-Mormons, about two years since, at which time we found it in possession of the belligerent party, who had taken up their quarters and stacked their arms within its spacious rooms. To us, who had ever lived in peace and quietness–undisturbed in our sacred rights and privileges–the spectacle before us was anything but enlivening or pleasing–In front of the building, in battle array, with their mouths pointing towards the setting sun, had been placed several cannon heavily charged, while the officers in command were hurrying from their homes defenceless men, and innocent women and children. The battle had been founght and the victory won. There was no alternative save one, and that was to flee to the direction where the cannon were pointing. In that direction the main body of them had gone, and each breeze, as it comes o’er the plains they have travelled, brings back tidings of the sufferings, hardships and deaths which have overtaken them in their journey to the ‘Holy Land.’ Such is life–such is the lot of man.
Wishing to take a view from the steeple, which seemed to tower into the very heavens, we commenced climbing the stairway, and after various and intricate windings and turnings, we found ourself standing upon the highest accessible point where thousands had stood before us.–The site from the aerial position, was unconceivably grand; and we must leave its delineation and description to those who wield a reader [?] pen than ours. We placed our name within the uppermost dome, along with hundreds of others from all parts of the inhabitable globe, and made our way to earth again. Now, this gigantic building presents to the beholder a heap of ruins, while its architects and builders are scattered to the four quarters of the earth, heaping exercration upon those who, in defiance of law, drove them from their habitations and their homes.” (The Monmouth [Ill.] Atlas 2(48):2, 13 Oct., 1848; Snider Collection)
19 Oct.: Speculation on fate of the Temple.
“THE TEMPLE. In another column will be found two or three articles copied from our exchanges, concerning the Burning of the Temple at Nauvoo. It is our intention to continue these extracts occasionally, in order that our readers may know what the world is saying about that event.
The Fort Madison Statesman announces that a company has purchased the walls, together with the other Mormon property in and about Nauvoo, and that the Temple is to be rebuilt!–for what purpose it does not state. We presume there is about as much truth in this statement as there was in those concerning the previous sales of that building–all humbug.”
“WHAT THE PAPERS SAY ABOUT THE BURNING OF THE TEMPLE. NAUVOO TEMPLE.
This stupendous superstructure, which we had hoped would have stood until hewn down by the corroding hand of Time, was destroyed by fire on Monday morning last, supposed to have been the work of an incendiary. Both–the leader and the ‘Prophet’ of this strange sect, and the temple erected as a monument to perpetuate his memory while time shall last–have crumbled to ashes, and in a few short years, the place which was the great centre and attracting point of thousands of deluded followers, will know them no longer. The very names of those who have ignominiously imposed upon their fellow man, will become a hiss and a by word. Such is the spirit of man, whether just or not, that intolerance and oppression, when coming from his fellow man, will not always be borne.
The Temple, the naked walls of which only now stand, must have been seen to form an adequate idea of its grandeur and beauty. We had the pleasure of examining both its exterior and interior on the day after the great battle between the Mormons and Anti-Mormons, about two years since, at which time we found it in possession of the beligerent party, who had taken up their quarters and stacked their arms within its spacious rooms. To us who had ever lived in peace and quietness–undisturbed in our sacred rights and privileges, the spectacles before us was anything but enlivening or pleasing. In front of the building, in battle array, with their mouths pointed towards the setting sun, had been placed several cannon, heavily charged, while the officers in command were hurrying from their homes defenceless men, and innocent women and children. The battle had been fought and the victory won–There was no alternative save one, and that was to flee in the direction in which the cannon were pointing. In that direction the main body have gone, and each breeze, as it comes o’er the plains across which they have travelled, brings back tidings of the suferings, hardships and deaths which have overtaken them in their journey to the ‘Holy Land.’ Such is life–such is the lot of man.” (Monmouth Atlas)
“FIRE, AND DESTRUCTION OF THE MORMON TEMPLE.
On Monday, the 9th instant, our citizens were awakened by the alarm of fire, which when first discovered, was bursting out through the spire of the Temple, near the small door that opened from the east side to the roof on the main building.
The first was seen first, about 3 o’clock in the morning, and not until it had taken such hold of the timbers and roof, as to make useless any effort to extinguish it.
The materials of the inside were so dry, and the fire spread so rapidly, that a few minutes were sufficient to wrap this famed edifice in a sheet of flames. It was a sight too full of mournful sublimity. The mass of material which had been gathered there by the labor of many years, afforded a rare opportunity for this element to play off some of its wildest sports. Although the morning was tolerably dark, still when the flames shot upward, the spirt, the streets, and the houses for a mile distant, were lighted up, so as to render even the smallest objects discernable. The glare of this vast torch, pointing skywards indiscribably contrasted with the universal gloom and darkness around it–and men looked on with faces sad, as if the crumbling ruins below were consuming all their hopes.
It was evidently the work of an incendiary.
There had been on the evening previous, a meeting in the lower room; but no person was in the upper part where the fire was first discovered. Who he was, and what could have been his motives, we have now no idea. Some feeling infinitely more unenviable than that of the individual who put the torch to the beautiful Ephesian structure of old, must have possessed him. To destroy a work of art at once the most elegant in its constructure, and the most renowned in its celebrity of any in the whole west, would, we should think, require a mind of more than ordinary depravity and we feel assured that no one in this community could have been so lost to every consideration of interest, as to become the author of the deed. Admit, that it was a monument of folly, and of evil, yet it was, to say the least of it, a splendid and a harmless one.
Its loss, no doubt, will be more forcibly felt by the people of this place than any other; because, even the most dreamy, will hardly think of soon seeing another such an ornament–and, because it was on the eve of changing hands, and being converted into a commodious building of useful education, such as the west greatly needs, and such as no one ought to be envious of.” (Nauvoo Patriot) [This article was also reprinted in MS 11(3):46, 1 Feb., 1849, and the following added:
“Yes! This temple is destroyed; but this is not THE TEMPLE, as every reader of the ‘Doctrine and Covenants’ must be aware. Who shall stay the judgments of God? Are the Americans now exempt from these? What does the above action answer; was not this temple built by Divine Command? shall not others also be? Is not the ‘Priesthood’ now established on the earth that shall never have an end? and did not this priesthood receive additional intelligence and power from the God of Heaven in this temple that the wicked have destroyed? Yes! and who can take this from the earth? We admire the ‘good feelings’ of the Nauvoo Patriot; but even his conclusions are not correct. It was a monument of God’s wisdom and not of man’s folly.” (Written by Orson Pratt, editor)
“BURNING OF THE MORMON TEMPLE.
We regret to state, that on the morning of the 9th instant, the Temple of the Mormons as Nauvoo was destroyed by fire.–However much the religion of the Mormons may be condemned, every good citizen will condemn this act of the incendiary as one of the grossest barbarism. Situated on the bluff of the river, it commanded a prospect as far as the eye could reach, and as lovely as the eye ever rested upon. Strangers from all parts of the country were attracted to the place, to see this monument of misdirected labor and religious error. A few years would in all probability have converted it into a temple of science. Its destruction has inflicted no material injury on the Mormons,–to the surrounding country, it will be a serious loss. The citizens on both sides of the river reprobate the act as wonton and malicious in the extreme.
The fire presented a most sublime spectacle. It commenced in the cupola, and as the flames shot up to the sky, they threw a lurid glare into the surrounding darkness. Great volumes of smoke and flame, burst from the windows, and the crash of the falling timbers was distinctly heard on the opposite side of the river. The interior of the building was like a furnace; the walls of solid masonry were heated throughout and cracked by the intense heat. The melted zinc and lead were dropping from its huge blocks during the day. On Tuesday morning the walls wer too hot to be touched. The naked walls still stand, and if not demolished by the hand of man, for centuries may stand, a monument of the enthusiasm of its misguided worshippers.–Its destruction is a decided comment on the spirit of the nineteenth century.” (Keokuk Register)
“THE MORMON TEMPLE IN RUINS.
By an extra Statesman which was bro’t to us last evening by the Editor of the Davenport Gazette, we have the astounding intelligence that that magnificent specimen of architecture, the Mormon Temple at Nauvoo, was entirely consumed by fire on yesterday morning at 4 o’clock. Mr. Saunders informed us that as he came by, it was a heap of ruins. The walls were standing but were completely calcined and rendered useless. Even the mystical oxen, with the baptismal font in the basement had shared the same fate.
The fire was discovered issuing from the elegant and towering cupola, and was no doubt the work of some nefarious incendiary. This edifice was the wonder of Illinois. It was beautifully situated on an eminence in Nauvoo, and could be seen from a great distance from all points of the compass–Its cost was over a million of dollars. As a work of art and a memorial of Mormon delusion, it should have stood for ages.–None but the most depraved heart could have applied the torch to effect its destruction. It was still in possession of the Mormons. Their inability to give a clear and undisputed title has hitherto prevented them from disposing of it to the Catholics.” (Burlington Hawk Eye)
(Warsaw Signal Clipping. 19 Oct., 1848; Snider Collection)
“The Patriot says that on examination by a number of gentlemen of Nauvoo, it is thought that the exterior walls of the Temple are not materially injured by the late fire, and that the building may be fitted up for education purposes at one third of the original cost. Report says that a compnay has purchased of Mr. Babbit, the Mormon agent, the property belonging to the Mormons, including the Temple, in Nauvoo, and that arrangements have been made to rebuild the Temple as soon as possible. The Temple within the past year, has been on the eve of changing hands several times, but each time, we believe failed to be transfered in consequence of the defective title.” (Keokuk [Iowa] Register 2(22):3, 19 Oct., 1848; Snider Collection)
20 Oct.: Destruction of Nauvoo Temple.
“THE MORMON TEMPLE.
The Nauvoo Patriot gives the following account of the recent destruction of this magnificent edifice, which was briefly announced in our last humber. It is stated in the Fort Madison Statesman, that a company have purchased the walls, and intend rebuilding the Temple; and that a person living in Nauvoo has been arrested on suspicion of having fired the building.
On Monday, the 19th instant, our citizens were awakened by the alarm of fire, which when first discovered, was bursting out through the spire of the Temple, near the small door that opened from the east side to the roof, on the main building.
The fire was seen first, about 3 o’clock in the morning, and not until it had taken such hold of the timbers and roof, as to make useless any effort to extinguish it.
The materials of the inside were so dry, and the fire spread so rapidly, that a few minutes were sufficient to wrap this famed ediface in a sheet of flames. It was a sight too full of mournful sublimity. The mass of material which had been gathered there by the labor of many years, afforded a rare opportunity for this element to play off some of its wildest sports. Although the morning was tolerably dark, still, when the flames shot upward, the spire, the streets, and the houses for near a mile distant, were lighted up, so as to render even the smallest objects discernable. The glare of this vast torch, pointing sky-ward, indescribably contrasted with the universal gloom and darkness around it–and men looked with faces sad, as if the crumbling ruins below were consuming all their hopes.
It was evidently the work of an incendiary.
There had been, on the evening previous, a meeting in the lower room; but no person was in the upper part where the fire was first discovered. Who he was, and what could have been his motives, we have now no idea. Some feeling infinitely more unenviable than that of the individual who put the torch to the beautiful Ephesian structure of old, must have possessed him. To destroy a work of art, at once the most elegant in its construction, and the most renowned in its celebrity of any in the whole West, would, we should think, require a mind of more than ordinary depravity, and we feel assured that no one in this community could have been so lost to every sense of justice, and every consideration of interest, as to become the author of the deed. Admit, that it was a monument of folly, and of evil, yet it was, to say the least of it, splendid and a harmless one.
Its loss, no doubt, will be more forcibly felt by the people of this place than any other; because, even the most dreamy will hardly think of soon seeing another such an ornament, and because it was on the eve of changing hands, and being converted into a commodious building of useful education, such as the West greatly needs, and such as no one ought to be envious of.” (Alton Telegraph & Democratic Review 13(42):2, 20 Oct., 1848; Snider Collection)
“We regret to state, that on the morning of the 9th inst., the Temple of the Mormons at Nauvoo was destroyed by fire. However much the religion of the Mormons may be condemned, every good citizen will condemn this act of the incendiary as one of the grossest barbarism. Situated on the bluff of the river, it commanded a prospect as far as the eye could reach and as lovely as the eye ever rested upon. Strangers from all parts of the country were attracted to the place, to see this monument of misdirected labor and religious error, a few years would in all probability have converted it into a temple of science. Its destruction has inflicted no material injury on the Mormons,–to the surrounding country, it will be a serious loss. The citizens on both sides of the river reprobate the act as wanton and malicious in the extreme.
The fire presented a most sublime spectacle. It commenced in the cupola, and as the flames shot up to the sky, they threw a lurid glare into the surrounding darkness. Great volumes of smoke and flame, burst from the windows, and the crash of the falling timbers was distinctly heard on the opposite side of the river. The interior of the building was like a furnace; the walls of solid masonry were heated throughout and cracked by the intense heat. The melted zinc and lead was dropping from its huge blocks during the day. On Tuesday morning the walls were too hot to be touched. The naked walls still stand, and if not demolished by the hand of man, for centuries may stand, a monument of the enthusiasm of its misguided worshippers,–its destruction a striking comment on the spirit of the nineteenth century.–Keokuk Register.” (Iowa Sentinel 2(19):4, 20 Oct., 1848; Snider Collection)
25 Oct.: Destruction of Temple.
“The Mormon Temple, at Nauvoo, was destroyed by fire a few days ago.–The fire originated in the steeple and was, no doubt, the work of an incendiary. Since the buring of the Temple a company has purchased all the mormon property from the agent, A. Babbett, paying $12000 for all the interest left by the mormons. The company intend to rebuild the temple immediately–the walls are uninjured.” (Beardstown [Ill.] Gazette 4(6):2, 25 Oct., 1848; Snider Collection)
28 Oct.: Sale of Nauvoo Temple.
“We learn that a company have purchased all the Mormon property, in the hands of A. W. Babbitt, the Mormon agent, at Nauvoo, including the walls of the Temple. And that arrangements have been made to rebuild it as soon as possible. The price paid was $12,000.” (Iowa Democratic Enquirer [Vol., No., & page missing], 28 Oct., 1848; also in Iowa Sentinel 2(19):3, 20 Oct., 1848; The Oquawka [Ill.] Spectator 1(38):2, 25 Oct., 1848; Snider Collection)