A voluntary effort extending halfway across the continent, from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, has resulted in an impressive ornamental fence surrounding the historic Nauvoo Temple site.

The fence is 4 feet tall and encloses the entire four-acre site, replacing a hedge and chain-link fence. The design and installation took place in Nauvoo, the manufacture and fabrication in Ogden and Perry, Utah.Fabrication was provided without charge by Petersen Engineering and Fabrication in Ogden. A total of 10,080 hours of donated labor was given by Petersen employees who insisted on being involved in the unique endeavor and by missionaries in Nauvoo.

Verden Chambers, who lives in the small northern Utah town of Perry and who operates a small, decorative-iron business, received the initial missionary call to build the fence. He called on Steven Petersen, president of the fabrication company, to enlist its help in the preparation of columns, iron pickets, channels, decorative rings and other features of the fence. The company agreed not only to take on the job but also to donate the labor.

The project was completed during the next few months: 130 10-foot panels consisting of 3,700 iron pickets, 260 steel posts, 6,500 decorative rings cut from 3 1/2 inch pipe and 7,400 holes punched into iron channels through which the pickets were placed.

As many as 50 men and women in both locations contributed their efforts over a six-month period because they desired to remember their ancestors who had helped in the building of Nauvoo and the Nauvoo Temple during the period from 1840-1846, or because they had been called as missionaries specifically for the project.

According to Brother Petersen, who himself assisted with some of the welding necessary to install the decorative rings, the work generated a special feeling of satisfaction. "It was a great experience to be by the Mississippi, where my great-great-great-grandparents were baptized by Joseph Smith," Brother Petersen said. "This was a special time and opportunity."

Installation was completed Nov. 1, according to Ross Schmid, project supervisor for new projects at Nauvoo Restoration Inc., the Church-formed, non-profit group that is directly responsible for the undertaking.

Elder Grant Fry, manager of Nauvoo Restoration, said: "This project would not have been possible had it not been for all the donated time and effort of the Petersen company and the Church-service missionaries in Nauvoo who have labored for long months to create the welcome addition to the temple site. This new and significant improvement provides a very attractive and dignified enclosure inviting visitors to enjoy this peaceful and sacred spot. We are deeply grateful to all those who were instrumental in making it possible."