In 1994, while doing roof repairs on the Carthage Jail, site of the martyrdom in 1844 of Joseph and Hyrum Smith that is now a Church historic site, Charles Allen discovered a split walnut shingle wedged between a rafter and sheathing on the roof. It would have been pushed in to even up the sheathing as the jail roof was readied for the shingles. It was only a broken shingle — no value now.

Walnut shingles are rarely used nowadays, but Charles envisioned a use someday. So the scrap of wood went on a shelf, where it collected dust.

A few years passed. Knowing his son Marcus, a talented conductor-musician, could use a baton, Charles trimmed and sanded the shingle scrap, a long sliver, fashioning it into a baton.

"I wanted a gift to surprise him," Charles said. "I knew Marcus would appreciate even the nail holes."

Months passed. As the two were together one morning, the gift was given.

Marcus Allen turned it slowly and tenderly. He saw two nail holes in the smooth, slender shaft of walnut wood. Other distress marks were visible in the carefully shaped handle of the white oak. Both bits of wood were from the Carthage Jail.

Sunday, Nov. 5, 2000, was appointed as the day for the cornerstone service for the Nauvoo Illinois Temple now being reconstructed. For the program, Marcus Allen was chosen to conduct the Nauvoo 1st Ward and Nauvoo 2nd Branch Choir singing two hymns, "How Firm a Foundation" and "The Spirit of God," both sung at a cornerstone service held in 1841 for the original Nauvoo Temple.

During the choir's three rehearsals on Friday and Saturday, Marcus conducted using only his hands.

Early Sunday morning, as the final rehearsal ended, Marcus held high the treasured gift, and with emotion, shared its story. Eyes of many choir members filled with tears.

With baton in hand, Marcus conducted the choir as they stood in the shadow of the unfinished Nauvoo Temple. The air around resounded with the strains of the music: "Let glory to them in the highest be given henceforth and forever. Amen and amen!"

—June Call, Church service missionary at Nauvoo Temple project

Another in a series of "Temple Moments."

Illustration by John Clark.