Nauvoo exodus recalled, re-enacted
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NAUVOO, ILL. — On the 162nd anniversary of the Latter-day Saints' forced exodus from Nauvoo beginning in the winter of 1846, missionaries at Historic Nauvoo presented a dramatic theatrical and visual depiction of their struggles and challenges.
Two Sunday evening programs were presented in the visitors center on Feb. 3. The next day, the anniversary of the crossing of the first wagons on flatboats across the Mississippi River, a commemorative procession marched down Main and Parley streets to the Exodus Memorial Kiosk at the river's edge.
The exodus theme for this year, "None But the Pure in Heart," was built around the concept of total consecration, as exhibited by the early Nauvoo saints. The production in the visitors center featured the music of Rob Gardner's "Saints & Pioneers" and included paintings, photographic scenery and vignettes depicting the exodus.
Elder Bryce Chamberlain, who coordinated the event, said, "I have been mounting stage productions and epic events throughout the past 50 years of my life, and there has never been more touching music or excitement in the lyrics and dramatic input from the story line, scenic presentations or performers than we experienced as we prepared and presented those pioneer stories."
The Monday morning procession consisted of the commemorative Nauvoo Legion followed by missionaries carrying flags, the Brigham Young carriage, horse-drawn wagons, an oxen-pulled wagon and guests. Sister Donna Barton, a missionary, directed a flag ceremony and short program at the memorial honoring those who gave their lives on the Mormon Trail.
"When we re-enacted this exodus on this cold, foggy day, we remembered and honored our forefathers and showed our gratitude for their sacrifices and reaffirmed our belief in God."
