WALKER

Walking the paths where prophets have trod
Ashley Walker
WAL02016@BYUI.EDU
Scroll Staff

Editor’s note: This is the first in a two-part series describing the Walkers’ travels through historic sites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Click here to view Walker's photo essay of chuch historical sites.

For two weeks I slept in a tent trailer and ate fast food. For two weeks I was where the Prophet Joseph walked and lived.

As a farewell to my brother who left on his mission, we visited the church sites.

Within such a short time, I feel I gained a stronger respect and testimony of our ancestors who left a great heritage.

I learned empathy for Emma who sat in the cold, numerous times, waiting for her husband to come home.

I now admire Martin Harris who mortgaged his farm to finance the 5,000 copies of The Book of Mormon to be printed and bound.

Compassion for the mentor, friend and brother to a Prophet, Hyrum Smith.

Testimony and a deeper love for the man and the Prophet, Joseph Smith.

I spoke with my friend Blake Malcom about the trip, and I love what he said: “These are tender mercies of the Lord.” For two weeks I recognized tender mercies from the Lord.

SACRED BEGINNINGS
ASHLEY WALKER / Scroll

During the off-season tourists are scarce. We were able to enter the Sacred Grove completely alone. I stood in the place the Prophet Joseph had marveled before the glory of God and Christ and enjoyed the peace I felt there.

We visited the place where Emma grew up in Harmony, Pa. Here the Prophet Joseph received the priesthood and Emma lost her first child. The beginnings of the translation, and the trials, started in this small spot.

THE JAILS
ASHLEY WALKER / Scroll

Carthage Jail and Liberty Jail lie within the middle of small, remote towns, which may seem insignificant to most travelers.

However, I felt a deep contrast as I entered the Liberty Jail. The room is kept cool and dimly lit to emphasize how the men must have felt. A sister missionary sang “Lead Kindly Light.” I felt the words. The replica of the jail and the Prophet Joseph Smith left a surety in my soul that the gospel is true and an appreciation for the many sacrifices made.

THE CITY BEAUTIFUL
ASHLEY WALKER / Scroll

An old woman in a light blue dressed walked by. Her eyes sparkled and her pink lips broke into a large grin. She offered my little sisters gingerbread cookies.

A little village and restored buildings portrayed the “olden day” Nauvoo. Missionary couples paraded the streets dressed in vintage clothing from the 1800s. They greeted us with warm smiles. We were taught the old ways of brick, wagon wheel and artillery craft.

BUILDING THE KINGDOM
ASHLEY WALKER / Scroll

I fell in love with Ohio. Here we entered the Kirtland Temple that now belongs to the Community of Christ. This is where great revelations were given, keys were restored and Christ appeared. The 33 steps leading to the second floor represent the 33 years of Christ’s life.

The Morley farm is in Kirtland. The Prophet Joseph was tarred and feathered here, but the next day still gave a sermon from the steps of the Morley home.
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