Yes, it is still winter. Yes, it was cold when this was taken. And yes…..some winter days in Nauvoo are without snow. The photograph proves it.

This shot of Joseph and Emma’s home shows just how stately the Mansion House appears across this field in Old Nauvoo.  When one considers the history surrounding the Mansion House it makes it all the more impressive.

It was here that Joseph and Emma finally had a home they could call their own. So many historic scenes and characters passed through the house including Orin Porter Rockwell, Gov. Ford, who was being attended to by Emma the very moment Joseph and Hyrum were being martyred a few miles away in Carthage, and so many others who were instrumental in the early days of the gospel being upon the earth again.

It was here that Joseph addressed the Saints one last time before leaving for Carthage. And after the martyrdom it was here 10,000 Saints passed through the house to view the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum as they lay in state.

When we walk through the flats for exercise and inspiration, we always make sure our route takes us by the Mansion House. There is a feeling there that we have not experienced anywhere else in the world, especially when we are alone in the area.

In this photo the dark, ominous feel of the trees represents the constant persecution and turmoil from the enemies of Joseph and the church, persecution that Joseph and Emma experienced throughout the restoration of the gospel. The warm afternoon sun striking and illuminating the house represents to us the beacon of light through the darkness that was and is Joseph Smith, Jr., Prophet of God.