“We like firsts,” said Susan Easton Black Durrant at a recent event. Aptly stated. Have you ever noticed? With babies it’s the first tooth, first word, first step. With teens it the first car, first date, first dance. With communities and people, it’s the first church, government building, home.

So what was the “first” being commemorated at this event? The first Latter-day Saint home in Nauvoo, built by Theodore Turley (1801-1871) in June 1839. Descendants, friends, and local residents met at the Turley home site, located at the corner of Hyde and Water Streets, to recognize the efforts of Theodore Turley, as well as thousands of early saints who settled the area.

On the program was Susan Easton Black Durrant who spoke of Nauvoo’s history. Richard E. Turley, Jr., Assistant Church Historian, who represented the Theodore Turley Family Organization, followed Susan. His message gave a clear understanding of the man Theodore was and many ways he served his family, church, and community.

A commemorative tree planting was part of the event with Richard Turley planting the first tree (a hybrid English and American Oak), representing the many early settlers who planted roots deep in Nauvoo’s soil.

Want to be part of the commemoration and plant your “roots” in Nauvoo? Individual families or family groups can purchase a tree through Nauvoo Facilities Management to be planted. (Call NFM for information.)

See more of our Founder Days coverage of Nauvoo “firsts” with our post about Moving Day.