Missouri Adventures: Day 2/Part 1

Day Two: Church History/Jesse James/BBQ

We had intended to wake up at 6:30 KC time on Friday to get an early start on the day. That didn't happen. We were exhausted. We slept until 8:15, enjoyed the complimentary breakfast at our hotel and were on the road by 9. There were three locations nearby that contained a lot of history for the Latter-Day Saints. Aside from the fact that we would be learning the history of our church, we were also glad that the church history stop would be free of charge to anyone! We were a little strapped in terms of money for this trip and these destinations proved to be a blessing in more ways than one. We decided to head to the most northward one first and then make our way back south throughout the day. First stop: Adam-Ondi-Ahman/Spring Hill, MO.

Look at all that GREEN!

Adam-Ondi-Ahman is considered to be one of, if not the most, scared grounds in these latter days. It is at this location that all of the prophets of the gospel, past and present, will meet with Adam and Jesus Christ welcoming in the 1,000 years of peace on Earth. The prophets will meet with Adam here and return their priesthood keys, Adam will return them to Christ, and so will begin the start of the millennium. Daniel, from the Old Testament, refers to this location in his dream regarding the second coming of Christ. As we drove we studied the scriptures and found answers to many questions. 

See Daniel Chapter 7 and D&C 107-116.

Daniel 7:13-14

13. "I saw in the night visions, and , behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him."

14."And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."

The exact location is not given under the pretense that it is Holy ground. Along with Spring Hill, there is Tower Hill which Joseph Smith believed to be a Nephite Altar.
 As we walked along the quiet landscape the spirit was felt. It is a truly beautiful place. There was a moment when the thought occured to us both, "Joseph Smith was here. The Nephites were here." It was an indescribable experience. Even if you are not a member of the church, if you are looking for a peaceful place for meditation and prayer, go here. Take a lunch and enjoy the natural beauty that is this area.

We traveled south from Spring Hill towards Far West. We were on some back country roads that made for the most breathtaking views during the drive. The beauty complimented the light-hearted feeling we had.

Far West was an area in Jackson County given to the Mormons after the were driven out of Independence. Here, the Saints began to build up the area. The owned land, were operating businesses, and were finally living with little persecution. The prophet Joseph received many revelations during their time here. These included: the official name of the church, the Law of Tithing, and the first over-seas missionary call. A piece of land was dedicated for the temple and the four cornerstones were laid.

The church owns the area where the corner stones were laid and it is open to the public to view. Visitors are also able to read some of the revelations given to Joseph Smith during the time of the saints' occupation in Far West.

 Unfortunately, the saints were not able to complete their work in Far West. Joseph Smith and 5 other men were arrested and taken to prison in Liberty, MO. The saints who were left behind faced persecution again and Joseph urged them to pack up and head towards Nauvoo, Illinois.

This is believed to the the location where Joseph Smith was arrested and taken to Liberty Jail.

Continuing south we saw a billboard proclaiming "The Homestead of Jesse James". We decided to check it out. This was indeed the home of Jesse and Frank James, the infamous outlaw brothers who wreaked havoc across the midwest. There was a museum that had a lot of artifacts belonging to the James family, including, the actual coffin Jesse James was buried in. His body was excavated years after his death from his original resting place on the homestead and moved to a nearby cemetery. The coffin was on display as well as a bullet found in the coffin next to his foot. It is believed that Jesse was shot in the foot during a bank robbery and the bullet was held in his foot for years thereafter, giving him a permanent limp. 

After checking out the museum artifacts we were given a guided tour through the actual James Home. I am a little odd--I will be the first to admit it--but I totally think I would have thrived in the 1800's. Anyway, We were given stories of the James family and their "problems" with the law. The tour came out at the back yard where the original grave of Jesse James was. The footstone still stands but the headstone was moved with the body to the cemetery. It was an interesting tour that sparked some interest in me to do a little research. Husbandfriend is watching the "Jesse James" movie as a write this. He's cute. <3. 

The corner of the house pictured here is where it partially burned down after a "bomb" was thrown in through window by the Pinkerton brothers--hoping to kill Jesse and Frank, who were already gone. Some shrapnel hit their youngest brother, killing him, and severed their mother's are to the point that she needed an amputation.

Ok, at this point I am beginning to realize just exactly how much we accomplished don our second day in MO. For the sake of you readers, and the fact that Husbandfriend is requesting my presence for the Jesse James movie...I am going to stop here. The adventures of Day 2 are not over. The best is yet to come. Honestly. 

Until then,

Mo