Boston Massachusetts Temple

It was a little challenging getting to the Boston Temple, because the GPS coordinates didn't come up correctly on the taxi drivers unit.  So all three of us were using our phones to search for the right coordinates.  It was comical, but we finally made it!  I spotted the temple as it appeared for a moment, on the side of the freeway, and quickly motioned to the taxi driver, that that was the place.

The first thing I noticed were the beautiful flowers and landscaping.  Next, I looked up at the steeple, which compliments the many wonderful, historic buildings and churches throughout the area.  Later, one of the temple workers told me the interesting story of how the church acquired the land on which the temple is built.

This is the story, as best I can remember it.  Several years ago, a woman of a different faith, owed a large parcel of land that she wanted to sell to a church.  At the time, our church could only make use of half of the land, but they offered to pay her the full price for that half, if she would be willing to donate the remainder of the land to the church for future purposes.  She agreed.  The church proceeded to build a large church, called a stake center, on half of the land.

Around 1995, the church was searching for land in nearby areas around Boston, to build a temple on, without success.  One day, as President Hinckley was visiting the area, the Stake President was asked if he knew of some land in the area, suitable for a temple site.  The Stake President responded that the church already owned this piece of land.  So, it was a kind of rediscovery of this property.

Bill and I sat together in the Celestial Room of the temple for a long time, following the session we attended.  There were many thoughts and prayers running through my mind, regarding my family and others.  But, my heart was flooded with appreciation for my husband, and I leaned over and whispered my feelings to him.  Moments like these help sustain us during the pressures of life outside the temple.

I noticed the shape of the windows in the chapel area of the temple.  They were set back, deep into the walls, and reminded me of the thick walls, with slits for windows, in stone castles.  I thought how, even as castle walls protect the inhabitants from intruders, these temple walls protect me and my family from the darts of the adversary.

The Hill Cumorah - Palmyra New York

Hill Cumorah

Just two miles from Joseph Smith's home is the Hill Cumorah.  The Hill Cumorah is where an ancient record, kept on Golden Plates was buried, in a stone box, to preserve and protect it.  Joseph Smith received personal instruction from the Angel Moroni, who buried the plates there centuries before.

Painting depicting angelic visitation of the Angel Moroni to the boy Joseph Smith

Painting of Moroni burying Golden Plates

After four years of instruction, Joseph Smith was allowed to remove the plates, and was given the means to translate part of the record.  The part he translated is now known and published as the Book of Mormon.  This record is a second witness to the Bible, that Jesus is the Christ, and contains the teachings and testimonies of ancient prophets who lived on the American Continent.  I know it is a true record.

Hill Cumorah

Monument on top of the hill

The Sacred Grove - Palmyra

With faith, Joseph Smith came to this Sacred Grove near his home, to pray and ask God which church to join.  God the Father and his son Jesus Christ appeared to him, and answered his question.

Palmyra New York Temple

In the Palmyra Temple, we entered a grove of trees, within a grove.  The symbolism and light shines through beautiful stained glass windows, surrounding the temple walls.

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2002/04/sacred-grove-sacred-light?lang=eng

I pondered on the significance of this particular temple, within walking distance of the Sacred Grove, where Joseph Smith first saw God the Father, and his son, Jesus Christ.

As we attended the temple session, I felt at home among others who had come to perform quiet service.

One of the funny dilemmas we are experiencing, is finding someone to take our picture in front of the temple.  We have had to prop the camera on benches or trees, sometimes.  Kudos to Bill, for finding a way to get us and the temple together in the shot!  I think we will be investing in a small tripod!

Niagara Falls New York and Canada

A dip in and behind the falls 

His and Her outfits!

Horseshoe Falls

My reason for coming

American Falls

Erie Pennsylvania - A Bit of Personal History

While visiting the Maritime Museum at the Erie lakeshore, I viewed displays about the Ship "Niagara", and the role it played in the War of 1812.  Since then, I have discovered that my husband's ancestor, Frederick G Williams, at one time helped pilot that ship!  The ship is still in operation, but was not in port when I visited.  Within the museum, a group of artisans are making a small replica.  They have been working on it for two years, and plan to have it ready for formal display sometime in 2012, marking 200 years since the battle.

Newel K Whitney Store -

Newel K Whitney Store

My visit to the Newel K Whitney store, in Kirtland, Ohio, was an emotional experience.  Traveling with my husband on a recent business trip to Erie, Pennsylvania, I discovered Kirtland, was only a little more than an hour away.  I ventured out for the first day of our trip and drove, by myself, over to see some of the most important places of the latter-day restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Janice, Newel K Whitney store

I followed the signs guiding me to the LDS visitor center, and was met by a wonderful couple serving a mission there.  They proceded to give me a personal tour of several restored buildings.  One of the buildings we entered was the Newel K Whitney Store.  Here the Prophet Joseph Smith was led by inspiration, and greeted Mr Whitney, "Newel K Whitney, you are the man.  You have prayed me here, now what do you want of me?"

Bill in the room where the School of the Prophets was held

Within the walls of this modest store, many revelations were received.  The vision of the first latter-day temple was given, and many more sacred events occurred.  This building sustained the lives of those who had dedicated themselves to serving the Lord.  It held the first Bishop's storehouse, where goods were distributed to those in need, and where the Prophet and his family found refuge for a period of time.  The seeds of the kingdom were planted here, and the school of the Prophets was held.  In all reality I was standing in a temple.  A few days later, Bill and I returned to visit together.

What I learned, while sitting in the School of the Prophets, is that a temple can exist anywhere the Lord needs to do his work.  And what makes a place a temple, is not the place itself, but the spirit and the work done within that place.  After all, didn't Moses speak with God on the top of a mountain?    So, I ask myself, what can I do to make my own home a place where the spirit can dwell, and where I, and anyone who enters, can receive revelation from Heaven?

Kirtland Ohio Temple

Kirtland Ohio Temple

The Kirtland temple stands as a monument to the dedication and sacrifice of the early saints.  It is evidence of their willingness and desire to worship the Lord Jesus Christ.  There they obtained power and knowledge from on high, that sustained them through every trial, and continues to sustain their descendants today.  I tried to imagine the heavenly manifestations that were recorded, on the day of dedication.  I thought of how they must have felt.

Window and Original Door of Kirtland Temple

One of the elements I loved about the temple structure, was the large windows, and the natural light that pours through from every side of the room.  One question remained on my mind, however, and that is "Why are the rooms of this temple so different from other temples that were built from that time on?"  Later, in my travels, I discovered part of the answer.

Old Meeting House, Boston MA

When we arrived in Boston, and I toured the Old Meeting House, where seeds of democracy were planted, my jaw dropped open.  The interior of the building is similar in multiple ways to the Kirtland temple.  Large windows let in natural light, and white pews are topped with wood railings.  I realized that this Old Meeting House was also a sacred building, where powerful thoughts of freedom contributed to a society where the gospel of Jesus Christ could be restored, without being wiped off of the earth, like it had throughout other centuries of history.  Similar architecture is also found in the Old North Church, where the lantern was lit to warn of the British troops.

Old North Church, Boston MA

The Kirtland temple is also different from other latter-day temples, because it is not currently owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Therefore, anyone can enter.  Although I appreciate that it is being preserved by it's current owners, it lacked the care and spirit I am accustomed to experiencing, when I enter our buildings.

Cardston Alberta Temple - Symbolism

Just inside the front door of the Cardston AlbertaTemple, is a stone relief, depicting Jesus and the Woman at the Well.  The life size carving spans the length of the room, and in the middle, from under the well, flows a small stream of water that drops into a fountain lined with colorful green and blue tiles.  As I gazed at the scene, on our recent visit, the meaning of their private exchange came to my mind, and lingered with me throughout my visit there.  The fact that the water was real, brought the scene to life.

Why are symbols so powerful?  Maybe because they touch a part of me that can't be described in words.  Even now, I am finding it difficult to express what passed through my mind in those few moments, at the edge of this beautiful pool.  And the lessons are profound and private, just like the original exchange between Christ and the woman.