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!