Love from Elder & Sister Freestone

[Pat Freestone]

Merry first week of December! Because 9 inches of snow came the day after Thanksgiving and temperatures have never been above freezing, everyday in Nauvoo feels like a white Christmas! These pretty little midwestern towns have been transformed into winter wonderlands. Their community light shows are really quite spectacular and the lights glistening on the snow is magical. 

This week we attend a wonderful rendition of Dickens’ Christmas Carol. It was sponsored by the Nauvoo Arts Council, adapted and performed by local talent with original music! The set was built inside the lodge of Camp Nauvoo. It was fantastic and a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season. 

Our historical exploration this week was visiting the home of the architect of the Nauvoo Temple, William Weeks, where copies of some of his original plans lay on his desk and adorned the walls of his study. We also paid a visit to the home of Edward and Ann Hunter. In the summer of 1842, Joseph Smith went into hiding in the Hunter Home to avoid marshals who had entered Nauvoo with the intent to arrest him and take him back to Missouri. While in hiding, Joseph continued in his roles as prophet and leader, communicating divine revelation to Church members through written letters. In this home, he dictated two letters related to the temple ordinance known as baptism for the dead, portions of which now appear as sections 127 and 128 in the Doctrine and Covenants. 

Both homes were positioned on their lot to have a perfect view of the Temple. We, like them, never tire of gazing upon this beautiful House of the Lord. We are so very blessed to serve within those hallowed walls every day. While early figures like Brigham Young spoke of hundreds of temples, President Lorenzo Snow prophesied in 1899 that temples would be established "over every portion of the land". It is such a miracle that we are witnessing this proficiency right before for our very eyes. May we all choose to find ourselves “worshipping in the temple as regularly as one's circumstances allows “ and reap the promised blessings that we so desperately need in our lives and in the world!

Love you all so much!

Chris & Pat

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[Pat Freestone]

Many gave asked for our address and I keep forgetting to add it!

 Elder & Sister Freestone 

975 Young St

Nauvooo, IL 62354

This isn’t where we live but it is the mail room where our mail is delivered.

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 8, 2025, at 10:49 PM, Pat Freestone <cpfre...@gmail.com> wrote:

Merry first week of December! Because 9 inches of snow came the day after Thanksgiving and temperatures have never been above freezing, everyday in Nauvoo feels like a white Christmas! These pretty little midwestern towns have been transformed into winter wonderlands. Their community light shows are really quite spectacular and the lights glistening on the snow is magical. 

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[Pat Freestone]

Warm Winter Greeting from two very cold and extremely happy missionaries ! 

The long timers here in Nauvoo continually tell us that this early freezing weather and extreme snow never happens this time of year but obviously Jack Frost and the Snow Queen didn’t get the message! Great for us because the week before Christmas couldn’t be more magical! With temperatures hovering below freezing and into the negatives, the Thanksgiving snow remained on the ground until last Thursday (12/11) morning. We woke to see the dear nibbling on grass where the snow had been just the night before. We naively parked our car in the sunny parking lot across from the temple at 1:45pm. At 4:00 I looked out the Star Windows from the fourth floor of the temple and everything was already covered in a thick blanket of snow. I watched as large, thick snowflakes quietly added to the splendor of the beautiful display! When we finished our shift, the snow continued to fall, propelled by an increasing wind that decreased our visibility as we baby-stepped our way across the snow and ice to our car. We spent the next 15 minutes digging out our car so we could drive home. Lesson learned, park in the underground garage even on a rare sunny day. 

The snow continued to fall and On the First Day of Christmas,(12/12) we worked the early morning temple shift and discovered that the teamsters were bringing out the horses to pull the sleigh. We bundled up and snagged a glorious ride through the snow covered fields. That evening we were able to enjoy the Old Nauvoo Christmas Walk. The Nauvoo Community Choir in the north visitor center was really quite spectacular as was the Christmas tree that could have easily been the understudy for Rockefeller Center. The historic Cultural Hall, which we had toured earlier in the week, hosted fabulous musical entertainment upstairs and gourmet hot chocolate, iced ginger cookies, and Santa in the basement. There was caroling along Main Street along with wagon rides and pioneer games. Our favorite activity took place in the Family Living Center which had been transformed into a living Nativity. We were invited to enter by a Roman soldier who was taking names of those had been summoned by “decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed⁠.”(Luke 2:1)

We were welcomed inside by St Luke who bore his witness of the Divine Redeemer and testified of the truthfulness of his record. He suggested that as we walk through the vignettes depicting Christ’s birth that we take time to “Ponder the gifts Christ has blessed you with.” And asked, “ What gifts will you give Christ this Christmas?” 

We were given a small linen bag to collect the gifts/Symbols of Christ we would be given during our walk. We visited the shepherds who declared that Christ is the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God! (John 10:14, 27)  The choir of angels announced His holy birth with “Glory to God in the Highest! Peace on earth, good will towards man. (Luke 2:10) Simeon proclaimed his witness and gave us a candle to remind us that Christ is the Light of the world! (John 8:12)

We were given a small piece of swaddling cloth as we stood by the manger and gazed upon the holy family. A small piece of bread from a humble baker would remind us that Christ is the Bread of Life (John 6:51) and that each week as we take the sacrament we receive the emblems of His flesh and blood. The village potter, sitting at his ancient potters wheel, gave us a small piece of clay and encouraged us to center our lives on Jesus Christ and He will make more of us that we could ever independently make of ourselves. (Isaiah 64:8). The Wise Men were really a spectacular sight, no bathrobes or towels on their heads here. They were exquisitely dressed in silk brocade, adorned with jewels and golden crowns! They spoke of their tireless journey to watch for and then follow the Star that led them to find the King of Kings and present Him with gifts! Handing us a Star ornament they asked, “Will we do the same? Will we follow the Star that leads to Jesus Christ and present our gifts to Him this Christmas?”(Isaiah 2:5)

Although the temperature outside was approaching the negative range, inside this holy place, we were warmed by the fire of the testimonies of ancient and modern disciples of Christ. 

On Saturday (12/13) the snow continued to fall and the temperatures plummeted. We were parked in the underground parking lot and walking against the snowy wind when we were met by temple workers coming the other way telling us that the temple was closed for the rest of the day. By the time we got back to the car our faces and fingers, even with gloves and scarves, were painfully frozen. We had a delicious dinner at cozy apartment of the Kartchners, a temple missionary couple from St David who are absolutely delightful people! 

That evening we braved the snow and the icy road to the Pageant Building to attend the Nauvoo Orchestra and Choir performance of The Messiah. This is a tiny town and the talent is so incredible. It was masterfully done, as was the slideshow that had fabulous pictures of the life, teachings, and glorious mission of Jesus Christ, the Mortal and Immortal Messiah! Of course, we stood for the Hallelujah Chorus and we were invited to sing along! This is where the real Spirit of Christmas sweeps me off my feet, not quite high enough to hit that one high note, you know the one, but high enough to sing once more, with the heavenly choir of angels. 

Which brings us to today, Sunday (12/14). The snow and icy roads were considered by those who live here, too dangerous to travel so church was canceled. Fortunately, Colette had sent us the link to tune in to the sacrament meeting where Cooper was speaking! It was wonderful and his words confirmed by the Spirit, warmed our heart as well as our little apartment. We enjoyed a quiet day to reflect on the reason for this Christmas season! We wish you a wonderful week in your comings and goings and pray that the Lord’s greatest blessings will be on you and your families! 

Love you all so much!

Chris & Pat

[Pat Freestone]

Well, we are nearing the end of the Twelve Days of the Christmas countdown. Not sure if we are still on birds, domestic help, or lords leaping over drummers and dancing ladies, however somewhere in mix I gave away “5 (times 10) Golden Date Candy rolls” and the tradition lives on here in Nauvoo!!!

I am absolutely sure that we are very close to the greatest birthday of the greatest person who ever walked the earth, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On Sunday evening (12/21) we attend the Wyndham’s nativity display in their home. They are our shift coordinators on Saturday and they host the two day event for friends and neighbors, in their 1880 historic home in Hamilton. It looks out over the Mississippi River which was boasting a spectacular Illinois sunset! There were over 200 nativities which they created, collected, or had been gifted to them. 

As we admired them we remembered Elder Farnes mentioning Christmas creches in the First Presidency Christmas devotional this year, admonishing us to turn our focus and attention to and on the Savior. 

And what a wonderful invitation the First Presidency gave to all the world, to come and worship with us in meeting houses throughout the world! What power there is in uniting the Family of God together, fellow Christians, worshiping Jesus Christ! I thrilled at the thought of all the Sunday Christmas programs, choirs, primary children, and musical instruments ringing out the glad tidings and carols of Christ’s birth! Like all of you, our sacrament meeting was inspiring! The prelude was performed by a small choir who accompanied themselves with handheld chimes. I was, along with the rest of the congregation, mesmerized by the glockenspiel sound that filled the chapel, a definite upgrade from the galvanized pipes struck by a nail (sorry Dad!). Our primary consists of 9 children but they could really belt out “Go Tell It On the Mountain!” Brother Cottam, who played Scrooge in the community theater two weeks ago and played the timpani in the Messiah concert last week, today played a medley of Christmas carols on the electric xylophone! Shazam!!!

Side note, I joined the ward choir two Sundays ago, last Sunday all meetings were canceled because of the snow and icy roads, so today when the choir sang the first verse of Silent Night in German, I was living the nightmare where you are on stage, never practiced, and faking the words, hoping no one will notice! Please don’t tell me I am the only one who has that reoccurring dream! Fortunately it was only the first verse in German and there was one other alto who was probably a former MOTAB member! (She was a soloist in the Messiah last week!) 

We adore our Nauvoo ward and although it has been exactly two months since we began our mission, we feel so at home and embraced in their Christ-like love and fellowship!

Another highlight of the week (12/19) was our trip to Carthage. The visitors center was beautifully decorated for Christmas. The tour began with the video of President Holland recapping the events that led up to the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum. It is the same video that was referenced in Come Follow Me, Nov 24-30.   Fortunately there were tissues generously positioned around the theater. With that sobering introduction our guides accompanied us through the jail ending in the very room where, “the best blood of the nineteenth century was shed to bring forth the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants for the salvation of a ruined world.” (D&C 35:6)  As we drove the 30 minutes back to Nauvoo, our hearts ached remembering the 6 hour horse ride on this very road, that took Joseph and Hyrum from their families to Carthage and then brought brought their lifeless bodies back home as the tragic announcement rippled through the streets of Nauvoo. 

Previously in the week (12/16), we have visited the home of Lucy Mac Smith. When the majority of Church members migrated west after 1846, Lucy’s health was declining, and she chose to remain with her family in Illinois where she spent the rest of her life. Her carriage is still in the carriage house behind her home. A few months after the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum, Lucy Mack Smith began compiling her history. Though aging and in poor health, she felt “it a privilege as well as my duty … to give (as my last testimony to a world from whence I must soon take my departure) an account.”^⁠ Lucy’s manuscript was completed by October 1845, and she publicly announced the project at general conference.^⁠

I am told that the book is still in print and is sold in the bookstore here in town, I will check it out!

On Thursday (12/17) the historical site missionaries (Did I already mention that they are the real worker bees out here?) invited us to an encore performance for those who missed out on the Nauvoo Christmas walk. 

And the snow? Well, halfway through the week (12/18) while we were working a double shift in the temple, a rain storm swept through, uncovered the grass, and left slush and mud. The wind keeps things chilly and the occasional sun peeking out of the clouds gives off very little warmth, what Colette calls “Illinois fake sunshine.” The Mississippi River is still frozen so that is cold! 

Tomorrow (12/23) after our early morning shift at the temple, we will head to Naperville to spend Christmas with Colette, Cooper, Hallee, Taylor, and Tilly. What a blessing to live so close. 

We wish you all a very merry Christmas! May we all feel blessed and loved knowing that God’s greatest gift of His Beloved Son was for each of us! “God be thanked for [His] matchless gift.”

Love you all, Chris & Pat

 Sent from my iPhone

[Pat Freestone]

Happy (almost) New Year!
And nearly time to say goodbye to 2025 and ring in the new year! A time to learn from the past and look forward to the promise of a beautiful future! Who could have imagined the incredible blessings that this year would bring? “Counting our Blessings, One By One” has been our family theme this year and we have discovered that when we take the time to be more deliberate in counting our blessings we have little time to count those things that don’t really matter. 

What a wonderful blessing to be able to spend Christmas with Colette, Cooper, Hallee, Taylor, and Tilly in Naperville. The saying “The Road to be With Family is Never Long” truly applies to our journey to be with them. And what an amazing blessing to utilize technology in order to connect with family and friends back home. We love the Christmas Cards, gifts, goodies, emails, texts, and prayers for the missionaries! We need those prayers and thank you all for your kindness and support! 

Like many of you, we stand on this summit of time, gazing back to the incredible journey of 2025 and looking forward with anticipation to the future and the wonderful adventures that are to come in 2026!

Our family theme this coming year will be, appropriately: “Snowflakes are Kisses from Heaven!” 

Like snowflakes, the human pattern is never cast twice. Each snowflake's intricate design is the result of its specific journey through the clouds, influenced by temperature and humidity, creating millions of unique patterns as they fall to the ground. Just like the snowflake, your journey continues to shape your beauty and the wonderful unique person that you are. There is no one like you, you hold your own design. And because you are so unique and wonderful, you get a chance to shine!

Remember that like a snowflake, you were uniquely created by God who knows you, delights in you, and loves you! And oh, how we love you too!

With the passing of Elder Holland, we are all reminded how fragile life is and like the snowflake that brings joy for a brief moment in time, it passes oh too quickly from our gaze!” (Hymn 226 Improve the Shining Moments) Living here in Nauvoo, I am constantly reminded of this principle. These faithful saints embraced their circumstances and transformed an insect infested swampland into a thriving city, with the Temple as its crowning jewel.  

When the horrific mobs killed the Prophet and His brother the Patriarch in 1844, these noble people put their energy and unwavering faith into finishing the temple. The unrelenting mobs drove most of the Saints out of Nauvoo in February 1846, leaving a small crew to finish the first floor for dedication just before the main exodus. The Saints were forced to leave Nauvoo and once again look to the unknown, this time, “far away, in the West.” To add insult to injury, arsonists deliberately set the temple ablaze in October 1848, gutting the interior but leaving the strong stone walls standing, which were later toppled by a tornado. There is a picture in the basement break room of the temple that depicts the saints with their wagons making their way up the snowy banks of Montrose, Iowa. Wagons are lined up between them, as far as the eye can see on the Nauvoo side down Parley Street to take their turn to cross the frozen Mississippi River. Far in the background stands their beloved temple. (Bet they didn’t consider those snowflakes kisses from heaven at that time!) It is such an incredible privilege to walk these streets and feel their strength, determination, and dedication to live the Law of Consecration as they took an unwavering stand for Jesus Christ! Perhaps all of us could add to our New Year’s resolutions to 

“Improve each shining moment.

In this you are secure,

For promptness bringeth safety

And blessings rich and pure.

Let prudence guide your actions;

Be honest in your heart;

And God will love and bless you

And help to you impart.”

(Alma 34:32–33)

We send our love to you all!

Grandpa & Grandma, 

Mom & Dad, 

Chris & Pat 

(these are real snowflake kisses that landed on our coats and stayed for a brief moment!)

Sent from my iPhone

[Pat Freestone]

Happy New Year!!! 

As we bid farewell to another well worn year, we continue to be reminded of so many other farewells, especially here in Nauvoo as we visited the homes of the Apostles. Names and faces are different but the stories of courage and sacrifice are similar. Heber C. Kimball was such a man of integrity and dedication to God. 

From our living-room windows we can see Heber and Vilate Kimball’s home so the setting of events in Church History are very vivid and personal. 

The Kimball’s home was completed on November 12, 1845, after about six months of construction. This large brick home replaced a log home the family had been living in since 1841. However, the Kimballs did not get to enjoy their new home for long. Only three months later, in February 1846, they left Nauvoo with many other Saints who departed for the west.

It was here that the following familiar event in Church History happened. 

At the Kimballs’, Mary Ann Young found Vilate sick in bed with two of her boys, leaving no one but their four-year-old son to carry heavy water jugs from the well. Heber was too sick to stand up, but he was committed to leaving with Brigham on their mission.

As Heber stood to go, he looked distraught. He embraced Vilate, who lay in bed shaking with fever, then said goodbye to his children and climbed unsteadily into the wagon.

As the wagon rolled down the hill, Heber felt terrible about leaving his family when they were so sick. He turned to the wagon driver and told him to stop. “This is pretty tough,” he said to Brigham. “Let’s rise up and give them a cheer.”

Back at the house, a noise from outside startled Vilate out of bed. Staggering to the door, she joined Mary Ann who was looking at something a short distance away. Vilate looked too, and a smile spread across her face.

It was Brigham and Heber, standing in the back of the wagon and leaning on each other for support. “Hurrah! Hurrah!” the men cried, waving their hats in the air. “Hurrah for Israel!”

“Goodbye!” the women called out. “God bless you!”

So what happened to this beautiful home? 

Dr. J. LeRoy Kimball purchased the Nauvoo home of his great-grandfather, Heber C. Kimball, in 1954, he spent several years restoring it as a family vacation home.  Dr. Kimball was a heart surgeon in Salt Lake City, and he thought he would like to occasionally get away from his medical practice.  

He was surprised when visitors stopped by, asking to see Heber C. Kimball’s home.  When the home was dedicated by Elder Spencer W. Kimball, at a family reunion in 1960, a thousand guests attended-and visitors kept coming.  Dr. Kimball said he never spent one night in that home. The next year he invited a couple to live in the home who gave tours to 15,000 people. 

At that time, Old Nauvoo contained weeds, debris, and dilapidated buildings. Dr. Kimball hadn’t planned to reconstruct Old Nauvoo. When he learned that a motel might be built across the street from the Heber C. Kimball home, Dr. Kimball purchased the land to protect his property.  

Soon he bought other lots, including the homes of Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff.  Dr. Kimball contacted Church leaders in Salt Lake City and experts from such places as Jamestown (VA), Williamsburg (VA), and the National Parks System for advice about Old Nauvoo.  In 1962, Nauvoo Restoration Incorporated (NRI) was formed, with Dr. Kimball serving as its president. 

And that, as Paul Harvey would say, is the rest of the story!!!

Oh how the Lord loved these faithful people for their stories and testimony are woven into every aspect of this amazing city. We feel their presence as we reverently enter their homes and learn their stories of sacrifice, courage, and faith. 

As we begin a new year, perhaps we could dig deep to discover our own stories of faith and courage. The new year is a perfect time to check our moral compass and shore up our footing on the Covenant Path. This Christmas, each of my children and grandchildren received a compass ornament with a tag that read, “When you set your compass on Jesus Christ, you will feel the Covenant Path beneath your feet!”

May we all turn our hearts to Jesus Christ, study His words, keep His commandments, and Follow Him!

Love you all, 

Grandma & Grandpa, Mom & Dad, Chris & Pat

[Sally Traynor]

Another dandy letter. 💖Sally

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 4, 2026, at 6:07 PM, Pat Freestone <cpfre...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Pat Freestone]

Hello Dear Ones,

It is a cold and beautiful day in Nauvoo! After having two day closures for Christmas and New years, it was great to be back in the temple every day this week. 

We have been in Nauvoo for nearly 3 months and we are learning the lingo to describe the temperature. 

Intense Cold: Frigid, freezing, icy, arctic, glacial, bitter, numbing, bone-chilling, subzero, polar.

Moderate Cold: Chilly, nippy, cool, crisp, sharp, bracing, brisk, 

We are told to brace ourselves for February when we will experience:

Harsh: Biting, raw, harsh, bleak, cutting, penetrating, inclement, shivery. 

Wintry/Icy: Wintry, frosty, icy, snowy, frost-bound, frozen. 

Fortunately, there are no high stakes examinations to determine the exact label, it is live and learn experience, meaning: Don’t ever neglect to bundle up!!!

Wearing the Badge

So who doesn’t love the catchy song from the musical “Newsies” 

Carrying the Banner?

Ain't it a fine life, carrying The Banner through it all?
A mighty fine life carrying The Banner tough and tall…

That little tune runs through my head each morning as I put on my Missionary Tag-

Ain't it a fine life, wearing proud The Missionary Tag, through it all?
A mighty fine life wearing proud The Missionary Tag, tough and tall…

It is such a marvelous privilege to wear this little black and white tag bearing the name of Jesus Christ and His restored Church. A privilege I never tire of nor take for granted for we are immediately recognized as ambassadors for Jesus Christ. 

For example, last Monday we were acknowledged as missionaries and treated so kindly at the car dealership. We didn’t have an appointment yet we were moved to the front of the line to have our battery replaced. Our car had been a little sluggish starting up and when tested, the battery was functioning at 36%. It could have failed at the most inopportune time but we were blessed with a tender mercy to be in Burlington, with the only KIA dealership for hundreds of miles, that morning. When we checked out, they had discounted the original quoted price. How nice was that? 

After an unexpected two hour at the dealership, it was time for lunch. Our waiter had a cheerful smile as she pointed to our Missionary Tags and asked how long we had been out. After we responded, she shared that she had been baptized a couple of months ago and has never been happier!!! We shared a “No more stranger but fellow citizens of Christ” moment. As we were leaving the restaurant we saw an older single lady, probably our age, sitting in her car with the hood up. Because we were “Wearing the Missionary Tag,” she had no reservations accepting our help. We just happened to have our brand new, handy-dandy, portable, battery charger, a Christmas gift from the Goodmans! We were trying to figure out the logistics, when a super cute young man drove up, did some quick googling and safely connect red to red and black to black. Before long, she was charged up and ready to be on her way. She threw her arms around us, twice, and called us her guardian angels. We marveled how the Lord had nudged, moved, and directed us to be in so many right places at just the right times that day. It is times like these that when, once again, the tune runs through my mind and even spills out into a happy little song. 

Ain't it a fine life, wearing proud The Missionary Tag, through it all?

A mighty fine life wearing proud The Missionary Tag, tough and tall…

It has been a mighty fine week and we are looking forward to what is next as the Lord continues to write the lyrics to each new verse!!!

Wishing you all a “Fine Life” this week! May we all have the courage to live “tough and tall,”

true to our covenants, and the very best we can be!!!

Love you all!

Grandpa & Grandma, Mom & Dad, Chris & Pat

(A few photos from this “Fine Life” we are enjoying! Come visit us!!!)

[Pat Freestone]

Good Sabbath to all our favorite people!

It’s only noon and what a Good Sabbath it has already been. We attended an early Sacrament Meeting and Sunday School class with the site missionaries at the North Visitor’s Center. There were easily 200+ missionaries there. We share sweet Mesa connections with several of them. They are all gearing up for the Nauvoo Exodus Commemoration Walk on Saturday, February 7th. More on this as it gets closer but for now, know that Chris and I went to the Sewing/Costume Room and borrowed fabulous pioneer clothes to participate in the event! Yes! I am loving this!!!

We attended the early meeting so we could zoom an Arizona Sacrament Meeting where our dear Gilbert Temple friends, the Jacksons, shared their experiences of their year long service assignment at the Randolph House. They actually glowed, full of the Spirit and love for the special, pure souls who were and will forever be their precious “friends!” Both talks were inspiring as they reminded us that we are on this beautiful earth to love and serve one another. And regardless of our season, situation, or station in life, the Lord has a place in His kingdom for us, just as He told Moses, “I have a mighty work for you to do!” All are called to the work and you don’t even need to wear “the badge” to serve! Still pondering their words, God can and will use us now and He will meet us where we are and give us experiences that will stretch and refine us to be happier as well as more effective in helping to move His work forward. 

So, it has less to do with wearing the badge and everything to do with “Carrying the Banner tough and tall!” Just as Captain Moroni, hoisted up his banner for all to see and be drawn to, we become standard bearers “that the world will know” and exclaim: “Behold a Royal Army with banner, sword, and shield!” “Victory, In Jesus Christ our Lord!”

In the dedicatory prayer at the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet Joseph petitioned the Lord:

“That thy church may come forth out of the wilderness of darkness, and shine forth fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners⁠” (⁠D&C 109:72–73⁠).

All of this beautiful, descriptive language is so evident in and around the magnificent Nauvoo Temple. 

The walls of the temple featured 30 pilasters, each with a moonstone at the base and a sunstone at the top. A sunstone served as the capital, or head, of each pilaster. A star stone was placed above each sunstone. The order of the stones recalled the woman described in Revelation 12, “clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars” (Revelation 12:1) 

(In the Celestial Room alone 365 stars are displayed in the carvings, drapes, carpets, and windows.)

The Sun Stone

The sun breaking through clouds symbolized the dawning of the Restoration and the coming of gospel light to illuminate a dark earth. It is little wonder, then, that sunstones were and still are featured prominently on the Nauvoo Temple. Above each sun are two hands holding trumpets, heralding the dawning of the gospel in this dispensation.

Moon Stones

Symbolic moonstones are used on many temples built by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the first appeared on the Nauvoo Temple.  These are crescent moons and include the silhouette of a face.  Only three of the original sunstones and three moonstones are known to exist today.

The sunstone was hand carved from limestone and weighs approximately two tons. 

President Gordon B. Hinckley, said that these stones  "were undoubtedly inspired by Paul's writing in 1 Corinthians 15:40-42 "which compared the glory of the heavenly kingdoms to that of the sun, the moon and the stars."

Charles Lambert carved the first sunstones. Lambert was a skilled stonecutter from Yorkshire, England. After he was baptized in England, he decided to go to Nauvoo. He recorded the day after he arrived in Nauvoo: “I went up to the Temple [and] saw there was work for me.” He went to those in charge and offered his skills. They told him, “If you can work we can do with your work, but we have nothing to give you.” He replied, “I have not come here to work for pay. I have come to help to build that house,” pointing to the Nauvoo Temple.

He records, “I worked and finished the first capital [sunstone] and part of eleven others. I [committed] with [Brother William] Player that I would stick to the temple pay or no pay until finished and did. I quarried and worked the last stone called the capstone.”

Charles Lambert was a man who “carried the banner tough and tall!!!” And “through it all!!!”

Yesterday, as I Zoomed the funeral service for Brent Cardon Calder, brother of my best and favorite childhood friend and closest to a brother to me. Brent spent his short 70 years “carrying the banner” with valor, dignity, and quiet strength! As his Mom, Sisters, children, and Uncle shared the commendable life of this good man, there was a reoccurring theme: He was “true to his covenants, true to his good name, true to his wife, children, grandchildren, and family, true to his God and his Savior Jesus Christ. 

And so as we begin another glorious week, “May God be with [each of] you till we meet again; Keep love’s banner floating o’er you; Smite death’s threat’ning wave before you. God be with you till we meet again.”

We love you all, 

Grandma & Grandpa, Mom & Dad, Chris & Pat

 Sent from my iPhone