We
woke up far too early and got on the bus by 6:30 in order to make it to
the temple in Palmyra for our scheduled visit. Goodness, I was sleepy on
the bus. However, once we made it to the Hill Cumorah, I seemed energized.
There’s a monument up at the very top of the hill. Since it was so early,
we were able to drive to the top and get some beautiful pictures. It was
very quiet and serene. Getting down was fun in my skirt and dress shoes.
I don’t think I’ve ever worn such an ensemble while hiking before. It certainly
was a first. The hill is quite steep. Somewhere on this hill, Joseph received
the gold plates from the angel Moroni. He later translated them into the
sacred record chronicling the peoples of America.
We hopped back on the bus to go to the Palmyra temple in order to be on
time for our appointment to do baptisms for the dead. The LDS church believes
that ordinances can be done for those who’ve passed on in this life in order
for them to receive all the blessings Heavenly Father wishes to bestow upon
us. The first ordinance that must be performed in order for a person to
receive exaltation is baptism, and baptisms for (not of) the dead can only
be done in the temple. Only members of the Church with temple recommends
are allowed to enter inside after the dedication of the holy edifice. 
It’s
beautiful in the Palmyra temple. President Hinckley decided that there needed
to be a window at the end of the first hallway in order for temple patrons
to be able to see the Sacred Grove. One of the window panes is entirely
without ornamentation in order for you to see the Grove.
After the temple, we went to the Smith home. We toured a replica of the
log cabin he lived in while living in Palmyra. It was tiny. I can’t imagine
sharing such a small place with so many siblings. It made me grateful for
the house I live in. Then we toured the frame house Alvin, Joseph’s brother,
was building when he died from complications resulting from an obstruction
in his bowel. Finally, we went to the Sacred Grove. Sometime during the
spring of 1820, Joseph Smith, Jr. went into the grove of trees behind his
family’s log cabin after reading James 1:5. 
It
was his first vocal prayer, and while he was in the midst of praying a pillar
of light descended directly above his head. Two figures, surrounded in intense
light, spoke to Joseph, revealing themselves to be the Father and the Son.
Joseph describes it far better in his own words, which you can read here. I know that his story is the
truth. Inside of the Grove, I got a very strong impression that I was treading
on holy ground. It’s difficult to describe the feelings one gets when entering
that grove of trees. If you ever have the chance to go, please do. The Spirit
of God is very strong. Whether or not you believe Joseph’s story, the Grove
is a very special place to visit.
After lunch (wherein I ordered something called a ‘brownie tower’ as dessert (I’ve now sworn off whipped cream for five years)), we visited the Grandin Press. The Book of Mormon was printed in Palmyra. Our tour guide, a sister missionary, explained the process of printing and binding a book using older methods. It would be really difficult to set all that type, for it has to be put in backwards. Technology has certainly made our lives much less complicated. The original copies of the Book of Mormon cost $1.25, for they were hardcover rather than paperback. That was about two days’ wages for the average working man. Books of Mormon don’t cost much more now. If you don’t have one, missionaries will be more than willing to give you one for free, though. You can even read the Book of Mormon online here. I know that the Book of Mormon is an ancient record the Lord revealed unto Joseph. He found the record in the Hill Cumorah, and translated it with God’s help. He could not have created such a story with his limited schooling were it not with divine intervention.
After touring the Grandin Press, we went back to the Hill Cumorah to watch the annual pageant. I’ve seen the Castle Valley pageant a few times, so I thought I knew what to expect. However, I was entirely wrong. The free event is spectacular! The pageant has a huge cast, and the stage built up the side of the Hill Cumorah is vast. They show scenes from the Book of Mormon, and fire and water are used expertly to convey some of my favorite scenes from said scripture. Again, if you have the opportunity to visit Palmyra, I recommend attending the pageant. Members of the cast go throughout the audience to introduce themselves before it begins. It is interesting seeing Nephites and Lamanites wandering about people in modern dress. The pageant started after the sun set. By the end, I was exhausted, though I took a small nap on the grass before the pageant started. We went back to the hotel, and morning came all too soon.
"Sorry...I just thought with the captain issue in question, I'd throw
in my name for consideration."
Pintel