West Grove

The West Grove recreates a small stand of trees just down the hill from the Nauvoo Temple. It was one of several outdoor meeting spaces where Latter-day Saints gathered in the 1840s to worship together. In this peaceful outdoor setting, Joseph Smith and other Church leaders taught audiences truths of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Historical accounts reference at least two groves or stands of trees near the Nauvoo Temple. One was directly east of the building site, and another on the west. Meeting minutes often only identify the location as “the stand” or “the grove,” so it is now unclear which sermons took place in which location. In the years after 1846, the trees were cut down for firewood and lumber. In 2015, the trees West of the temple were replanted to serve as a complement to the reconstructed temple. They will reach maturity by 2039, the 200^th anniversary of the founding of Nauvoo.

During the 1840s, Latter-day Saints expected to use the Nauvoo Temple for weekly worship services, funerals, and other religious meetings, just as they had done earlier in Kirtland, Ohio. While the temple was under construction, they met together in homes, public buildings, or outside in the shade of trees. One memorable sermon occurred in the West Grove on August 31, 1842, during a meeting of the Nauvoo Female Relief Society. On that occasion, Joseph Smith explained to the sisters of the Church that he had received some new understanding by revelation about proxy baptism for deceased ancestors. Days later, the prophet wrote down the revelations for the entire Church.

What to Expect

The West Grove is currently not open to visitors. It can be viewed from the Edward and Ann Hunter Home, which includes an interpretive sign. It can also be viewed from a distance when driving down Mulholland Street.