1840–1842

Building Nauvoo

The Lord’s plans for a beautiful city

The Lord told the Saints to gather in a new place. It was near a large river called the Mississippi. The land was wet and muddy. To some people, it didn’t seem like a good place to build a city. But the Prophet Joseph Smith knew that with the Lord’s help, they could make it beautiful.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:25; Saints, 1:417

The Saints started working hard to make it a good place to live. The Prophet Joseph called the town Nauvoo, which means “a beautiful place.”

Saints, 1:417

The Lord told the Saints to build a house in Nauvoo where travelers could come and rest. He wanted Nauvoo to be a place where everyone felt welcome.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:22–24, 60; Saints, 1:426

The Lord told the Prophet Joseph that He had great plans for Nauvoo. He wanted His Saints to gather here so they could build a temple. He asked them to work as hard as they could to build His house. The Saints quickly started working.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:25–28, 44, 55; Saints, 1:420–21, 425–27

The Lord wanted the Saints to build a temple because He had great blessings to give them. In the temple, they would make covenants, or special promises, with the Lord. They would also learn about Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness for all His children.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:29–41; Saints, 1:453–55

The Saints worked hard to build the temple, just like the Lord had commanded. It took a long time, but they were excited about the day when they could each learn about the special promises that the Lord had for them in His temple.

Saints, 1:453–55