Remembering the Past and Feeling Grateful

Yesterday was another highlight experience of our mission as we traveled 2 1/2 hours south to Pennsylvania to visit the new Priesthood Restoration site, dedicated by Elder Russell M. Nelson 48 hours before our arrival.  Everything was so fresh and new (even a new smell in the buildings) as it has been opened less than a month now.

It was an unexpected blessing to have an extended 3 1/2 hour tour by Sister Walker, one of the directors. It was also unexpected to arrive at the same time as our CES supervisor and his colleagues who had a scheduled meeting on the site before taking their first tour.

Some of the highlights for us were the beautiful new film, the behind-the-scenes stories, and the powerful testimony that concluded the tour.  The grounds, the homes, the visitors center and the spirit were all remarkable!

We took four branch members with us.  Many from our branch are excited to see the site because the directors served in their branch two years ago, and they are loved and missed.  It was a pleasure for us to see the joyous reunion that took place and observe the love that was had between these members and their former teachers.

Dodi, Terry, Margie, Patsy

After the walking tour, we were given a peek at the new building, including the chapel that the members will move into the week after general conference.  As we admired the architecture and furnishings, I walked to the stand and sat in the spot where Elder Nelson was seated on Saturday.  It is such a lovely building, much smaller than most.  Due to its size, only the local members were given tickets to attend Saturday's dedication outside of the visiting authorities (not even mission leaders or CES supervisors). We watched the meeting online and were so grateful it was broadcast.  Even seeing it on a laptop in our apartment carried a powerful spirit.

If we had not been to the site a couple of times earlier this year, we would not have recognized what was accomplished and what a difference moving the road made. (The new road is called "the Mormon Road" by the locals and is rumored to be the best road in Pennsyvania.) It seems like an entirely new site. We look forward to returning in a few weeks with more branch members and spending some alone-time in the grove above the center. With its pathways and peaceful solitude, it is so much like the one in Palmyra, and this is the area where historians have determined the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood actually occurred - not below on the river bank itself.

We have memories of visiting this site with our children in 2011.  The monument they had their pictures taken by is still in the same spot it was, but it seemed small by comparison to the two new monuments placed outside the visitors center marking the beginning of the tour.  The road and path leading to the river bank have been much improved and beautified, as well. It is a marvelous and sacred place that every member of the church should want to visit.

This was taken on the path leading to the river bank.

Sister Walker told us that even though the site has only been opened since the end of August, visitors have come from every continent in the world except Anarctica. There is a constant stream of people coming every day from all over the world. It was a beehive of activity the whole time we were there.  An extra bonus were the beautiful colors and crisp, cool air as the leaves begin to change to usher in fall.

The Albany group.
The Walkers are on the far left.  The couple next to them served
as stake YSA leaders in Albany before moving out west a couple of years ago.
We ran into them here quite by accident
(along with Bro. Baker, Bro. Done, and Bro. McBride - all CES supervisors).

We have been blessed to have this church history site added to the other sites restored by the church to strengthen our faith and knowledge of the Restoration. The three major events that make this site unique are: 1) This is where the majority of the Book of Mormon was translated, 2) 15 revelations now part of the Doctrine and Covenants occurred here, and 3) this is where John the Baptist restored to the earth once again the Aaronic Priesthood for our dispensation.

For more pictures of the buildings and grounds click below:
https://www.lds.org/church/events/priesthood-restoration-site-dedication?lang=eng
This link also provides a link to watch the hour-long dedication.