On Sacred Ground

Peggy at Carthage Jail

Occasionally I've wondered about the time, money and effort the church spends on LDS historical sites. We seem to have a "hero worship" aspect in the church that's a little more pronounced than in other faiths. Yes, I know it's a testimony builder and faith-promoting experience to stand where pioneers and early church leaders stood, but why the fuss and bother (not to mention expense) to maintain and staff all these sites? Is there something about the sites themselves that makes the heavens closer to us, the veil thinner?

I read a quote some time ago that expresses this belief. Although it was not spoken by a church leader, or even about church events, it think it says well why we tend to frequent places important in our history, not only in the church, but nationally as well.

Joshua Chamberlain, the hero of Little Round Top during the battle of Gettysburg, spoke at a reunion of Civil War Veterans at Gettysburg more than 25 years after the battle:

In great deeds, something abides. On great fields, something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear, but spirits linger, to consecrate the ground for the vision place of souls. And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream; and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision shall pass into their souls.

There have been a few places we have been, where it seems that for actually being there, the spirit is stronger, more able to touch us, if we are prepared to receive it. Martin's Cove and Carthage Jail come to mind. Perhaps the most tender of all places has been Liberty Jail, while the sister missionary sang "Where Can I Turn For Peace?".