IMCA'S Trip To Nauvoo  by Art Soldner

"We would love to have IMCA come to Nauvoo in October, it is beautiful that time of year with temperatures in the 70's." That's what we heard in July, in the middle of the summer heat.

In July, my wife, Ruth had become re-acquainted with some church friends she had known long ago, and were now living in Nauvoo. Our family went there one week-end to not only reestablish friendships, but to bring what ministry we could since Ron & Janet Herring and their daughter Jamie have no Restoration Branch in their area. Can you imagine that, no Restoration Branch in Nauvoo!

During our visit, Ron, who is somewhat of a historian/genealogist, took us on a tour of Nauvoo and gave us a lot of facts not found in church history books. We thought it might be nice to bring the IM CA volunteers to N auvoo for our fall gathering and share some of Ron's vast knowledge. It was during this week-end that Ron made his statement concerning Nauvoo's weather patterns and how great it would be the first week in October. When one considers the opening statement of this report, and the weather conditions that we actually encountered, perhaps Ron should not have been in such a positive frame of mind. Trusting local residents at times can be risky business, as many of know. However, plans were made to bring the IMCA volunteers to Nauvoo the first week-end in October.

Friday evening, October 2, 1998, we gathered at the Herring home for a fine meal prepared by Janet. Ron told us about places we would visit, and facts somehow missed by RLDS and Mormon historians. Friday evening many of the IMCA group went to a Mormon play.

Saturday we toured several sites and received our history lesson for the day. Oh yes, I forgot something. It rained, it drizzled, it was windy. The weather was more appropriate for wild waterfowl (ducks & geese) than for a guided tour group. Saturday evening we had a campfire (albeit a soggy one) in the state park near Nauvoo. Leroy & Karen Campbell had chosen this camp site well. It was under large pine trees that sheltered us from most of the rain.

Sunday morning was different however. A communion service was held in the school gym, and all who were there participated in the prayer and testimony portion of the service. Many said they had been touched by the Holy Spirit as it moved among the people.

All things being considered, it was a good trip. New friends, good fellowship and a learning experience in church history were shared by all. However it is IMCA's belief that Ron Herring should stick to church history, and leave weather forecasting to the professionals. Even that Pennsylvania groundhog who comes out once a year on February second to supposedly predict the weather for the next six weeks, has a better track record! Thanks Ron for the great time we all had.