25 Jul - Adam-ondi-Ahman

Our first stop of the day was the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, meaning the “place of God where Adam dwelt.” Joseph told the brethren that the Garden of Eden was in Jackson County. After Adam and Eve were driven out of Eden, they settled in this valley. Joseph also said that Cain killed Abel in Far West. Several prophecies have been given about this place. Remnants of Adam’s altar and a Nephite altar have been found here. John told us a way to remember the heads of dispensation: Adam Eats Nuts and Many Christmas Sweets. This stands for Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Christ, and Smith (Joseph).

There was a good-sized town on this site with 200 homes and a temple site dedicated by Brigham Young. The 3rd stake of the Church was organized here. Adam-ondi-Ahman is located in Davies county, one of two counties set aside for the Mormons. Alexander Donaphan was primarily responsible for accomplishing this. Doctrine and
Covenants 27 and 116 refer to this place. The Saints came up the Mississippi to the Missouri and up the Grand Rivers to Wight’s Ferry, located near here. Gallatin is the county seat where the riots broke out when the Saints went to vote. John Butler defends himself first, and this event is one that sparks the Missouri wars.

Elder Maxwell said, “The valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman will ring again—this tie with the sounds of dispensational reunion, as it glows with gathering! Those of Enoch’s utterly unique city will greet those of the New Zion with holy embraces and holy kisses amid the sounds of sweet sobbing! The hills shall tremble at the presence of the lost tribes, and hearts, as well as ice, will melt, as they come filled with songs of everlasting joy.” (CR, Oct. 1986)

Elder McConkie wrote, “All that happened at Adam-ondi-Ahman in those early days was but a type and a shadow, a similitude, if you will of what shall happen at the same blessed place in the last days when Adam and Christ and the residue of men who are righteous assemble again in solemn worship.” (The Millennial Messiah, p. 580)

Today the Church owns 3500 acres or about 6 square miles. For a meeting, our engineer says about 10 million people could be seated comfortably. Darlene writes, “Hosanna to such days to come, The Savior’s second coming. When all the earth in glorious bloom Affords the Saints a holy home, Like Adam-ondi-Ahman. (Hymn No. 49) Oh! What we have to look forward to. May we strive to endure all that life brings and be valiant in following Him.”