In the early days of Nauvoo there was no building sufficient to house the people for large gatherings. Today there is an area identified as "The Nauvoo Groves". There are several plaques available for those who visit this area that include excerpts from the journals of those who recorded their experiences at the Groves.
One of these plaques includes the following description of these places.
"It was in nearby groves which were located northeast of here where many great and historic speeches were given by Joseph Smith and other church leaders of the time.
There were other sites where meetings were held including:
- · The East Grove, located one-quarter mile east of the Temple between Young Street and Knight Street, east of Robinson Street.
- · The hollow across from the Temple, south of Mulholland Street
- · The floor of the unfinished Temple
Maintaining reverence and order was difficult in such an informal setting as a wooded grove of trees. Joseph Smith reminded the saints of this on an occasion of September 17, 1843, when he gave instructions about order in the congregation (horses in the assembly and men and boys on the stand who didn’t belong there). He requested the people to keep good order and asked the police to exercise their authority to see that it was done."Another plaque reads:
In the afternoon (May 1844) we drove to visit the farms upon the prairie which this enterprising people had enclosed and were cultivation with every appearance of success. On returning, we stopped in a beautiful grove, where there were seats and a platform for speaking “When the weather permits” said Smith, “We hold our service in this place…” “I suppose none but Mormon preachers are allowed in Nauvoo,” said the Methodist minister, who had accompanied our expedition. “On the contrary,” replied the prophet, “I shall be very happy to have you address my people next Sunday, and I will insure you a most attentive congregation.” “What! Do you mean that I may say anything I please and that you will make no reply?” “You may certainly say anything you please, but I must reserve the right of adding a word or two, if I judge best. I promise to speak of you in the most respectful manner.” - Josiah Quincy, Figures of the Past, (1883), p 393
And another:
7th (February 1846) The Saints met at the Grove in front of he (Nauvoo) Temple for the last time to be addressed by the Twelve. Much instruction was given by President Brigham Young in relation to our leaving Nauvoo and emigrating to the wilderness. A large congregation of saints were present and (it) was a solemn time. - William Huntington, autobiography, Typescript, BYU, p45
