Just to set the record straight, Joseph Smith did not ever live in the Nauvoo House. It was under construction when he was murdered. Joseph first lived in the Homestead and later the Mansion House, both next to the Nauvoo House.

Whoa, how about those Mormons? I know some Nazareens that live there and are also involved in saving their town. In fact, I think many religions are represented by people doing heroic acts trying to stave off the floods. Why not name them all if we are going to make saving a community a religious event? Wouldn't this article be more appropriate if it were posted in the Church News?

Mellow out

Read the byline, Ed H:

"Church News staff writer"

The Deseret News publishes the Church News; this is an article from it.

I believe this story is of interest to those who are likly to read this paper. If the Lutheran girls gun club from St. Paul had helped shore up a levee in a site of historical interest to Lutherans, then I think it would be resonable to see the article in a Minnesota newspaper without some whining ED to complain that they didn't-mention-every-other-single-person-involved.

Why is it that there is always an Ed out there to taint a good thing. Jealousy is a horrible thing.

I had checked the Keokuk and Quincy papers yesterday for updates on Nauvoo and the surrounding areas. They didn't have any information. I appreciate Deseret New's coverage.

Looks like the "Anti's" are out in force today trying to slam the DesNews and anything good done by the Lord's Church. So I'm joining in as an "anti".

Yes I am anti-ED. Good report DesNews. Thank you for keeping us informed.

You do know this is an LDS owned newspaper right? You do know that the majority of people who buy and/or go online to read are either LDS Utahns and/or LDS members around the world? You do know that this is the only place we can read about what is happening to members or our Church, or what members of our Church are doing, good or bad? You do realize that many of us welcome this kind of news?

Do you also know that you can go online and get the Salt Lake Tribune for more 'balanced' news? You can even go and find the New York Times, or many other national newsapers if you wish.

Please don't start your day off so badly by reading the Deseret News and getting aggravated, angry or feeling any other negative emotion, and then turning around and trying to get a rise out of others by insulting or demeaning them.

Please don't log on to this site if you don't like what you read!

To the AP writers covering all the terrible flooding in the Midwest, Nauvoo is just another very small and relatively insignificant town along the Mississippi. So when we go to national news sources, we may not find it mentioned, although we find lots of news about other, larger cities. We even occassionally find mention of groups who are helping out. And I think we are all concerned about how this crisis will be met. We care, and we want to know. Should I be unhappy that the Des Moines papers mentions the Iowa National Guard?

BUT, for those of us with Nauvoo roots, the DesNews is about the only place that will carry news for us.
Why complain because YOU aren't interested or object to others knowing that LDS volunteers are involved? Those of us who ARE interested in Nauvoo do want to know what is being done.

Sorry, I didn't understand that we were speaking about the "Lord's Church". Now I get it. By the way, I'm not anti-anything religious. They all do good and they all worship the same God (just from a different perspective). I think that was my point in my first post. Who's skin is thin?

Quite frankly, your skin is. The manner in which you tried to make your point in your first post makes that clear, and your attack in your second post cements the fact. There is one newspaper in the world that reports LDS news consistently, and thousands of newspapers that do not. That you continue to read DesNews, and then make derogatory comments intended to incite, is evidence that you are not interested in anything more than an opportunity to make the chip on your shoulder glaringly bright. My heart aches for all the people whose lives and livelihoods are being threatened by the flooding, all along the river. I am grateful to know that when the leaders in a community are at a loss for what to do, that LDS and other religious people set aside personal concerns and differences to pitch in and do the back-breaking labor that makes a difference. Perhaps you might want to investigate the beauties that such cooperativeness can reveal?

We lived in Nauvoo for some time. MY husband and many others went to help Niota in 2001 when they desperately needed sandbaggers because of threat of flooding. I did not see his name or any other names of the mostly senior citizens who helped then.
I had looked all over for news of the last few days,and found none until a niece in Texas sent the post on e=mail from the Deseret News. None of the people I know who were helping were doing any "converting" as you call it. They were working like crazy with all the energy they could muster in their old age!Please tell us Ed, were you out there filling sandbags???Maybe not because your skin is too thin.You might hurt your hands.
I appreciated the Deseret News report. I am concerned for all the residents along the River. I love the people of Quincy.

Ed H,

no one is making you read the article. Some of us appreciate these things. We wish you would take your hate and attacks elsewhere.

A horse is a horse, of course. And no one can talk to a horse of course. That is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mr ED.

I am not Mormon. But the LDS Church is in integral part of 19th Century Amercian history. Doctrine is not being discussed here, as it often is. What is being discussed is the treasure trove of history of a people with a uniquely American past. As a Catholic, I know that the LDS Church helped generously with the restoration of the Cathedral de Madeleine in SLC. I think it is so sad that anyone would think this article is about anything but concern over possible loss of the Mormon Faith's great Landmark's. If the Vatican were being flooded, I have no doubt the LDS in Rome would be on the scene helping save St. Peter's. The DN is the only paper following this story closely. If I were concerned about St. Peter's, I would read Cathoic publications for the "inside story". Allow Mormons the same privilege with the DN.

Everyone--you and I know there are anti-Mormon trolls who love creating controversy on these boards. I don't know if Rich and Ed are really among these, or if they're simply unaware that that's how they come across. But we need not reply in anger to every post we see as offensive--and we should not.

It's a well-known anti-Mormon tactic to try to draw Mormons into an argument so that they'll lose their tempers--which makes the anti-Mormon argument all the more credible that Mormons are neither Christian nor Christlike. Remember, wrestling a pig in the mud only gets you both dirty.

It's better to show people what we REALLY believe, not in WHAT we say but HOW we say it. "Defending the faith" is best done in patience, kindness, and Christian charity.

It's also best done by working alongside other Christian believers in the Nauvoo area--Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists, Catholics, etc.--in preserving EVERYONE'S communities from these floods.

Faith needs to be put into action--not just words. The time we spend squabbling cuts into our time for helping and serving others.

I have been scanning the news for updates on Nauvoo. I spent three summers in the Nauvoo House while I was working on the archaeological project which was sponsored by the Joseph Smith Historical Properties in the early '80s. Thank you for your update.

Thank you for your kind words And I totally agree, we can appreciate and help each other.

I have also been looking for information on how Nauvoo is fairing and I was happy to read this article. There is so much to be worried about lately with gas prices, war, floods and on and on that it makes me very sad to read the way people talk to each other. I guess I should know better by now that to read the comments posted.

Well you are as bad as any nonmembers by calling someone a "TROLL". I have read you before on these blogs and If someone doesn't meet your odd standard than they get called a name. It really doesn't matter if they are a member or a nonmember. I feel sad for you.

At least there are those who are good and are helping in the flood rather member or nonmember. Kindness always works.

Thank you very much, mytwocents, for your comments on the subject. We needed that.

Thank you. Great counsel!

I agree with other posters. This is a church owned paper and as such I appreciate the articles. Sometimes I think they get sugar coated a bit, but for the most part, I enjoy them. IF you don't just don't log onto it, and find an alternative to read.

I think that's great that there are so many people sandbagging no matter what their religion. I visited Nauvoo and didn't want to leave. Not because of the Mormon history, nor because I'm a mormon, but it was just so clean, pleasant, and just peaceful. There was no litter, it was quiet, trees everywhere, green, and you just felt peaceful there. Did you know alot of the businesses and homes there are actually owned by non-mormons? And there are actually people living in the homes -- I had no idea. Still it had a peaceful, laid back feeling, and it would be a shame for the river to encroach and ruin anything there.

Thank you, Mytwocents, it couldn't have been said better.

Thank you! You read the local newspaper to find out what is happening within your community, and with the people and places which are important to many in this area. There have been many articles in the DN which highlight good happenings, people, etc. from faiths other than the LDS church. I remember reading some very good articles about the new Catholic Bishop (who came from the San Francisco area, which is where I live). When I lived in Salt Lake City, I often visited the Cathedral, because it is a very beautiful place of worship. The LDS church has helped several different congregations or denominations in the Valley, and indeed, throughout the world. It has also worked with Catholic Charities in doing humanitarian work, as well as with a Muslim organization, among others.

I tried to find out through other sources what is happening to Nauvoo, and this was the only place I found any information. Anytime pieces of history are lost, it is a loss to all. What is happening to the people and communities in that entire flooded part of the country is just awful, and we hope that good people of all faiths are helping.

Bravo for helping - we all care about the people and the area. Marilyn, BYU

This has nothing to do with religon, except people living their religon, irrespective of what denomination that they might be. It is good to see people helping each other out. As someone once said, I would rather see a sermon than hear one.

Well done to all of those volunteers, no matter who they might be.

I tried to find out about the flood in Illinois and Iowa and couldn't find it anywhere but in Deseret News. Thanks DN for covering a much visited part of the US. I read all of the article and comments, I didn't see where anyone was trying to do anything but help. I lived in that region of the US for a while and I am happy to find a way to learn what is happening, it is too bad that some people are so busy trying to find fault with others. If I were anywhere close I am sure I would volunteer to help in anyway I could. By the way maybe Ed and Rich should ask themselves why the town of Niota and the Church of Christ would ask for help from the LDS, could it be because they can be counted on?

Most of you people on here all act like 2 year olds. Too bad you guys have to pull the arms and legs off of each others toys.

To my LDS brothers and sisters,

Let us all act with kindness and patience. Mr. "My 2 Cents" is one of millions of non-LDS people who see what kind of people we are.

Talk is cheap but actions speak volumes.

Having said this, I've been to Nauvoo twice. My family and I stayed in a tiny, family-run hotel right on the main drag in town. I bet it's been there for over 100 years. It was soooo nice to open the doors to the balcony overlooking the main street and hear.....nothing! I think there was one car that we heard in probably an hour. I really hope that Nauvoo doesn't lose that "small town American" feeling.

Glad to hear that our church and others will work hand in hand to protect what is worthy of being cherished.

To- The Caravan moves on. Tell this to the Troll, and all the ED H. bashers on here.

Enough is enough! I just pray that Nauvoo will be saved by all these good people who are working so hard together. God bless them all.

I would think that human loss and suffering would trump all but I guess my common sense is just a little off. You must feel really really proud of yourselves for saving property. Now please let me know when something significant is accomplished and maybe I'll pat you on the back since you sure seen to enjoy recognition for accomplishments, however irrelevent they are.

Thank you! Always refreshing to find someone not LDS who would rather be civil than participate in the sort of "trolling" that's all too often found in discussions of religion here.

I too hope that LDS/non-LDS people work together to preserve this historical and religious treasure of our legacy of frontier America.

I can see why you chose that name to hide behind. You are so negative. Have you ever been to Nauvoo? It's a beautiful place. So is everywhere else I've been back east. I agree with the poster who said we have to preserve history. Granted it's LDS History, so I'm sure that's why you're ranting.

This story has nothing to do with human loss and suffering. It is a story showing how people work together. I'm sure no one has ignored any place they could help out, this just happens to be a story about Nauvoo and shoring up for the flood. There have been other stories about sandbagging in different areas, also. I'm sure people are saddened by the loss of lives and property as well.

GET A GRIP!!

I am so proud of our brothers and sisters who are helping in this effort. The Latter-day Saints are certainly the reason this flood has not been worse than it is. Keep it up we are all proud of you back home and the effort you are putting in.

LDS to the rescue again. I can't believe people complain! No one else steps up like the church and its members and when we do all people do is complain. I am proud of these volunteers and sadened that the rest of society does not contribute it's equal share.

I just returned a few weeks ago from a tour of the last days of Joseph Smith. I saw so many old and beautiful towns in Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois. I learned so much about the people and land. I have been waiting to hear on the local and national news stations about Nauvoo and its surrounding towns. How great it is when we as the children of God of all faiths can work together for a common cause. I can picture the missionaries and the members of the Community of Christ church and others in these towns working together trying to save Nauvoo and all those others in these states of different faiths working side by side. Too bad it takes a tragedy to force this upon us. I know if there were a tragedy in my town I would have not problem helping out my neighbors no matter what religion they are. And I would not complain about it...My prayers are with all those suffering in this disaster.

Reporting on the Mormons or another church and being proud about them and what they do is no different than routing for your favorite football or baseball team.

If you don’t like the game put your sports uniform and play ball by going out there and create your own news article and submit it to the Deseret News. You would be surprised what they will print!

Wasting time on arguing about it gets nothing done.

I am proud of all those, regardless of religion, for the work they have done.

Wow, What bunch of hypocrites on this blog! Get life people! and stop growling at everyone. Why don't you guys get a jet plane ticket back to Nauvoo, and get yourselves back there, and do some helping instead of yelping!!

I'm praying that all those who've lost their homes and jobs will be able to rebuild and that those who will soon be looking at flood waters will have some good Missionary to hand them a few sand bags!
I know service is what we can do to help for now, this is going to take years to heal from.

For those of us with dry land, I suggest planting some extra rows in the garden- thing are looking grim for the price of produce.

The end is near.

I was happy to hear that Nauvoo is being watched over by some great volunteers. Thanks for preserving its history. I love Nauvoo; it is one of my very favorite places on the earth. I pray that the people back there whatever faith they are will be protected and everyone will work together for a common cause.

As a denizen of central Illinois (though on vacation in Connecticut), I was delighted to be able to read this article in the Deseret News. Thanks for an opportunity to get a small insight into the bigger picture of the on-going flooding!

The people on this post need to be put on antidepressants. Perhaps then they will express gratitude for those volunteers who are working hard to preserving this historical place from disaster.

I am proud of my brothers and sisters and your negative commets do not bother me. Once you step up and help then you can complain. Until then the LDS are doing far more and any other group and I would just call it being spiteful with your comments. The LDS have stepped up to the challenge; how about you, your group or your religion! I think not!

I am not LDS and I am not from Utah, and I am fully aware that the Deseret News is owned by the LDS church and will report on any subject if it is related to the LDS church.

That is why I come here. To find out more about the LDS church. I only wish that I had found them about 30 years ago. My life would have been much better.

If I wanted to learn about the Catholics I would read one of there newspapers.

I will continue reading the DesNews and hope that they keep printing stories about the LDS.

The issue is not about who owns the Deseret News, but what news is interesting to the people who read the Deseret News. Lots of people who read this paper and view the website are LDS and concerned about the Nauvoo area.

I think it is as simple as that

For the record, people. This newspaper is owned by the LDS Church. Like it or not, it is going to contain LDS articles about LDS people doing good, Christian things. But don't you fret, if you didnt know, there is another paper here in salt lake city, its called the Tribune.

I'm glad that so many people are pitching in, and it's good to hear that these sites look like they will be spared. I also feel really bad for the people living in the Warsaw river bottoms about 20 miles downstream, where about 30,000 acres of farmland were flooded yesterday (and in all the other areas devested in the last weeks). I grew up in that school district, and I know that a lot of old friends must have lost a lot in the last few days. I know it's the DN's job act as cheerleader for all of the good things the church does, but this self-congratulatory piece seems a little insensitive to me at the moment.

I'm glad that they've let us know that the sites are all safe, but I could have done with a little less of the "Mormons save the day!" attitude considering how, outside of the Nauvoo historic district, ALOT of people's homes and livelihoods have been washed away.