PHOTO ESSAY

Bruce R. McConkie: As near as we can judge—and this view comes down from the early brethren who associated with the Prophet Joseph Smith, who was the first one to use the name in this dispensation—Adam-ondi-Ahman means the place or land of God where Adam dwelt.

Joseph Smith: Adam-ondi-Ahman is located immediately on the north side of [the] Grand River, in Daviess county, Missouri, about twenty-five miles north of Far West. It is situated on an elevated spot of ground, which renders the place as healthful as any part of the United States, and overlooking the river and the country round about, it is certainly a beautiful location

Adam-ondi-Ahman is a special and sacred place. It is the place where Adam made his abode after he and Eve left the Garden of Eden

Joseph Fielding Smith: Adam-ondi-Ahman was not just a small spot resting on the brow of the hill, but this name has reference to the surrounding territory. One can obtain a beautiful view from [the] ancient altar overlooking the valley through which courses Grand River

Bruce R. McConkie: Ahman is one of the names by which God was known to Adam. Adam-ondi-Ahman, a name carried over from the pure Adamic language into English, is one for which we have not been given a revealed, literal translation

Joseph Smith: Daniel in his seventh chapter speaks of the Ancient of Days; he means the oldest man, our Father Adam, Michael, he will call his children together and hold a council with them to prepare them for the coming of the Son of Man

Joseph Smith: He (Adam) is the father of the human family, and presides over the spirits of all men, and all that have had the keys must stand before him in this grand council. This may take place before some of us leave this stage of action. The Son of Man stands before him, and there is given him glory and dominion. Adam delivers up his stewardship to Christ, that which was delivered to him as holding the keys of the universe, but retains his standing as head of the human family

The name “Adam-ondi-Ahman” was revealed to Joseph Smith, designating the place where Adam shall come to visit his people

Robert J. Matthews: The hymn, “Our Earth Was Once a Garden Place,” which was written by W. W. Phelps in 1832 or 1833, speaks of Adam-ondi-Ahman in language that suggests a large area rather than a localized valley and hill. This hymn was sung at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on 27 March 1836

Spring Hill today is used for the grazing of cattle while the rich bottomlands are carefully planted and harvested by local farmers who have contracts with the Church

Bruce R. McConkie: The second coming of the Son of Man consists not of one but of many appearances. Our blessed Lord will come—attended by all the hosts of heaven, and in all the glory of his Father’s kingdom—not to one but to many places. He will stand on one continent after another, speak to one great assemblage after another, and work his will among succeeding groups of mortals. Allusions to and some explanations concerning these various appearances are found in the ancient word. These, however, might well go unnoticed or remain without proper interpretation if it were not for the clarifying views found in latter-day revelation