|
|
|
|
|
Adam-On-DiAhman
Research on Tower Hill, Altar of Father Adam and the Nephite wall. |
||
|
|
|
|
|
![]() |
|
|
Not far from the top of Tower (Spring) Hill on the South Side Here I am walking over the decaying rock which was most likely the location of a large Altar or foundation. A pile of rocks still remains lying
here.
The next day, April 6, we went to the east overlook of the Grand River Valley. Upon arriving at the edge of the overlook in my minds eye (third eye - spiritual eye) I saw the entire valley filled with water - a blue rapid moving water which was mildly choppy. I felt a great deal of spiritual energy flowing through this valley and knew that something of great importance had taken place down in that valley. Later we went over to what is now called Tower Hill which is the most elevated hill in the area there. As soon as I got to this place I felt a great deal of energy. At one point while lying down resting I even saw the energy there near the top of the hill. What I saw was like heat but grayish-blue in appearance as I watched it more it flowed into the shape of a tunnel. Carrie, my companion, was seeing this too. I kept wondering to myself why is it that I feel all this energy on Tower Hill and hardly feel anything over at Spring Hill. As we walked down the pathway toward the crest of Tower Hill we came upon a lot of decaying rock which was natural limestone but some of which I found to be like cement. Having been familiar with other locations where the Nephites had placed stone and cement this reminded me of that, though I felt it was much older than the Nephites. From what I knew of church history a Nephite Altar was found on Tower Hill. I felt surely that it was nearby even though the landmark signs placed there by the LDS Church on the grounds claim the whereabouts were unknown. At the large portion of rocky area Carrie found a peculiar stone shaped like an arrowhead which pointed to a path which led to the southern foot of the hill. She remarked that this stone pointed to that way for a reason, the whole time both of us felt the need to go look on that side of the hill and explore. This rock pictured below may have been very well pointing toward another important area.
We traveled down near the foot of the hill and found some rocks with very curious holes cut out of them, very smooth and completely circular. I also recognized this as Nephite work and felt that the altar spoken of was close by. Down at about the bottom of the hill we found the foundation of an old home. I felt Joseph Smith had stayed in this house at some point. Going forward to the day before we left for home we were again at Tower Hill and a group of us gathered discussing what exactly what these rocks could have been - we all felt that the flat basin of rocks was definitely ruins from either a fort or a foundation of some sort. And we all felt a battle had taken place at that spot. As we went down to view the foundation of the old home again- off to the right I noticed some rocks covered in the earth and walked over to investigate. What we found was a stone wall about 2 feet in height and quite long, this wall was north of the foundation of the house, upon looking more closely at this wall I recognized the typical structure of an ancient stone wall, stones fitting so closely together that you couldn't fit a knife into the cracks. As I walked on this wall I felt that this was the correct place and that the Nephite altar and the Altar of Father Adam was in this location and that the entire hill was used for worshipping purposes. Carrie and I walked past this and up a stone path through the woods- this stone path resembled worn down stairs. It brought us out at the top of Tower Hill. As we walked back to our van off to the left Carrie and I noticed some rocks back in the woods. As I noticed these it felt as if the rocks called out to me "Hey come over here." When we got there I noticed right away the rocks were in a certain formation which resembled the center of Stonehenge, half of a circle. Each rock was shaped like a triangle and each triangle pointed toward the direct center of the half circle. I felt that some type of initiation was held here. A friend came over and looked around and saw some other stones a little ways off and felt that this was much "bigger" than just these four stones. A diagram of what I found can be seen below, sorry I didn't take a photo so I doodled a quick drawing in Photoshop.
The rock on the left hand side was covered in brush and branches and was not noticeable at first glance. I also noticed each rock was covered on top by a yellowish substance, possibly a moss of some type but looked to me as if possibly also could have been painted on the rocks, near these rocks were three tall trees. I could see the energy again flowing the the left direction in front of my eyes as I was near this area. I would like to now discuss some discoveries I made last evening being 5 days since leaving Missouri. I was pondering over why I felt such strong energies on Tower Hill and not the area that the Mormon church designated as Spring Hill when the Holy Spirit prompted me to go downstairs and so some research on it. So I got out my CD-rom which contained all the histories of the church, all the old church periodicals, journals of early saints and personal diaries of Joseph Smith. What I found there confirmed my promptings about Tower Hill and that Tower Hill was the Spring Hill mentioned of by the early saints and that on this hill was where Adam had his altar and not at the location where the Mormon church placed a sign in the middle of a field. I will now include some references from the journals and histories with some of my comments. The Doctrine & Covenants tells us that Adam-ondi-Ahman was so named by the Lord "'because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet." Bruce R. McConkie, The Millennial Messiah, pp. 587-588 (quoting D&C 116).) President John Taylor explained that Adam-ondi-Ahman was referred to by the Saints as "Di-Ahman." John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom, p. 188. During the time of Joseph Smith, it was also referred to as "Spring Hill." D&C 116:1; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Three 1838-39 p. 122; John Taylor, Mediation and Atonement, Ch. 8.It seems to point out here that the settlement here was referred to the saints as Diahman, it was also established as the Diahman Stake. But the brethren named it Spring Hill. Adam built an altar on "a hill above the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman" Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 2, p. 232. or "plateau near Adam-ondi-Ahman [comprised of] a number of rocks piled together [where Adam] offered up sacrifices." John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom, p. 102 (repeating statements made by Joseph Smith). At that place, "the Lord revealed to [Adam] the purpose of the fall and the mission of the Savior." Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 2, p. 232 (referencing D&C 107:53-57, 116, 117:8, 11; Moses 5:5-8; Joseph Fielding Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 122, 158. Adam-ondi-Ahman became "the land where Adam dwelt" D&C 117:8 ("Is there not room enough upon the mountains of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and on the plains of Olaha Shinehah, or the land where Adam dwelt, that you should covet that which is but the drop, and neglect the more weighty matters?"). and "the valley where God talked with Adam." John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom, p. 102 (repeating statements made by Joseph Smith).Here is states that the hill was above the valley. The Spring Hill that exists today is in the middle of a field not over a valley. Adam-ondi-Ahman was referred to during prophet Joseph Smith, Jr.'s time as Spring Hill and is located at in Daviess County, Missouri. "SPRING Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet." (D&C 116:1.) Spring Hill is north of the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, "through which runs Grand River, described by the Prophet Joseph as a 'large, beautiful, deep and rapid stream, during the high waters of spring.' In the spring and summer the surrounding valley is most beautiful, with its scattered farms discernible as far as the eye can reach." Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., The Way to Perfection, p. 287; Adam-ondi-Ahman has also been described to be "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. (Otten & Caldwell, Sacred Truths of the Doctrine & Covenants, Vol. 2, p. 277.) The most detailed description is found in a footnote in the History of the Church:Now if you go to the Spring Hill the church has marked you will be scratching your head wondering where the elevated spot of ground is... that's because you are in the wrong place. 'We discovered some antiquities about one mile east of the camp [the camp was in the vicinity of Lyman Wight's house], consisting of stone mounds, apparently erected in square piles, though somewhat decayed and obliterated by the weather (erosion) of many years. These mounds were probably erected to secrete treasures.'" (B. H. Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church, Vol. 1, Ch. 32, p. 422 (quoting History of the Church, Period I, Vol. 3, p. 37).) named by Joseph Smith because "of the remains of an old Nephite altar or tower that stood there." Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Three 1838-39 p. 122.The foundation we found may have been Lyman Wight's house where Joseph stayed. On May 8, 1838, Joseph Smith went to Adam-ondi-Ahman with Sydney Rigdon and Joseph Smith's clerk, George W. Robinson, "for the purpose of selecting and laying claim to a city plat ... called 'Spring Hill,' but by the mouth of the Lord it was named Adam-ondi-Ahman Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Three 1838-39 p. 122.See here the Spring Hill the church has marked was actually the location of the "City" of Spring Hill and not where the altars were... On "an elevated piece of ground or plateau near Adam-ondi-Ahman" was found "a number of rocks piled together ... where [Adam] gathered his righteous posterity." John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom, p. 102. According to John Taylor, Joseph Smith explained "that this pile of stones was an altar built by [Adam] when he offered up sacrifices." John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom, p. 102.This sounds like the same description before mentioned about the Nephite structures. Now are they really Nephite structures or the ones Adam used. The spirit tells me they are older than the Nephites. Joseph Smith is often misquoted. The Prophet Joseph called upon Brother Brigham, myself and others, saying, "Brethren, come, go along with me, and I will show you something," He led us a short distance to a place where were the ruins of three altars built of stone, one above the other, and one standing a little back of the other, like unto the pulpits in the Kirtland Temple, representing the order of three grades of Priesthood; "There," said Joseph, "is the place where Adam offered up sacrifice after he was cast out of the garden." The altar stood at the highest point of the bluff. I went and examined the place several times while I remained there. Otten & Caldwell, Sacred Truths of the Doctrine & Covenants, Vol. 2, pp.278-279 (citing Life of Heber C. Kimball, pp. 209-210)...When the altar was first discovered: ...it was about sixteen feet long, by nine or ten feet wide, having its greatest extent north and south. The height of the altar at each end was some two and a half feet, gradually rising higher to the center, which was between four and five feet high--the whole surface being crowning. Such was the altar at "Diahman" when the Prophet's party visited it. Now, however, it is thrown down, and nothing but a mound of crumbling stones mixed with soil, and a few reddish boulders mark the spot which is doubtless rich in historic events. History of the Church, Vol. 3, p. 39, Footnotes.Another member of the church, Chapman Duncan, recalled: I think the next day, he said to these present: Hyrum Smith, Bishop Vincent Knight, myself and two or three others, "Get me a spade and I will show you the altar that Adam offered sacrifice on." I believe this was the only time Joseph was in Ondi-Ahman. We went about forty rods north of my house. He placed the spade with care, placed his foot on it. When he took out the shovelful of dirt, it barred the stone. The dirt was two inches deep on the stone I reckon. About four feet or more was disclosed. He did not dig to the bottom of the three layers of good masonry well put up wall. The stone looked more dressed like stone nice joints, ten inches thick, 18 inches long or more. We came back down the slope, perhaps 15 rods on the level. The prophet stopped and remarked this place where we stood was the place where Adam, gathered his posterity and blessed them, and predicted that should come to pass to later generations. Chapman Duncan Autobiography, typescript, B.Y.U. Studies, pp. 37-38.Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., stated that "When the Prophet Joseph Smith first visited Spring Hill he called it 'Tower Hill, a name I gave the place in consequence of the remains of an old Nephite altar or tower that stood there,' he wrote in his journal." Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., The Way to Perfection, p. 287. It is unclear whether Adam's altar and that of the Nephites are different or whether the Nephites simply used Adam's alter. As explained by Leland H. Gentry: The account of the discovery of "Adam's Altar" is quite different from that for the "Nephite altar or tower." Abraham O. Smoot, a member of the survey team for Adam-ondi-Ahman, is quoted as having said that Joseph Smith was not present when "Adam's Altar" was discovered: President Smoot said that he and Alanson Ripley, while surveying at the town [i.e., Adam-ondi-Ahman], which was about 22 miles from Jackson County, Missouri, came across a stone wall in the midst of a dense forest of underbrush. The wall was 30 feet long, 3 feet thick, and 4 feet high. It was laid in mortar or cement. When Joseph visited the place and examined the wall he said it was the remains of an altar built by Father Adam and upon which he offered sacrifices after he was driven from the Garden of Eden. He said that the Garden of Eden was located in Jackson County, Missouri. The whole town of Adam-ondi-Ahman was in the midst of a thick and heavy forest of timber and the place was named in honor of Adam's altar. The Prophet explained that it was upon this altar where Adam blessed his sons and his posterity, prior to his death. Leland H. Gentry, B.Y.U. Studies, Vol. 13, No. 4, p. 565 (citing Matthias F. Cowley, Wilford Woodruff: History of His Life and Labors (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1909), pp. 545-546.).Leland H. Gentry points out from his review of various descriptions that "The 'altar' was 'a quarter of a mile down the road,' rather than on top of Tower Hill where the Nephite altar was found." Leland H. Gentry, B.Y.U. Studies, Vol. 13, No. 4, p. 568. Mr. Gentry provides a further comparison of the two altars: Area of Difference Altar "A" Altar "B" 1. Origin 1. Nephite or Adamic 1. Adamic 2. Condition 2. "no one stone on 2. Some stones another in 1838 to scattered recognizable show but altar form when discovered, standing in size or having measurable form" dimensions 3. Size 3. Stones scattered to 3. Five or six feet circle of 30 feet long, another account in diameter. says "16 feet long by 9 or 10 feet wide"; 2 1/2 feet at each end but gradually rising in the center 4. Description 4. Good masonry work 4. Untooled stones "dressed stone, nice but "laid accurately joints, ten inches as any wall nowadays" thick, 18 inches or in actual mortar or more long"; "stones of cement; none like them different sizes" and in the area; stones apparently native to partly burned and many the area; some partly exposed above ground; burned and most if not 3 altars in rising all bared by Joseph tiers representing 3 Smith at nearly a foot orders of the deep. priesthood 5. Location 5. On top of the hill 5. On a sidehill"; "about a quarter of a mile down the road" but also on the "highest point of the bluff" "in the midst of dense forest or underbrush"; perhaps a "tower" on the prairie 6. Excavation 6. Yes 6. Yes 7. Approximate Date 7. May 18, 1838, with 7. After 20 June 1838, of Discovery Joseph Smith present with Joseph Smith not present Leland H.
Gentry, B.Y.U. Studies, Vol. 13, No. 4, p. 575.
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: Section 3: 1838-39, 122Here we find again that Spring Hill was a city plat named by the brethren and not necessarily a physical hill at all. Joseph Smith was then inspired not to call it Spring Hill but to call if Adam-On-Diahman. Church History and Modern Revelation: Vol 3, 118Since we find here that the valley which is seen from the East Overlook is literally the very valley where Adam blessed his posterity, where Seth, Enoch, Noah and the rest gathered with Father Adam and in the midst of them stood the Lord. No wonder everyone was feeling something special about this valley! Orange Wight Auto, BYU, 4Here we find out that a map of the area exists somewhere - a diagram showing where the altar was. If we can find a hard copy of the Orange White Autobiography perhaps it will have this diagram attached. So there you have it. Tower Hill is actually the same as the Spring Hill where the Altar of Father Adam still exists. This is why there is so much energy up there now all we need to do know is find the vortexes around that hill. So we have the understanding now that the hill is where Adam shall return, but the area which was meant to be the city plat of Spring Hill is the land of Adam-On-Diahman. The valley seen from the top of Tower (Spring) Hill is the valley of Adam-On-Diahman, it is the valley I was shown in a vision in which the Savior Jesus Christ appeared to me. Some other highlights of my visit to Adam-On-Diahman were while I stayed in the small town of Jameson. There I received several symbols which I have yet to translate, and we had several spirit filled discussions when the group gathered at her home.
|
|
|
|
|
|