Free resources about the Illinois Nauvoo Mission:
- Mission address and phone number
- Mission map
- Video interviews with returned missionaries
- Missionary blogs
- Facebook groups
- LDS Mission t-shirts and gifts
- List of past mission presidents
- Cultural articles written by returned missionaries
- Survey with RMs
*Other Mission Pages: Illinois LDS Missions.
Illinois Nauvoo Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the Illinois Nauvoo Mission. We try to keep this information up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.
Illinois Nauvoo Mission
975 Young Street
P.O. Box 215
Nauvoo, Il. 62354
or
Illinois Nauvoo Mission
290 N Main St
NAUVOO, ILLINOIS 62354
UNITED STATES
Phone Number: 1-217-453-2419
Mission President: President Larry W. Gibbons
Illinois Nauvoo Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the Illinois Nauvoo Mission (LDS). To access the official LDS.org map for the Nauvoo Mission:
Video with Nauvoo RMs
Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the Illinois Nauvoo Mission. We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews.
LDS-Friendly Videos about Illinois
Here are LDS-friendly educational videos about Illinois. We scoured YouTube to find the best quality videos about Illinois, that are free from inappropriate music, immodesty and profanity.
Illinois Nauvoo Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Illinois Nauvoo Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.
Illinois Nauvoo Mission Groups
Here are Illinois Nauvoo Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the Nauvoo Mission.
- Nauvoo Mission Facebook Group (53 members)
- Nauvoo Mission Facebook Group (27 members)
- Chicago and Nauvoo Mission Moms (LDS) Group (26 members)
Illinois Nauvoo Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the Illinois Nauvoo Mission!
Shirt designs include Illinois Nauvoo Mission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. The shirts make great gifts for pre-missionaries, returned missionaries and missionaries currently serving. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you.
*Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: Illinois Nauvoo missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse Nauvoo Mission gifts
Illinois Nauvoo Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Illinois Nauvoo LDS Mission.
- 2014-2017, Larry W. Gibbons
- 2011-2014, Russell Gilliland
- 2008-2011, Robert Ludwig
- 2005-2008, Neal C. Lewis
- 2002-2005, J. Samuel Park
- 1999-2002, Richard K. Sager
Illinois LDS Statistics (2016)
- Church Membership: 56,920
- Missions: 3
- Temples: 2
- Congregations: 128
- Family History Centers: 39
Helpful Articles about Illinois
*Are you interested in becoming a lawyer in Illinois? Learn about the Illinois bar exam
Illinois Nauvoo Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from Illinois Nauvoo RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.
When did you serve?
- 2010-2012 (Elaine)
- 2007-2009 (Cathi)
- 2007 (Tricia)
- 2006-2007 (Jacob)
- 2006-2007 (Douglas)
- 2006-2007 (Marie)
- 2006-2007 (Roseann)
- 2005-2007 (Bonnie)
What areas did you serve in?
- Only Nauvoo. (Elaine)
- Nauvoo and Carthage. (Cathi)
- Nauvoo, Illinois. (Tricia)
- Durango, Mexico, Phoenix, and Nauvoo, Illinois. (Jacob)
- Just Nauvoo. (Douglas)
- Nauvoo, Illinois and Carthage Illinois. (Marie)
- Nauvoo and Carthage. (Roseann)
- Nauvoo, Illinois. (Bonnie)
What were some favorite foods?
- All food. (Elaine)
- The pioneer bread we would make at the pioneer living center. (Jacob)
- Steak at the Hawkeye. (Douglas)
- Everything. (Marie)
- Breakfast casserole, Sister Lewis’ Pepsi beef roast. (Roseann)
- I enjoyed the wonderful breakfasts when the missionaries brought pot luck! (Bonnie)
What was a funny experience?
- I was a service missionary who played drumset in the Nauvoo Brass Band. We would ride every day on a horse drawn wagon set up especially for the band. I was on a platform on the very back. Well, one day we were pulling out of the visitor’s center to do another round and one of the drivers accidentally put on the brake; the wagon immediately jerked to a stop and I went flying off the back of the wagon! And it took a minute for anyone to notice since I was gone! Good thing it only happened once, haha! (Tricia)
- Watching the senior missionaries learn and perform Sunset by the Mississippi. (Jacob)
- Squirting kids with my water gun on hot summer days at Pioneer Pastimes. (Douglas)
- Trying to dance in the Sunset on the Mississippi Show. (Marie)
- Patrons at Carthage startled by raccoon in outside garbage. Missionaries helped by turning the can over on it’s side to let the little fellow out and it flew right out of there heading straight for the Sister Missionaries! (Roseann)
- When Doreen Bateman performed on the Missionary Talent Show. She was hilarious! (Bonnie)
What was a crazy experience?
- Working as a Blacksmith. (Douglas)
- Walking on the ice on February 4th during the reenactment of the Winter Exodus. (Marie)
- The tornado that touched down on the Iowa side of Mississippi River and hopped and touched down on the river heading for Nauvoo. We got the warning just at the end of the afternoon session of General Conference and were told to evacuate the building and go straight to assigned shelters. We were living in Carthage with no assignment in Nauvoo and only on our 2nd day on the mission. We headed to the temple underground parking. When cleared to depart we found out as the tornado reached the Nauvoo shore it lifted straight up and disappeared leaving us nearly blown to pieces and dripping wet with Zone Conference a little over an hour away with not enough time to return to Carthage for repairs to our appearance because we were to be introduced as the new missionaries. Use your imagination!! (Roseann)
- Crossing the Mississippi with the draw bridge opening. (Bonnie)
What was a spiritual experience?
- I served in Land and Records part of the time. At the time, I was scanning records into individuals files so that they would be digitally available to the patron. It was almost time to close, so I just looked through the records of the next individual I would be doing in the morning and then I put it away. The next morning I again opened the records for the first person. I noticed that a record I had seen the night before was not there. My fellow missionaries and I searched high and low to no avail. Then, in my mind, I could see the record and the book it was in. Because I was very familiar with all the books in Land and Records, I was able to locate the missing record, photo copy it and then scan it with the other records. (Elaine)
- Bearing testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, especially in the martyrdom room in Carthage Jail. (Cathi)
- While we were serving that summer we had several service missionaries put their papers in for a proselyting mission. It was so awesome because when they got their mission calls in the mail, we would all go to the Hall of the Seventy where the first members of The Church would receive their mission calls and the service missionaries would open their calls there. Their families would be there via phone, and get to hear that way. One of these times we all sang The Spirit of God. There were maybe 40 or so of us gathered there, but it felt and sounded like there were more than that. I thought that the roof was going to fly off the building because of the power that was coming from all of us. The spirit was so strong; it was an absolutely amazing experience; one of my favorite all time. (Tricia)
- Feeling the unity and Zion-like Spirit that permeated throughout the town. I could feel that the Lord had blessed that land. (Jacob)
- Singing Fairwell Nauvoo. (Douglas)
- Serving each time in the Carthage Jail and telling Joseph’s story there. I was very emotional each time I served there. (Marie)
- We served at Carthage our entire mission and saw miracles every single day. One of my favorites was seeing a father bring his wife, son, and new daughter-in-law who was a new convert. The father was the one to be noticeably touched by the Holy Ghost and to be the last in the group to leave. He stopped to ask, “It’s all true isn’t it?” My obvious reply was “Yes!” I kept a written record every day because I knew that I would not want to forget these special experiences that were a visual witness of the power of the Holy Ghost as He witnessed of truth. (Roseann)
- Testimony Meetings were so beautiful. Visitors to the sites showed gratitude for the spirit felt in the sites. One lady who was a convert was so grateful that we had invited her to share in a service project. She helped us weed the yard of the Brigham Young home. After that she said now I have a connection to the pioneers! Brigham Young will know of my service. Since she had no previous pioneer heritage, this gave her that connection. (Bonnie)
What are some interesting facts about the Nauvoo Mission?
- When you go to this mission, be prepared with family information (names, births, marriages, children, where they lived, deaths, any information you can obtain) of ALL ancestors who were adults in 1839-1846. You may find out that they lived there and where they lived. You may also be able to represent them in February at the Exodus representation. (Elaine)
- The fact that there is no proselyting done. Also, that missionaries like myself would just come for the summer, to perform for tourists, etc. There were full-time missionaries as well, mostly senior missionaries, and they would give tours at all the historical sites, etc. They also have the Nauvoo Pageant every year, which is a huge, amazing undertaking. Definitely a cool mission. 🙂 (Tricia)
- It’s very unique; we did not proselyte because it was not allowed in town due to an agreement that the church made with the city of Nauvoo. Instead, we would give tours and bear testimony at the end. (Jacob)
- During the winter of 2006-2007 we made 40,000 bricks at the brick yard to be given to our visitors in 2007. (Douglas)
- My companions were all very wise and very spiritual. The first from England, the second from Montana and the third from Washington State. They were so kind and loving. Also, being able to meet so many people who wanted to increase their testimonies of Joseph and the Gospel. Especially giving tours to the local schoolchildren. (Marie)
- The historical story of Nauvoo and Carthage and Joseph Smith in the early Restoration of the Church. All fascinating facts. (Roseann)
- If we had not have accepted the call after hearing a plea at General Conference, we would not have been able to go. My husband who is no longer alive got a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s a month from our mission end. (Bonnie)
What was the weather like?
- Hot and humid or cold and humid. The Mississippi river would freeze and there could be ice storms. But the missions were wonderful. (Elaine)
- The weather varied between snowy, icy, freezing cold, to wiltingly hot and humid, to perfectly lovely in the spring and fall. (Cathi)
- Very humid! I remember constantly feeling wet, lol. It would seem even hotter than it actually was because of the humidity. But it made for lots of green though, which I loved. (Tricia)
- Beautiful virtually all the time. I loved watching the rainstorms come rolling in. (Jacob)
- Winters are very cold and windy, and Summers are hot and muggy. (Douglas)
- Winter was very, very cold and summers were very, very hot. And the Mayflies were horrible. (Marie)
- Humid. (Roseann)
- We had never lived in such a humid climate! The ice storms, tornado warnings, and extreme heat with humidity was something we will always remember. The extreme cold with humidity during the walk down Parley Street was too cold for humans as well as the animals. (Bonnie)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- The thing I enjoyed the most about the missions was the wonderful Spirit that was there. It felt like we were as close to a Zion community as possible before the Savior returns. We were mostly all of one heart and mind. I also enjoyed serving in all the sites and telling their stories and participating in the various shows. (Elaine)
- The beautiful spirit of consecration felt in that hallowed place, and within the hearts of missionaries and members. (Cathi)
- Nauvoo is such an important chapter in the history of The Church; so much happened there. The fact that I got to walk on the same floors and streets that Joseph Smith did, is just incredible. The spirit in that whole city, particularly old Nauvoo, is beautiful. And the people were so amazing too! One sister, Pat Davis, who organized and directed all of the plays and shows would tell the senior missionaries to ‘act like you’re 19! You’re all 19 at heart!’ And they definitely were! (Tricia)
- I loved meeting new people every day. (Jacob)
- We didn’t like Illinois, but loved guiding visitors through our sites. (Douglas)
- I loved the history and meeting all the visitors who wanted to learn more about The Church through their visit. Everyone was kind and considerate. The people who live in Nauvoo and were not members, were kind and understanding of all the missionaries who wander their streets. (Marie)
- I loved it! We occasionally met people that did not like us but most will bring a lifetime of memories of those touched by what they heard and experienced there. (Roseann)
- The spirit of Joseph’s City reaches deep in your heart and you treasure it for your lifetime. The missionaries you serve with become eternal friends! (Bonnie)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- Pack light. If you serve in Nauvoo you will wear missionary clothes to Church and when you leave Nauvoo to go shopping, sight-seeing, etc. Otherwise, you will be wearing period clothing for most other things. (Elaine)
- Bring what the mission tells you to bring. They know. (Douglas)
- Be sure you have a heavy coat for winter and have your dresses made before you come, so the Sisters in the sewing room are not pressured to get your dresses ready so you can start serving. (Marie)
- Just follow directions. (Roseann)
- If you take your car you need to learn to pack to make the most space possible. Take appropriate clothing for the weather and the type of service you will provide. We found using plastic bags instead of boxes and suitcases gives you much more space. (Bonnie)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- A closeness to my Savior. Also, because I served with my husband, it was like a second honeymoon. (Elaine)
- Healing, and a happy heart from serving the Lord and others. (Cathi)
- Definitely felt closer to Heavenly Father and the Savior. I learned a lot about the history of The Church; it helped being right there. (Tricia)
- I now realize that it prepared me for the rest of my life. (Jacob)
- One in particular, while on our mission, our daughter found over 2000 names in genealogy research. (Douglas)
- My testimony increased so much. I learned so much about the people who lived in Nauvoo in the 1840’s and how strong and resilient they were. I learned that I can live with less. I gained a stronger testimony of faith and enduring to the end. (Marie)
- Blessings of Faith, Testimony, and the Power of our Savior and the Holy Ghost in carrying out the latter-day work of spreading the gospel worldwide and qualifying their servants to accomplish this great work. (Roseann)
- It was a wonderful memory to serve with my eternal companion. You never will know how your testimony helps others, but you know that the Lord blesses you and your families at home while you serve. Our health was sustained enough to complete our mission. It was as if you had a protective umbrella over you during your calling. (Bonnie)
What are some skills you gained?
- Some skills I obtained on my mission are: A love for the people who had been in Nauvoo as well as those who visited Nauvoo; I now love researching my ancestors as well as the ancestors of others; by participating in the programs and shows, my love for music (even though I am not talented) was deepened. (Elaine)
- Talking to people without being afraid. The Lord provided the words and I provided the mouth. (Jacob)
- Brick maker, blacksmith, rope maker, shoemaker, 1840’s game expert. (Douglas)
- I learned to sing and I learned that I can speak in public without being nervous. I learned that the Lord will assist me in what He wants me to do instead of having to depend on myself for all the answers. I learned I can do anything He wants me to do. I learned He qualifies me for the work. (Marie)
- Obedience, musical and acting skills, communication skills, and physical endurance. (Roseann)
- We participated in musical productions and had speaking and singing parts. Otherwise we used the skills we had at home and shared them in our callings. We learned pioneer skills like candle making, rope making, etc. (Bonnie)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- What the weather was going to be. (Douglas)
- I think I was prepared in the MTC and in the training I had when I first got to Nauvoo. But, maybe, knowing it would be more enjoyable than I realized in the beginning. I wish I had not been so nervous. (Marie)
- How difficult but such worthwhile growth that I would be blessed with. (Roseann)
- You can live well without all the stuff we have in our homes! The gospel is simple and simply beautiful. (Bonnie)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to Nauvoo?
- Enjoy the wonderful privilege God has given you to serve in this sacred place. (Elaine)
- Love is your purpose and your reward. (Cathi)
- Nauvoo is not a proselyting mission. But knowing how to sing, play a jug (or spoons like I learned) and be a good tour guide, friendly, and humble. (Douglas)
- Be ready to learn about the different people who lived there so you can bear testimony of their faith and endurance. Learn the scripts for each site and do not vary from them. Your opinion is not needed only your testimony and the information that has been given about the site. Enjoy your time there. Be prepared to grow spiritually. (Marie)
- Do it all with your whole heart and soul!! (Roseann)
- Go with a desire to cooperate and accept any assignments, knowing the way will be prepared before you. The Lord’s Spirit will never be any closer! (Bonnie)
What was a funny language mistake?
- The first part of my mission I was in Mexico. During a discussion with an investigator I was unsure of the words that I was using, so I leaned over to my companion and said “wait a minute.” The investigator heard me say “guey” which is a word which means “homie,” but in a not-so-good way. (Jacob)
- Mine was an English-speaking mission. (Marie)