Adam-Ondi-Ahman Story: Truth or Fiction?

One of the young elders serving in our branch now, had served near Adam-ondi-Ahman for a time during his mission. He said there was a member who lived in Gallatin, Missouri, which you will recognize as a name in early church history because of a fight at the voting polls. Gallatin is also the County seat for Daviess County. 

Well, this member is said to be very knowledgeable on Adam-ondi-Ahman. The member shared that he had visited with a farmer who previously owned some of the Adam-ondi-Ahman land before it was sold to the church. The farmer claimed that on several occasions he cut down the trees in several areas on the property and they would always grow back almost immediately. He said he was never able to successfully remove the trees in certain areas. Apparently the member claimed that those trees separated 7 different land areas. I asked what would be the significance of that. The member believes the sections of land are for each dispensation. I looked at Adam-ondi-Ahman using Google Earth and I could see how a person could identify 7 areas, however because they are all shaped differently. But I also believe a person could count more or less than 7 areas as well. 

Adam-Ondi-Ahman what does the name mean?

From Far West after a stop in Hamilton, Missouri we travelled on to Adam-Ondi-Ahman which is located 70 miles north of Independence and 25 miles north of Far West. It is 4.5 miles north of Gallatin, the county seat; you will remember Gallatin from the early church history trouble at the voting booth. One of our ancestors Eliphaz Marsh was involved in that skirmish, so I will post his biography in the blog for any of our children who may not have read it.

 The unusual name Adam-Ondi-Ahman means “the place where Adam dwelt” or “The valley of God in which Adam Blessed his children”. Adam means “man” in Hebrew, and Ahman means “God” in the pure language, said Orson Pratt. Hugh Nibley indicated that the word ondi means “in the presence of” So it may mean Adam in the presence of God.

Adam ondi Ahman

Tower Hill altar site is a sacred altar site at Adam-Ondi-Ahman at the bend of the Grand River in the valley below. Tower Hill is part of a hilly area containing many springs. Church Leaders called the area Spring Hill until Joseph Smith renamed it Adam-Ondi-Ahman, as recorded in the shortest revelation in the Doctrine & Covenants, dated May 19, 1838

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. (D&C 116)

 Tower Hill  gets its name from when the Prophet Joseph Smith went to the top of this hill and mentioned there were the remains of an old Nephitish altar and Tower located there.

 Adam-Ondi-Ahman is said to be sacred for at least five reasons:

1.    It was the cradle of civilianization where Adam and Eve dwelt.

2.    It was Adams home

3.    It is where the fullness of the Gospel was first taught to man.

4.    It is where Adam offered Sacrifices and an angel appeared

5.    It is where Adam gave his last blessing to his posterity