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
