LDS News April 10, 2016

James and Rhonda Paulson, of Coeur d’Alene, were recently called to a six-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Palmyra Temple Mission in Palmyra, N.Y. They are the parents of seven children, four of whom have previously served missions, and 33 grandchildren. Their mission begins in April when they will serve the many tourists and patrons who attend the Temple. They will also be assigned to a local branch where they will give service and support in whatever capacity is needed. This is a unique mission, in that you can only serve in the Palmyra Temple Mission once, in order to give other Senior Missionaries the same opportunity and experience.

Palmyra, in upstate New York, is a small town of nearly 8,000 people and is rich in LDS church history. Having purchased most of the old, historic sites, the church has been able to preserve the land and some buildings, very close to their original form as it was in the early 1800s. Besides the Temple, there is the beautiful Hill Cumorah Visitors Center, The Sacred Grove where Joseph Smith received a heavenly manifestation, the Book of Mormon Publication Site and the Joseph Smith Farm. During the summer, the Hill Cumorah Pageant brings thousands of tourists to enjoy the excitement and drama of America’s largest and most spectacular outdoor theatrical event which focuses on the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.