Between May 1839 and September 1846, Latter-day Saints gained spiritual strength that enabled them to eventually become a mighty people in the midst of the Rockies. Before gathering near the crescent bend of the Mississippi, Latter-day Saints had experienced a refiners fire. That purification continued as these converts directed their attention from worldly gain to spiritual pursuits in Nauvoo. Drawing on numerous journals and other primary sources Professor Backman sketches for us the founding, growth, and development of Nauvoo. Discussed are the sacrifices made to construct the second LDS temple, which is the first temple where the highest LDS ordinances were introduced.