David's Chamber

By Virginia Brown

Virginia Brown's painting brings to life the secluded waterfall in the little glen in Nauvoo, Illinois known as David's Chamber. She painted the falls as they appeared in a black and white photograph taken by Bishop N. Ray Carmichael in the 1930s.

Those who visit old Nauvoo to learn more about the Saints who labored there so earnestly to further God’s latter day Zion are often quickened by the Holy Spirit. As a result, a special kinship arises within perceptive hearts, that assures the Saints of today that they are companions and partners with those valiant Saints who were called to found the great Restoration Movement.

One of the places in the Nauvoo area which has prompted that feeling of kinship with the early Saints is the spot which has been named “David’s Chamber.” This is a place where it is said that Joseph and Emma Smith’s youngest son, David Hyrum Smith, often went to pray, write poetry, and paint pictures. David’s son, Elbert A. Smith, described the little glen which has become so well known:

A little way down the river from the Mansion House, and back in the hills, there was a waterfall and above the fall among the rocks and trees there was an amphitheater which I have been told by numerous people was a favorite resort to which father went as a lad to read and write and paint. This no doubt was the place to which the writer of the foregoing letter had reference. When I wrote my book, Timbers for the Temple, I gave to this place the name, “David’s Chamber.” It has come to be known by that name, and frequently during reunions or Youth Camps at Nauvoo our people have gathered there for worship. (Elbert A. Smith, On Memory’s Beam, p. 37)

Saints who visit Nauvoo today find that the state of Illinois has made David’s Chamber a part of the state park system. The area is mowed and cleaned regularly, and picnic tables have been added. The area is located just east of Highway 96 about a half of a mile south of Nauvoo (Vision 2:5–6).