These missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spend their summers singing, dancing, playing musical instruments and giving tours of historic Nauvoo.
It takes great talent and several auditions to have the privilege to be one of these missionaries. Only 10 percent who audition actually earn a spot for the three-month adventure.
Sister Melissa Gardner, a music major from Orem, is juggling her busy schedule each day performing in several shows and playing the French horn for the Nauvoo Brass Band.
“We wouldn’t be able to do all that we do without the help we receive from the Lord,” Gardner said. “Being a set-apart missionary makes all the difference. We love making people smile and feel the Spirit.”
Dressed in pioneer garb all day, every day, these young missionaries take their responsibilities seriously.
Members of the Nauvoo Brass Band were required to learn more than 60 songs to perform throughout the summer. They travel up and down the streets of Nauvoo, in the heat of the day, sharing the music of the pioneers as well as patriotic songs.
Some performing missionaries will leave on regular two-year missions within weeks of completing their performing mission in Nauvoo. One of the missionaries, Elder William Loveless from Salt Lake City, just completed his freshman year at BYU.
“I will be leaving for the Tucson Arizona Spanish-speaking mission three weeks after we finish in Nauvoo,” Loveless said. “I can’t think of a better way to prepare to serve my two-year mission.”
In addition to the 20 young performing missionaries, several senior couples also work as Nauvoo performing missionaries.
Elder Woffinden and Sister Woffinden of Johnston, Penn., were one of 15 couples called to serve a six- month mission in Nauvoo.
“Something special happened here years ago, and there is still something special going on today,” Sister Woffinden said.
Elder Woffinden said their life has changed since being in Nauvoo for six weeks.
“There is a spirit about this place that can’t be ignored,” Elder Woffinden said. “I am very impressed with the surroundings and the way the Church upkeeps this area of old Nauvoo.”
Elder Ron Myers said his wife was a great influence in their decision to serve a mission.
Though the winter months tend to be slow, Elder Myers said there is always work to be done in old Nauvoo.
“It is slower in the winter months, and sometimes we go a whole week without seeing a single person,” Elder Myers said. “Our mission president told us that during that time our duty is tending to and preserving the Lord’s property.”
Taking care of the property allows performing missionaries like Elder Myers, the director of the popular variety show “Sunset by the Mississippi,” to do his job, including the intense preparation that takes place to ensure the quality of the performances.
“Practice starts in January for the senior performing missionaries in the shows,” Elder Myers said. “In May, practices can run 10-15 hours a day.”
“Sunset by the Mississippi” is especially popular for its emotional ending when each branch of the armed services is honored with a performance of the appropriate song. Many former soldiers stand and sing along as their song is performed by the Nauvoo Brass Band.
Other performances include “High Hopes and River Boats,” “Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo” and “Just Plain Anna-Amanda.”
In addition to the performances that mainly run in the afternoon and evening, the missionaries have opportunities to give tours of old Nauvoo.
Despite giving their all every day, these performing missionaries find joy in every performance.
“You can feel the intensity backstage as the performing seniors and young ones prepare to go on stage every night,” Elder Myers said. “Everyone is happy to be here and do what we do every day.”
