Picturing History featured Karl Anderson, "Mr. Kirtland" earlier this year. Another individual who has likewise made significant contributions to historic sites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Donald L. Enders, "Mr. Historic Sites."
Although Enders has done considerable historical research over the years, his most impressive works were made at the actual sites with shovels and hammers. The many hats he has worn include that of archaeologist, woodworker and stonemason.
This began in the early 1960s when Enders drove a car to Utah for his mission president following his service in the Eastern States Mission. That journey included a stop at Nauvoo, Illinois, and the original Nauvoo Temple site. That's where Enders first felt the desire to help with the restoration of historical structures and sites that were being lost.
He soon found himself on the staff of Nauvoo Restoration with which he was employed for about six years. During that time, he married Loretta Anderson, who became his greatest help and supporter then and for decades to come. It seemed like Don Enders just did it all.
Jenny Lund, current director of the Historic Sites Division of the LDS Church, jokes (with some truth) that it takes 10 of their staff now to do what Enders used to do alone. Elder Steven E. Snow, general authority Seventy and LDS Church historian and recorder, noted at an event honoring Enders: "I don't think one can overstate the importance of our historic sites for the membership of the church. These are places where families can go with their children and receive a real faith-promoting experience as they learn what the pioneers did, what the early members of the church experienced."
Enders' fingerprints are in so many places that if he had been given attribution for all he has done, his name would be all over.
Kenneth R. Mays is a board member of the Mormon Historic Sites Foundation and has also been an instructor in the LDS Church’s Department of Seminaries and Institutes for more than 35 years.