The Chamberlain Story has often told of the importance of the temple in the lives of members of our family. During this Easter and Passover season I have been thinking about the connection between Latter-day Saint temples and the ordinance of Passover, and how to prepare for the promise of peace that these may bring to those living at the time the Savior returns to the Earth. Readers may also find interesting my interpretation of the recent prophetic fulfillment of Revelations 7:9-10.

“Come, O Thou King of Kings”

According to a 2006 survey by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, 79% of Christians in the U.S. say they believe that Christ will return to Earth someday. However, they are in less agreement over the timing and circumstances of his return. Only 20% of the respondents in 2006 said they believed he would come in their lifetime.³

Latter-day Saints express great joy and longing for that day in many hymns. “Come, O Thou King of Kings, we’ve waited long for thee.” When Christ will “make an end to sin, and cleanse the Earth by fire”. However, one’s desire to live during this time in history may diminish when we realize this event will be preceded by a time of great tribulation.

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. (Matt 24:21-22)

When Christ comes in his glory, he will judge the people of all nations. On his right hand will be those who care for the needy and have compassion for others. The Father will prepare a kingdom for them. (Matthew 25:32-33) Good people of all religions, and even no religion, will be on the earth after the return of the Lord.

Nevertheless, it will be a terrifying time for those who live through these years of tribulation. However, a promise of peace is given to those who follow the Lord’s instructions, that the “destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel”. (D&C 89:21)

The Jewish holiday of Passover

The Jewish people have celebrated the holiday of Passover for over 3300 years. It is a celebration of God’s miracle that delivered the Children of Israel from bondage.

It was the tenth and final plague in Egypt, the death of the first born in every household. The Lord gave the Children of Israel some specific instructions. Their meal that night would be of lamb, cooked with fire, unleavened bread and bitter herbs. They were to mark the side and upper door posts of their home with the blood of the lamb.

They obeyed the Lord’s instructions (Exodus 12:14) and the plague passed over their homes, sparing them from this terrible affliction.

Passover is an eternal ordinance

In Judaism today, Passover is not only a memorial of Israel’s freedom from bondage, but it also looks forward toward the time of the coming of the Messiah. The Lord said unto Moses,  “And this day shall be unto you for a memorial.., and ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.” (Exodus 12:14)

During the family Seder dinner on Passover, the fifth ceremonial cup of wine is poured in honor of Elijah. It is left untouched, for according to tradition, Elijah will arrive one day as an unknown guest to herald the advent of the Messiah.¹

This tradition likely originated when the Old Testament Prophet Malachi promised that Elijah would return to the prepare the world for the coming of the Lord:

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. (Malachi 4:5-6)

The anticipated appearance of Elijah at Passover implies that before the coming of the Messiah, there may be another even greater “Passover” event. “But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth?” (Malachi 3:2)

“I will send you Elijah the prophet”

Latter-day Saints believe that Elijah the Prophet returned to the earth and restored the Keys of temple work to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers”. This happened on April 3, 1836. In the Jewish calendar, this is the 16th of Nissan, the second day of Passover.²

Elijah restored the temple ordinances and worship at that time through the Prophet Joseph Smith. This is the reason The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasizes family history. Members of the church often call the desire to do this work “the spirit of Elijah“.

Under direction from the Lord, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built their first temple in Kirtland, Ohio. They built it during a time of poverty at great sacrifice. The Latter-day Saints dedicated the Kirtland Temple to the Lord on March 27, 1836

There, one week later, three messengers, appeared to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. They restored all of the ancient covenants including the temple covenants. Jesus Christ appeared that day in his temple to accept the offering of the Saints.

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:1)

A latter-day promise of Passover

“The Word of Wisdom” is in Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants. This revelation tells us that alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee were not good for the body and also gives other health related instruction. Section 89 was about “the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days” (D&C 89:2)

This section of the D&C ends with a promise to those who “keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments”. Living the Word of Wisdom while obeying the commandments qualifies one as worthy to enter the temple. It is there they will “find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures”.

This scripture contains a modern promise of Passover. Like the promise given in Egypt 3300 years ago, it is contingent on obedience to the Lord and following his instructions.

And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; Shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen. (D&C 89:18-21)

“Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom”

Latter-day revelation gives a different perspective to the event that many Christians refer to as “The Rapture” described in the Bible.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

The Doctrine and Covenants, instructs Latter-day Saints to prepare themselves so that they may meet the Lord at the time of his coming. It also instructs them to invite “all people” to prepare for this event:

Yea, let the cry go forth among all people: “Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom; behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord. Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour”. (D&C 113:10-11)

In Jesus’ parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins, all ten virgins were believers and wanted to meet the Bridegroom. However, the five foolish virgins, “while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him”. (Matt. 25:5-6) But sadly, their lamps were empty, they were not prepared and they were shut out.

The beginning of the millennium

Chapter 8 of John’s great revelation, foretells the opening of the seventh seal. This is the beginning of the seventh thousand year period, (D&C 77:7)  In other words, the following verse from The Book of Revelation tells of the beginning of the Millennium.

And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. (Revelationc 8:1)

Apparently, there will be a half-hour of silence after the Millennium begins and before the tribulation. A description of the tribulation period immediately follows this verse. Therefore, the tribulation and the Lord’s return will occur, not at midnight, but some time after 12:30 am of the Millennial Day.

“Those who are alive shall be quickened”

When Christ returns “the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air”. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Those who are prepared to meet the Bridegroom will be quickened, which means that they will no longer subject to mortal afflictions, including death. Mortals must be quickened before they can withstand the presence of the Lord.

When will those who are living be quickened? The following latter-day scripture tells us this will occur sometime “immediately after” the half hour of silence, and sometime before they are caught up to meet him. In other words, this may happen anytime during the tribulation period, perhaps even at the beginning.

There shall be silence in heaven for the space of half an hour; and immediately after shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded, as a scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up, the face of the Lord shall be unveiled; And the saints that are upon the earth, who are alive, shall be quickened and be caught up to meet him. (D&C 88:95-96)

How and when will we be quickened?

Some rather spectacular events will happen immediately at the end of the millennial half hour of silence (20.8 years). For the curtain of heaven will be “unfolded as a scroll”, and the face of the Lord unveiled. Apparently, there will be new “wisdom and great treasures of knowledge” revealed from heaven at the beginning of the tribulation period.

It seems reasonable that we may learn at that time what it means to quickened, and how and when this will happen. If one is quickened during the tribulation period, it gives new meaning to the often quoted scripture, “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear”. (D&C 38:30)

The ancient Passover blessed those within the homes marked with the blood of the lamb. The Latter-day Passover also may extend to those within their homes. “Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come”. (D&C 87:8)

The Hosanna Shout

The dedication of the Kirtland Temple in 1836 was accompanied by many spiritual manifestations, much like the day of Pentecost in the New Testament. It was the first Solemn Assembly (Joel 1:14-16) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These very special sacred gatherings include the Hosanna Shout. Those in attendance shout “Hosanna, Hosanna to God and the Lamb, Amen and Amen” while waving a white handkerchief.

The white handkerchiefs represent palm leaves and the shout of “Hosanna” is the welcoming of Jesus Christ to reign on the Earth. “Hosanna!”, means “God saves” or “Save now”.⁴

On the Sunday, before Passover, Jesus rode on a donkey during his victorious entry into Jerusalem. The people welcomed him by shouting “Hosanna” as they waved palm leaves and laid them along his path. Christians still remember this day as Palm Sunday.

“The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning” was written for and sung during the dedication of the Kirtland Temple in 1836. It is a popular LDS church hymn about the Hosanna Shout and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  (Don’t miss video at end of this post)

“Great multitude” giving Hosanna Shout prophecy

President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated three modern temples at locations of great significance in church history. These locations are Palmyra NY, Winter Quarters (near Omaha Nebraska), and Nauvoo, Illinois. These dedications were broadcast via satellite to meeting houses so that many members of the church could participate. A temple recommend showing temple worthiness was required to attend.

The Palmyra Temple is near the location of Joseph Smith’s first vision. President Hinckley dedicated this temple on April 6, 2000. An estimated 1.5 million members through out the United States and Canada attended and participated in the Hosanna Shout.

The Book of Revelation accurately describes the Hosanna Shout given by a large multitude.

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. (Revelation 7:9-10)

These verses in Revelation were at the end of the sixth seal. Therefore, many have the opinion that the dedication of the Palmyra Temple on April 6, 2000 marked the beginning of the millennium. However, I do not believe this is correct.

Only one temple dedication fulfills the prophecy

Only one of these three temple dedications perfectly fulfills and completes the prophecy of “all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues”.  This was the temple at Nauvoo, Illinois.

The Nauvoo temple dedication broadcast was the first on an international scale. Its reach far exceeded any previous Church satellite broadcast. An expanded satellite system allowed it to go to areas of the world that have never before received any type of Church satellite broadcast, including Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Armenia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia, and Romania.⁵

President Hinckley dedicated the Nauvoo temple, fulfilling the prophecy of Revelations 7:9-10, on June 27, 2002.

The time of this prophetic fulfillment is important because the next chapter, Revelation 8, tells of the opening of the 7th seal which is the beginning of the Millennium and the half hour of silence before the tribulation. This silence in heaven will by broken by the sound of 7 trumpets sounding one after another. “When he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. (Revelation 8:1-2)

“These are they which came out of the great tribulation”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold Sunday services in their chapels.  Therefore, temples are not open on Sundays. Members work in the temples during the week, serving day and night. The following verses seem to indicate that those who serve in the temples will be protected during the tribulation and that, after his return, the Lord will dwell among them.

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? Whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. (Revelation 7:13-15)

Other stories:

Chapter E6- Sir Isaac Newton: the Athanasian Creed and Bible Prophecy.  Isaac Newton wrote over 1.3 million words on the prophecies of the Bible and early Christian Church History. These writings were hidden until they were discovered in 1936. Newton believed that the Christian Church doctrine had been corrupted. As a result, this “Apostasy” would continue until just before the 7th trumpet and second coming of Christ. At that time, Newton believed, there would be a universal teaching of the truth through out the world. He implored those who are seeking truth to study the scriptures and ask God.

Chapter 22- Mary Ellis Chamberlain: The Mormons Return to Iowa. 
Mary Ellis’ father grew up near Palmyra New York in 1827 and heard news reports of the discovery of the Book of Mormon. Her brother was a preacher who spoke against the Mormons. Two missionaries were sent to Spencer Iowa to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in the 1890s without purse or script. They received no compensation. They served with prayers and a promise that: “The honest in heart shall be prepared to receive thy testimony, to feed and clothe and give thee money”.

“The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning”

Disclaimer

The comments and opinions in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

© Copyright Dennis D. Chamberlain, All rights reserved. The Chamberlain Story, 2022.

References:

1- Elijah’s-cup (https://www.britannica.com/topic/)

2- A Look Inside My Mormon Jewish Passover. (https://forward.com/scribe/)

3- Christians Views on the Return of Christ, pewresearch.org

4- Palm Sunday April 10, 2022, https://nationaltoday.com/palm-sunday/

5- Nauvoo Illinois Temple Dedicated, The Ensign, 2002 09, Churchofjesuschrist.org

Four months to solve a mystery debated for over 100 years, write and publish a book. Could I do it? Then I missed my flight! How could I make it to the bicentennial in time? Amazing coincidences? Or, was someone helping me?

This is how and why I wrote my book Run Chamberlain, Run- Solving the 200-year-Old Mystery of Runaway Pond. It is much more than a story about a flood. It is an incredible interaction between six generations of the Chamberlain/Phillips family to correct a mistake and defend the truth.

 

Our family history, as I remember it at age 12

When I was twelve-years-old, I was fascinated by family stories that my mother told me. Ironically, all of these stories were from my father’s side of the family. My Grandfather Harry Chamberlain told them to my Grandmother Annie. Mother became a captive audience to my grandmother for an hour or two each month after our family dinner. My mother then repeated these stories to me. Third hand tales of events that happened over a hundred years ago, what could go wrong?

This is how I remember Chamberlain family history from when I was twelve.

Our family descended from John Chamberlain who fought a duel with the Indian Chief Paugus.  John got off the first shot by priming his rifle with a thump on the ground. The chief’s bullet grazed John’s hair. The duel would decide the victor of the battle at Lovewell’s Pond. After this heroic event he became known as Paugus John Chamberlain.

Paugus John had a son or grandson, also named John, who married an Indian named Winona. They named their son Spencer Chamberlain.

Spencer lived in Glover, Vermont and married Millie French. Her mother was against the marriage because Spencer was half Indian. No record can be found of the marriage since the court house burned down and marriage records were destroyed. Spencer’s mother-in-law undoubtedly set the fire.

One day Spencer hiked  with a group of men to a lake near town to provide more water to run the mill. The water broke loose and the whole lake began rumbling down the valley taking out trees and anything in its path. Spencer Chamberlain was a champion wrestler and runner as fleet as a deer. The men realized the miller’s wife was working in the mill in the valley below. She was in the direct path of the roaring water. They quickly summoned the young athlete, “Run Chamberlain, Run!”

Spencer ran with all the might and strength he had. He got ahead of the flood rushed into the mill and pulled the miller’s wife out of the mill and up the hill.  The flood washed the mill away. The miller’s wife and Chamberlain were caught up to their waste in water.

Were these family stories true?

When I was twelve year’s old these stories of family heroes were magical and mythical, almost sacred. But were they true? Did they actually happen?

The story of Runaway Pond was 144 years ago when I was twelve. Certainly, I thought, no one will ever know if the incredible run of Spencer Chamberlain ever really happened.

When I was much older, (in about the year 2001), our family received some exciting information. My cousin Bruce Chamberlain learned that each year the town of Glover, Vermont had a race that celebrated the run of Spencer Chamberlain. Also, there was a poem that told the whole story of the Runaway Pond.

One verse of the poem seemed most remarkable:

Chamberlain’s the man for that long chase,
A half-blood of the Indian race!
With Chamberlain’s name the hills resound:
“Run Chamberlain, Run!” He gives a bound.

Wow! The story was really true!

Family invitation to the Runaway Pond bicentennial celebration

In 2008, I bought the book “Runaway Pond: The Complete Story” by Wayne H. Alexander from the Glover Historical Society. Joan Alexander, secretary of the GHS, included a small sample of the quicksand collected from Long Pond with my book order.

Joan was always very helpful with my questions, and in a later email she invited me and the Chamberlain family to come to the Runaway Pond Bicentennial celebration, a three day event planned for June 2010.

In July 2009, there was a Chamberlain family reunion in Salt Lake City, Utah, for my Aunt Lois Chamberlain Roos’s 90th birthday. During this event, Bruce Chamberlain told the story of Runaway Pond. Many younger members had not heard about Spencer Chamberlain. Everyone was intrigued to hear that there was a Chamberlain Run race each year in Vermont.

I extended the invitation to attend and began coordinating the effort.

Bruce and I had sold the Chamberlain family on a legendary super hero who was about to be honored in a bicentennial celebration. So much so, that about twenty excited family members planned to make the 2000 mile journey to attend the three day event. These included four generations of Chamberlains ranging in age from six months to ninety-four years.

Sumberg’s blog “Runaway Ponders”

Meanwhile back in Glover, Vermont, Jack Sumberg bagan to raise questions about the historical events of 1810 in his blog named “Runaway Ponders”. His post of January 7, 2010 began:

“Writing to the local paper about the events at Runaway Pond on June 6, 1810 is an old custom in Orleans County and since 2010 brings us the bicentennial of that famous day I would like to open the floodgates once again…. There are smoldering questions still to be answered, and maybe a few yet to be asked.”

Some of those smoldering questions came in 1860 after Rev. Pliny H. White gave the address, at the fifty year anniversary. When he mentioned the story of the heroic runner, he said that the man who ran ahead of the flood was– “Solomon F. Dorr.”

Sumberg’s blog expounded on White’s interpretation of the heroic runner:

“I would note that Rev. White did not call Spencer Chamberlain the hero. In fact, the one mention of him in the speech is for conduct not exactly ‘heroic’.”

After the 50th Anniversary speech by White, the people of Orleans County suddenly realized there were some huge contradictions among them. What happened on that day?

Everyone had heard the story over and over again from the witnesses of that day, their parents and grandparents. Each of these stories were from a different perspective.

In one old timers opinion, the whole story of a heroic runner was a “humbug”. Sumberg’s blog points out that synonyms from the dictionary are “a hoax”, “a fraud”, “a sham”.

More poetry than truth?

Sumberg gives the poem written by Harry Alonzo Phillip’s much of the credit for capturing the hearts and minds of Glover. The Bread and Puppet Theater presents a puppet show each year which follows along the lines of the poem.

Harry Alonzo Phillips is the great-grand son of Spencer Chamberlain, and the third generation to defend the Spencer Chamberlain version of the story. The alternate version of the story is told by the Willson and Dorr families.

Sumberg surmises that the Phillip’s poem may be the predominant reason that Glover favored Chamberlain rather than Dorr:

Can we conclude that that it was the power of poetry that ultimately caused the Chamberlain-Phillips version of the story to predominate in the public mind? If the Willson-Dorrs had fathered, or mothered, poets would the battle for the hearts and minds of Glover still rage today? Could a new film or TV docu-drama succeed in overthrowing the triumphant story?

Overthrow the triumphant story?

What if Sumberg should succeed in overthrowing the Spencer Chamberlain story? Or, what if he persuades the town that there was no runner at all? In either case, Spencer Chamberlain would be considered a fraud and the story of his heroic run considered a hoax!

One can only imagine what our reception in Glover might be.

As strangers to the town of Glover, we were not sure how literal was “the battle for the hearts and minds”, nor how much “rage” it might stir. My young niece, when learning of the controversy inquired, “Are they going to shoot us?”

Runaway Pond: The Complete Story

I had read Runaway Pond: The Complete Story (second edition) by Wayne H. Alexander, which is a compilation of all the information about Runaway Pond collected since the event. In the preface Alexander wrote:

“We have tried in this book to keep the material as close to its original state as possible with all its period misspellings, capitalizations and inconsistencies. We hope that in a particular twist of grammar or awkward turn of phrase, some scholar may find a new window on some of the historical problems created by the pond that ran away.”

In this compilation there are massive contradictions between the many reports and there are many questions to answer. However, Alexander’s collection of material was exactly what was needed. I don’t consider myself a scholar, but his preface seemed to be an invitation to look for that new window.

Sumberg was also searching. He said he had been plowing through the old accounts of Runaway Pond for the last year or so. “I had hoped to unearth some ancient nugget”, Sumberg wrote, “that when brought forth into the clear air of the 21st century, it might spontaneously burst into flame and illuminate some dust-bunnied corner of humanity’s Gloverian history.” He called this his impossible dream.

Questions began to flow into my mind, “Can I find Alexander’s new window?”  “Would I be able to find answers to the many questions and write a book?”  It was the middle of January 2010. I had four months.

Time to write

Our house needed some painting and it was time to plant the garden. Also, I had volunteered for some time commitments at church. I really didn’t have time for another major project. Then something happened that changed everything.

One day as I was riding my bicycle home from town, the wheel struck the curb. I stuck my foot out to prevent a fall and broke a bone in my foot. The doctor gave me an orthopedic boot to wear and a pair of crutches. He told me to keep off my foot and to keep it elevated.

Anyway, I couldn’t paint, garden or participate in certain volunteer projects. Doctors orders! Almost the only thing I could do is sit in front of my computer with my leg elevated and write.

Sometimes I felt like there was an ancestor or someone who really wanted me to write that book, and was trying to “help” me.

Editing, printing and publishing

Everything seemed to go incredibly smooth. My sister Deanna Grant was editor and gave technical  support. My aunt Louise Chamberlain proof read my manuscript. Joan Alexander in Glover also read it. She made sure I didn’t say something too stupid, since I was writing about a place where I had never been.

I had previously published a book with American Book Publishing in Salt Lake City and was familiar with the quality of their printing company. I wanted to them also to print my new book.

When I called the owner he said, “Sorry, we don’t print books for authors, only for publishing companies.”

I told him that I own Mount Olympus Publishing Company registered in Yolo County, California. He was quite surprised, but said, “OK then, we can print it for you.”

After winning a dispute with American Book Publishing, they returned to me all rights to my first book. In 2005, I paid Yolo County $10 to set up Mount Olympus Publishing Company in case there was a need for a second printing. There never was a need, but in 2010 when I was ready to publish Run Chamberlain, Run!, I owned my own publishing company.

The Cover

The cover is a masterpiece by artist Seth Hippen. It depicts Spencer Chamberlain in action as he bounds through the air just ahead of the flood. Seth created this from the description of Spencer and the story of the flood, and also a photo of Spencer’s son Alonzo Chamberlain.

Seth, a cousin on my mother’s side, accepted an affordable offer. This book would not have a professional cover without his help. At that time he was looking for work as an animation artist. He soon landed a job at Blue Sky and then Disney. Seth worked on Epic and other movies including Encanto which is to be released at Thanksgiving 2021.

Defending the Legacy

Jeanette Chamberlain Phillips, (daughter), Alonzo Chamberlain Phillips (grandson) and Harry Alonzo Phillips (great-grand son), defended the heroic run of Spencer Chamberlain beginning in 1860 until Harry wrote his poem in 1929.

It was humbling to me that this third-great-grandson was now continuing what they had started. I would be the fourth generation to defend the legacy of Spencer Chamberlain. It was a position that I had never sought, but one for which I was completely prepared.

Sometimes it seemed as tough someone was helping me along. I began to wonder, “After all these years, was this something that was still important to them?”

Solving the mystery

I sat down with my copy of Wayne Alexander’s compilation of resources and a topographical map of northern Vermont and went to work.

In Pliny White’s address in 1860, the runner and hero of the day was Solomon F. Dorr. Many of the reports supported this version of the story.

Ironically, the runner’s stop for a drink of whiskey along the way gave us a huge clue. The location of that house and the mill were important pieces of the puzzle. As well as which side of the river the runner traveled. Was it, as some say, on the east side? Or as others believed, was it on the west?

These clues could prove the true runner.

I studied this problem for several days. When I finally realized the actual path of the runner, my mind lite up and my eyes filled with tears. For that brief moment, I could see him running and feel his pain.

Five hundred copies

Everything seemed to fall in to place and by May 19. Five hundred copies of Run Chamberlain, Run were printed. This was way more than needed, but the price per book was much better at this quantity. The printer sent the books to my home in California.

I immediately sent out twenty-eight pre-ordered books to family and friends, plus nine complimentary copies to all who had helped with the book. This included one to Jack Sumberg who’s questions inspired me to write it. In return he sent me his publication of Runaway Pond, an illustrated pamphlet of Harry Alonzo Phillips’ poem with drawings by Peter Schumann.

Eight promotional copies were sent to newspapers and and media stations in Vermont.

A full case of sixty books were sent to the Glover Historical Society Gift Shop which would be made available in Glover for the bicentennial on June 4 through 6. This seemed like more than enough for Glover, Vermont population 1100.

Missed flight to Vermont

The day arrived, June 3, 2010. I got up early in the morning and drove to the Sacramento Airport. Unfortunately, the time to take a shuttle from parking and get through security was more than expected. When I finally got through, it was too late. There was no way I could get on that plane.

I couldn’t believe it. I had missed my flight!

The next flight from Sacramento to Houston was full, but there might be some cancellations. I gave it a try and got on the standby passenger list. It was my only chance.

Houston was the first of three segments from Sacramento to Burlington Vermont. I planned to arrive that evening in Burlington and catch a ride to Glover with my sister and her husband.

I waited in the Sacramento airport for the next flight.

Boarding began and ended. They then began calling standbys, one by one. Finally, they called “Chamberlain”. And I really mean “finally.”  I was the last one called, but I was now on my way.

I was soon in Houston, Texas. However, by that time I had missed my flight to Newark, New Jersey. The next flight wouldn’t leave until the next morning. That flight was also full. So, once again, the standby passenger list was my only chance.

I slept that night in a chair in the very quiet Houston Airport terminal. This gave me some time to think. “What could I do for the week-end in Houston.” At least I had tickets for a return flight to Sacramento on the June 8.

The next morning boarding began and ended for the Newark. They then began calling standbys, one by one. Yes! I was the last one called, and I was now on my to New Jersey.

I arrived in Newark and quickly signed up on the standby passenger list for the next flight to Burlington, Vermont. Now, much better off than when in Houston, I could rent a car and make the seven hour drive to Glover. Oh, how I hoped I wouldn’t have to do that.

I waited. Boarding began and ended. They began calling names from the standby list. It was a long list. Twenty names, or more it seemed. Then they began calling the same name over and over again. Every few minutes they would call that same name. For about twenty minutes, the same name over and over again.

I prayed he wouldn’t show up.

It was now time for take off. “Chamberlain!” they called. As soon as I entered the airplane, they closed the door and started the jet engines. When my plane arrived in Burlington, my sister Deanna and her husband Chuck were there and ready to take me to Glover.

After contemplating this experience, I came to the following conclusions. Someone was helping me, and they wanted me to know they were helping me. And, whoever that might be, they have a warped sense of humor.

Graveyard Ghosts

No pun intended. This was the actual title of the program that was in progress when we arrived in Glover, “Graveyard Ghosts Remember Runaway Pond”. It was a delightful show put on by the Glover school children who were dressed in costume and portrayed 1810 residents sharing their memories.

It was held in the school gym. However, a night performance was planned for 9 pm in Westlook Cemetery, with path lit with luminaries. This was a fitting location for the spirit of the occasion, where markers designated the current address of the original cast of characters.

Small town hospitality

The town of Glover went all out to make the twenty-one Chamberlain family members welcome. They put on a Saturday morning Chamberlain descendant breakfast at the Runaway Pond Cafe for our whole group. They provided us with great food and live entertainment. A local singer/song writer played a number of songs about the Runaway Pond of a folk/bluegrass venue.

We were also invited to be part of the Glover Village parade. My father Ernest, uncle Robert and I rode in the cab of a horse drawn carriage. My son and his wife walked behind with two children in a stroller. Robert’s family followed each wearing a white tee shirt embossed with the Chamberlain coat of arms. These were made special for the occasion. My two sisters and their families were more modest than the rest of us and blended in with the spectators.

Some of Roberts family participated in the Chamberlain Run race from the lake bed to the village.

On Sunday, June 6 the activities were held in the Long Pond dry lake bed. These included picnic lunch, the Bread and Puppet Theater puppet show, unveiling of the road side marker, remarks by Governor Douglas and others, and many more activities and fireworks.

The main event of the Sunday activities was the firing of the cannon at the moment the event occurred in 1810.

Three days of fame

Four news articles about my book and the runner controversy hit the stands a couple of days before our arrival. This buzz made me a short term celebrity author.

On Saturday, after the Chamberlain breakfast, a reporter for Seven Days found me for a television interview. This was for their state wide series called  “Stuck in Vermont.”  I then went to the Glover Town Hall which was adorned with beautiful home made quilts on special display for the celebration. There, I enjoyed talking to local residents while signing books.

While I was at the book signing, other family members took a guided bus tour of Runaway Pond. The guide mentioned that the oldest living descendant of Spencer Chamberlain was on the bus. This was my dad, Ernest M. Chamberlain age 94. Many jumped up from their seats and ran back to have him sign their copy of the book.

By Sunday the books sent to Glover were sold out. During the activities at the dry lake bed one young boy shouted, “Look dad, there’s one!” He pointed to someone carrying a copy of my book. It was the first time he saw one.

On Sunday, I met the son of Wayne Alexander. He asked me what I did for a living and seemed interested in how I wrote my book. “Oh, how I wish my father could be here,” he said. “He would be so tickled to see you Chamberlains here in Glover.” He told me he bought my book yesterday and couldn’t put it down until he finished it at 1 am. Then he called his son over and introduced me. “I want you to met Mr. Chamberlain who wrote the book”

I have never felt more honored in my life.

The heart of the fathers to their children

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers. (Malachi 4:6)

The Old Testament Prophet Malachi implied that in the last days there would be important interaction between the fathers and their children. Latter-day Saints believe that it is important for us to connect and record our kindred families through genealogical research.

A message from Alonzo Chamberlain Phillips

My grandfather Harry Ellis Chamberlain was researching our family genealogy in the 1920s. Alonzo Chamberlain Phillips, in Glover, Vermont, was the one who answered his many questions and helped him in this effort.

Ironically, in 2008, I did the research and compiled the genealogy records for Alonzo C. Phillips and his immediate family. As I did this, I felt a close connection to Alonzo Phillips.

Alonzo C. Phillips was the grandson of Spencer Chamberlain, and a strong defender of his run. In 1927, he sent a message to my grandfather Harry Chamberlain which he addressed: “To my family in the West”. He told of the controversy still raging in Glover:

I now wish to correct a mistake that was made by White at the 50th anniversary of the letting out of the pond… This mistake was what caused my mother (to write) her piece giving her father the dues that rightfully belong to him.- Alonzo Chamberlain Phillips- 1927

Thank you, I got your message.- Dennis Chamberlain- 2010

Important Links

How to order my book, or see more photos of the Runaway Pond Bicentennial.

Seven Days 5 minute video “Stuck in Vermont.”

“What Could go wrong?” What was true, and what were the misconceptions in my age 12 memories of Chamberlain family history

© Copyright Dennis D. Chamberlain, All rights reserved. The Chamberlain Story, 2021.

When my father, Lieutenant Ernest M. Chamberlain, told me his stories of Officer of the Guard many years after the war, he broke into uncontrollable laughter. His experience at Fort Lewis Washington in 1942 tell us a lot about him. He was very serious about his work and put his whole heart into every project. Nevertheless, things didn’t always go as planned.

Lieutenant Chamberlain arrived at Fort Lewis on January 2, 1942 and was sent to Officer Training School in the US Army 76th Field Artillery Brigade. He completed the Officer training course on February 15, 1942 and returned to Field Artillery headquarters. The next morning, the 76th Brigade was ordered to perform guard duty for all of Fort Lewis.¹

Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii only two months earlier. This west coast military base was very vulnerable. Guard duty was not merely a training exercise, they were actually defending the fort against a possible attack.

There were two groups of guards, each with two officers. Each group had a tour of 48 hours on duty and 48 hours off. Ernest’s partner officer was called away, so Ernest did double duty as both Officer of the Day and Officer of the Guard. He was in charge of about 160 sentries.²

During the first 48 hour tour, Ernest inspected all 18 posts. Some of his observations bothered him. He therefore called for a meeting with his guards. Ernest stressed the importance of doing what’s necessary in event of emergency.

“Scare the Hell out of Lieutenant Chamberlain”

One post was especially vulnerable to sabotage. Trees and dense foliage surrounded the water tanks on a hill.

“On that post after dark,” Ernest instructed his men, “do not march around that fence like a tin soldier! Be innovative and vary your routine. If I see and challenge you before you challenge me, you are not walking your post in a military manner. And if I leave your post without being challenged you will have plenty of explaining to do”.¹

Ernest didn’t realize what he was creating.

The next night was cold and dark. As Ernest conducted his inspections, he came to the post he hated most, the water tower. The thought of his guards with little experience and live ammunition added to his anxiety.

His jeep slowly ascended the narrow winding dirt road toward the tower.  Suddenly, from the the darkness behind, cracked the command, “HALT!”²

The driver slammed on the brakes. Ernest hurled toward the windshield. They stopped the motor and shut off the lights as the guard commanded. Ernest got out of the jeep. “I shook my leg to see if anything would fall out of my pants”, he wrote.²  They then marched along the road as instructed. Suddenly, from the bushes ahead, a light flashed into their faces.

They had now identified Lieutenant Chamberlain.

The guard then stepped out of the bushes and came to “Present Arms” as a salute to the officer. The young guard looked like a boy scout, no bigger than his rifle with its attached bayonet. Now that Lieutenant Chamberlain was identified another guard fifteen yards ahead emerged from the shadows. “They certainly had me covered”, Ernest wrote.²

On later inspections, Ernest left the jeep and walked up the trail to try to surprise them. Invariably, as he walked along the fence, a guard with a rifle almost in his back would shout the challenge, “HALT!” It was in a different place each time.¹  “I was right proud of my boys”, Ernest wrote, “but so help me it was a real thriller diller.“²

Later, one guard told Ernest that everyone wanted that post “so they could scare the hell out of Lieutenant Chamberlain.¹

An air alert and black out

During the 48 hour guard duty tour of February 25th and 26th Ernest inspected every post two or three times. By 11 pm of the second day Ernest was exhausted. When he returned, he told the Sergeant of the Guard not to wake him for anything but an emergency.¹

At 8:00 am the sergeant shook Ernest awake.

“The Post Headquarters Adjutant wants to see you in his office immediately”, he said. “Did you know there was an air alert and blackout last night?” the sergeant asked as they rushed toward the jeep.

“I heard some sirens but quickly fell back to sleep”, Ernest replied.¹

The Officer Family Barracks

Ernest arrived at headquarters and entered the office of the Adjutant, Major Garver.³

Major Garver: “Lt. Chamberlain, did you know there was an air alert last night?”¹

Lieutenant Chamberlain: “Yes sir.”

Major Garver: “Was it your guards who were guarding the Officer Family Barracks?”

Lieutenant Chamberlain: “Yes sir”.

Major Garver: I have received numerous complaints about the action of your guards. After the sirens sounded the guards pounded on each door with the butt of their rifle and shouted “Come out immediately or I’ll come in after you”. They didn’t give them time to dress but rushed them out in their night clothes. When everyone was out they herded them to the 3rd Division Parade Ground and forced them to lay on the grass in spread eagle position!

“What do you have to say about that?” the major demanded¹ 

“Spread eagle on the Parade Ground?”, Ernest gasped. “That does seem rather excessive.”

Ernest grasped and groped for words. Finally he said, “Well sir, I am only thankful that I am here to account for this possible over action rather than a lack of action with a lot of dead people in a bombed out barracks.“¹

The Union Pacific Railroad

The Major stared straight ahead without expression or comment. He  then continued: “Last night were the guards at the warehouse under you?“¹

Lieutenant Chamberlain: “Yes sir”.

Major Garver: I had two calls, one from Union Pacific Railroad and one from the Engineers Union. They claimed that when one of their engines crossed the Olympia-Tacoma highway and slowly entered the warehouse area, a guard stood in front of it and flagged it to a halt.^1,4

The guard said, “This is a black out, turn out your head light”. The engineer refused. The guard said, “Either shut it off or I’ll shoot it out”. The engineer continued to stall. The guard marched around to the front and raised his rifle. The engineer hit the switch in time to save the light. The train remained there until the “All Clear Signal”.^1,4

The engineer was very unhappy. The train was late and not allowed to move without its light. Also the railroad cars were blocking the highway and traffic was backed up half way to Tacoma on one side and half way to Olympia on the other.

What do you have to say about that?^1,4

A very nervous Lieutenant Chamberlain: “Well sir, I do not know of any instructions we have received pertaining to trains. However, our instructions pertaining to vehicles were that all vehicle lights other than cat-eyes were to be turned out during black outs”.¹

When Ernest was dismissed, he felt sure he would soon be released as Officer of the Guard. Nevertheless, as he walked out of the office he believed he heard the major chuckle.¹

They did not release Ernest. In fact, he never heard any more on the subject.¹

Other Links for Ernest M. Chamberlain

Lieutenant Chamberlain, Officer of the Guard and Dad’s Hope for Our Best Christmas Ever  (a family Christmas Story) are two short stories derived from Chapter 29 Ernest and Fay Chamberlain During WWII 1942

Chapter 26- The Early Life of Ernest M. Chamberlain

Chapter 27- Fay Barney Chamberlain: Dating and Marriage

Chapter 28- Ernest M. Chamberlain after Pearl Harbor

© Copyright Dennis D. Chamberlain, All rights reserved. The Chamberlain Story, 2021.

References:

1- Ernest Chamberlain, “World War II, Ordered to Active Duty – Guard Duty”, unpublished autobiography

2- Ernest M. Chamberlain, Letter to his wife Fay Barney Chamberlain, written March 22, 1942

3- Ernest Chamberlain, unpublished autobiography. Major Garver was not mentioned in this incident. However, he was the IX Corp Adjutant Officer in January, 1942  Ernest wrote about earlier.

4- Fay Barney Chamberlain, Letter to her husband Ernest M. Chamberlain, March 9, 1942