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In the spring of 1842, Sarah Melissa Granger Kimball and her seamstress, Margaret A. Cook, discussed combining their efforts to assist the efforts of workers on the Nauvoo Temple. Sarah donated cloth to make shirts for the men working on the temple, and Margaret agreed to do the sewing. Shortly thereafter, some of Sarah's neighbors also desired to participate in the shirt making. During a meeting in the Kimball parlor, they determined to formally organize a Ladies' Society. Kimball asked Eliza R. Snow to write a constitution and by-laws for the organization for submission to Joseph Smith, Jr. for review. • After reviewing the notes, Joseph commented that "this is not what you want.... [The Lord] has something better for them than a written constitution. ... I will organize the sisters under the priesthood after a pattern of the priesthood." He further said, "The Church was never fully organized until the women were thus organized." (as quoted in History of Relief Society 1842-1966, p. 18)
Eighteen women gathered on Thursday, 17 March 1842 in the second story meeting room over Joseph Smith's Red Brick Store in Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith, John Taylor, and Willard Richards sat on the platform at the upper end of the room with the women facing them. "The Spirit of God Like A Fire is Burning" was sung, and John Taylor opened the meeting with prayer. Joseph Smith then organized the women in attendance. • Joseph Smith stated "the object of the Society—that the Society of Sisters might provoke the brethren to good works in looking to the wants of the poor—searching after objects of charity and in administering to their wants—to assist by correcting morals and strengthening the virtues of the community, and save the Elders the trouble of rebuking; that they may give their time to other duties, &c, in their public teaching." (History of Relief Society 1842-1966, p. 18)
The prophet also proposed that the women elect a presiding officer who would choose two counselors to assist her. Joseph's wife, Emma Hale Smith, was elected unanimously as president. She chose Sarah M. Cleveland and Elizabeth Ann Whitney as her two counselors. John Taylor was appointed to ordain the women and did so. After discussion, it was unanimously agreed that the name of the fledgling organization be changed to "The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo." • Joseph Smith then offered five dollars in gold to commence the funds of the Society and the men left the room. • Eliza R. Snow was unanimously elected as secretary, Phebe M. Wheeler as Assistant Secretary, and Elvira A. Coles, Treasurer. Emma Smith remarked that each member should be ambitious to do good and seek out and relieve the distressed. Several female members then made donations to the Society.
The men returned, and John Taylor and Willard Richards also made donations. After singing "Come Let Us Rejoice," the meeting was adjourned to meet on the following Thursday at 10 o'clock. John Taylor then gave a closing prayer. • Later in his journal, the Prophet recorded: "I attended by request the Female Relief Society, whose object is the relief of the poor, the destitute, the widow, and the orphan, and for the exercise of all benevolent purposes" (History of Relief Society 1842-1966, p. 61).
As sisters in Relief Society today, we have a rich and faithful heritage. One hundred sixty six (166) years have passed since the Prophet Joseph Smith met with a small group in Nauvoo, Illinois, to organize the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We now number over five and a half million Relief Society sisters in 170 countries across the earth. Like those who preceded us, we stand today united in faith, steadfast in following the living prophet, and committed to building the kingdom of God. Those founding sisters came from different circumstances—three of them were in their late teens, some were raising families, and others were single. Then and now, as women of all ages, marital statuses, and cultures, we consecrate ourselves to the cause of Christ through our service.
The next slides are organized by the period of service of each of the Relief Society general presidents, chronicles some joyful milestones of the organization’s legacy and some Church and historical events. As Relief Society sisters today, we too rejoice in the Lord’s organization for women, which helps us as we strive daily to keep our covenants, exercise charity, strengthen families, and ultimately come unto the Savior Jesus Christ.
1842–44Emma H. Smith “We are going to do something extraordinary. … We expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls” (Relief Society, Minutebook 1842 Mar.–1844 Mar., entry made Mar. 17, 1842, 12, LDS Church Archives). Relief Society sisters received the Prophet’s charge to “save souls and look to the poor and needy.” The Prophet declared, “All I shall have to give to the poor, I shall give to this society.” He offered five dollars in gold to Emma Smith. Joseph Smith martyred, 1844. First public telegraph transmitted, 1844.
1866–87 Eliza R. Snow “No sister [is] so isolated … but what she can do a great deal towards establishing the Kingdom of God upon the earth” (Woman’s Exponent, Sept. 15, 1873, 62). Relief Society sisters engaged in sericulture (the production of raw silk) and other projects to help provide for their families. First temple in Utah, the St. George Temple, completed, 1877; General presidencies established for Relief Society, MIA, and Primary, 1880. Telephone invented, 1876; Light bulb invented, 1879.
1888-1901Zina D. H. Young “May we as women of Zion, ever know and honor our true position” (Woman’s Exponent, Apr. 15, 1889, 173). Relief Society sisters in the United States supported the national women’s suffrage movement. The first general board was organized in October 1892, made up of stake Relief Society presidents. Salt Lake Temple dedicated, 1893; Utah received statehood, 1896; First single sister missionaries called, 1898. First moving picture shown in public, 1896.
1901–10Bathsheba W. Smith “Cease not while life lasts to study diligently, for the knowledge which is of greatest worth” (Woman’s Exponent, Jan. 1906, 41). Relief Society adopted a course of study with mothers’ classes on marriage, prenatal care, and child rearing. Relief Society sent clothing, bedding, and wheat for national and international relief. Church became free of debt, 1907. Wright brothers launched first airplane, 1903; Henry Ford introduced Model T automobile, 1908.
1910–21Emmeline B. Wells “I want the sisters to study the scriptures. … Let them be holy books unto you” (Relief Society Magazine, Aug. 1919, 439). “Charity Never Faileth” became the Relief Society motto. Relief Society Magazine first published, 1914; United States government purchased more than 200,000 bushels of wheat from Relief Society, 1918. World War I, 1914–18; Panama Canal completed, 1914; Women’s suffrage granted in United States, 1920.
1921–28 Clarissa S. Williams “We have been given such blessings as have never been given to women in any other age, and we should in every way endeavor to live up to them” (Relief Society Magazine, Dec. 1921, 696). Monthly visiting teaching messages first included in the Relief Society Magazine. Improved health and education for families emphasized. First radio broadcast of general conference, 1924. Lindbergh transatlantic flight, 1927.
1928–39Louise Y. Robison “Go where you’re needed; do what you can” (as quoted in Belle S. Spafford Oral History, LDS Church Archives). Relief Society worked under the direction of priesthood leaders to help implement the Church’s new welfare plan. Singing Mothers—stake and ward Relief Society choruses—organized. Church’s 100th stake organized, 1928; Deseret Industries began, 1938; Church centennial celebrated, 1930. The Great Depression, 1929–39; World War II, 1939–45.
1940–45Amy Brown Lyman “Little did the original members of the organization realize … how great their beloved Society would become” (“Relief Society in Action Today,” Relief Society Magazine, Mar. 1944, 139). Relief Society welfare work expanded to help the priesthood meet wartime needs. Focus of visiting teachers broadened to serve families and to assist priesthood leaders in evaluating family needs. Wartime restrictions curtailed Church activities. United States entered World War II, 1941.
1945–74Belle S. Spafford “There is within this society a great life-giving element … , binding together women of all nationalities” (“The Spirit of the Gospel, the Soul of Relief Society,” Relief Society Magazine, Mar. 1949, 148). Relief Society became an international organization as Church membership expanded worldwide. Church membership reached one million, 1947; General conference telecasts began, 1949. Korean War, 1950–53; Berlin Wall built, 1961.
1974–84Barbara B. Smith “Women can begin … with their little children at home, among adult friends, in their extended families, and in their professions … to reach out in love to serve someone every day” (“Service Makes the Difference,” Tambuli, Aug. 1984, 12; Ensign, Mar. 1984, 17). The Nauvoo Monument to Women, with statues showing many facets of a woman’s life, dedicated. Revelation on the priesthood, 1978; Consolidated meeting schedule began, 1980. Personal computers introduced, 1981.
1984–90Barbara W. Winder “I feel for the sisters of the Church this love, and sense the worth of each individual. I want so, and desire so, that we be unified, one together with the priesthood, serving and building the kingdom of God” (“I Love the Sisters of the Church,” Ensign, May 1984, 59). New scripture-based lessons introduced and correlated with the Gospel Doctrine course of study. Church Family History Library dedicated, 1985. Berlin Wall dismantled, 1989.
1990–97Elaine L. Jack “Our joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ and our place in His plan will draw people to us and change lives. We will lift and inspire a world so desperately in need of goodness” (“A Small Stone,” Ensign, May 1997, 75). A sesquicentennial broadcast linked five continents and an international sisterhood of 3.2 million women. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” issued, 1995; The majority of Church members live outside the United States, 1996. USSR dissolved, 1991; Public Internet era began, 1993.
1997–2002Mary Ellen W. Smoot “May we be exemplary women and stand boldly for truth” (“Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the Lord,” Liahona, Jan. 1999, 109; Ensign, Nov. 1998, 91). Home, family, and personal enrichment meeting replaced homemaking meeting. Visiting teaching message format composed of scripture references and quotations from Church leaders. Church membership reached 10 million, 1997; Smaller temples announced, 1997; Conference Center dedicated, 2000. Terrorists attacked New York City and Washington, D.C., 2001.
2002–2007 Bonnie D. Parkin “If I could have one thing happen for [women] in this Church, it would be that they would feel the love of the Lord in their lives daily” (“Feel the Love of the Lord,” Liahona, July 2002, 95; Ensign, May 2002, 84). Emphasized the successful transition of young women into adulthood. Taught sisters to feel they belong to—as well as attend—Relief Society. Nauvoo Illinois Temple dedicated, 2002; Three Apostles called to serve outside the United States as Area Presidents, 2002, 2004.
2007– Julie B. Beck Julie B. Beck was serving as the first counselor in the Young Women general presidency at the time she received her call to direct the Relief Society. As a child she learned to speak Portuguese when she lived in Brazil with her parents and 10 brothers and sisters while her father served as mission president. In the Church she has served on the Young Women general board, as ward Young Women and Primary president, as counselor in a stake Relief Society presidency, and at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. She is a graduate of Dixie College and Brigham Young University. Sister Beck was a full-time homemaker prior to being called to the Young Women general presidency. She lives in Alpine, Utah, with her husband, Ramon, and they are the parents of three children and eight grandchildren.
In March of 2006, President Gordon B. Hinckley joined Relief Society general president Bonnie D. Parkin in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the refurbishing of the 50-year-old Relief Society Building. After reflecting back upon those faithful women who contributed of their means to building this “home” for the Relief Society, President Hinckley looked to the future as he stated: “God bless the women of the Relief Society. May they go forward in strength and power, in virtue and capacity, and move forward.”
From the Nauvoo days, the Relief Society sisters had a dream of having a building of their own in the shadow of the temple. In a letter to Sister Belle S. Spafford dated September 16, 1947, the First Presidency—President George Albert Smith, J. Reuben Clark, and David O. McKay—approved the details for the fundraising campaign for the building. Under the inspired direction of Sister Spafford, the Relief Society general president at the time, and with the approval of the First Presidency, a financial plan was created in which each Relief Society sister throughout the world was asked to contribute five dollars to cover a total of half of the building’s construction costs. Within one year the faithful sisters of Relief Society had exceeded that goal. In the fall of 1956, the building was dedicated to the sisters’ exclusive use by the prophet David O. McKay. As part of the dedicatory prayer, he said: “To make more effective their service to the needy and suffering to those in the Church and in the World, the Relief Society has erected with the aid of the Church membership this beautiful Relief Society home in which the Presidency and members of the General Board may function more effectively in instructing, guiding, and rendering helpful aid to the Stakes, Wards, and Missionary Branches wherever organized.” [Relief Society Magazine, Dec. 1956, 789; italics removed]
The Relief Society Today The Relief Society meets each Sunday (excluding conferences) during regular Sunday worship services. Weekly lesson topics include messages from former prophets, current Church leaders, and lessons planned by the local Relief Society presidency to meet local needs. Relief Society sisters also gather four times a year for Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment Meetings. These meetings are organized and planned by local Relief Society leaders to meet spiritual needs in their locations. At Enrichment Meetings, women strengthen each other in their common roles as wives, mothers, sisters in Zion, and daughters of God. One Enrichment Meeting per year is held to commemorate the organization of the Relief Society. Enrichment Activities are held as needs arise. They are planned by local Relief Society presidencies to meet the needs of specific groups within the Relief Society that share similar interests or needs. Visitors are welcome to attend Enrichment meetings or activities. Groups of several Relief Societies meet together twice annually for Stake Enrichment Meetings planned by stake Relief Society leaders. One of these meetings corresponds with the annual Relief Society General Broadcast, when the Relief Society General Presidency and a priesthood leader address Mormon women 18 and older by satellite transmission.
The Relief Society Declaration We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction. As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar. We are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity who: Increase our testimonies of Jesus Christ through prayer and scripture study. Seek spiritual strength by following the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Dedicate ourselves to strengthening marriages, families, and homes. Find nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood. Delight in service and good works. Love life and learning. Stand for truth and righteousness. Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth. Rejoice in the blessings of the temple, understand our divine destiny, and strive for exaltation
"There is not enough darkness in the entire world to put out the light of the smallest candle" "We are blessed to know that we are daughters of God. And we are blessed to belong to an organization, the Relief Society, which teaches us that as daughters of God our lives have meaning, purpose and direction. Now, think of just one way that YOUR life has meaning, purpose and direction. When everyone at your table has thought of something, light up your candle and show us your light.“ " As a Daughter of God, you are a beautiful light. And as you unite with your Savior, and as our hands reach out and we unite as a Ward and Worldwide Sisterhood our light together, just as these candles, becomes brighter and stronger. Our Heavenly Father will give us love and understanding. Our eyes will be lifted and our hearts will be changed. We will be one in faith and have the strength to stand for who we are...Daughters of God. Women of Faith, Virtue, Vision and Charity. The Light of the world."
