| Relief Society | |
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| Motto | "Charity never faileth" |
| Formation | March 17, 1842 |
| Type | Non-profit |
| Purpose/focus | gospel instruction, women's/familial support, humanitarian aid |
| Headquarters | Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |
| Membership | 5. A motto (from the Italian word motto, meaning witticism sentence is a phrase meant to formally describe the general motivation or intention of a social group The date of establishment or date of founding of an Institution is the date on which that institution chooses to claim as its starting point Events 45 BC - In his last victory Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger Year 1842 ( MDCCCXLII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common Headquarters (HQ denotes the location where most if not all of the important functions of an organization are concentrated Salt Lake City is the Capital and the most populous city of the U The State of Utah (ˈjuːtɔː or) is a western state of the United States. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the 6 million women in over 170 countries[1] |
| General President | Julie B. Beck |
| Parent organization | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
| Website | lds.org |
The Relief Society is a philanthropic and educational women's organization and an official auxiliary organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Julie Bangerter Beck (born 29 September 1954) has been the general president of the Relief Society of The Church of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the fourth largest Christian denomination in the United States and the largest and most well-known A website (alternatively web site or Web site, a back-construction from the Proper noun World Wide Web) is a collection of Web pages An auxiliary organization is a secondary body of church government within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church that is "established for moral educational The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the fourth largest Christian denomination in the United States and the largest and most well-known Founded in 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois, USA, the Relief Society today claims more than 5. Year 1842 ( MDCCCXLII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common There is also a Nauvoo Alabama, and a Nauvoo Pennsylvania Nauvoo ( is a small city in Hancock County, Illinois The State of Illinois ( roughly ill-i-NOY is a state of the United States of America, the 21st to be admitted to the Union. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the 2 million members in over 170 countries and territories, and is one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the world. [2]
Contents |
Relief Society motto, purpose, and objectives
The motto of the Relief Society, which is found in Moroni 7:46 as well as 1 Corinthians 13:8, is "Charity never faileth". [3]
The official purpose of Relief Society is to "assist priesthood leaders in carrying out the mission of the Church by helping sisters [women] and families come unto Christ. "[4]
The official objectives of Relief Society are to:
- Build faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and teach the doctrines of the kingdom of God;
- emphasize the divine worth of each sister;
- exercise charity and nurture those in need;
- strengthen and protect families;
- serve and support each sister; and
- help sisters become full participants in the blessings of the priesthood. [5]
History
Organization of the Relief Society
In the spring of 1842, Sarah M. Year 1842 ( MDCCCXLII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common Kimball and her seamstress, Miss Cook, discussed combining their efforts to assist the efforts of workers on the Latter Day Saints' Nauvoo Temple. A Latter The Nauvoo Temple was the second temple constructed by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, They determined to invite their neighbors to combine efforts and assist in creating a Ladies' Society. Kimball asked Eliza R. Snow to write a constitution and by-laws for the organization for submission to LDS Church President Joseph Smith for review. Eliza Roxcy Snow Young ( January 21, 1804 &ndash December 5, 1887) was one of the most celebrated Latter-day Saint women of the In the Latter Day Saint movement, the President of the Church is generally considered to be the highest office of the church After reviewing the notes, Smith 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. "[6]
Eighteen women gathered on Thursday, March 17, 1842 in the second-story meeting room over the Smith's Red Brick Store in Nauvoo. Events 45 BC - In his last victory Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger Year 1842 ( MDCCCXLII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common The Red Brick Store in Nauvoo, Illinois, was a building that was constructed and owned by Joseph Smith Jr There is also a Nauvoo Alabama, and a Nauvoo Pennsylvania Nauvoo ( is a small city in Hancock County, Illinois Smith, John Taylor, and Willard Richards sat on the platform at the upper end of the room with the women facing them. John Taylor ( November 1, 1808 &ndash July 25, 1887) was the third president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Willard Richards ( June 24, 1804 &ndash March 11, 1854) was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and served as Second The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning was sung, and Taylor opened the meeting with prayer. " The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning " (also " The Spirit of God " or " Hosanna to God and the Lamb " is a Hymn of the The women in attendance at the initial meeting were:
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Additionally, eight other women not present that day were admitted to membership:
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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. "[7]
Smith also proposed that the women elect a presiding officer who would choose two counselors to assist her. Emma Hale Smith was elected unanimously as president. Emma Hale Smith Bidamon ( 10 July 1804 – 30 April 1879) was married to Joseph Smith Jr She chose Sarah M. Cleveland and Elizabeth Ann Whitney as her two counselors. Elizabeth Ann Whitney ( January 26, 1800 - 1882 born Elizabeth Ann Smith, was an early Latter Day Saint leader and the wife of Newel K Taylor was appointed to ordain the women and did so.
It was proposed that the organization go by the name Benevolent Society and with no opposition the vote carried. However, Emma Smith made a point of objection. Emma Hale Smith Bidamon ( 10 July 1804 – 30 April 1879) was married to Joseph Smith Jr She convinced the attendants that The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo would better reflect the purpose of the organization, for they were to do great acts of "relief," not merely be "benevolent. " 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 of the Society with Phebe M. Eliza Roxcy Snow Young ( January 21, 1804 &ndash December 5, 1887) was one of the most celebrated Latter-day Saint women of the Wheeler as Assistant Secretary and Elvira A. Coles as Treasurer. Emma Smith remarked that each member should be ambitious to do good and seek out and relieve the distressed. Emma Hale Smith Bidamon ( 10 July 1804 – 30 April 1879) was married to Joseph Smith Jr Several female members then made donations to the Society.
The men returned, and Taylor and Richards also made donations. After singing Come Let Us Rejoice, the meeting was adjourned to meet on the following Thursday at 10 o'clock. Taylor then gave a closing prayer.
One week later, Joseph Smith recorded in his journal: "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. . . . [W]e feel convinced that with their concentrated efforts, the condition of the suffering poor, of the stranger and the fatherless will be ameliorated"[8]
The new organization proved immediately popular. Under Emma Smith's direction, the Society was organized and meetings conducted in each of the city's four ecclesiastical wards. Emma Hale Smith Bidamon ( 10 July 1804 – 30 April 1879) was married to Joseph Smith Jr In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a ward is the larger of two types of local congregations (the smaller being a branch) Young mother Sarah Pea Rich, wife of Charles C. Rich, remembered, "We then, as a people, were united and were more like one family than like strangers. Charles Coulson Rich (August 21 1809 &ndash November 17 1883 was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and served as an apostle of The Church "
By March 1844, membership totaled 1342 women. The last meetings of the Relief Society in Nauvoo were held on March 16, 1844. There is also a Nauvoo Alabama, and a Nauvoo Pennsylvania Nauvoo ( is a small city in Hancock County, Illinois Events 597 BC - Babylonians capture Jerusalem, replace Jehoiachin with Zedekiah as king Year 1844 ( MDCCCXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year
Young Gentlemen's and Ladies' Relief Society of Nauvoo
Beginning in January 1843, a similar movement began among the young men and women in Nauvoo under the immediate supervision of Apostle Heber C. Kimball. There is also a Nauvoo Alabama, and a Nauvoo Pennsylvania Nauvoo ( is a small city in Hancock County, Illinois Heber Chase Kimball ( June 14, 1801 &ndash June 22, 1868) was a leader in the early Latter Day Saint movement. Evening lectures addressed using time wisely, scripture study, and avoiding excessive parties, dances and entertainments. On at least one occasion, Joseph Smith addressed the informal gatherings and urged the young people to include service to the poor in their efforts. In response, shortly before Smith's death, the youth organized the Young Gentlemen's and Ladies' Relief Society of Nauvoo as a charitable society. Many years later, the aims of this society were addressed in the Church's Young Men and Young Women organizations in Utah. The Young Men (often referred to incorrectly as Young Men's) is a youth organization and an official auxiliary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The Young Women (often referred to incorrectly as Young Women's or Young Woman's) is a youth organization and an official auxiliary of The Church of The State of Utah (ˈjuːtɔː or) is a western state of the United States.
Independent Relief Societies, 1844 to 1868
Shortly after the last Relief Society meetings in Nauvoo were held, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were taken into legal custody and then killed by a mob at Carthage, Illinois, on June 27, 1844. For others named Hyrum Smith see Hyrum Smith (disambiguation Hyrum Smith ( February 9, 1800 – June 27, 1844 Preparation for succession See also Succession crisis (Mormonism Joseph's brother Hyrum Smith, the Assistant President of the Church, was Carthage is a city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. Events 1358 - Republic of Dubrovnik is founded 1709 - Peter the Great defeats Charles XII of Sweden Year 1844 ( MDCCCXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year After their deaths, the majority of local church members focused on finishing the building of the Nauvoo Temple and doing appropriate temple work before leaving the city. The Nauvoo Temple was the second temple constructed by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, In the
When Relief Society secretary Eliza R. Snow joined the Saints in their exodus west in 1846, she carried the Relief Society Book of Records with her. Eliza Roxcy Snow Young ( January 21, 1804 &ndash December 5, 1887) was one of the most celebrated Latter-day Saint women of the For the game see 1846 (board game. Year 1846 ( MDCCCXLVI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display Elizabeth Ann Whitney conducted a few Relief Society meetings that year in Winter Quarters, Nebraska. Elizabeth Ann Whitney ( January 26, 1800 - 1882 born Elizabeth Ann Smith, was an early Latter Day Saint leader and the wife of Newel K Winter Quarters was an encampment formed by approximately 2500 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as they waited during the winter of 1846-1847 for better Nebraska ( is a state located on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States and
During the 1850s, while church members established new communities and tried to gain a foothold in the Utah desert, formal church meetings other than sacrament meeting were held irregularly. Events and Trends Industry Production of Steel revolutionized by invention of the Bessemer process Benjamin Silliman Sacrament meeting is the weekly worship service held on Sunday in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, several wards in Utah created independent Relief Society organizations. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a ward is the larger of two types of local congregations (the smaller being a branch) Records are limited but show that, by 1858, independent Relief Societies existed in ten Salt Lake City wards and in several other wards in Ogden, Provo, Spanish Fork, and Nephi, Utah. Year 1858 ( MDCCCLVIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common Salt Lake City is the Capital and the most populous city of the U Ogden is a city in and the County seat of Weber County, Utah, United States. Provo is a city in and the County seat Spanish Fork is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States. It is part of the Provo &ndash Orem, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Nephi is a city in Juab County, Utah, United States. It is part of the Provo &ndash Orem, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area Among their stated purposes was the feeding and clothing of Native Americans. Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples from the regions of North America now encompassed by the continental United States Though these Mormon women were poor in material goods, they felt the need of Native Americans exceeded their own. TalkMormon#Latter Day Saint vs Latter-day Saint --> Mormon
In 1854, an "Indian Relief Society" was formed in the Thirteenth Ward Meeting House with Matilda Dudley as President and Martha J. Year 1854 ( MDCCCLIV) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common year Corary as secretary. That organization continued for three years and kept complete minutes and financial reports. Eliza R. Snow was involved in the independent Relief Society in her Eighteenth Ward. Eliza Roxcy Snow Young ( January 21, 1804 &ndash December 5, 1887) was one of the most celebrated Latter-day Saint women of the In 2004, historian Carol Holindrake Nielson documented the organization, activities and membership of the Salt Lake City Fourteenth Ward Relief Society. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The Fourteenth Ward included the square designated for the temple and eleven residential squares to the south and west. Temple Square is a ten acre (40000 m² complex located in Salt Lake City, Utah, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormon This section contained the homes of many church leaders. Among others, the rolls of the ward Relief Society contains the names of Leonora Taylor and Jane B. Taylor, wives of John Taylor; Elizabeth B. John Taylor ( November 1, 1808 &ndash July 25, 1887) was the third president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Pratt, Kezia D. Pratt and Phoebe Soper Pratt, wives of Parley P. Pratt; and Phebe W. Parley Parker Pratt ( 12 April 1807 &ndash 13 May 1857) was a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and an original member of Woodruff, Emma Woodruff, Sarah Woodruff, Sarah Delight Woodruff, Phebe A. Woodruff, Susan C. Woodruff, Bulah Woodruff, wives and daughters of Wilford Woodruff. Wilford Woodruff ( March 1, 1807 &ndash September 2, 1898) was the fourth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
The disruption caused by the Utah War of 1858 interrupted the activities of these Relief Societies. The Utah War, also known as the Utah Expedition or Buchanan's Blunder, was an armed dispute between Latter-day Saint (" Mormon " Year 1858 ( MDCCCLVIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common No more than three or four of these independent organizations survived the temporary move of much of the Mormon population south of Salt Lake County. (Walker and Dant, p. 262)
Expansion of the Relief Society
Church President Brigham Young called Eliza R. Snow as General Relief Society President for the entire church in 1866. In the Latter Day Saint movement, the President of the Church is generally considered to be the highest office of the church Brigham Young (June 1 1801 &ndash August 29 1877 was an American leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. Eliza Roxcy Snow Young ( January 21, 1804 &ndash December 5, 1887) was one of the most celebrated Latter-day Saint women of the Year 1866 ( MDCCCLXVI) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Seeking not only for the relief of the poor, but the accomplishment of every good and noble work[9] Young addressed the need to establish local Relief Society units at the church's 1868 April conference: Now, Bishops, you have smart women for wives, many of you. Let them organize Female Relief Societies in the various wards. We have many talented women among us . . . . You will find that the sisters will be the mainspring of the movement. [10] Snow was then assigned to assist local bishops in organizing permanent branches of the Relief Society. Using the minutes recorded in the early Nauvoo meetings, Snow created a "Constitution" for all local units intending to unite them in name, purpose, and organization. She and nine other sisters began visiting wards and settlements in 1868, and at the end of the year, organizations existed in all twenty Salt Lake City congregations and in congregations in nearly every county in Utah. Year 1868 ( MDCCCLXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap
On a ward level, the new Relief Society performed a variety of functions. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a ward is the larger of two types of local congregations (the smaller being a branch) The women helped the bishop of the ward in assisting the poor. Bishop is the highest priesthood office of the Aaronic priesthood in the Latter Day Saint movement. They collected and disbursed funds and commodities and performed service oriented tasks such as cleaning homes, sewing, planting and tending gardens, and manufacturing small locally needed items.
Snow’s presidency emphasized spirituality and self-sufficiency. The Relief Society sent women to medical school, trained nurses, opened the Deseret Hospital, operated cooperative stores, promoted silk manufacture, saved wheat, and built granaries. In 1872 Snow provided assistance and advice to Louisa L. Greene in the creation of a woman's publication, the Woman's Exponent, which was loosely affiliated with the Relief Society. Year 1872 ( MDCCCLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year Louisa Lula Greene Richards ( April 8, 1849 – 1944 was a poet and was the first female periodical editor in Utah Territory. Snow's responsibilities also extended to young women and children within the church. She was the primary female organizer for the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association in 1869 and the Primary Association in 1884. The Young Women (often referred to incorrectly as Young Women's or Young Woman's) is a youth organization and an official auxiliary of The Church of Year 1869 ( MDCCCLXIX) is a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year The Primary (formerly the Primary Association) is a children's organization and an official auxiliary within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Year 1884 ( MDCCCLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year By 1888, the Relief Society had more than 22,000 members in 400 local wards and branches. Year 1888 ( MDCCCLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (click on link for calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a ward is the larger of two types of local congregations (the smaller being a branch)
Early Relief Society meetings were held semimonthly. One meeting per month was devoted to sewing and caring for the needs of the poor. During the second meeting, members received instructions and encouragement from the discussion of elevating and educational themes and bore testimonies. The women were also encouraged to explore and develop cultural opportunities for their community.
Growth of the Relief Society
By 1942, membership in the organization was approximately 115,000 women, growing to 300,000 members in 1966. Year 1942 ( MCMXLII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1966 ( MCMLXVI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the 1966 Gregorian calendar. In 2007, the Relief Society has approximately 5. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. 2 million members in over 170 countries and territories.
Chronology of the general presidency of the Relief Society
| No. | Dates | General President | First Counselor | Second Counselor |
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| 1 | 1842—1844 | Emma Hale Smith | Sarah M. Year 1842 ( MDCCCXLII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common Year 1844 ( MDCCCXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year Emma Hale Smith Bidamon ( 10 July 1804 – 30 April 1879) was married to Joseph Smith Jr Cleveland | Elizabeth Ann Whitney |
| 2 | 1866—1887 | Eliza R. Snow | Zina D. H. Young | Elizabeth Ann Whitney |
| 3 | 1888—1901 | Zina D. H. Young | Jane S. Elizabeth Ann Whitney ( January 26, 1800 - 1882 born Elizabeth Ann Smith, was an early Latter Day Saint leader and the wife of Newel K Year 1866 ( MDCCCLXVI) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Year 1887 ( MDCCCLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Eliza Roxcy Snow Young ( January 21, 1804 &ndash December 5, 1887) was one of the most celebrated Latter-day Saint women of the Zina Diantha Huntington Jacobs Smith Young ( 31 January 1821 – 28 August 1901) was an American Elizabeth Ann Whitney ( January 26, 1800 - 1882 born Elizabeth Ann Smith, was an early Latter Day Saint leader and the wife of Newel K Year 1888 ( MDCCCLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (click on link for calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Year 1901 ( MCMI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Zina Diantha Huntington Jacobs Smith Young ( 31 January 1821 – 28 August 1901) was an American Richards | Bathsheba W. Smith |
| 4 | 1901—1910 | Bathsheba W. Smith | Annie Taylor Hyde (1901—1909) None (1909—1910) |
Ida S. Bathsheba Wilson Bigler Smith ( 3 May 1822 &ndash 20 September 1910) was an early member of the Latter Day Saint movement. Year 1901 ( MCMI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Year 1910 ( MCMX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Bathsheba Wilson Bigler Smith ( 3 May 1822 &ndash 20 September 1910) was an early member of the Latter Day Saint movement. Anna Maria Ballantyne Taylor Hyde ( October 21, 1847 – March 12, 1909) was the founder and first president of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Year 1901 ( MCMI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Year 1909 ( MCMIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Year 1909 ( MCMIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Year 1910 ( MCMX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Doosenberry |
| 5 | 1910—1921 | Emmeline B. Wells | Clarissa S. Williams | Juliana L. Year 1910 ( MCMX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Year 1921 ( MCMXXI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1921 calendar of the Gregorian calendar Emmeline Blanche Woodward Harris Whitney Wells ( February 29, 1828 &ndash April 25, 1921) was an American Journalist, editor Clarissa Smith Williams (1860 – March 8, 1930) was the sixth general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Smith |
| 6 | 1921—1928 | Clarissa S. Williams | Jennie B. Year 1921 ( MCMXXI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1921 calendar of the Gregorian calendar Year 1928 ( MCMXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Clarissa Smith Williams (1860 – March 8, 1930) was the sixth general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Knight | Louise Y. Robison |
| 7 | 1928—1939 | Louise Y. Robison | Amy Brown Lyman | Julia A. Louise Yates Robison (1866– March 30, 1946) was the seventh general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Year 1928 ( MCMXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1939 ( MCMXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Louise Yates Robison (1866– March 30, 1946) was the seventh general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Amy Brown Lyman ( February 7, 1872 – December 5, 1959) was the eighth general president of the Relief Society of The Church Child (1928—1935) Kate M. Barker (1935—1939) |
| 8 | 1940—1945 | Amy Brown Lyman | Marcia K. Year 1928 ( MCMXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1935 ( MCMXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Kate Montgomery Barker (born 30 May 1881) was a counselor in the general presidency of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Year 1935 ( MCMXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1939 ( MCMXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar Amy Brown Lyman ( February 7, 1872 – December 5, 1959) was the eighth general president of the Relief Society of The Church Howells | Donna D. Sorensen (1940—1942) Belle S. Spafford (1942—1945) |
| 9 | 1945—1974 | Belle S. Spafford | Marianne C. Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1942 ( MCMXLII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Marion Isabelle Sims Smith Spafford ( October 8, 1895 &ndash February 2, 1982) was the ninth general president of the Relief Society Year 1942 ( MCMXLII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar Year 1974 ( MCMLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. Marion Isabelle Sims Smith Spafford ( October 8, 1895 &ndash February 2, 1982) was the ninth general president of the Relief Society Sharp | Gertrude R. Garff (1945—1947) Velma N. Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar Year 1947 ( MCMXLVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Simonsen (1947—1956) Helen W. Year 1947 ( MCMXLVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1956 ( MCMLVI) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Anderson (1957—1958) Louise W. Year 1957 ( MCMLVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1957 Gregorian calendar) Year 1958 ( MCMLVIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Madsen (1958—1974) |
| 10 | 1974—1984 | Barbara B. Smith | Janath R. Cannon (1974—1978) Marian R. Year 1958 ( MCMLVIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1974 ( MCMLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. Year 1974 ( MCMLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Barbara Bradshaw Smith (born January 26, 1922) was the tenth general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Janath Russell Cannon ( 1918-10-28 – 2007-07-05) was a counselor to Barbara B Year 1974 ( MCMLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) Boyer (1978—1984) |
Marian R. Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Boyer (1974—1978) Shirley W. Year 1974 ( MCMLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) Thomas (1978—1983) Ann S. Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) Reese (1983—1984) |
| 11 | 1984—1990 | Barbara W. Winder | Joy F. Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) Barbara Ann Woodhead Winder (born May 9, 1931) was the eleventh general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Evans | Joanne B. Doxey |
| 12 | 1990—1997 | Elaine L. Jack | Chieko N. Okazaki | Aileen H. Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar Elaine Low Jack (born March 22, 1928) was the twelfth general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chieko Nishimura Okazaki (born 21 October 1926) was the first counselor to Elaine L Clyde |
| 13 | 1997—2002 | Mary Ellen W. Smoot | Virginia U. Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Mary Ellen Wood Smoot (b August 19, 1933) was the thirteenth general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Jensen | Sheri L. Dew |
| 14 | 2002—2007 | Bonnie D. Parkin | Kathleen H. Hughes | Anne C. Sheri L Dew (b November 21, 1953) is a Latter-day Saint leader inspirational speaker writer White House delegate to the United Nations See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Bonnie Dansie Parkin (born August 4, 1940) was the fourteenth general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Kathleen Hurst Hughes (born October 19, 1944) was from 2002 to 2007 the first counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency of The Church of Pingree |
| 15 | 2007— | Julie B. Beck | Silvia Henriquez Allred | Barbara Thompson |
Relief Society in the church today
Relief Society in local congregations
In the LDS Church today, every Latter-day Saint woman age 18 or older is a member of the Relief Society. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Julie Bangerter Beck (born 29 September 1954) has been the general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Silvia Henriquez Allred (b October 11, 1944) has been a member of the general presidency of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ Barbara Thompson (born June 13, 1952) has been a member of the general presidency of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day A Latter Additionally, women younger than 18 who are married and 17-year-old single mothers are members of the organization. There is no fee for joining the Relief Society and there are no annual membership dues.
In each local congregation of the church, a member of the Relief Society serves as the local President of the organization. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a ward is the larger of two types of local congregations (the smaller being a branch) The president is permitted to ask two other women from the congregation to assist her as counselors; together the three women make up the local Relief Society Presidency. The Relief Society Presidency acts under the direction of the bishop or branch president in presiding over and serving the women in the congregation. Bishop is the highest priesthood office of the Aaronic priesthood in the Latter Day Saint movement. A branch president is a leader of a " branch " congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Additionally, stake or district Relief Society presidencies exist to supervise five or more local Relief Society Presidencies. A stake is an administrative unit composed of multiple congregations in denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement. A district of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a geographical administrative unit composed of a number of congregations called branches
In most congregations, the Relief Society strives to accomplish its objectives by implementing four main programs: (1) Visiting teaching; (2) welfare and compassionate service; (3) education; and (4) home, family, and personal enrichment.
Visiting teaching
In every LDS congregation, each member of the Relief Society is paired with another member; this couple is then assigned by the Relief Society Presidency to be the Visiting Teachers of one or more other members of the Relief Society. Visiting Teachers strive to make a monthly contact with the women assigned to them; ideally, this contact is a personal visit in the member's home. If this is not possible, the member may be contacted by telephone, letter, e-mail, or a visit in a location other than the member's home. Visiting Teachers are encouraged to look for opportunities to serve the individuals that they "visit teach".
Welfare and compassionate service
Along with the bishop or branch president, the Relief Society President is the key person in the ward in ensuring that the temporal and emotional needs of the members of the congregation are met. Bishop is the highest priesthood office of the Aaronic priesthood in the Latter Day Saint movement. A branch president is a leader of a " branch " congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Relief Society Presidency is responsible for helping the women of the congregation learn welfare principles such as work, self-reliance, provident living, personal and family preparedness, and compassionate service of others. In many congregations, the Relief Society will ask a woman to serve as the Compassionate Service Leader, who is responsible for organizing service activities and responses to members' needs in times of emergency or hardship.
Education
Relief Society holds weekly meetings every Sunday that last approximately fifty minutes. During these meetings, an educational lesson is presented by a member of the Relief Society Presidency or another woman who has been asked to serve as the Relief Society instructor. Since the 1990s, the curriculum has been composed of Teachings of Presidents of the Church and other materials. The 1990s collectively refers to the years between and including 1990 and 1999 Teachings of Presidents of the Church is a series of books published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Relief Society also leads the LDS Church's efforts to teach basic literacy skills to those members and nonmembers that lack them.
Home, family, and personal enrichment
Home, family, and personal enrichment (often shortened to enrichment) is a Relief Society meeting that is held on a quarterly basis. Enrichment is held on a weeknight and is separate from the weekly Relief Society meetings held on Sundays. At enrichment meeting, women learn a variety of skills, with special emphasis on parenting and homemaking skills. Local congregations may also hold monthly or weekly enrichment activities for women with similar needs and interests. Enrichment activities are less formal than enrichment meetings, and local congregations have a wide discretion in determining what activities will be a part of enrichment.
Church-wide supervision
Three women are called to serve as the General Relief Society Presidency of the entire LDS Church. Although these women are not considered general authorities, they are considered to be general officers of the church and are the highest ranking women in the LDS Church's hierarchy. List of general authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church a general authority is a member Since April 2007, the General Relief Society Presidency has been composed of Julie Bangerter Beck, President; Silvia Henriquez Allred, First Counselor; and Barbara Thompson, Second Counselor. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Julie Bangerter Beck (born 29 September 1954) has been the general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Silvia Henriquez Allred (b October 11, 1944) has been a member of the general presidency of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ Barbara Thompson (born June 13, 1952) has been a member of the general presidency of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day [11]
Annually in late September, the Relief Society holds a General Relief Society meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, which is broadcast around the world via television, radio, satellite and the Internet. Salt Lake City is the Capital and the most populous city of the U This meeting is an opportunity for the General Relief Society Presidency to address the entire body of the Relief Society. Typically a member of the church's First Presidency also speaks to the women of the church. First Presidency The First Presidency (also called the Quorum of the Presidency of the Church or simply the Presidency) is the presiding or governing authority
In Salt Lake City, the Relief Society occupies its own headquarters building that is separate from the other administrative offices of the LDS Church. Salt Lake City is the Capital and the most populous city of the U The Church Office Building is a 28- story building in Salt Lake City Utah, and serves as the worldwide headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day While the Quorum of the Seventy had a building in Nauvoo in the 1840s, the Relief Society is the only auxiliary organization in the LDS Church today which has a completely separate facility. Seventy is a priesthood office in the Melchizedek priesthood of several denominations within the Latter Day Saint movement, including The Church of There is also a Nauvoo Alabama, and a Nauvoo Pennsylvania Nauvoo ( is a small city in Hancock County, Illinois Events and trends Technology First use of General anesthesia in an operation by Crawford Long. This Relief Society Building is also the closest of any building to the door of the Salt Lake Temple. The Salt Lake Temple is the largest (of more than 120 and best-known temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These facts are cited by many as proof of the importance of the Relief Society and of women in the church.
See also
- LDS Family Services
- Relief Society Magazine
- Worship services of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
References
- ^ Introduction to Relief Society, lds. LDS Family Services is a private Nonprofit corporation owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Relief Society Magazine was the official publication of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church from 1915 to In Mormonism, worship services include weekly services held on Sundays (or Saturday when local custom or law prohibits Sunday worship in neighborhood based religious units org, accessed 2008-04-30. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 313 - Roman emperor Licinius unifies the entire Eastern Roman Empire under his rule
- ^ See List of women's organizations. This is a list of women's organisations by geography International Associations of Junior Leagues International - Women's volunteer organization The Relief Society is one of the largest women's organization in the world.
- ^ Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Salt Lake City, 1998, at 193. Church Handbook of Instructions (formerly the General Handbook of Instructions) is a two-volume book of instructions and policies for leaders of The
- ^ Relief Society: Purpose; Church Handbook of Instructions Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Salt Lake City, 1998, at 193.
- ^ Church Handbook of Instructions Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Salt Lake City, 1998, at 193.
- ^ Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith, By Linda King Newell, Valeen Tippetts Avery[1]
- ^ Relief Society, Charity Never Faileth: History of the Relief Society, 1842-1966, Deseret Book: Salt Lake City, 1967, 18.
- ^ Joseph Smith, B. H. Roberts (ed. ), History of the Church, Deseret Book: Salt Lake City, 1902, 4:567-68.
- ^ "Female Relief Society," Deseret News, April 22, 1868
- ^ Journal of Discourses, 12:201
- ^ The Sustaining of Church Officers, April 2007 General Conference.
External links
Additional reading
- Derr, Jill Mulvay, Maureen Ursenbach Beecher, and Janath Cannon, Women of Covenant: The Story of Relief Society. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1992.
- Nielson, Carol Holindrake. The Salt Lake City 14th Ward Album Quilt, 1857: Stories of the Relief Society Women and Their Quilt. University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City, UT, 2004. ISBN 0-87480-792-1.
- Peterson, Janet; Gaunt, LaRene (1990). Elect Ladies: Presidents of the Relief Society. Deseret Book Co. , Salt Lake City, UT. ISBN 0-87579-416-5.
- Relief Society, Charity Never Faileth: History of Relief Society, 1842-1966, Deseret Book: Salt Lake City, 1966.
- Scott, Patricia Lyn and Linda Thatcher, editors. Women in Utah History: Paradigm or Paradox? Utah State University Press, Logan, Utah, 2005. ISBN 0-87421-625-7.
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