Search Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History

The First Fifty Years of Relief Society

Image Gallery

Purchase

People

Carry On

Journals of Early Sister Missionaries

The Prison Journal of Belle Harris

The Discourses of Eliza R. Snow

The Diaries of Emmeline B. Wells

The Journal of George F. Richards

At the Pulpit

The Journal of George Q. Cannon

The Joseph Smith Papers

The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History

and Editorial Method

Introduction

1830–1845

Part 1 1854–1866

Part 2 1867–1879

Part 3 1880–1892

Part 4 Reference Materials

Explore

This collection of original documents explores the fascinating and largely unknown history of the Relief Society in the nineteenth century. The story begins with the founding of the Nauvoo Female Relief Society in 1842, and the complete and unabridged minutes of that organization are reproduced for the first time in print.


The large majority of the print volume covers the even lesser-known period after the Relief Society was reestablished in territorial Utah and began to spread to areas as remote as Hawaii and England. 


This website features the entire contents of The First Fifty Years of Relief Society, including all the documents, the editorial matter, and the photographs. The website also includes videos, a chronology, and two thousand brief biographies (fully sourced) of individuals who appear in the documents.

About

Carol Cornwall Madsen explains how the Woman’s Exponent brought early Latter-day Saint women together.

The Voice of Latter-day Saint Women

Six of Joseph Smith’s sermons are recorded in the Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book.  Jill Mulvay Derr explores why they are significant.

Joseph Smith’s Sermons to Women

Matthew J. Grow traces the Relief Society from Nauvoo to Utah.

Beginnings of the Relief Society

Women of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds were all part of the early Relief Society. Kate Holbrook talks about this diversity.

Who Were the Women in the Early Relief Society?

Videos

Weekly Excerpt

[From the minutes of the founding meeting of the Relief Society:] Prest. [Joseph] Smith, &amp; Elders [John] Taylor &amp; [Willard] Richards return’d and the meeting was address’d by Prest. Smith, to illustrate 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 the morals and strengthening the virtues of the female community, and save the Elders the trouble of rebuking; that they may give their time to other duties &amp;c. in their public teaching. (Document 1.2, entry for March 17, 1842)

Joseph Smith on the Purpose of the Relief Society

[From the minutes of the founding meeting of the Relief Society:] Prest. [Joseph] Smith further remark’d that an organization to show them how to go to work would be sufficient. He propos’d that the Sisters elect a presiding officer to preside over them, and let that presiding officer choose two Counsellors to assist in the duties of her Office— that he would ordain them to preside over the Society— and let them preside just as the Presidency, preside over the church; and if they need his instruction— ask him, he will give it from time to time. (Document 1.2, entry for March 17, 1842)

Joseph Smith on the Governance of the Nauvoo Relief Society

[From the minutes of the founding meeting of the Relief Society:] Let this Presidency serve as a constitution— all their decisions be considered law; and acted upon as such. If any Officers are wanted to carry out the designs of the Institution, let them be appointed and set apart, as Deacons, Teachers &amp;c. are among us. The minutes of your meetings will be precedents for you to act upon— your Constitutio[n] and law. (Document 1.2, entry for March 17, 1842)

[From the minutes of the founding meeting of the Relief Society:] President [Joseph] Smith read the Revelation to Emma Smith, from the book of Doctrine and Covenants [section 25]; and stated that she was ordain’d at the time, the Revelation was given, to expound the scriptures to all; and to teach the female part of community; and that not she alone, but others, may attain to the same blessings.— The 2d Epistle of John, 1st verse, was then read to show that respect was then had to the same thing; and that why she was called an Elect lady is because, elected to preside. (Document 1.2, entry for March 17, 1842)

Joseph Smith on Emma Smith's Role in the Relief Society

[From the minutes of the founding meeting of the Relief Society:] He [John Taylor] then laid his hands on the head of Mrs. [Emma] Smith and blessed her, and confirm’d upon her all the blessings which have been confer’d on her, that she might be a mother in Israel and look to the wants of the needy, and be a pattern of virtue; and possess all the qualifications necessary for her to stand and preside and dignify her Office, to teach the females those principles requisite for their future usefulness. (Document 1.2, entry for March 17, 1842)

Blessing of Emma Smith by John Taylor

[From the minutes of the founding meeting of the Relief Society:] Eliza R. Snow arose and said . . . that the popular Institutions of the day should not be our guide— that as daughters of Zion, we should set an example for all the world, rather than confine ourselves to the course which had been heretofore pursued. (Document 1.2, entry for March 17, 1842)

Eliza R. Snow on "Popular Institutions"

[From the minutes of the founding meeting of the Relief Society:] Prest. Emma Smith remark’d— we are going to do something extraordinary— when a boat is stuck on the rapids with a multitude of Mormons on board we shall consider that a loud call for relief— we expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls. (Document 1.2, entry for March 17, 1842)

Emma Smith on "Pressing Calls"

[From the minutes of the founding meeting of the Relief Society:] Prest. E. Smith then arose and proceeded to make appropriate remarks on the object of the Society— its duties to others also its relative duties to each other Viz. to seek out and relieve the distressed— that each member should be ambitious to do good— that the members should deal frankly with each other— to watch over the morals— and be very careful of​ the character and reputation— of the members of the Institution &amp;c. (Document 1.2, entry for March 17, 1842)

Emma Smith on the Purpose of the Relief Society

[From the minutes of the sixth meeting of the Nauvoo Relief Society:] [Joseph Smith] exhorted the meeting to act honestly and uprightly in all their proceedings— inasmuch as they would be call’d to give an account to Jehovah. All hearts must repent— be pure and God will regard them and bless them in a manner that they could not be bless’d in any other way. (Document 1.2, entry for April 28, 1842)

Joseph Smith on Honesty and Purity

[From the minutes of the sixth meeting of the Nauvoo Relief Society:] [Joseph Smith] continued to read the Chap. and give instructions respecting the different offices, and the necessity of every individual acting in the sphere allotted him or her; and filling the several offices to which they were appointed— Spoke of the disposition of man, to consider the lower offices in the church dishonorable and to look with jealous eyes upon the standing of others— that it was the nonsense of the human heart, for a person to be aspiring to other stations than appointed of God— that it was better for individuals to magnify their respective callings, and wait patiently till God shall say to them come up higher. (Document 1.2, entry for April 28, 1842)

Joseph Smith on the Importance of All Callings

[From the minutes of the sixth meeting of the Nauvoo Relief Society:] [Joseph Smith] said don’t be limited in your views with regard to your neighbors’ virtues, but be limited towards your own virtues; and not think yourselves more righteous than others; you must enlarge your souls toward others if yould [you would?] do like Jesus, and carry your fellow creatures to Abram’s bosom. . . . As you increase in innocence and virtue, as you increase in goodness, let your hearts expand— let them be enlarged towards others— you must be longsuff’ring and bear with the faults and errors of mankind. How precious are the souls of men! (Document 1.2, entry for April 28, 1842)

Joseph Smith on Humility

[From the minutes of the sixth meeting of the Nauvoo Relief Society:] This Society is to get instruction thro’ the order which God has established— thro’ the medium of those appointed to lead— and I now turn the key to you in the name of God and this Society shall rejoice and knowledge and intelligence shall flow down from this time— this is the beginning of better days, to this Society. (Document 1.2, entry for April 28, 1842)

Joseph Smith to the Relief Society: “I Now Turn the Key to You"

[From the minutes of the tenth meeting of the Nauvoo Relief Society:] In the beginning God created man male and female and bestow’d upon man certain blessings peculiar to a man of God, of which woman partook, so that without the female all things cannot be restor’d to the earth it takes all to restore the Priesthood. It is the intent of the Society, by humility and faithfulness; in connexion with those husbands that are found worthy. . . . We must humble ourselves and live by the rule given for our practice— we must lose sight of vain things and remember that the eye of God is upon us. If we are striving to do right, altho’ we may err in judgment many times yet we are justified in the sight of God if we do the best we can according to our judgment. We need not go astray if we will strive in all the energy of our souls to do right. (Document 1.2, entry for May 27, 1842)

Newel K. Whitney on the Restoration of the Priesthood

[From the minutes of the tenth meeting of the Nauvoo Relief Society:] I rejoice that God has given us means whereby we may get intelligence and instruction. It is our privilege to stand in an attitude to get testimony for ourselves— it is as much our privilege as that of the ancient saints. We must prove all things and hold fast that which is good. There are blessings lying before which are worth striving to obtain. It is our duty to humble ourselves— it is our most reasonable service to do it— must proceed to receive grace for grace, light and intelligence— if we have intelligence we have pow’r— knowledge is power: if we understand all things we shall not be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of God. (Document 1.2, entry for May 27, 1842)

Newel K. Whitney on Testimony and Knowledge

[From the minutes of the eleventh meeting of the Nauvoo Relief Society:] Said he was going to preach mercy[.] Supposing that Jesus Christ and angels should object to us on frivolous things, what would become of us? We must be merciful and overlook small things. (Document 1.2, entry for June 9, 1842)

Joseph Smith on Mercy

[From the minutes of the eleventh meeting of the Nauvoo Relief Society:] It grieves me that there is no fuller fellowship— if one member suffer all feel it— by union of feeling we obtain pow’r with God. Christ said he came to call sinners to repentance and save them. Christ was condemn’d by the righteous jews because he took sinners into his society— he took them upon the principle that they repented of their sins. It is the object of this Society to reform persons, not to take those that are corrupt, but if they repent we are bound to take them and by kindness sanctify and cleanse from all unrighteousness, by our influence in watching over them— . . . tis the doctrine of the devil to retard the human mind and retard our progress, by filling us with selfrighteousness— The nearer we get to our heavenly Father, the more are we dispos’d to look with compassion on perishing souls— to take them upon our shoulders and cast their sins behind our back. (Document 1.2, entry for June 9, 1842)

Joseph Smith on Accepting the Penitent

[From the minutes of the sixteenth meeting of the Nauvoo Relief Society:] When I do the best I can— when I am accomplishing the greatest good, then the most evils are got up against me. . . . But it will be but a little season and all these afflictions will be turn’d away from us inasmuch as we are faithful and are not overcome by these evils. By seeing the blessings of the endowment rolling on, and the kingdom increasing and spreading from sea to sea; we will rejoice that we were not overcome by these foolish things. (Document 1.2, entry for August 31, 1842)

Joseph Smith on Dealing with Affliction

[From the minutes of an 1843 Nauvoo Relief Society meeting:] Councillor [Elizabeth Ann] Whitney then rose, said she rejoiced that we could enjoy the pr[i]vilege of associating together to converse on things of th[e] Kingdom to comfort and edify each other while passing through this vale of tears. (Document 1.2, entry for July 15, 1843)

Elizabeth Ann Whitney on Gathering with the Relief Society

[From the Woman’s Exponent report of her 1873 discourse given in Ogden, Utah:] We are never to come to a stand point. We are to be progressing, and growing better. If we have done well to-day, we must do still better to-morrow. We believe in eternal progression. It will not do to say that we have so much to do that we cannot do any more, because the works and duties for women in Zion are constantly increasing. (Document 3.23)

Eliza R. Snow on Eternal Progression

[From the Woman’s Exponent report of her 1873 discourse given in Ogden, Utah:] To be sure we have trials; but what are they? . . . When you are filled with the Spirit of God, and the Holy Ghost rests upon you—that comforter which Jesus promised and which takes of the things of God and gives them to us, and shows us things to come, and brings all things to our remembrance—when you are filled with this spirit, do you have any trials? I do not think you do. For that satisfies and fills up every longing of the human heart, and fills up every vacuum. When I am filled with that spirit my soul is satisfied; and I can say in good earnest, that the trifling things of the day do not seem to stand in my way at all. But just let me loose my hold of that spirit and power of the Gospel, and partake of the spirit of the world, in the slightest degree, and trouble comes. . . . You cannot impart comfort to me that will satisfy the Immortal mind, but that which comes from the fountain above. And is it not our privilege to so live that we can have this constantly flowing into our souls? (Document 3.23)

Eliza R. Snow on Trials

[From the Deseret News report of his October 1877 sermon:] Let the elderly ladies teach the younger ones, leading them on in the paths of life, that we may have sisters growing up, whose goodness and praiseworthy principles will make them fit to associate with the angels of God. And if you persevere in this good work God will bless you and your efforts, let male and female operate together in the one great common cause. . . . Love one another, and by each trying to enhance the welfare of the other, that element will characterize the family circle, and your children will partake of the same feeling, and they in turn will imitate your good example, and perpetuate the things they learn at home. (Document 3.27)

John Taylor on Working Together

[From their letter to the women of the Salt Lake Stake Relief Society:] Through the blessing of our Heavenly Father, we, His handmaidens are called to be co-laborers with our brethren in building up the kingdom of God upon the earth, in assisting to build Temples, wherein we can receive blessings for time and eternity. In all the ordinances received in the House of the Lord, woman stands beside the man, both for the living and the dead, showing that the man is not without the woman nor the woman without the man in the Lord. Then what manner of women should we be? Faithful in performing all the duties devolving upon us as daughters of God. Sisters, do we appreciate the privileges we enjoy, and the relationship we sustain to God, to each other, and to His kingdom on the earth? We know there are very many faithful sisters, striving with all their might to do all that is required of them. To all such we say, God bless you, sisters! and give you strength to do all your hearts desire to do in righteousness. (Document 3.29)

Mary Isabella Horne and Stake Relief Society Counselors on Being Daughters of God

[From her 1882 reminiscence:] M,iss [Margaret] Cook . . . remarked that she would be pleased to contribute needle work [to the temple] if it could be made available. I proffered material for her to make up, and suggested that others might feel as we did. We then agitated the subject of organising a Sewing Society. The object of which should be to aid in the erection of the Temple. . . . A Constitution and bye laws was prepared and submitted to President Joseph Smith. He pronounced it the best constitution that he ever read, then remarked this is not what the sisters want, there is something better for them. I have desired to organise the Sisters in the order of the Priesthood I now have the key by which I can do it The organisation of the Church of Christ was never perfect until the women were organised. He then said I want you (E. R. Snow) to tell the sisters who delegated you that their offering is accepted of the Lord, and will result in blessing to them. . . . And I will organise you in the Order of the Priesthood after the pattern of the church. And I wish Emma [Smith to be nominated and elected President of the Organisation in fulfilment of the revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants which Says She is an Elect Lady. An Elect Lady is one who is elected. (Document 4.10)

Sarah M. Kimball Remembers Founding of Relief Society

[From the minutes of the third meeting of the Nauvoo Relief Society:] We come into the church to be sav’d— that we may live in peace and sit down in the kingdom of heaven— If we listen to, and circulate every evil report we shall idly spend the time which should be appropriated to the reading the Scriptures, the Book of Mormon— we must remember the words of Alma— pray much at morning, noon and night— feed the poor &amp;c.— She said she was old— could not meet with the Society but few times more— and wish’d to leave her testimony that the Book of Mormon is the book of God— that Joseph is a man of God, a prophet of the Lord set apart to lead the people— If we observe his words it will be well with us; if we live righteously on earth, it will be well with us in Eternity. (Document 1.2, entry for March 31, 1842)

Lucy Mack Smith's Testimony

[From the minutes of an 1843 Nauvoo Relief Society meeting:] Sister Billings rose said I can say with Sis [Elizabeth Ann] Whitney we are called to rejoice notwithstanding the trials Sickness and death thro which we have been calld to pass thro in Missouri I am thankful we have lived it through and now it becomes us to be faithful and to walk humbly befor God I feel my unworthiness desire that I may war a good warfare and at last be receivd into the Kingdom of God exhorted the sisters to be bold not timid or fearful in bearing their testimony. (Document 1.2, entry for August 13, 1843)

Sister Billings on Withstanding Trials

[From a Times and Seasons editorial, April 1842:] There was a very numerous attendance at the organization of the society and also at their subsequent meetings of some of our most intelligent, humane, philanthropic, and respectable ladies; and we are well assured from a knowledge of those pure principles of benevolence that flow spontaneously from their humane, and philanthrophic bosoms, that with the resources they will have at command they will fly to the relief of the stranger, they will pour in oil and wine to the wounded heart of the distressed; they will dry up the tear of the orphan, and make the widow’s heart to rejoice. (Document 1.3)

Endorsement of the Nauvoo Relief Society

[From a Times and Seasons editorial, April 1842:] Our Ladies have always been signalized for their acts of benevolence and kindness; but the cruel usage that they have received from the barbarians of Missouri, has hitherto prevented their extending the hand of charity in a conspicuous manner; yet in the midst of their persecutions, when the bread has been torn from their helpless offsprings by their cruel oppressors, they have always been ready to open their doors to the weary traveller, to divide their scanty pittance with the hungry; and from their robbed and impoverished wardrobes, to divide with the more needy and destitute; and now that they are living in a more genial soil, and among a less barbarous people, and possess facilities that they have not heretofore enjoyed, we feel convinced that with their concentrated efforts the condition of the sufferring poor, of the stranger and the fatherless will be ameliorated. (Document 1.3)

On the Benevolence of the Nauvoo Relief Society

[From the newspaper account of his December 1867 sermon:] Brother [David O.] Calder commences to-morrow to teach our youth and those of middle age the art of book-keeping and impart to them a good mercantile education. We expect soon to have our sisters join in the class and mingle with the brethren in their studies, for why should not a lady be capable of taking charge of her husband’s business affairs when he goes into the grave? We have sisters now engaged in several of our telegraph offices; and we wish them to learn not only to act as operators but to keep the books of our offices, and let sturdy men go to work at some employment for which by their strength they are adapted; and we hope eventually to see every store in Zion attended by ladies. (Document 3.1)

Brigham Young on Employing Women

[From the Deseret News report of his April 1868 sermon:] All this is embraced in our religion, every good word and work, all things temporal, and all things spiritual, things in heaven, things on earth, and things that are under the earth are circumscribed by our religion. We are in the fastnesses of the mountains, and if we do these things, and delight in doing right, our feet will be made fast and immovable like the bases of these everlasting hills. We ought not to desire anything only on righteous principles, and if we want right, let us then deal it out to others, being kind and full of love and charity to all. (Document 3.4)

Brigham Young on Temporal and Spiritual Work

[From her 1885 reminiscence:] Not long after the re-organization of the Relief Society, Pres. Young told me he was going to give me another mission. Without the least intimation of what the mission consisted, I replied, “I shall endeavor to fulfil it.” He said, “I want you to instruct the sisters.” Altho’ my heart went “pit a pat” for the time being, I did not, and could not then form an adequate estimate of the magnitude of the work before me. To carry into effect the President’s requisition, I saw, at once, involved public meetings and public speaking—also travel abroad, as the Branches of the Society of the sisterhood extended at that time, through several Counties in Utah, and ultimately, all the vallies of the mountains—numbering, at present date, nearly three hundred; besides other Branches in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Islands of the sea, wherever the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints” has established its Branches. Some years ago, by mutual consent, the word female was dropped, and the Society called “Relief Society.” (Document 3.5)

Eliza R. Snow Called to Help Organize the Relief Society

[From an April 1868 Deseret Evening News article:] This is the name of a Society which was organized in Nauvoo, on the 17th of March, 1842, by President Joseph Smith, assisted by Elders Willard Richards and John Taylor. Although the name may be of modern date, the institution is of ancient origin. We were told by our martyred prophet, that the same organization existed in the church anciently, allusions to which are made in some of the epistles recorded in the New Testament, making use of the title, “elect lady.” (Document 3.6)

The Origin of the Relief Society

[From an April 1868 Deseret Evening News article:] This is an organization that cannot exist without the Priesthood, from the fact that it derives all its authority and influence from that source. When the Priesthood was taken from the earth, this institution as well as every other appendage to the true order of the church of Jesus Christ on the earth, became extinct. (Document 3.6)

Eliza R. Snow on the Interconnectedness of the Relief Society and the Priesthood

[From an April 1868 Deseret Evening News article:] President Joseph Smith told the sisters that he not only wanted them to learn to do business, but he wanted them to learn to do it correctly and in a business-like manner. He set the example, and kindly proffered his instructions, not only through the Presidentess [Emma Smith], but often met with the Society and gave much wise counsel and precious instruction and encouragement—copies of which are carefully preserved. (Document 3.6)

Reminiscence of Joseph Smith's Meetings with the Relief Society

[From an April 1868 Deseret Evening News article:] Should the question arise in the mind, of any, What is the object of the Female Relief Society? I would reply—to do good—to bring into requisition every capacity we possess for doing good, not only in relieving the poor but in saving souls. United effort will accomplish incalculably more than can be accomplished by the most effective individual energies. (Document 3.6)

Eliza R. Snow on the Object of the Relief Society

[From an April 1868 Deseret Evening News article:] President [Joseph] Smith said that the sisters, by relieving the Bishops and Elders of the care of the poor, would perform a very important work, and be instrumental in doing much good by liberating their hands so that they might devote their time and energies to other labors; he said that such an organization belonged to, and should exist in the Church—that he had long had it on his mind, but had been too much crowded with other duties to attend to it.


The care of the poor was a prominent item in the teachings of the Savior, and it always stands prominently forth among the requirements of our holy religion; and the business of caring for, and attending to the wants of the poor, was a heavy tax on the time as well as on the means of the authorities of the Church, in addition to all the cares and labors incident on commencing settlements in new locations. (Document 3.6)

The Relief Society Lightens the Load of the Bishopric

[From an April 1868 Deseret Evening News article:] In administering to the poor, the Female Relief Society has other duties to perform than merely relieving bodily wants. Poverty of mind and sickness of heart, also demand attention; and many times a kind expression—a few words of counsel, or even a warm and affectionate shake of the hand will do more good and be better appreciated than a purse of gold. (Document 3.6)

The Relief Society Addresses More Than Physical Needs

[From her 1868 annual message to the women of the Salt Lake City Fifteenth Ward:] When we think upon the magnitude of the work before the little handfull of men and women here in the mountains, we sometimes tremble for the result. We are so slow to understand the ways of God and to obey his commandments. . . . To our sisters who have met with us both in sunshine and storm, and to all whose hearts are with us in this cause we feel that the blessings of heaven are upon you. You know by the feelings of peace and joy that you have experienced after performing some act of kindness that it is “more blessed to give and to do good than it is to receive.[”] We would encourage you to continue in well doing, and we extend an invitation to all the Sisters of the ward who can come to meet with us, we know that we are benefitted by meeting together and that you would be likewise. (Document 3.10)

Sarah M. Kimball Encourages Women to “Continue in Well Doing”

[From the Deseret News report of his February 1869 sermon to the Relief Society:] Permit me, sisters, to say, that we are endowed with a capacity to enjoy and to suffer and to be delighted. Are we delighted with that which is obnoxious? No; but with that which is beautiful and good. Will we promote this? Yes. In the first stages of life we should know how to promote that which we desire, and which would cheer and comfort the hearts of individuals, communities or nations. To effect this should be the first consideration of all. (Document 3.11)

Brigham Young on Promoting the “Beautiful and Good”

[From the Deseret Evening News report of the 1870 meeting:] By carrying out the principles of retrenchment, the time, strength and means, redeemed from useless labor and waste, shall be devoted to noble purposes—such as instructing each other and the rising generation in the principles of physical and intellectual improvement, dietetics, &amp;c. (Document 3.15)

A Resolution Adopted at the First Retrenchment Meeting

[From the minutes of the first stake Relief Society meeting, held in Ogden, Utah, October 1877:] I esteem it a great privilege to meet with you— Although we are strangers, we are all sisters— We are blest with the privilege of teaching the yong the principles of eternal life, and of bringing them up in the truth. Your reports are splendid. We are engaged in a great work, and we all desire to be prepared, that when we go behind the vail, we can enjoy the society of the martyrs and others gone before us, Those who have borne the heat and burden of the day, will pass off, and these young ladies will have to take their places. I hope mothers will teach there daughters virtue, and don’t cease to pray for them. I pray that peace and prosperity may abound with these my Sisters— Amen. (Document 3.28)

Sister Presendia L. Kimball: “We Are Engaged in a Great Work”

[From the minutes of the first stake Relief Society meeting, held in Ogden, Utah, October 1877:] I rejoice every day in the gospel and in the work of the women of Zion— The Lord has been very kind and good to us. And we ought to be very thankful that we have what thousands of women are denied, that is, the right of Suffrage— The women of the world wonder how we obtained this— I tell them the Lord helped us. (Document 3.28)

Emmeline B. Wells on God’s Hand in the Relief Society

[From the minutes of the first stake Relief Society meeting, held in Ogden, Utah, October 1877:] 
Union is strength. By unity, our energies, faith and perseverance accomplish much. But it is all by the blessing of God. We have not the wealth of the world, but we have faith bone and sinew. Father Smith said, faith is energy,— and so, also, energy must be faith; for the more energetic a person is, the more faith he has. (Document 3.28)

Eliza R. Snow on Unity

[From her 1886 letter to be to the women of the Salt Lake Stake Relief Society at their quarterly conference:] May you, my Sisters, in this Conference, realize a copious refreshing from the presence of God. May the spirit of instruction, consolation, love, and union rest on those present—every heart be cheered, and each soul resolve anew to draw closer to God, and lean firmly on Him, that you may see beyond the dark cloud that rises before us, and rejoice in prospect of the blessing that comes after the tribulation. May the Holy Ghost, the Comforter be your constant companion, and you be enabled to acknowledge the hand of God in all things. What He will not overrule for the good of the Saints, He will avert. (Document 4.16)

Encouragement to the Relief Society from Eliza R. Snow

[From the April 1889 Woman’s Exponent report:] Let us be careful to speak with wisdom before our little ones, avoiding fault-finding, and slang phrases, and cultivate the higher attributes of our nature, that will tend to elevate, refine and purify the heart, and make the home the centre of attraction, where the spirit of love, peace and unity will dwell, and that sweet charity that thinketh no evil will ever abide; that we might always be possessed of that heavenly principle embodied in the song “Nay speak no ill.” (Document 4.24)

Zina D. H. Young on Charity and Kindness

[From the April 1889 Woman’s Exponent report:] We should take the utmost pains to teach the children of Zion to be honest, virtuous, upright and punctual in all their duties; also to be industrious and keep the Sabbath day holy; not to be rigid or too severe, but as far as possible make all duties pleasurable. Mothers should never speak a word detrimental to the father’s best interest before the children, for they are close observers. Sow good seeds in their young and tender minds, and always prefer principle to policy, thus you will lay up treasures in heaven. (Document 4.24)

Zina D. H. Young on Teaching Children

[From the April 1889 Woman’s Exponent report:] Where sisters can do so, it would be desirable and we think profitable, to visit each other’s organizations and become acquainted; it will tend to union and harmony, promote confidence, and strengthen the chords that bind us together, for there is more difference in our manner of speech, than in the motives of our hearts. (Document 4.24)

Zina D. H. Young on Promoting Harmony within Relief Society

[From the Woman’s Exponent report of the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Relief Society, March 1892:] Let us be pure and upright in our lives and do good continually; be true and humble all our days; may we be guided by the spirit of the Lord day by day. Sisters let us bring up our children in the fear of God. Ask him to give you a portion of His holy spirit to guide you in all things. Do not neglect these matters sisters. See that you perform your duties humbly and faithfully every one of you. If there is one mother present here who does not teach and instruct her children properly, in such a way as the Lord approves of, I plead with you to do so. Call your children around you in the absence of the father, and pray with them. Teach them how to pray and the proper manner in which they should do so, that your prayers and theirs may be heard and answered with blessings upon your heads. Warn the children of the evils that surround us. Lift up your warning voice against temptations now so prevalent in our midst that they may not become a prey to these evils, but grow up in holiness and in purity before the Lord. (Document 4.28)

From Zina D. H. Young’s Sermon at the Relief Society Jubilee

[From the Woman’s Exponent report of the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Relief Society, March 1892:] May God grant that we may stand firm and faithful to the truth, walking in humility and purity before Him; may His blessing attend this people throughout the world on this great and grand occasion, and henceforth. You mothers and daughters of Israel we greet you and ask the blessings of our Heavenly Father upon you and upon all His people on earth. (Document 4.28)

Parting Words of Zina D. H. Young at the Relief Society Jubilee

[From her 1889 reminiscence:] We did all we could, with the aid of the good brethren and sisters, to comfort the needy as they came in [to the Salt Lake Valley] with HandCarts late in the Fall [of 1856] they got their hands and feet badly frosted. Br. Stephen Nixon and wife nursed/ and took care of them til they were better we favoured them br. &amp; Sis. N. by quilting a quilt very nicely for them, as our Society was short of funds then we could not do much, but the four Bishops could hardly carry the bedding and other clothing we got together the first time we met. We did not cease our exersions til all were made comfortable. When the Hand Cart Companies arived, the Desks of the Seminary were loaded with provisions for them. Just at the session of our Oct. Conference news came where these Hand Cart Co’s were. President [Brigham] Young and others were excited and anxious for fear those Co’s would be caught in the snow in the mountains they could not go on with the Confernce. The Pres’t called for men teams clothing, and provisions, and they were soon on the way to meet the Companies. . . . The sisters stripped off their Peticoats stockings and every thing they could spare, right there in the Tabernacle and piled into the wagons to send to the saints in the mountains. (Document 2.4)

Lucy Meserve Smith Recollection of Providing Aid to Handcart Companies

Publication from the Church History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints