There was an interesting discussion, at the Church History Symposium, about women and the priesthood. It is well known that in the beginnings of the Restored Church, women used the priesthood to bless one another, wash and anoint one another, and use gifts of the Spirit freely.

 

The records prove that this was common practice among the first generation Mormon women, but faded as the second and third generations came along. What changed? Why were these privileges taken away?

 

No answers were given, but the papers read today have offered some interesting thoughts to consider.

 

It was suggested that the priesthood covers all parts of the Restored Church. Everything falls under the priesthood, both male and female, all authority, all blessings. With such excitement among those first hearing about the gospel, faith was fresh, vibrant, and very strong among the Saints. There is no question, in my eyes, that it was because of their faith these women were able to participate in such magnificent outpourings of the Spirit.

 

As the church continued to grow, perhaps generally speaking, faith dwindled somewhat. Faith was still strong and sincere, but the necessity for demonstrating that faith wasn’t as needed. This is a hard thing to state, because frankly, we just don’t know. However, through records, it is clear women were still giving blessings and speaking in tongues into the 1940’s.

 

A paper was read of the Saints in Calgary, Alberta. How far away they were from Church Headquarters, and how difficult life was in that frozen tundra. But they had the strength and warmth of the Spirit and the women used the Spirit frequently as comfort and fortification. Records show that women offered blessings to their husbands, to their sisters, and to their children. The men relied heavily on their wives, and wives relied heavily on their husbands. “This is the very soul of Mormonism.”

 

There are sisters who have questioned the prophet whether women should be given the priesthood, in order to perform blessings and such, and it reminds me of something a professor once said to me. I asked how we might know if we’ve received the Second Comforter. His answer was, “If you have to ask then you haven’t received it, and you don’t need to worry about it.” Likewise, since these sisters are asking, then perhaps they don’t need to worry about it just yet.

 

When the St. George temple was dedicated, twenty-four women were called as Endowment workers. They typically worked 6-8 hour shifts. It is a fact that temple work would be impossible to do without the women. Women were eager to work in the kingdom of God. It was most important to be absolutely worthy, so they could help.

 

Women, doing the work in the temple, understood enough about the gospel that they knew they would be forgiven, they would receive their exaltation, and that they were pleasing their God. They were equals to their counterparts in every way, as they brought others into the fold by proxy. The women lauded this freedom of identity, to call themselves servants of the Lord. Temple work had never been seen since the days of Adam, where both male and female could participate. Women were now able to receive the fullness of all God’s blessings, ordinances, and salvation. “This is the very soul of Mormonism.”