History of Relief Society

By jtolman • July 15th, 2010

It is impossible to write, even a small portion, of the trek across the prairie to the Rocky Mountains.  But, at this time of year, I tend to read material reminding me of the great sacrifices and incredible stories that belong to our legacy.  I do not have handcart pioneer ancestors, but they are still [...]

Continuing my report on Nauvoo, I just wanted to share with you some of the wonderful Spirit that was there.  Everything that our Church sponsors in the city of Nauvoo is free.  This includes all of the buildings that are there to visit, as well as the nightly productions.  And those productions are definitely the [...]

We just returned from Nauvoo. It was our first time there, and it was wonderful.  I offer my impressions to those who have never been, and an invitation to others who would like to share their thoughts as well.  As we approached from the South, we could see the temple on its hill and it [...]

When did the interest of genealogy begin?  There were family organizations in the 1700s, and the American Antiquarian Society was founded in 1812.  By 1845, eleven states already had historical societies.  And of course, prominent American families were interested in their attachment to European Royalty, and had records to prove it. But, did you know [...]

The subsequent meetings of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo lasted for the last half of 1843. Because so many sisters were coming to the meetings, they decided to split the sisters up into the four wards that were in Nauvoo at the time. They met at different hours and days of the week. Other [...]

Isn’t this a beautiful phrase?  What exactly is the tongue of angels, and how do we receive this gift?  According to 2 Nephi 31:13 we learn that when we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we will be able to “speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of [...]

I’m sure we all love to sing As Sisters in Zion; it really is a beautiful tune, great words, has lots of meaning, etc. etc. etc.  But have you ever noticed the two hymns that are directly after this hymn?  #310  A Key Was Turned in Latter Days  and  #311  We Meet Again as Sisters.  [...]

So, what DO we have in common with the early sisters of the Relief Society?  And what can we possibly learn from their examples? The early sisters settled in a land that was barren and harsh.  There were no stores to buy what they needed.  If their family had a need, they had to grow [...]

The Relief Society was discontinued for a period of nine months.  The women finally gathered again on Jun 16th, 1843.  Emma desired the meetings to continue, though she was not in attendance at this one.  Councilor Whitney presided. The meeting opened with a discussion, or probably a testimony meeting of sorts, where everyone could express [...]

I promised that I would explain how temple symbolism, and its relationship to the Abrahamic Covenant, has to do with Relief Society and us, the Women of God. As I have taught this concept in my Gospel Doctrine classes these past weeks, I have gained a deeper understanding of how much God loves us, his [...]