The Minutes to the Very First Relief Society Meeting
Nauvoo Female Relief Society
The Minutes to the very first Relief Society Meeting, March 17, 1842, read as follows:
(These are notes written by Eliza R. Snow’s hand):
“The meeting was addressed by Pres. Joseph 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.”
The first thing that strikes me is that we are to provoke the brethren to good works in looking to the wants of the poor. As we look at the natural ability of a male and female, we see that the sister is typically more sensitive to the poor, easier to talk to, better listeners, certainly better huggers. Men, as carriers of the Priesthood, bring needed protection, power to call down the angels, as well as authority for and by the power of God. In many cases, men and women can function in both ways, but this is the pattern God has placed in our hands. This is the work we are both called to do.
The second thing that strikes me is that we are to see to the WANTS of the poor. Not the NEEDS, but the wants. I take this to mean, we are to supply for the poor, without question of worth or worthiness. Our job is to fulfill them. Because God is the judge, and this power has been granted to the Bishop, they ultimately decide on needs—that is a judgment call. But we are sent in to care for them-without judgment-and give them what they want.
The Minutes continue:
“to assist; by correcting the 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, etc. in their public teaching.”
The men shouldn’t need to be worried about the women when women know right from wrong already. We should be about BEING good, as we intend to DO good. As we reach out to the community, we sisters should be setting the examples of moral strength and virtue. Women often know more of what’s going on, without having to trouble the men. According to Brother Joseph, that’s the way it’s supposed to be.
Next, came the debate of what we would call ourselves: Relief vs Benevolent Society
Joseph Smith’s argument was that “Benevolent” was a more popular term-more understood-whereas “Relief” could be misconstrued as to relieve punishment from someone deserving.
Emma didn’t like the word “Benevolent”, because it made her think of the Washingtonian Benevolent Society, which was one of the most corrupt institutions of the day—“Relief” was different from other societies in the world.
When Emma said, “we are going to do something extraordinary”, she stated as a “Relief” Society they “would consider a boat struck on the rapids a loud call for relief. We expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls.”
The men conceded. Joseph offered a $5 gold piece to begin the funds for the Institution. Then Emma asked the men to leave, so that the women could proceed.
Emma continued by laying out other objectives of the Society:
- To relieve the distressed
- Each member should be ambitious to do good
- Members should deal frankly with one another
- To watch over the morals and be very careful of the character and reputation of the members
A question was asked, “When asked, what should we say is the object of our Society?” The answer was given, “For charitable purposes.” Feeding the hungry and clothing the naked.
It is clear that our purpose and theme, as a Relief Society, is to care for the poor and needy. There are certainly plenty of opportunities to reach out all around us, but this call would also include within our neighborhoods (community), our wards, and our own families. This is an enormous charge. One that has been taught to us repeatedly over the years by all of our leaders. There is no reason to look further for new ideas, new themes, new activities. Let us stay the course. Let us fulfill our calling to bring relief to our children, our families, those sisters we visit, as well as anyone in need of “Relief”.
(The original Minute Book can be viewed in its entirety at the new Church History Library on CD.)
Is there any way to get a copy of the minutes of the first Relief Society?
The Nauvoo Female Relief Society Minute Book can be found on CD at the new Church History Library in Salt Lake City. The librarians there will tell you there are copyright issues and technically you will not be able to make copies of it. But it is available.
There is talk of a church historian’s plans of publishing the minutes some time in the future. I look forward to having these first minutes available to everyone, so we can all know about them, understand them, and use them to continue the vision that is set before us.
Maybe if there is enough interest, this book might be published faster…
Is there any way of finding out what songs were sung at the first Relief Society Meeting?
On March 17, 1842, the first meeting of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo sang for its Opening Hymn: The Spirit of God Like A Fire Is Burning. The Closing Hymn was: Come Let Us Rejoice.
It is likely that the words to these hymns were actually sung to different tunes than we are used to, because at that time Emma’s hymnbook only had words. They would typically pick a familiar tune to sing the words to.
You might consider looking in the back of our Hymn Book to find other tunes that will match the rhythm of the words, just to do something different. Somehow, by mixing the words to different tunes, certain words are emphasized in a different way, thus creating a new spirit to the hymn. Give it a try!
I just want to comment that the term ‘wants’ has changed its meaning over time. In the time frame of its use, versus the modern usage, wants meant things that a person lacks–as in a bed or food or clothing. It also referred to the wants in ones personality or traits, as in a person wanting honesty or wanting integrity. In modern usage, the term want means desire or wish rather than what one lacks. Just a clarification. Not that your comment above was untrue, concerning wants and not just needs–but be aware that we do need to use our resources with wisdom and prudence, as tithing and fast offerings are free will donations, they are to be used for the poor and the needy in wisdom. Our personal attitude toward an individual ought to be flavored with charity and truth. thank you for listening.
Kim Harkins asked:
Can anyone tell me the ages of those in attendence at the first relief society meeting
I urge you to purchase the book Women of Covenant by Derr, Cannon, and Beecher. This is the Story of the Relief Society with wonderful detailed information about the history of our organization. I believe every sister should read this book to understand our story.
This is a quote from the book ( page 28) speaking of those who attended the first meeting of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo. “The youngest were three teenagers, and the oldest, a woman in her fifties. Eleven of the women were married, two were widows, six were unmarried, and the marital status of one is unknown. Their education and backgrounds varied greatly, as did their economic circumstances.”