The Relief Society Magazine debuted in 1915.  It was a church publication where lessons were officially published for the month.  This was a long beloved magazine, published until 1970, when all publications were combined into the three magazines presently used:  The Friend, New Era, and The Ensign.

The first editor of this magazine was Susa Young Gates, a daughter of Brigham Young.  Later, Amy Lyman and Belle Spafford would be editors, for a time.

Each month, the lessons to be taught came from the magazine.  Lessons were of a practical nature, serving the temporal needs of the women:  Homemaking, Social Relations, Spiritual Living, and the favorite-Art and Architecture, later called Cultural Refinement.  The Visiting Teaching Message was also included.  Talks from the Brethren and Relief Society Presidency would allow sisters from far away to hear the word of their leaders.

What made this magazine so great was the poetry and short stories sent in by fellow sisters.  Pictures of Relief Societies from all over the world were highlighted in a section.  Biographies of leading Relief Society sisters would help us know them better.  There was even a section honoring mothers of large families—16 or more children (wow!  More power to you, sister!)

It was common to have a Relief Society Work Day, where various projects and crafts were made together as sisters.  These items were either made for one sister’s benefit, items to be sold for home industry, or to pursue hobbies.  The patterns were available in the magazine.  And advertisements were placed within the pages, reminding sisters they could find all the supplies they needed at Mormon Handicraft.

During this time, Relief Society met during the week.  One lesson a month was Spiritually based.  The other lessons dealt with more temporal subjects, all necessary on the homefront.  Of course, Primary and Young Men and Young Women met during the week as well.  Sundays were for Sunday School and Sacrament Meeting.

Many sisters still remember this publication.  I would love to hear from anyone who received this magazine, or remember seeing their mothers devour this magazine when it arrived.  What did you love best about this magazine?  What did this form of communication and connection do for you?