We now have the Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book available to read online at Joseph Smith Papers. Click on The Papers and search under Administrative Records, then Records of Organizations. Be sure to look around at many of the original documents they are putting onto this site.
Joseph Smith called this first meeting,bringing with him John Taylor and Willard Richards. Willard Richards served as Joseph’s secretary, so it is by Bro. Richards’ hand that we get the Minutes of this first meeting. When Eliza R. Snow was called, at this meeting, as the first Relief Society Secretary, he gave her the book, where she would continue writing this Constitution to our Relief Society Organization. She explains later that she rewrote, in her own hand, the words we now see at this, and all subsequent, meetings.
Because I started this site before the Minute Book was available to view, I created these posts taking quotes from the book and adding my own thoughts and viewpoints. You are welcome to continue reading, but I urge you to read the originalrecord and gain your own testimony of this monumental moment in time. I testify that this record is of great importance to the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A Record of the Organization and Proceedings of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo
“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 fulfill practical needs amongst one another in the true spirit of charity. 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”.
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.”
I would like to find the quote given by Lucy M. Smith at that 1st meeting. Any help would be appreciated. It says something about we will all be sisters in heaven?
Check #13 of my Quotes. ”We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.” (Lucy Mack Smith)
I am trying to find a quote by Emma Smith where she says we are ordinary women who can or will be called on to do extra ordinary things? I am interested where she mentioned we were just ordinary women. I am writing a talk and can’t find it.
I admit to not knowing everything, but I am not familiar with Emma talking about “ordinary” women. However, her comment on doing “something extraordinary” is well known. Find additional quotes on my quotes page.
When was the RS motto instituted? Who came up with the motto?
Excellent question. In 1913, during Emmeline’s presidency, the Relief Society adopted an organizational motto and emblem. Taken from Women of Covenant, pg. 194: “The new motto, ‘Charity Never Faileth,’ hearkened back to Joseph Smith’s original directives to the society to ‘have feelings of charity’ and to minister to those in temporal and spiritual need. The sego lily, the strong and beauiful wildflower selected as the society’s official emblem, had with its bulb nourished starving Saints when they first settled in Utah. The emblem and particularly the motto became enduring symbols of Relief Society, quickly identifying for an ever-expanding membership the society’s key purposes.”
I am looking for a readers theatre based on the March 17, 1842 minutes. Is anyone aware of something already written? I have been asked to do a 30 min presentation for our RS birthday celebration and did not want to reinvent the wheel. Thanks.
Search in the Categories for Gallery of RS Communities and find Women in Scriptures. Heather wrote up a wonderful script and she has pictures on her site too.
Thanks for this wonderful site.
Thanks for the wonderful women of God who do such great things.
JTolman: I am looking for that script but am not finding the selection ‘Women in Scriptures” Could you help me further.
Thanks for all your service.
Look at my post “For Your Relief Society Birthday Dinner”. You will find the link to Heather’s script and pictures of her Relief Society.
In studying the history of RS I see that for a number of years the general RS presidents were members of the National Council of Women. When did that cease? Does the organization still exist? Thanks
I’m a member of the Church in Mendoza, Argentina and my branch RS president asked me to share a talk about the history of the RS I’m so thankfull for finding this site.
Thanks to all RS members of the world, for your work and efforts.
Is there a list of the names of the women who attended? If so where can it be found?
The RS Minute Book is now on line at http://www.josephsmithpapers.org . You’ll be able to see the list of sisters that were voted in each time they met.
Is there any record of the names of the sisters in the first Relief Society? I think my 4th grandmother was among those royal women.
Go to the Joseph Smith Papers link and you can read the original Female Relief Society of Nauvoo Minute Book. In the book, you will find a list of all of the members who were there at the first meeting, and who joined with every subsequent meeting.
Hey Jan! I used some of these quotes a few years ago for a RS luncheon. Now, we’d like to put them in a meme/post of some sort for Mormon Women Stand. Are you okay with that? I want to reference back to you – should we use your site or your name or both?
You mean quotes from other people? You are too gracious asking for my permission, silly woman! But yes, I would love my site referenced along with Mormon Women Stand.
Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes are amazing! Here are a few things Joseph Smith said:
Joseph Smith “said he was going to make of this [Relief] Society ‘a kingdom of priests.’”
Joseph spoke of “delivering the keys” to _both_ the leaders of the Church and to the leaders of Relief Society.
Joseph said “the keys of the kingdom” were about to be given _to sisters_ “as well as to the Elders.”
Joseph then said “I now turn the key _to_ you in the name of God.”
I know and recognize your arguments. It’s true, Joseph did say those things in the minutes. Joseph said many things that haven’t yet come to pass. And I believe Joseph would be the first one to state that priesthood has been given to women. We have already been given a lot of power because of the priesthood. For me, it is a matter of revelation. No amount of demanding or agitation will make the Lord change. He doesn’t change. He commands and reveals. We wait in obedience, acceptance, and humility.
Please tell me it fhere is a list of names of the ladies in attendance at the first meeting of the Relief Society I so would like to obtain one if possible.
You can find the original list of attendees at the link above at Joseph Smith papers.
Thanks you so much for helping to find the minutes to the very first relief society meet. and those in attendance. I appreciate your kindness very much.