In January 1917, there were 71 stakes in the Church. Emmeline B. Wells was the Relief Society President, and the Relief Society Magazine was two years old.

As they announced the New Year in the magazine, the presidency listed all the ventures the sisters were involved with in the Community and in the Church. The sisters were busy all over the world, yet focusing on similar projects, supporting one another, working toward the glory of the Lord together, and providing a better life for all those within their reach. Following are the main focuses of the Relief Society at that time.

The Missions

The growth of the missions throughout their world was lovingly monitored by the General Presidency. They praised the growth and smooth operation the sisters undertook in their areas. Because of the war, much of the activity in Europe was in preparation of clothing and food materials for the destitute families of the soldiers.

School of Obstetrics and Nursing

Wards and stakes were encouraged to send more students to attend classes for further education in the medical profession.

Public Health Work

Sisters were encouraged to get involved with the Board of Health, supply the milk depots, and support the public health department.

Our “Magazine”

“Our Relief Society Magazine has succeeded beyond our utmost expectations.” Subscriptions have increased remarkably. The addition of the lesson plans had proved invaluable as teaching aids to the sisters.

Genealogy and Temple Work

Many efforts were made throughout the year in the study of genealogy. As well, temple excursions were organized to complete the work of their ancestors. The RS Genealogical Committee held to their motto: “Let us provoke the brethren to good works, and not provoke the brethren while we are doing the work.”

Guide Work

The lesson plans were very exciting for the women. Their Theological lessons encouraged good gospel discussion, as well as devoting time each day to reading the scriptures. Literary lessons developed a love for good literature in the home. Everyone loved the Art and Architecture classes.

Home Science Lessons

The women united forces with the College Extension Division to learn sanitation, care of children, home necessity, domestic issues, etc. This was an invaluable basic study lesson plan.

Penny Subscription Fund

Sisters, from the beginning, were sending in their pennies to buy glass and nails to build our temples. The Penny fund continued as sisters wanted to keep contributing to the building of temples. This also was a way to teach children the importance of temples and that everyone can sacrifice to the building up of the House of the Lord.

Clothing for the Dead

The sisters were in charge of making clothing for the dead. At first this was all done at church headquarters, with Julina L. Smith in charge of this department. But at the time of this article, it was necessary to request the stakes to take charge at a more immediate level.

Relief Society Home

The Relief Society owned and operated a home for women and girls who were in need of a comfortable and safe home.

Insurance

Insurance was encouraged for sisters to provide for themselves a decent and modest burial.

General Conferences

During Conference time there have always been teaching conventions and exchange bureaus where ideas can be learned and shared to carry to your home wards.

Our Charity

“We rejoice in the continued activity of our charitable works and realize that it is largely through the continuous efforts of our sisters that there is so little poverty and suffering amongst this people. Let this always be the foundation stone of our Relief Society structure.” The Relief Society takes care of their own. Testimony meetings were also encouraged as a blessing to sisters everywhere.

The Reform Movement

The Relief Society, in the year 1917, joined with the Young Ladies and Primary Associations in a reform movement. They proclaimed “modesty in dress, restraint of appetite, observance of the Sabbath Day, and of the Word of Wisdom, decorum and dignity in our public worship and amusements should characterize the conduct and habits of every member of this Society.”

If these were their goals for the year 1917, I don’t see that much has changed in what should be occupying our time today. These are all worthy goals and activities. These goals were for the entire Relief Society, throughout the world, not just for an individual ward or stake. I know there are about 6 million sisters all over the world, but it seems to me we could accomplish some great things by setting a few world-wide goals similar to those listed here. They are still good ideas for helping any Relief Society aid the families in their wards and areas.