Elaine Low Jack was the first General Relief Society President born outside of the United States. Born in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, she lived along a road full of relatives who all lived within a block of the temple. Both sets of grandparents, coming from Scotland and England, followed the Saints out west, and when settlements were being developed all over the area, they felt impressed to move north into Canada.
Elaine excelled as a student, graduating as the class valedictorian, then continued her studies at the University of Utah, where she met her husband. Joseph E. Jack was a medical student. After they married, they moved to New York, where he began an internship at Staten Island Hospital. While they lived there, she became an American citizen.
As her husband spent many hours at the hospital, it was left to Elaine to travel, by herself, an hour and a half by bus, ferry, subway, and finally by foot just to go to Church. She realized then that she had a testimony that motivated her to keep doing it.
Following the course of a medical career, they lived in Boston, New Jersey, then to Mount Edgecombe, Alaska. During the two years they lived there, Church services were held in their home.
Finally, in 1958, the Jacks moved back to Salt Lake City, to establish a permanent home. By now they had four sons. The family spent much time outdoors, skiing together, hiking, golfing, even rappelling. Elaine did it all.
Music has also played an important role in Sis. Jack’s life. As a young girl, she played the organ for her ward. Playing the piano beautifully gave her many opportunities in her lifetime. Upon the death of a dear friend, she inherited a Steinway piano.
Elaine was first called to the Relief Society general board to serve under Sister Spafford, then again, with Sis. Smith. Then she was called to serve as the second counselor to Ardeth G. Kapp in the Young Women general presidency.
On March 31, 1990, Sis. Jack was called as the new general Relief Society president, with Chieko N. Okazaki as first counselor and Aileen H. Clyde as the second counselor. The direction they chose to pursue, for the Relief Society, was more unity with the Young Women, as well as Gospel Literacy efforts. A full blown program was developed to help every member of every family learn how to read, then with that knowledge, gain a deeper understanding through scripture study.
During the 1995 Relief Society general meeting, President Hinckley introduced and read “The Family: a Proclamation to the World.” This led to an emphasis on defending the family. In an address to the women of the Church, Sis. Jack said,
“I testify to you that one of our most important roles as Relief Society members is to strengthen each other, so all of us are better able to help our families. We come together. We learn from each other. We go home and strengthen our families. It’s that simple, yet how profound it is that we have this organization to be our balm of Gilead” (“Relief Society: A Balm in Gilead,” Oct. 1995).
Upon her release, she and her husband were called to serve as temple president and matron of the Cardston Alberta Temple. Back home in Salt Lake City, they continue to actively serve in their ward and community.
Let me reiterate, when these women are released from their public calling, they return to their own wards and continue serving, typically under people who are younger than they are. Think of the humility that takes. While Sis. Jack served as a Mia Maid adviser, the Young Women’s president (who had to be much younger) commented on what an influence Sis. Jack still was. “She has also taught us leaders the importance of planning with a purpose, of asking ‘What do we want to have happen?’ instead of ‘What do we want to do?’”
For me, there are several lessons here. First, that Sis. Jack takes her place wherever she is called. Second, she shines wherever she has been called. Third, she has influence (which is a magic gift of all women). Fourth, she doesn’t consider herself TOO OLD to serve. Fifth, she clearly has a great love for the young women of this Church, Sixth, she understands the mission of the sisters: To plan with a purpose in mind, an end result.
Taken from Faith, Hope, and Charity by Peterson and Gaunt