Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1892-03-18


NJ the first organization OF the l.. ID. ).
Relief society, prepared by sarah NJ.
Kimball, secretary, was read by Elder
lanes T.. Talmage. The following Ia
a full account OF the firHt meeting:
BY invitation OF the President OF the
Church, number OF sisters convened
IN the Masonic Lodge room, on the
i'm Of March, 1912, President Joseph
smith, Elder John Taylor and Will
lard Richards were present.
President Smith stated that this
meeting was called for the purpose Of
making more complete the orgAni,a-
ton OF the Church by organizing the
women In the order Of the Priesthood.
John Taylor was called TO the chair
aud willard Richards acted M secre-
mfy. Alter singing aud prayer, a
vote WAS taken TO know II all were
satisfied with the sisters present and
willing 10 acknowledge them IL good
fellowship and admit them 10 all the
privileges Of the institution about TO lie
organlatd. All being Satisfied, the
NAMES OF those present were taken NJ
follows:
TmmA smith, Elizabeth Jones.
Martha knight, l.cunnrA IhllVr'
ElyifaA. Coles. iu8a Snow,
sarah II. Cleveland, sophia Packard,
rhcbe Ann liawkos lnthsheha W smilh,
Margaret a Coos sophia Robinson,
DesdcmonA iulmer, ihiinda nefngk,
gilabrth Ann Mhltncyphebe NJ. Wheeler,
sarah N. himhali, sophia H. Marts'
President Smith then explained
some OF the duties that would devOlve
on members Of the society," said they
could provoke tho brethren u good
a.. IA. If fhts.
ani perform charitable acts. Women
must assist In correcting the morals
and strengthening tho virtues II the
community. Said 1t II now IN order
for the sisters to elect president 10
preside over the Society and let her
choos. two cuunsclorH 10 assist In the
duties Of hcf office. He would Orinin
them, and let them pfeside Just NJ the
Presidency preside over the Church,
and n they needed his Instruction they
could ask ana they would he pleased to
give II from time to time. Let the
Presidency serve as constitution aud
their decisions become preceuents for
you 10 act upon.
IL officers arc wanted 10 carry out
these dcsigLH Of the institution, let
them be appointed aud set apart n
FtAhbhFf wv Nv hHs
Elizabeth A. Whitney moved, aud
Sophia Packard seconded the motion,
that Emma 5mith be- elected president
Of the society. The vote was put by the
chairman aud pronOu nced unanimous.
The PRESIDENT made choice Of
sarah NJ. Cleveland and Elizabeth
Ann whitney ns her c0unselors,
Eliza II. SNOW was appointed secre.
larry, Pbebe NJ. Wheeler assis,su, sec.
rtlary and Elvirn A. Coles treasurer.
President Joseph Smith read the
revelation TO Emma Smith from the
Book OF Doctrine and Covenants, aud
stated that she wns ordained Mt the
time the revelation was given, to ex.
pound the Scriptures, To teach, etc.
He then read scriptures 10 show that
an elect lady Is one elected to preside.
by request OF President Joseph Smith,
Apostle John Taylor ordained sarah
NJ. Cleveland and Elizabeth Ann
Whitney 10 be cOunhelors to and assist
President Emma smith In the duties
Of her office, ant share Ia the blessings
pertaining thereto.
He then confirmed on Emma Smith
her former ordination aud blessed her
10 bea mother In Israel, n pattern Of
lions necessary TO enable her 10 preside
with dignity anu give such instruc-
iion, as may be requisite In her calling
as an elect lady.
Elder Taylor vacated the chair and
President Emma Smith and Counsolors
took the stand.
A lengthy discussion followed on the
question "What shall this society be
called?" Mrs. Cleveland and whitney
advocated the appropriateness Of the
name Relief Society. John Taylor
aud Joseph smith, spoke Ia favor OF
the word Benevolent. Emma Smith
and II. IL. SNOW argued In favor OF
Mira. Clevcland's choice. The gentle
men Withdrew their objection and u
motion TO adopt the name Relief
Society was unanimously carried.
President Joseph Smith then naid:
81 now declare this Society organized,
with president and cOunsclors. All who
shall hereafter be admitted must he free
from consute and admitted by vote.
President Joseph smith laid down "a
nvo'dollar gold piece TO commence the
Relief Society fund, ami said; "What
do hereafter for charity | shall do
through this Society"
Sarah NJ, Cleveland gave Snl2l
Sarah NJ. Kimball 100
Emma Smith 100
Elizabeth Ann Whitney $50
Willard Richards 100
John Taylor 900
President Joseph Smith said: 81 will
give a city lot, on which the Society
can build. Will make the deed to the
tTeasurerD
Al the third meeting OF tho society,
March 30th, President Joseph Smith
said the members OF the society must
act In concert, or nothing eau lie
accomplished. 70 move according to
the ancient Priesthood this must be n
select society, separate from the evils
Ofthe world.
SIXTH MEETING, APRIL 25TH.
President Joseph smith said he was
present TO speak upon the Priesthood,
As his Instructions were intended only
Tor members OF the society he wished
those not members TO withdraw, after
which he called attention 10 the 18th
chapter Of Corinthians, "Now concern
Ing spiritual gift ETC." Said the pas
sage which reads ono man can say
that Jesus In the Lord but by the Holy
dhoa" should be translated $40 man
can know, "ietc. Continued the read.
Ing OF the chapter, and gave instruc-
lions respecting the different offices
and the necessity Of every individual
acting In the place allotted 10 him or
they were appointed. Spoke OF the dis.
nj 10.