30 April 1868


Salt Lake City Thirteenth Ward Relief Society; Mary Godbe Residence, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory

[. . .] The following Sisters being present. Mrs. Rachel [R.] Grant Pres Mrs. Eliza R. Snow Mrs. Zina [D. H.] Young [. . .]

Prayer by Sister Eliza R. Snow.

Sister Snow recommended that the visiting committee bring what they receive as donations, to the meeting—hoped they would try and keep their books in order that we might not be ashamed to have them inspected.— Prest. Grant arose and motioned that the following Sisters be admitted into the Society, which was seconded and carried unanimously, to wit. Mrs Eliza R. Snow, Mrs Zina Young [. . .] Prest. Grant said she would feel glad for all to join who were in good faith and desired to do so.—

Sister Eliza R Snow arose and said, if we would go forth in humility and a prayerful desire to do good, we should be greatly blest. [p. 4]

That the Prophet Joseph Smith anticipated great results from the formation of Female Relief Societies—that much good might be done by the Sisters in visiting the sick, and afflicted, on accounted of their sympathetic feelings, and naturally desiring to do good. Sister Snow said we were legally organised, according to the pattern laid down by Brother Joseph. It was his wish that our meetings should be conducted on parliamentary principles and have matters arranged in a business manner. Brother Joseph also had said, It was the privilege of the Sisters to lay hands on the sick.

Sister Snow suggested, if we had to sit in judgement on any of the members to be very cautious. Take every opportunity to do all the good we could, and if possible to save some from recklessness by taking hold of them and making them useful members.

If necessary to have meetings for sewing let them be opened by prayer. Exhorted us to be united, then we would be able to do much good, looked forward to the time when Queens of the Earth would contribute to the good of these Societies.—

How necessary then for us to do our duty and live humble before God, learning to understand each other, and be united. The Society should be like a Mother with her Child, she does not hold it at a distance, but draws it near, and folds it in her bosom, showing the necessity of union and love.

[. . .] Each member present expressed her thankfulness in having the opportunity of making one in the Society, desiring [p. 5] to make themselves useful in doing all the good in their power feeling the blessing in having Sister Snow in our midst to direct and council us. Prest Grant said she felt proud of the Sisters, and hoped though weak, would gain strength by meeting together. Sister Snow said she wished to say a few words to those Sisters who felt backward to speak. The Enemy is always pleased when we do not overcome our feelings of timidity and keep our tongues from speaking words of encouragement and determination for thereby we become strengthened when that diffidence is once broken through, we soon gain confidence. The <time> will come when we will have to be in large places and act in responsible situations [. . .]

Sister Eliza R. Snow addressed the visiting committee and said they were not required to make their visits too laborious. Give those visited to understand that their intention was to impart good not purposely to receive donations only where it could be spared and where there was a desire to give, accept of any thing however trifling and not refuse anything from a Gentile when freely offered.

[. . .] [p. 6]

Source Note

Thirteenth Ward, Ensign Stake, Relief Society Minutes and Records (1868–1906), vol. 1 (1868–1898), pp. 4–6, CHL (LR 6133 14); Elizabeth H. Goddard, Secretary.

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30 April 1868, Salt Lake City Thirteenth Ward Relief Society; Mary Godbe Residence, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, The Discourses of Eliza R. Snow, accessed March 19, 2024 https://www.churchhistorianspress.org/eliza-r-snow/1860s/1868/04/1868-04-30