13 March 1875


Salt Lake City Thirteenth Ward Young Ladies; Charles J. Thomas Residence, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory

[Editorial Note: This discourse was reported in two different sources. Both versions are transcribed below. For more information, see the source note following each transcript.]

I. From the Young Ladies Minutes

[. . .]

Opened by singing “O! My Father,” [. . .]

Sister E. R. Snow, said she was happy [p. 7] that she could address an organization of young Ladies, that were Organized according to revalation, According to the pattern given by the Holy Ghost, for it was given by revalation

Speaking of the time when Pres. [Brigham] Young first desired an association to be organized. President Geo. A. Smith, felt that it was suggested by the Holy Ghost—said when She heard the minutes of the young ladies meeting read in the 14th Ward they were sufficient to satisfy her for attending. Many were much struck with the intelligence they manifested—Remarked that these young ladies might expect to associate with angels.—and these associations were to edify and instruct and cultivate—Spoke of some seeing personages, in Temple clothing, who were proved to be angels, and selected several instances where these Heavenly Beings were seen. Refferred to pillows [pillars] of light and the appearance of Angels being seen on the top of the Kirtland Temple, and of the power of God as a rushing, mighty wind, entering the Temple, after Father Smith [Joseph Smith Sr.] had prayed for an out pouring [outpouring] of the Holy Spirit, the effect was so surprising that he at first thought the house to be on fire. Bore testimony to having seen many miricles wrought in that Temple, such as the blind to see, the lame to walk &c. In the after part of the Fast Day, how they were privileged to exercise their gifts. Some Speaking in tongues &c. Others having the gift of hearing Angels sing. Felt that the time had come for the young sisters to lay hold of their privileges, and if they exercised themselves would soon feel able to preside over a meeting.

Did not wish to deprive them of any innocent enjoyment, and wanted them to look cheerful and happy, the spirit of God made happy countenances. [p. 8]

Spoke of a suggestion that had been made with regard to commencing a faition [fashion?] of home industry in the shape of knitted jackets &c. President Young had said that if the sisters of the different societies would take hold of these Home Industries it would lead to the United Order. Sister Snow felt to congratulate the Young ladies on their choice of a president, for she knew Sister [Elizabeth F.] Thomas to be a woman of God living to claim the greatest blessings.

[. . .]

Sister Zina D. Young said, she was always pleased to meet with her sisters especially the young. Bore her testimony to Sister Snows remarks in regard to the manifestations in the Kirtland Temple. She had herself heard the singing of Angels and there was once a choir that caught the sound Spoke also of her sisters seeing the appearance of angels on the roof of the Temple [. . .] [p. 9] [. . .]

Sister [Louisa Lula Greene] Richards [. . .] Spoke of her expeirence recently while staying with Aunt Rhoda Richards [p. 10] after praying that angels might be round about them in the night, She felt she heard the voice of the Lord that conveyed to her mind that she was to use and bless aunt Rhoda in tongues. on hearing some of the sisters speak in the 14th Ward convinced her it was the voice of the Lord, after telling Sister Snow her impressions she promised her she should have the gift of tongues, which was manifested while Sister Snow was blessing her. She knew it was the privilege of the Sisters to have the gifts and the visitations of Angels

[. . .] [p. 11]

Source Note

Thirteenth Ward, Ensign Stake, Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association Minutes and Records (1875), pp. 7–11, CHL (LR 6133 17); Elizabeth H. Goddard, Secretary.

II. From the Woman’s Exponent

[. . .] Sister E. R. Snow speaking words of encouragement to the young ladies—bearing testimony of the power of the Gospel, that the same manifestations were now produced as were experienced when Jesus and the ancient apostles were on the earth. She said it was the privilege of the young as well as the aged to be in possession of the gifts of the Gospel, such as healing the sick, prophesying, speaking in tongues, interpreting, &c. That the Spirit of God produced the purest and greatest happiness that mortals can enjoy. She related very interesting incidents that occurred in the Kirtland Temple, and exhorted her young sisters to live for eternal blessings, and fulfill the object of their birth, by becoming noble women, saviors on Mount Zion &c. Said she would like an expression whether those chosen were satisfied, and willing to fill the offices unto which they had been chosen.

Each of the young ladies arose by turn and expressed their satisfaction in being present and participating in the privilege which was accorded, and not only a willingness but a determination, to fill their positions and discharge their duties in faithfulness.

[. . .] [p. 186]

Source Note

Louise A. Ashby, “R. S. Reports,” Woman’s Exponent 3, no. 24 (15 May 1875): 186.

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13 March 1875, Salt Lake City Thirteenth Ward Young Ladies; Charles J. Thomas Residence, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, The Discourses of Eliza R. Snow, accessed November 6, 2024 https://chpress-web.churchhistorianspress.org/eliza-r-snow/1870s/1875/03/1875-03-13