13 February 1879


Ogden Second Ward Young Ladies; Ogden, Utah Territory

[. . .] Sister Eliza R. Snow arose and said she did not know how the young sisters felt, but she supposed they wished to be organized. It was an order of God. And we did not wish to be behind in Ogden, when the wards are divided the young brethren and sisters, and Primary should be divided also. Yet there was no compulsion. She then put it to a vote, she said the organization and improvement of the young was of great importance. Now the children of the Saints had the opportunity of becoming great and noble men and women in Zion. Besaught the youth to shun Babylonish fashions. Hoped all knew Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. This religeon is the true religeon. Said the eye of God was on all, they could not deceive Him, hoped they all realized this. We all want a purpose in life, to accomplish something, to do some good, to treasure up intelligence. When she first heard the Gospel she wanted to do all these things, she hoped there was not one present, but realized they were born for a great purpose. The relief society places the Elder Sisters where they can do a great deal of good. At first we seemed to be living to no purpose, it wa[s] thought that something was needed. God then revealed this organization. The organization of the young was revealed to Brigham Young a servent of God. The Relief Society organizaton was revealed to Joseph Smith, sone [some] of the sisters had married Gentiles and gone to destruction; this organization has been instrumental in saving many it is necessary all should know this. The evil one will lead [p. 1] us astray; try to know for yourselves pray to God untill you recevie [receive] the knowledge direct from Him. Hundreds have borne testimony to the truth of this work God bless you all.

Sister Jane S. Richards said my beloved sisters I arise to address you because I am called upon. I came not to teach but to listen. I feel favored and blest in listing to our beloved Sister Snow she felt thankful there was some one who could come and teach us, and we should feel satisfied with all that Sister Snow does for if we do not our duty it will be a failure [. . .]

Sister Snow then said, she beleived we would uphold Srraw Store and make it popular, weare the hats and encourage. others so to do; the girls could do more in building up Zion than anyone else they had more influence. She always praised the Young Ladies of Ogden; be punctual to your meetings take hold and make it a success; use good correct language your mission is to elivate and refine the [p. 2] young men th[e] Bishop [Benjamin Critchlow] would & see the result.

[. . .] [p. 3]

Source Note

Ogden Second Ward, Weber Stake, Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Association Minutes and Records (1879–1964), vol. 1 (1879–1890), pp. 1–3, CHL (LR 6392 17).

See also “Home Affairs,” Woman’s Exponent 7, no. 19 (1 Mar. 1879): 203.

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13 February 1879, Ogden Second Ward Young Ladies; Ogden, Utah Territory, The Discourses of Eliza R. Snow, accessed December 14, 2024 https://chpress-web.churchhistorianspress.org/eliza-r-snow/1870s/1879/02/1879-02-13-a