24 September 1880


Sevier Stake Relief Society; Richfield, 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 Relief Society Minutes1

[. . .] Present on the stand, Pres. Eliza R. Snow Smith, and B. [Bathsheba] W. Smith, from Salt Lake. [. . .] Sister E. R. S. Smith, by request, arose and addressed the congregation. Was happy to see a few of the Brethren present, as it showed they had an interest, mutual with ours, in meeting with us, and also that they could correct us, if we needed correction. Next spoke of the subject of organization Women had no right to organize Relief Societies. They could assist the Priesthood, but women were authorized to organize Y. L. and Primary Associations. Said if we were living up to our duties, we were being helpmeets to the Priesthood. She felt herself highly honored in being numbered with the Sisters of the Relief Societies of this Church, and portrayed how devoted and faithful we should be in attending to our duties Referred to the great importance of rearing the young, and the sin of sacreficing our time to unneccessary labor, to the neglect of our children. Spoke of the growing infidelity in our midst, and urged us to keep the good continually before our young, that it might get the precedence of evil.

[. . .] [p. 48] [. . .]

[. . .] meeting adjourned until 2 p. m. [. . .]

2 p. m.

[. . .] [p. 49]

Sister Snow Smith instructed the Secretaries how to keep their books, and all accounts. Spoke of children being taught to work. Said they were the ones that generally made their mark in the world, and became useful members of the kingdom of God our Father. And the girls who were taught to keep house, and labor for themselves, were brave and true, and very seldom left the path of right.

[. . .] [p. 50]

Sister Snow said, there was a deficiency in the Stake organization there being no Treasurer. Sis Maria [B.] Horne was presented and sustained to fill that office.

[. . .] [p. 51]

Source Note

Richfield Utah Stake, Relief Society Minutes and Records (1872–1973), vol. 2 (1879–1895), pp. 48–51, CHL (LR 8243 14); Catherine A. Hunt, Secretary.

See also “Home Affairs,” Woman’s Exponent 9, no. 11 (1 Nov. 1880): 84.

II. From the Woman’s Exponent2

[. . .] Sister E. R. S. Smith, by request, arose and addressed the congregation Was pleased to see a few of the brethren present, as it showed that our interest in coming together was mutual; and also, that they might correct us if need be. Spoke on the subject of organization; said there were some societies which women had a right to organize, such as the Y, L. and Primary Associations, but they had no right to organize a Relief Society; but they could assist the priesthood in doing so. Said if we were living up to our duties we were helpmeets to the priesthood. Felt herself highly honored in being numbered with the sisters of the Relief Societies of this Church. Urged us to be devoted and faithful to our duties, and realize the great responsibility of rearing the young, and not to spend our time in unnecessary labor, to the neglect of our children in sending them to meeting; referred to the growing infidelity in our midst, and thought we should keep the good continually before them, that it might get the precedence of evil. Spoke of the great pleasure she experienced in meeting with the children, of their improvement, and of the importance of their being punctual, and setting the example to the children to be on time. Wished to impress on the minds of the sisters to commence their meetings at the time appointed.

[. . .]

Sister Eliza explained that she had been given a mission to assist the priesthood in organizing the Relief Societies; hence, some had conceived the idea that she organized.

[. . .]

[. . .] Conference adjourned until two p. m. [. . .]

Sister Eliza gave the Secretaries some instructions in regard to keeping the books, &c. Spoke of the benefit and beauty of children being taught to work, and those who were were the ones that generally made their mark in the world and become useful members of society and the kingdom of God.

[. . .]

Sister Eliza said there was a deficiency in the Stake organization, there being no Treasurer. Sister Maria [B.] Horne was presented and sustained to fill that office.

[. . .] [p. 94]

Source Note

Elizabeth Bean and Catherine A. Hunt, “R. S., Y. L. M. I. A. and Primary Reports,” Woman’s Exponent 9, no. 12 (15 Nov. 1880): 94.

Cite this page

24 September 1880, Sevier Stake Relief Society; Richfield, Utah Territory, The Discourses of Eliza R. Snow, accessed March 19, 2024 https://www.churchhistorianspress.org/eliza-r-snow/1880s/1880/09/1880-09-24