The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo II

Daughters in My Kingdom

Chapter 2 “Something Better”

The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, cont.

On Thursday, March 17, 1842, twenty women assembled on the upper floor of ‘the red brick store,’ under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith and two members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Rather than pattern a Latter-day Saint women’s organization after the women’s societies that were prevalent and popular at that time, the Prophet Joseph Smith organized them in a divinely inspired and authorized manner.

Early in the meeting, he told the sisters that they were to encourage “the brethren to good works in looking to the wants of the poor— searching after objects of charity, and in administering to their wants—to assist by correcting the morals and strengthening the virtues of the female community.”

Emma Smith was chosen to serve as the president of this new society. She and her two counselors were set apart to act in her office. This call for Emma was a fulfillment of a revelation received from the Lord (Doctrine & Covenants 25). In it she was taught of her duties and stewardship before the Lord – as well as teaching us a pattern of discipleship – for He declares that this is His “voice unto all” and establishes foundational principles for Latter –day Saint women:

* Father has prepared privileges suited to each of our talents, gifts, and needed areas of growth

* heed warnings – be sensitive to, hear, and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost

* be faithful and virtuous

* do not murmur

* comfort and sustain my husband and be of help to him…love him

* teach from the scriptures and exhort the Church

* write and learn

* ‘lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better’

* keep covenants

* be meek (disciplined and quick to obey) and beware of pride (seeking for what’s right – not who’s right)

* keep the commandments

Emma Smith

First Relief Society General President

“I desire the Spirit of God to know and understand myself, that I might be able to overcome whatever of tradition or nature that would not tend to my exaltation in the eternal worlds. I desire a fruitful, active mind, that I may be able to comprehend the designs of God, when revealed through His servants without doubting.” Letter to Joseph Smith, 1844, Church History Library