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The Story of Primary
Stories from the Founding of the Primary Organization
The Founding of the Primary Organization
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A History of the Primary Organization
Under the direction of the priesthood, the first Primary was organized. This organization for children has approximately one million attending.
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Primary Celebrates 140 Years
Primary’s mission is to help children feel Heavenly Father’s love and develop an understanding of their divine identity.
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Primary Makes Me Happy
An online exhibit from the Church History Museum celebrating the history of Primary.
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Primary Organization Research Guide
This guide is designed to assist you in finding and accessing resources about the Primary’s history, leadership, materials, and programs.
Primary General Presidents
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Aurelia Spencer Rogers
Primary Founder 1878
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Eliza R. Snow
De Facto General Primary President 1878–1887
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Louie Bouton Felt
First General Primary President 1880–1925
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May Anderson
Second General Primary President 1925–1939
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May Green Hinckley
Third General Primary President 1940–1943
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Adele Cannon Howells
Fourth General Primary President 1943–1951
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LaVern Watts Parmley
Fifth General Primary President 1951–1974
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Naomi Maxfield Shumway
Sixth General Primary President 1974–1980
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Dwan Jacobsen Young
Seventh General Primary President 1980–1988
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Michaelene Packer Grassli
Eighth General Primary President 1988–1994
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Patricia Peterson Pinegar
Ninth General Primary President 1994–1999
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Coleen Kent Menlove
Tenth General Primary President 1999–2005
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Cheryl C. Lant
Eleventh General Primary President 2005–2010
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Rosemary M. Wixom
Twelfth General Primary President 2010–2016
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Joy D. Jones
Thirteenth General Primary President 2016–2021
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Camille N. Johnson
Fourteenth General Primary President 2021–2022
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Susan H. Porter
Fifteenth
General Primary President 2022–Present