Sydney S. Reynolds

First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency

Mother of 11 children and grandmother of 6, Sydney S. Reynolds is a strong supporter of women who obtain their education and then use that knowledge in the home as full-time mothers.

“I feel the most important contribution we can make is in the home,” she says. “A focus on the home will bless us in the long run and help our children to be a blessing to the world.”

Sister Reynolds was born on 22 October 1943 and grew up in Burbank, California. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in political science and obtained a teaching certificate in secondary education from Brigham Young University. In 1965 she married Noel B. Reynolds in the Los Angeles Temple. The Reynolds family resides in Orem, Utah, and has also enjoyed living in Boston, Massachusetts; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Jerusalem.

The experience of living abroad benefited the family in many ways. “It’s a time when your family really can pull together,” Sister Reynolds says. “You’re in a brand-new situation, and you don’t have all your friends nearby, so the resource is each other.”

Sister Reynolds has been involved in community and educational endeavors as a PTA president, a member of the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival organizing committee, and a member of the BYU women’s conference steering committee. Her Church callings have included early-morning seminary teacher, ward Relief Society president, ward and stake Young Women president, Primary General Board member, and teacher in all the auxiliaries.

Sister Reynolds says the training children receive in their formative years is crucial. “Even small children can understand that the Lord loves them and wants them to return to Him, but there needs to be someone to teach that to them,” she says. “That happens first of all in the home, and Primary supports the home. Primary can be a great resource to the families of the Church in helping children learn about the Savior.”